CASE REFERRAL — PALM BEACH PD TO FBI May 2006
The Palm Beach Police Department, led by Detective Joseph Recarey, referred the Epstein investigation to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida in May 2006, after Palm Beach County State Attorney Barry Krischer declined to pursue charges commensurate with the evidence.
INVESTIGATION BACKGROUND: The investigation began in March 2005 when a woman reported to Palm Beach police that her 14-year-old stepdaughter had been taken to Epstein's Palm Beach mansion at 358 El Brillo Way and paid $300 for sexual acts described as a "massage." Detective Recarey's investigation identified approximately 40 potential underage victims.
EVIDENCE COMPILED: Detective Recarey compiled extensive evidence including victim statements describing a consistent pattern of recruitment, physical evidence from the Palm Beach residence, testimony from household staff, and documentation of cash payments to minors.
STATE ATTORNEY'S RESPONSE: State Attorney Krischer presented the case to a grand jury with what critics later described as a deliberately weakened presentation, resulting in only a single charge of solicitation of prostitution — a misdemeanor. Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter sent a letter to Krischer expressing frustration and requesting that he recuse himself from the case due to his office's inadequate handling.
FBI INVESTIGATION: Upon receiving the referral, the FBI opened a federal investigation that expanded the scope significantly. FBI agents identified 36 underage victims. Federal prosecutors prepared a 53-page indictment that could have resulted in a life sentence — but this was ultimately replaced by the controversial Non-Prosecution Agreement in 2007.
Detective Recarey passed away in May 2018, shortly before Julie K. Brown's Miami Herald reporting brought renewed attention to the case.