A lawyer for some of the alleged victims of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-epstein-accuser-calls-on-prince-andrew-to-talk-to-us-authorities-263156">Jeffrey Epstein </a>on Thursday said they wanted to speak to Prince Andrew about his links to the late convicted sex offender.

Queen Elizabeth II's second son, 59, has faced outrage for days after he gave a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-prince-andrew-sparks-backlash-after-disastrous-tv-interview-262746">television interview </a>in which he defended his friendship with the disgraced financier.

The prince is accused of having had sex with a 17-year-old girl procured by Epstein, who was found dead in a New York prison in August.&nbsp;

Andrew denies the allegations.

But on Wednesday he said he was stepping down from public duties because the outcry was causing "major disruption" to the royal family and the charities and organisations associated with it.

He said he was "willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations if required".

US lawyer Lisa Bloom, who represents five women allegedly assaulted by Epstein, told BBC radio that Andrew should speak to everyone probing the allegations, including her.

"All of the staff who work for Prince Andrew should come and give information and evidence and the documents should be turned over -- emails, texts, calendars, phone logs, travel logs -- so we can get to the bottom of this," she said.

Bloom did not rule out approaching the prince directly to secure a sworn statement.

"We believe that nobody is above the law and that everybody should have to answer questions if they have relevant information -- and he clearly does have relevant information."

Since the interview, Andrew has been accused of failing to show sympathy for Epstein's victims, prompting companies and organisations to reassess their ties with the royal.

Some institutions supporting business initiatives championed by the prince have either failed to renew their support or said it was under review.

Others have faced calls for Andrew to be dropped as patron.

A lawyer for some of the alleged victims of Jeffrey Epstein on Thursday said they wanted to speak to Prince Andrew about his links to the late convicted sex offender.

A lawyer for some of the alleged victims of Jeffrey Epstein on Thursday said they wanted to speak to Prince Andrew about his links to the late convicted sex offender. Queen Elizabeth II's second son, 59, has faced outrage for days after he gave a television interview in which he defended his friendship with the disgraced financier. The prince is accused of having had sex with a 17-year-old girl procured by Epstein, who was found dead in a New York prison in August. Andrew denies the allegations. But on Wednesday he said he was stepping down from public duties because the outcry was causing "major disruption" to the royal family and the charities and organisations associated with it. He said he was "willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations if required". US lawyer Lisa Bloom, who represents five women allegedly assaulted by Epstein, told BBC radio that Andrew should speak to everyone probing the allegations, including her. "All of the staff who work for Prince Andrew should come and give information and evidence and the documents should be turned over -- emails, texts, calendars, phone logs, travel logs -- so we can get to the bottom of this," she said. Bloom did not rule out approaching the prince directly to secure a sworn statement. "We believe that nobody is above the law and that everybody should have to answer questions if they have relevant information -- and he clearly does have relevant information." Since the interview, Andrew has been accused of failing to show sympathy for Epstein's victims, prompting companies and organisations to reassess their ties with the royal. Some institutions supporting business initiatives championed by the prince have either failed to renew their support or said it was under review. Others have faced calls for Andrew to be dropped as patron.

Prince Andrew urged to cooperate with US over Jeffrey Epstein

A woman who accuses Jeffrey Epstein of sexually abusing her as a child on Monday said Britain’s Prince Andrew should tell U.S. authorities what he knows about the financier.

Another woman accuses Jeffrey Epstein of sexual abuse

Three Australian universities severed ties with a charity founded by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-prince-andrew-denies-having-sex-with-epstein-accuser-262718">Prince Andrew </a>Wednesday after the British royal refused to recant his friendship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Bond University, Murdoch University and RMIT University in Melbourne said they would no longer work with "Pitch@Palace" -- a charity founded by the Duke of York to promote entrepreneurship.

Murdoch said it had "advised Buckingham Palace it would not continue its participation" in the Pitch@Palace project, while Queensland's Bond University said it had brought forward review set for next year.

"In light of recent events, the university does not intend to seek any further involvement," a Bond University spokesperson told AFP.

RMIT University said its "involvement with Pitch@Palace concluded in October 2019" and would not be renewed.&nbsp;

"We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring RMIT is a safe and inclusive place to work and study," the university said.

The announcements follow several UK-based businesses -- including Standard Chartered and KPMG -- and some universities already announcing they will no longer associate themselves with the Prince or his charities.

This came after he denied having sex with a 17-year-old girl during a lengthy and much-condemned BBC interview in which he also described Epstein's behaviour as "unbecoming".

Epstein was found dead in New York's Metropolitan Correctional Center on August 10 as he awaited trial on allegations that he trafficked girls as young as 14 for sex.

Three Australian universities severed ties with a charity founded by Prince Andrew Wednesday after the British royal refused to recant his friendship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Three Australian universities severed ties with a charity founded by Prince Andrew Wednesday after the British royal refused to recant his friendship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Bond University, Murdoch University and RMIT University in Melbourne said they would no longer work with "Pitch@Palace" -- a charity founded by the Duke of York to promote entrepreneurship. Murdoch said it had "advised Buckingham Palace it would not continue its participation" in the Pitch@Palace project, while Queensland's Bond University said it had brought forward review set for next year. "In light of recent events, the university does not intend to seek any further involvement," a Bond University spokesperson told AFP. RMIT University said its "involvement with Pitch@Palace concluded in October 2019" and would not be renewed. "We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring RMIT is a safe and inclusive place to work and study," the university said. The announcements follow several UK-based businesses -- including Standard Chartered and KPMG -- and some universities already announcing they will no longer associate themselves with the Prince or his charities. This came after he denied having sex with a 17-year-old girl during a lengthy and much-condemned BBC interview in which he also described Epstein's behaviour as "unbecoming". Epstein was found dead in New York's Metropolitan Correctional Center on August 10 as he awaited trial on allegations that he trafficked girls as young as 14 for sex.

Three Australian universities cut ties with Britain's Prince Andrew

US prosecutors on Tuesday unveiled criminal charges accusing two correctional officers of falsifying records on the night financier Jeffrey Epstein killed himself in a New York jail cell.

Tova Noel and Michael Thomas were charged in an indictment with making false records and conspiracy, in connection with their actions at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in downtown Manhattan.

Epstein, 66, a well-connected money manager, was found unresponsive in his cell on August 10 at the MCC.

His suicide came a little over a month after he was arrested and charged with trafficking dozens of underage girls as young as 14 from at least 2002 to 2005. Epstein had pleaded not guilty.

