B78525e4 3913 443c 872b 8970ebd2aff1 · 20 questions

Federal prosecutors gave Epstein 13 months for trafficking 40+ minors

Former U.S. Attorney Acosta's sweetheart deal enabled billionaire's continued crimes until 2019·June 30, 2008

Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta gave Jeffrey Epstein a secret non-prosecution agreement in 2007 while serving as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Despite federal prosecutors identifying approximately 36 underage victims and preparing a 53-page federal indictment, Acosta allowed Epstein to plead guilty to just two state prostitution charges and serve 13 months in county jail with work release privileges of up to 16 hours a day, six days a week. The deal granted immunity to four named co-conspirators — Sarah Kellen, Nadia Marcinkova, Lesley Groff, and Adriana Ross — and any other "potential co-conspirators," and violated federal law by concealing the agreement from victims. Acosta resigned as Labor Secretary in 2019 after defending the arrangement.

Key facts

"Marie Villafaña prepared 53-page federal indictment in May 2007 charging Epstein with sex trafficking of minors facing 15 years to life under federal sentencing guidelines. The draft indictment named approximately 36 minor victims and detailed systematic recruitment and abuse operations."

Ken Starr joined Epstein defense team in 2007 and wrote 8-page letter to Deputy Attorney General Craig Morford claiming prosecutorial misconduct, using political connections from his Clinton impeachment role to pressure DOJ leadership in Washington to override Miami prosecutors.

"Alexander Acosta signed secret non-prosecution agreement on September 24, 2007 granting Epstein immunity from all federal charges and extending immunity to unnamed co-conspirators, violating standard DOJ practices requiring victim notification."

"Epstein served 13 months of 18-month sentence in Palm Beach County jail from June 2008 to July 2009 with work release privileges allowing up to 16 hours a day, six days a week at private downtown office with chauffeur service."

Judge Kenneth Marra ruled on April 15, 2017 that federal prosecutors violated Crime Victims Rights Act by concealing plea negotiations from survivors, denying them legal right to object before deal finalization.

Alan Dershowitz provided legal strategy while maintaining personal friendship with Epstein, visiting his properties and flying on his private jet throughout the plea negotiation period.

Internal DOJ emails later revealed unusual main Justice involvement in local prosecution decisions, with Washington officials second-guessing career prosecutors contrary to normal department procedures.