Federal prosecutors gave Epstein 13 months for trafficking 40+ minors

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 over 40 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 October 30, 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 12 hours daily 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.