Lawyers for Noel and Thomas could not immediately be located.

According to the indictment, Noel and Thomas failed to properly monitor Epstein in the final hours before he killed himself, and no guard checked on Epstein in the eight hours before he was found unresponsive.

Noel and Thomas appeared to have fallen asleep for two hours while on duty, and spent some of their waking hours surfing the internet, the indictment said.

Prosecutors have said Epstein and his associates systematically recruited young girls for him to sexually abuse in his mansions in Manhattan and in Palm Beach, Florida.

An autopsy concluded that Epstein had hanged himself.

Both Epstein's brother and the lawyers who represented him in his criminal case have expressed doubts about the medical examiner's conclusion.

According to the prison bureau, which runs the MCC, the last inmate suicide at the facility was in 2006.

Law enforcement sources told Reuters after Epstein's death that guards had failed to check on Epstein every 30 minutes as required by protocol, and that two cameras outside the jail cell had malfunctioned.

Epstein had been taken off suicide watch shortly before his death.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice's Office of Inspector General launched probes into the circumstances of Epstein's death.

Epstein's estate, which according to his will is worth $577 million, is now the target of civil lawsuits by more than a dozen of his alleged victims.

Its executors have proposed creating a victim compensation fund to resolve the claims.

Epstein's high-profile friends once included now-US President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew.

One of Epstein's alleged victims has said in a lawsuit that she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew. The prince has denied the claim.

In a court filing on July 25, the government said it was pursuing an “ongoing investigation of uncharged individuals” in connection with the case.

US prosecutors on Tuesday unveiled criminal charges accusing two correctional officers of falsifying records on the night financier Jeffrey Epstein killed himself in a New York jail cell.

US prosecutors on Tuesday unveiled criminal charges accusing two correctional officers of falsifying records on the night financier Jeffrey Epstein killed himself in a New York jail cell. Tova Noel and Michael Thomas were charged in an indictment with making false records and conspiracy, in connection with their actions at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in downtown Manhattan. Epstein, 66, a well-connected money manager, was found unresponsive in his cell on August 10 at the MCC. His suicide came a little over a month after he was arrested and charged with trafficking dozens of underage girls as young as 14 from at least 2002 to 2005. Epstein had pleaded not guilty. Lawyers for Noel and Thomas could not immediately be located. According to the indictment, Noel and Thomas failed to properly monitor Epstein in the final hours before he killed himself, and no guard checked on Epstein in the eight hours before he was found unresponsive. Noel and Thomas appeared to have fallen asleep for two hours while on duty, and spent some of their waking hours surfing the internet, the indictment said. Prosecutors have said Epstein and his associates systematically recruited young girls for him to sexually abuse in his mansions in Manhattan and in Palm Beach, Florida. An autopsy concluded that Epstein had hanged himself. Both Epstein's brother and the lawyers who represented him in his criminal case have expressed doubts about the medical examiner's conclusion. According to the prison bureau, which runs the MCC, the last inmate suicide at the facility was in 2006. Law enforcement sources told Reuters after Epstein's death that guards had failed to check on Epstein every 30 minutes as required by protocol, and that two cameras outside the jail cell had malfunctioned. Epstein had been taken off suicide watch shortly before his death. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice's Office of Inspector General launched probes into the circumstances of Epstein's death. Epstein's estate, which according to his will is worth $577 million, is now the target of civil lawsuits by more than a dozen of his alleged victims. Its executors have proposed creating a victim compensation fund to resolve the claims. Epstein's high-profile friends once included now-US President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew. One of Epstein's alleged victims has said in a lawsuit that she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew. The prince has denied the claim. In a court filing on July 25, the government said it was pursuing an “ongoing investigation of uncharged individuals” in connection with the case.

US charges two jail guards over Jeffrey Epstein death

Britain's Prince Andrew has "categorically" denied having sex with an alleged teen victim of disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein, who claims she was forced to sleep with the royal, in an extraordinary interview broadcast on UK television.

In an unprecedented hour-long conversation with the BBC's Newsnight programme, Andrew insisted he had "no recollection" of ever having met his accuser, Virginia Roberts.

The prince also conceded his continued association with Epstein after he was convicted of soliciting prostitution had let the royal family down, but that he did not believe it had damaged the reputation of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

"I can absolutely categorically tell you it never happened," Andrew told the BBC's Emily Maitlis in the interview broadcast on Saturday evening, on the allegations he had sex with Roberts, now Giuffre, on three occasions.

"I've said consistently and frequently that we never had any sort of sexual contact whatever.

"I have no recollection of ever meeting this lady, none whatsoever," he added.

Andrew claimed he was "at home with the children" on the March 2001 night Giuffre alleges they had sex, after earlier taking his daughter Princess Beatrice to a pizza restaurant near London.

The interview dominated the front pages of Britain's newspapers on Sunday, with several titles across the political spectrum focussing on the prince's apparent lack of regret.

"Not one single word of remorse," said the Mail on Sunday -- a headline echoed by the Sunday Mirror, which said: "No sweat... and no regret".

The prince "seemed unconcerned by the seriousness of the matter, laughing and smiling at several points during the interview... and expressed no regrets or concern about Epstein’s victims," commented The Guardian.

Andrew, 59 -- eighth in line to the throne -- has been heavily criticised over his links to multimillionaire Epstein, who was found dead in a New York jail in August.

A coroner ruled that he committed suicide by hanging while awaiting trial on federal charges he trafficked girls as young as 14 for sex.

Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring a girl under the age of 18 for prostitution and served 13 months in a US prison before being released on probation.

Nonetheless, Andrew, who hosted him at Windsor Castle and remained in contact immediately following his release, is adamant it has not tarnished Britain's head of state.

"I don't believe it's been damaging to the Queen at all, it has to me," he said, noting "the wider family couldn't have been more supportive".

"It has been, what I would describe as a constant sore in the family," the father-of-two added of the impact on his immediate family.

'The wrong thing to do'&nbsp;

The BBC interview, filmed at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, is the first time the prince has answered questions on his relationship with Epstein. In 2015, he used a public appearance at Davos in Switzerland to deny the claims.

The royal, who repeatedly insisted he was "not close" to the disgraced financier, discussed a photograph showing him with his arm around then 17-year-old Roberts, now Giuffre, with Epstein's friend Ghislaine Maxwell in the background.

Andrew cast doubt on the picture's veracity, which he described as "a photograph of a photograph of a photograph".

"I don't believe that photograph was taken in the way that has been suggested," he said, claiming he had never been in the upstairs area of Maxwell's London flat where it was taken.

"Nobody can prove whether or not that photograph has been doctored but I don't recollect that photograph ever being taken."

Andrew also faced questions over staying with Epstein at his Manhattan townhouse shortly after his release from prison.

He claimed it was "a convenient place to stay" and that he did so to end their friendship face-to-face.

"I have gone through this in my mind so many times. At the end of the day... it was definitely the wrong thing to do.

"But at the time I felt it was the honourable and right thing to do."

Andrew went on to concede it was "not something that was becoming of a member of the royal family".

"We try and uphold the highest standards and practices and I let the side down, simple as that," he said.

Andrew, who was captured on video during the 2010 stay waving goodbye to a woman leaving Epstein's property, described the it as "like a railway station" with people coming and going.

He also said he was "absolutely sure" he had not received a foot massage from a young Russian woman as one witness had reported.

'Sex slave' claim&nbsp;

Over the years Epstein, 66, hobnobbed with politicians, socialites and celebrities, including Donald Trump before he was president, and Bill Clinton.

After his death, Giuffre, who says she was abused by Epstein for years and farmed out to his wealthy friends including Andrew, said: "the reckoning must not end, it must continue".

She has alleged she was forced to have sex with the prince three times -- in London in 2001 when she was 17, in New York and on Epstein's private island in the Caribbean -- which Andrew consistently denied throughout the interview.

But the allegations were struck from the record by a US judge in 2015, who said the "lurid details" were not needed to decide a civil case concerning Epstein.

"He knows exactly what he's done and I hope he comes clean about it," she told reporters after a US hearing on August 27.

Jack Scarola, a lawyer for Giuffre, told The Times Andrew should "submit to an interview under oath with the investigating authorities" who continue to probe whether others assisted Epstein in the US.

"Talking to the media doesn't quite cut it," he said.&nbsp;

The prince said he would "in the right circumstances" but added he was "bound by what my legal advice is".&nbsp;

Britain's Prince Andrew has "categorically" denied having sex with an alleged teen victim of disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein, who claims she was forced to sleep with the royal, in an extraordinary interview broadcast on UK television.

Britain's Prince Andrew has "categorically" denied having sex with an alleged teen victim of disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein, who claims she was forced to sleep with the royal, in an extraordinary interview broadcast on UK television. In an unprecedented hour-long conversation with the BBC's Newsnight programme, Andrew insisted he had "no recollection" of ever having met his accuser, Virginia Roberts. The prince also conceded his continued association with Epstein after he was convicted of soliciting prostitution had let the royal family down, but that he did not believe it had damaged the reputation of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. "I can absolutely categorically tell you it never happened," Andrew told the BBC's Emily Maitlis in the interview broadcast on Saturday evening, on the allegations he had sex with Roberts, now Giuffre, on three occasions. "I've said consistently and frequently that we never had any sort of sexual contact whatever. "I have no recollection of ever meeting this lady, none whatsoever," he added. Andrew claimed he was "at home with the children" on the March 2001 night Giuffre alleges they had sex, after earlier taking his daughter Princess Beatrice to a pizza restaurant near London. The interview dominated the front pages of Britain's newspapers on Sunday, with several titles across the political spectrum focussing on the prince's apparent lack of regret. "Not one single word of remorse," said the Mail on Sunday -- a headline echoed by the Sunday Mirror, which said: "No sweat... and no regret". The prince "seemed unconcerned by the seriousness of the matter, laughing and smiling at several points during the interview... and expressed no regrets or concern about Epstein’s victims," commented The Guardian. Andrew, 59 -- eighth in line to the throne -- has been heavily criticised over his links to multimillionaire Epstein, who was found dead in a New York jail in August. A coroner ruled that he committed suicide by hanging while awaiting trial on federal charges he trafficked girls as young as 14 for sex. Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring a girl under the age of 18 for prostitution and served 13 months in a US prison before being released on probation. Nonetheless, Andrew, who hosted him at Windsor Castle and remained in contact immediately following his release, is adamant it has not tarnished Britain's head of state. "I don't believe it's been damaging to the Queen at all, it has to me," he said, noting "the wider family couldn't have been more supportive". "It has been, what I would describe as a constant sore in the family," the father-of-two added of the impact on his immediate family. 'The wrong thing to do' The BBC interview, filmed at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, is the first time the prince has answered questions on his relationship with Epstein. In 2015, he used a public appearance at Davos in Switzerland to deny the claims. The royal, who repeatedly insisted he was "not close" to the disgraced financier, discussed a photograph showing him with his arm around then 17-year-old Roberts, now Giuffre, with Epstein's friend Ghislaine Maxwell in the background. Andrew cast doubt on the picture's veracity, which he described as "a photograph of a photograph of a photograph". "I don't believe that photograph was taken in the way that has been suggested," he said, claiming he had never been in the upstairs area of Maxwell's London flat where it was taken. "Nobody can prove whether or not that photograph has been doctored but I don't recollect that photograph ever being taken." Andrew also faced questions over staying with Epstein at his Manhattan townhouse shortly after his release from prison. He claimed it was "a convenient place to stay" and that he did so to end their friendship face-to-face. "I have gone through this in my mind so many times. At the end of the day... it was definitely the wrong thing to do. "But at the time I felt it was the honourable and right thing to do." Andrew went on to concede it was "not something that was becoming of a member of the royal family". "We try and uphold the highest standards and practices and I let the side down, simple as that," he said. Andrew, who was captured on video during the 2010 stay waving goodbye to a woman leaving Epstein's property, described the it as "like a railway station" with people coming and going. He also said he was "absolutely sure" he had not received a foot massage from a young Russian woman as one witness had reported. 'Sex slave' claim Over the years Epstein, 66, hobnobbed with politicians, socialites and celebrities, including Donald Trump before he was president, and Bill Clinton. After his death, Giuffre, who says she was abused by Epstein for years and farmed out to his wealthy friends including Andrew, said: "the reckoning must not end, it must continue". She has alleged she was forced to have sex with the prince three times -- in London in 2001 when she was 17, in New York and on Epstein's private island in the Caribbean -- which Andrew consistently denied throughout the interview. But the allegations were struck from the record by a US judge in 2015, who said the "lurid details" were not needed to decide a civil case concerning Epstein. "He knows exactly what he's done and I hope he comes clean about it," she told reporters after a US hearing on August 27. Jack Scarola, a lawyer for Giuffre, told The Times Andrew should "submit to an interview under oath with the investigating authorities" who continue to probe whether others assisted Epstein in the US. "Talking to the media doesn't quite cut it," he said. The prince said he would "in the right circumstances" but added he was "bound by what my legal advice is".

UK's Prince Andrew denies having sex with Epstein accuser

New Mexico's attorney general on Thursday called for the cancellation of state land leases to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epstein-wrote-will-two-days-before-death-puts-578-million-in-assets-into-trust-with-unnamed-beneficiaries-report-244262">Jeffrey Epstein </a>as his office investigated allegations the late financier sexually abused girls and women at his ranch south of Santa Fe.

The leased land forms part of Epstein's nearly 10,000-acre Zorro Ranch near Stanley, New Mexico, one of the multiple luxury properties held by Epstein, who was found dead in a Manhattan jail cell on August 10.

Attorney General Hector Balderas requested the state retake the 1,244 acres of grassland after an investigation by his office found it appeared to have been improperly leased in the late 1990s.

"This sweetheart deal must be cancelled and reassigned to a New Mexico ranching family," Balderas said in an emailed statement. 
Epstein, a 66-year-old money manager who once counted the US.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump as a friend was arrested on July 6 and pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges involving dozens of girls as young as 14.

A New York City medical examiner concluded that he died in custody this month due to suicide by hanging.

A federal judge in New York on Thursday dismissed the criminal sex trafficking case against Epstein because of his death.&nbsp;

Federal prosecutors said the government's investigation into potential co-conspirators was ongoing.

Balderas said in July his office was investigating allegations Epstein's Zorro ranch was at the centre of his alleged sexual abuse and trafficking of girls and women in the state.

Leases signed by Epstein's holding company Cypress Inc in 1997 and 1999 said the state land forming part of the ranch would be used for grazing, according to the New Mexico State Land Office (NMSLO).&nbsp;

Balderas said in a Thursday letter to state land commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard that a review by the attorney general's office found no cattle on the lands.

Balderas said the leases "appear to simply have been taken by him (Epstein) to increase privacy and the landmass surrounding his estate.

Epstein's lawyers could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday.

Angie Poss, an NMSLO spokeswoman, said Epstein employees had not responded to requests by her agency to inspect the land.

The Zorro Ranch is one of the few Epstein properties yet to be raided by law enforcement officials following his arrest.

"We are in the process of cancelling those leases by Cypress Inc," Poss said.

New Mexico's attorney general on Thursday called for the cancellation of state land leases to Jeffrey Epstein as his office investigated allegations the late financier sexually abused girls and women at his ranch south of Santa Fe.

New Mexico's attorney general on Thursday called for the cancellation of state land leases to Jeffrey Epstein as his office investigated allegations the late financier sexually abused girls and women at his ranch south of Santa Fe. The leased land forms part of Epstein's nearly 10,000-acre Zorro Ranch near Stanley, New Mexico, one of the multiple luxury properties held by Epstein, who was found dead in a Manhattan jail cell on August 10. Attorney General Hector Balderas requested the state retake the 1,244 acres of grassland after an investigation by his office found it appeared to have been improperly leased in the late 1990s. "This sweetheart deal must be cancelled and reassigned to a New Mexico ranching family," Balderas said in an emailed statement. Epstein, a 66-year-old money manager who once counted the US. President Donald Trump as a friend was arrested on July 6 and pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges involving dozens of girls as young as 14. A New York City medical examiner concluded that he died in custody this month due to suicide by hanging. A federal judge in New York on Thursday dismissed the criminal sex trafficking case against Epstein because of his death. Federal prosecutors said the government's investigation into potential co-conspirators was ongoing. Balderas said in July his office was investigating allegations Epstein's Zorro ranch was at the centre of his alleged sexual abuse and trafficking of girls and women in the state. Leases signed by Epstein's holding company Cypress Inc in 1997 and 1999 said the state land forming part of the ranch would be used for grazing, according to the New Mexico State Land Office (NMSLO). Balderas said in a Thursday letter to state land commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard that a review by the attorney general's office found no cattle on the lands. Balderas said the leases "appear to simply have been taken by him (Epstein) to increase privacy and the landmass surrounding his estate. Epstein's lawyers could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday. Angie Poss, an NMSLO spokeswoman, said Epstein employees had not responded to requests by her agency to inspect the land. The Zorro Ranch is one of the few Epstein properties yet to be raided by law enforcement officials following his arrest. "We are in the process of cancelling those leases by Cypress Inc," Poss said.

New Mexico official orders cancellation of Jeffrey Epstein land leases

Alleged victims of Jeffrey Epstein wept in court Tuesday as they told an extraordinary US hearing held weeks after his death how they were sexually abused by the disgraced financier.

More than a dozen women -- some speaking through tears, others with their voices breaking -- described how he "stole" their dreams and "robbed" them of their innocence.

Epstein, 66, hung himself in his New York prison cell earlier this month while awaiting trial on charges he trafficked young women for sex, depriving alleged victims of their day in court.&nbsp;

Tuesday's hearing was scheduled so they could tell their stories before the case against him is dismissed. It was the first time most of the women had spoken publicly about Epstein.

"Today we stand together. I will not remain a victim and be silent for one more day," said actress Anouska De Georgiou, who said she was sexually abused by Epstein.&nbsp;

The women hugged and consoled each after returning from the podium where they addressed the Manhattan federal court, some reading from statements others going without.

A few cried as they listened to testimony that sounded all too familiar to their own: vulnerable young women who were recruited, groomed, and then coerced into having sex with a multi-millionaire.

Chauntae Davies described how she spent two weeks "vomiting myself to death" in a hospital after being raped by Epstein after she was recruited to give him massages, detailing his "sick abuse of young girls."

"Every public humiliation I have endured I have suffered and he has won," she said.

Another victim, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was "haunted forever" by being raped by Epstein.

"I was his slave. I felt powerless and ashamed," she said, adding that Epstein had threatened to kill her if she wasn't a virgin.

- 'He did not act alone' - 
The majority of those who spoke expressed their outrage at Epstein's suicide on August 10.

"I feel very angry and sad because justice has never been served in this case," said Courtney Wild, describing Epstein as a "coward."

Jennifer Araoz said that "even in death Jeffrey Epstein is trying to hurt me."

"The fact that I will never have a chance to face my predator in court eats away at my soul," she told the court.

Annie Farmer said that she and her sister had tried to tell law enforcement officials about Epstein as far back as 1996 but to no avail.

Several of the accusers said they were recruited by Epstein's former lover, the British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, daughter of late British media baron Robert Maxwell.

They urged prosecutors to go after co-conspirators. Maxwell has denied allegations against her.&nbsp;

"Please, please, please finish what you started. US victims are prepared to tell the truth. He did not act alone," Sarah Ransome, told the court, saying Epstein ran an "international sex trafficking ring."

Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who says she was abused by Epstein for years and farmed out to his wealthy friends including Britain's Prince Andrew, said "the reckoning must not end, it must continue."

Giuffre has said she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew three times, an allegation he has repeatedly and strenuously denied.

"He knows exactly what he's done and I hope he comes clean about it," she told reporters after the hearing.

US government attorney Maurene Comey assured them prosecutors would pursue investigations.

Epstein, who befriended many celebrities and politicians over the years, including Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, was arrested in July and charged with trafficking girls as young as 14 for sex.

- 'Courage' -

He faced up to 45 years in prison if convicted.

Epstein was previously convicted in 2008 in a Florida state court for paying young girls for sexual massages.&nbsp;

He served just 13 months in jail under a plea deal that did not see his accusers testify in court.

Judge Richard Berman described Epstein's suicide as a "stunning turn of events."&nbsp;

Epstein's lawyer Martin Weinberg said the defence team were sceptical that Epstein had killed himself and called on the judge to open his own investigation.

"We deeply want to know what happened to our client," he said.

The US government and the FBI are already investigating and Berman was non-committal.

Sixteen women addressed the court while lawyers read out statements on behalf of seven other accusers.

Judge Berman said Tuesday's hearing had been called out of respect for the victims and praised them for "their courage to come forward."

Alleged victims of Jeffrey Epstein wept in court Tuesday as they told an extraordinary US hearing held weeks after his death how they were sexually abused by the disgraced financier.

Alleged victims of Jeffrey Epstein wept in court Tuesday as they told an extraordinary US hearing held weeks after his death how they were sexually abused by the disgraced financier. More than a dozen women -- some speaking through tears, others with their voices breaking -- described how he "stole" their dreams and "robbed" them of their innocence. Epstein, 66, hung himself in his New York prison cell earlier this month while awaiting trial on charges he trafficked young women for sex, depriving alleged victims of their day in court. Tuesday's hearing was scheduled so they could tell their stories before the case against him is dismissed. It was the first time most of the women had spoken publicly about Epstein. "Today we stand together. I will not remain a victim and be silent for one more day," said actress Anouska De Georgiou, who said she was sexually abused by Epstein. The women hugged and consoled each after returning from the podium where they addressed the Manhattan federal court, some reading from statements others going without. A few cried as they listened to testimony that sounded all too familiar to their own: vulnerable young women who were recruited, groomed, and then coerced into having sex with a multi-millionaire. Chauntae Davies described how she spent two weeks "vomiting myself to death" in a hospital after being raped by Epstein after she was recruited to give him massages, detailing his "sick abuse of young girls." "Every public humiliation I have endured I have suffered and he has won," she said. Another victim, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was "haunted forever" by being raped by Epstein. "I was his slave. I felt powerless and ashamed," she said, adding that Epstein had threatened to kill her if she wasn't a virgin. - 'He did not act alone' - The majority of those who spoke expressed their outrage at Epstein's suicide on August 10. "I feel very angry and sad because justice has never been served in this case," said Courtney Wild, describing Epstein as a "coward." Jennifer Araoz said that "even in death Jeffrey Epstein is trying to hurt me." "The fact that I will never have a chance to face my predator in court eats away at my soul," she told the court. Annie Farmer said that she and her sister had tried to tell law enforcement officials about Epstein as far back as 1996 but to no avail. Several of the accusers said they were recruited by Epstein's former lover, the British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, daughter of late British media baron Robert Maxwell. They urged prosecutors to go after co-conspirators. Maxwell has denied allegations against her. "Please, please, please finish what you started. US victims are prepared to tell the truth. He did not act alone," Sarah Ransome, told the court, saying Epstein ran an "international sex trafficking ring." Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who says she was abused by Epstein for years and farmed out to his wealthy friends including Britain's Prince Andrew, said "the reckoning must not end, it must continue." Giuffre has said she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew three times, an allegation he has repeatedly and strenuously denied. "He knows exactly what he's done and I hope he comes clean about it," she told reporters after the hearing. US government attorney Maurene Comey assured them prosecutors would pursue investigations. Epstein, who befriended many celebrities and politicians over the years, including Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, was arrested in July and charged with trafficking girls as young as 14 for sex. - 'Courage' - He faced up to 45 years in prison if convicted. Epstein was previously convicted in 2008 in a Florida state court for paying young girls for sexual massages. He served just 13 months in jail under a plea deal that did not see his accusers testify in court. Judge Richard Berman described Epstein's suicide as a "stunning turn of events." Epstein's lawyer Martin Weinberg said the defence team were sceptical that Epstein had killed himself and called on the judge to open his own investigation. "We deeply want to know what happened to our client," he said. The US government and the FBI are already investigating and Berman was non-committal. Sixteen women addressed the court while lawyers read out statements on behalf of seven other accusers. Judge Berman said Tuesday's hearing had been called out of respect for the victims and praised them for "their courage to come forward."

Jeffrey Epstein accusers detail sexual abuse claims in emotional court hearing

A psychologist at the federal detention centre in New York City where<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-opens-epstein-linked-rape-abuse-probe-245196"> financier Jeffrey Epstein</a> was jailed on sex-trafficking charges had approved his removal from suicide watch before he killed himself, the US Justice Department said on Friday.

The disclosure came in a letter dated on Thursday from Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd and addressed to the leaders of the Judiciary Committee of the US House of Representatives, seeking details about the circumstances surrounding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epstein-wrote-will-two-days-before-death-puts-578-million-in-assets-into-trust-with-unnamed-beneficiaries-report-244262">Epstein`s death</a> earlier this month.

Epstein, who was 66, was found dead August 10 in his cell inside a segregated housing unit of the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in Lower Manhattan. An autopsy concluded that he hanged himself. 
His death triggered investigations by the FBI, the Justice Department`s Office of Inspector General and the US Bureau of Prisons, which runs the detention facility.

The Boyd letter, provided to Reuters on Friday, confirmed that Epstein had been placed on suicide watch in July, a status under which the designated prisoner is held in a special cell under constant observation by staff or "inmate companions."

Epstein was "later removed from suicide watch after being evaluated by a doctoral-level psychologist who determined that a suicide watch was no longer warranted," Boyd wrote in the three-page letter.

The letter did not state precisely why a suicide watch had been ordered for Epstein. But Epstein in July had been found unconscious on the floor of his cell with marks on his neck, and officials had been investigating that incident as a possible suicide attempt or assault.

In addition to being housed in a special chamber affording an unobstructed view of the occupant and easy entry from the outside, inmates on suicide watch are evaluated daily by a psychologist, the letter said.

Typically imposed as a short-term restriction, suicide watch in Bureau of Prisons facilities can only be terminated by a bureau psychologist following a face-to-face evaluation of the inmate, Boyd wrote. No reason was given for Epstein`s removal.

At the MCC, two jail guards are required to make separate checks on all prisoners every 30 minutes, but that procedure was not followed overnight, a source has told Reuters.

US Attorney General William Barr last week ordered the reassignment of the warden in charge of the Lower Manhattan detention facility, along with a temporary replacement and the placement of two corrections officers assigned to Epstein`s unit on administrative leave for the duration of the probes.

The staff shakeup came hours after President Donald Trump called for a full investigation of the matter.

Epstein, who once counted Trump and former President Bill Clinton as friends, was arrested on July 6 and pleaded not guilty to federal charges of sex trafficking involving dozens of girls as young as 14.

Just two days before his death, Epstein had signed a will placing all of his property, worth more than $577 million, in a trust called the 1953 Trust, after the year of his birth, according to a copy of the document seen by Reuters.

A psychologist at the federal detention centre in New York City where financier Jeffrey Epstein was jailed on sex-trafficking charges had approved his removal from suicide watch before he killed himself, the US Justice Department said on Friday.

A psychologist at the federal detention centre in New York City where financier Jeffrey Epstein was jailed on sex-trafficking charges had approved his removal from suicide watch before he killed himself, the US Justice Department said on Friday. The disclosure came in a letter dated on Thursday from Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd and addressed to the leaders of the Judiciary Committee of the US House of Representatives, seeking details about the circumstances surrounding Epstein`s death earlier this month. Epstein, who was 66, was found dead August 10 in his cell inside a segregated housing unit of the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in Lower Manhattan. An autopsy concluded that he hanged himself. His death triggered investigations by the FBI, the Justice Department`s Office of Inspector General and the US Bureau of Prisons, which runs the detention facility. The Boyd letter, provided to Reuters on Friday, confirmed that Epstein had been placed on suicide watch in July, a status under which the designated prisoner is held in a special cell under constant observation by staff or "inmate companions." Epstein was "later removed from suicide watch after being evaluated by a doctoral-level psychologist who determined that a suicide watch was no longer warranted," Boyd wrote in the three-page letter. The letter did not state precisely why a suicide watch had been ordered for Epstein. But Epstein in July had been found unconscious on the floor of his cell with marks on his neck, and officials had been investigating that incident as a possible suicide attempt or assault. In addition to being housed in a special chamber affording an unobstructed view of the occupant and easy entry from the outside, inmates on suicide watch are evaluated daily by a psychologist, the letter said. Typically imposed as a short-term restriction, suicide watch in Bureau of Prisons facilities can only be terminated by a bureau psychologist following a face-to-face evaluation of the inmate, Boyd wrote. No reason was given for Epstein`s removal. At the MCC, two jail guards are required to make separate checks on all prisoners every 30 minutes, but that procedure was not followed overnight, a source has told Reuters. US Attorney General William Barr last week ordered the reassignment of the warden in charge of the Lower Manhattan detention facility, along with a temporary replacement and the placement of two corrections officers assigned to Epstein`s unit on administrative leave for the duration of the probes. The staff shakeup came hours after President Donald Trump called for a full investigation of the matter. Epstein, who once counted Trump and former President Bill Clinton as friends, was arrested on July 6 and pleaded not guilty to federal charges of sex trafficking involving dozens of girls as young as 14. Just two days before his death, Epstein had signed a will placing all of his property, worth more than $577 million, in a trust called the 1953 Trust, after the year of his birth, according to a copy of the document seen by Reuters.

Psychologist approved Jeffrey's Epstein's removal from suicide watch

French prosecutors said Friday they had opened an inquiry into the suspected rape and sexual abuse of minors linked to the scandal surrounding disgraced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epstein-wrote-will-two-days-before-death-puts-578-million-in-assets-into-trust-with-unnamed-beneficiaries-report-244262">US multimillionaire&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein</a>.

The move came after growing calls for French investigators to look into allegations of abuse at Epstein's sumptuous apartment near the Champs-Elysees in Paris.&nbsp;

"The investigations... will focus on potential crimes against French victims committed on national territory as well as abroad, and on perpetrators who are French citizens," Paris Prosecutor Remy Heitz said in a statement.

The potential charges could include the rape and sexual assault of minors aged 15 and over, the prosecutors said.

It will also investigate claims Epstein and others participated for years in a vast child sex trafficking ring.

The move came after US investigators turned up links in France in their probe into the disgraced financier, who was found hanged at his New York jail cell on August 10 while awaiting trial on new sex trafficking charges.

He had been arrested five weeks earlier after flying back to the United States after a trip to Paris.&nbsp;

Earlier this week Innocence in Danger, a French charity working to protect children against sexual violence, said it had collected 10 witness statements involving alleged sexual crimes involving minors that took place in France.&nbsp;

The testimonies were from both victims and those who had witnessed alleged abuse, "probably at the hands of French people," the NGO's head Homayra Sellier told AFP.&nbsp;

Some but not all of the victims were French.&nbsp;

Investigators are likely to be asking questions about a formerly powerful French modelling tycoon in his 70s named Jean-Luc Brunel, a close friend of Epstein.

Four years ago, Brunel was named in a civil lawsuit in which he was accused of rape and procuring young girls for the US financier.&nbsp;

Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who filed the suit, accused Epstein of using her as a "sex slave" and said she had been forced to have sex with well-known politicians and businessmen, including Brunel.&nbsp;

She also alleged that Brunel would bring girls as young as 12 to the United States and pass them on to his friends, including Epstein.

Shortly afterwards, Brunel issued a rare statement that itself broke years of silence in which he vehemently denied involvement, "directly or indirectly", in Epstein's crimes.

Like various other former allies of the late billionaire, Brunel has not been heard of since Epstein was charged in early July.

Earlier this month, Innocence in Danger urged French investigators to "shed light on" what went on behind the walls of Epstein's Paris apartment, where Brunel was a regular visitor.&nbsp;

Two French government ministers have also demanded action, saying the US inquiry had exposed links with France that needed investigating.&nbsp;

"The verifications and cross-checking undertaken on the basis of elements submitted to prosecutors and exchanges with the American authorities in the context of the Epstein affair have prompted the Paris prosecutor's office to open a preliminary inquiry," Friday's statement said.&nbsp;

Epstein, who at one time counted Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and Britain's Prince Andrew among his friends, has been linked to a string of sordid abuses involving underage girls at his Palm Beach home and on his private Caribbean island.&nbsp;

He has been accused of recruiting young girls to administer massages which frequently led to abuse and even rape.&nbsp;

His address book, which was made public in 2015 through the Gawker website, included dozens of names listed under "massages", some 30 of which were in France.

Long before the Epstein scandal broke, Brunel was accused of rape by several models in a CBS television documentary released in 1988.&nbsp;

And last week, the French investigative website Mediapart released testimony from a former Dutch model, Thysia Huisman, alleging she was "drugged and raped" by Brunel in the early 1990s. At the time she was 18.

French prosecutors said Friday they had opened an inquiry into the suspected rape and sexual abuse of minors linked to the scandal surrounding disgraced US multimillionaire Jeffrey Epstein.

French prosecutors said Friday they had opened an inquiry into the suspected rape and sexual abuse of minors linked to the scandal surrounding disgraced US multimillionaire Jeffrey Epstein. The move came after growing calls for French investigators to look into allegations of abuse at Epstein's sumptuous apartment near the Champs-Elysees in Paris. "The investigations... will focus on potential crimes against French victims committed on national territory as well as abroad, and on perpetrators who are French citizens," Paris Prosecutor Remy Heitz said in a statement. The potential charges could include the rape and sexual assault of minors aged 15 and over, the prosecutors said. It will also investigate claims Epstein and others participated for years in a vast child sex trafficking ring. The move came after US investigators turned up links in France in their probe into the disgraced financier, who was found hanged at his New York jail cell on August 10 while awaiting trial on new sex trafficking charges. He had been arrested five weeks earlier after flying back to the United States after a trip to Paris. Earlier this week Innocence in Danger, a French charity working to protect children against sexual violence, said it had collected 10 witness statements involving alleged sexual crimes involving minors that took place in France. The testimonies were from both victims and those who had witnessed alleged abuse, "probably at the hands of French people," the NGO's head Homayra Sellier told AFP. Some but not all of the victims were French. Investigators are likely to be asking questions about a formerly powerful French modelling tycoon in his 70s named Jean-Luc Brunel, a close friend of Epstein. Four years ago, Brunel was named in a civil lawsuit in which he was accused of rape and procuring young girls for the US financier. Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who filed the suit, accused Epstein of using her as a "sex slave" and said she had been forced to have sex with well-known politicians and businessmen, including Brunel. She also alleged that Brunel would bring girls as young as 12 to the United States and pass them on to his friends, including Epstein. Shortly afterwards, Brunel issued a rare statement that itself broke years of silence in which he vehemently denied involvement, "directly or indirectly", in Epstein's crimes. Like various other former allies of the late billionaire, Brunel has not been heard of since Epstein was charged in early July. Earlier this month, Innocence in Danger urged French investigators to "shed light on" what went on behind the walls of Epstein's Paris apartment, where Brunel was a regular visitor. Two French government ministers have also demanded action, saying the US inquiry had exposed links with France that needed investigating. "The verifications and cross-checking undertaken on the basis of elements submitted to prosecutors and exchanges with the American authorities in the context of the Epstein affair have prompted the Paris prosecutor's office to open a preliminary inquiry," Friday's statement said. Epstein, who at one time counted Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and Britain's Prince Andrew among his friends, has been linked to a string of sordid abuses involving underage girls at his Palm Beach home and on his private Caribbean island. He has been accused of recruiting young girls to administer massages which frequently led to abuse and even rape. His address book, which was made public in 2015 through the Gawker website, included dozens of names listed under "massages", some 30 of which were in France. Long before the Epstein scandal broke, Brunel was accused of rape by several models in a CBS television documentary released in 1988. And last week, the French investigative website Mediapart released testimony from a former Dutch model, Thysia Huisman, alleging she was "drugged and raped" by Brunel in the early 1990s. At the time she was 18.

France opens Epstein-linked rape, abuse probe

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-facebook-dismantle-social-media-campaign-in-china-that-tried-to-undermine-hong-kong-protests-244261">Twitter, Facebook dismantle social media campaign in China that tried to undermine Hong Kong protests</a>

Twitter and Facebook said on Monday they had dismantled a state-backed social media campaign originating in mainland China that sought to undermine protests in Hong Kong.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/around-3500-rohingya-cleared-to-return-home-to-myanmar-starting-this-week-source-244272">Around 3,500 Rohingya cleared to return home to Myanmar starting this week: Source</a>

Some 3,500 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have been cleared to return home to Myanmar beginning this week, a top official said Monday, nearly two years after a military crackdown sparked their exodus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-mulling-tax-cut-to-avoid-recession-report-244271">White House mulling tax cut to avoid recession: Report</a>

The White House is considering cutting taxes or revering tariffs to head off a recession, US media reported on Monday, despite President Donald Trump's insistence on the economy's health.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-immediately-end-freedom-of-movement-for-people-from-european-union-after-brexit-244264">UK to immediately end freedom of movement for people from European Union after Brexit</a>

Britain said Monday it will immediately end freedom of movement for people from the European Union after Brexit on October 31, in a policy shift under Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epstein-wrote-will-two-days-before-death-puts-578-million-in-assets-into-trust-with-unnamed-beneficiaries-report-244262">Jeffrey Epstein wrote will two days before death, puts $578 million in assets into trust with unnamed beneficiaries: Report</a>

Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein wrote a will two days before he died, putting his $578 million in assets into a trust with unnamed beneficiaries, the New York Post reported Monday.

Twitter, Facebook dismantle social media campaign in China that tried to undermine Hong Kong protests Twitter and Facebook said on Monday they had dismantled a state-backed social media campaign originating in mainland China that sought to undermine protests in Hong Kong.

Twitter, Facebook dismantle social media campaign in China that tried to undermine Hong Kong protests Twitter and Facebook said on Monday they had dismantled a state-backed social media campaign originating in mainland China that sought to undermine protests in Hong Kong. Around 3,500 Rohingya cleared to return home to Myanmar starting this week: Source Some 3,500 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have been cleared to return home to Myanmar beginning this week, a top official said Monday, nearly two years after a military crackdown sparked their exodus. White House mulling tax cut to avoid recession: Report The White House is considering cutting taxes or revering tariffs to head off a recession, US media reported on Monday, despite President Donald Trump's insistence on the economy's health. UK to immediately end freedom of movement for people from European Union after Brexit Britain said Monday it will immediately end freedom of movement for people from the European Union after Brexit on October 31, in a policy shift under Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Jeffrey Epstein wrote will two days before death, puts $578 million in assets into trust with unnamed beneficiaries: Report Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein wrote a will two days before he died, putting his $578 million in assets into a trust with unnamed beneficiaries, the New York Post reported Monday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-official-autopsy-concludes-epstein-death-was-suicide-by-hanging-243556">Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein</a> wrote a will two days before he died, putting his $578 million in assets into a trust with unnamed beneficiaries, the New York Post reported Monday.

Epstein, a wealthy hedge fund manager who befriended many politicians and celebrities over the years, hung himself in prison on August 10 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges.

On August 8, he signed a last will and testament filed in the Virgin Islands, where he owned a private island, transferring his wealth into "The 1953 Trust," the Post reported.

It posted a copy of the will online showing that Epstein claimed he had more than $56.5 million in cash, equities of over $300 million as well as a fixed income of more than $14 million.

Epstein also listed six luxury properties, including in New York, Florida and Paris and more than $18 million in "aviation assets, automobiles and boats," the Post added.

The document did not name any listed beneficiaries. Bloomberg News reported that the move could make it more difficult for Epstein's alleged victims to sue his estate.

Several women have filed lawsuits seeking damages for sexual abuse.

Watch:&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein 'Found Dead In Cell'

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Epstein was accused of trafficking girls as young as 14 for sex. He denied the charges but faced up to 45 years in jail if found guilty.&nbsp;

The Post's report came as The New York Times released new details about Epstein's final days in Manhattan's high-security Metropolitan Correctional Center.

Citing sources, the newspaper said he hated his vermin-infested cell so much that he paid for lawyers to meet him for up to 12 hours a day in a different room.

He rarely washed and slept on the floor instead of his bed, they said.

The US Justice Department and the FBI are investigating how one of America's most high-profile prisoners was able to kill himself just weeks after an apparent earlier suicide attempt.

Epstein was convicted in Florida in 2008 of paying young girls for massages but served just 13 months in jail under a secret plea deal struck with the then state prosecutor.&nbsp;

Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein wrote a will two days before he died, putting his $578 million in assets into a trust with unnamed beneficiaries, the New York Post reported Monday.

Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein wrote a will two days before he died, putting his $578 million in assets into a trust with unnamed beneficiaries, the New York Post reported Monday. Epstein, a wealthy hedge fund manager who befriended many politicians and celebrities over the years, hung himself in prison on August 10 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. On August 8, he signed a last will and testament filed in the Virgin Islands, where he owned a private island, transferring his wealth into "The 1953 Trust," the Post reported. It posted a copy of the will online showing that Epstein claimed he had more than $56.5 million in cash, equities of over $300 million as well as a fixed income of more than $14 million. Epstein also listed six luxury properties, including in New York, Florida and Paris and more than $18 million in "aviation assets, automobiles and boats," the Post added. The document did not name any listed beneficiaries. Bloomberg News reported that the move could make it more difficult for Epstein's alleged victims to sue his estate. Several women have filed lawsuits seeking damages for sexual abuse. Watch: Jeffrey Epstein 'Found Dead In Cell' Epstein was accused of trafficking girls as young as 14 for sex. He denied the charges but faced up to 45 years in jail if found guilty. The Post's report came as The New York Times released new details about Epstein's final days in Manhattan's high-security Metropolitan Correctional Center. Citing sources, the newspaper said he hated his vermin-infested cell so much that he paid for lawyers to meet him for up to 12 hours a day in a different room. He rarely washed and slept on the floor instead of his bed, they said. The US Justice Department and the FBI are investigating how one of America's most high-profile prisoners was able to kill himself just weeks after an apparent earlier suicide attempt. Epstein was convicted in Florida in 2008 of paying young girls for massages but served just 13 months in jail under a secret plea deal struck with the then state prosecutor.

Jeffrey Epstein wrote will two days before death, puts $578 million in assets into trust with unnamed beneficiaries: Report

New York City's chief medical examiner determined on Friday that&nbsp;suicide&nbsp;by&nbsp;hanging&nbsp;was the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serious-irregularities-at-prison-where-epstein-died-us-attorney-general-242548">cause of&nbsp;death&nbsp;for financier Jeffrey&nbsp;Epstein</a>, whose body was found six days ago in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The sparely worded&nbsp;official&nbsp;announcement detailing the&nbsp;autopsy&nbsp;conclusions rebutted a host of conspiracy theories - including one promoted by President Donald Trump - that had circulated on social media about the&nbsp;death&nbsp;of the well-connected former money manager.

Epstein's lawyers said they were "not satisfied" with the medical examiner's conclusions and planned to carry out their investigation, seeking prison videos taken around the time of his&nbsp;death.

Epstein, 66, was found unresponsive on Saturday in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC), triggering investigations into the circumstances of his&nbsp;death.&nbsp;

He was arrested on July 6 and pleaded not guilty to federal charges of sex trafficking involving dozens of underage girls as young as 14.

Chief Medical Examiner Barbara Sampson said her determination of the cause of&nbsp;death&nbsp;came after a "careful review of all investigative information, including complete&nbsp;autopsy findings."

"Cause:&nbsp;Hanging. Manner:&nbsp;Suicide," the statement said, without providing supporting details for Sampson's findings.

Details of the findings had been leaking into the news media over the past few days.

Two law enforcement sources told Reuters on Thursday that&nbsp;Epstein's neck had been broken in several places, confirming a Washington Post report that to some had raised questions about possible foul play.

Epstein, a registered sex offender who once counted Trump and former President Bill Clinton as friends, pleaded guilty in 2008 to Florida state charges of unlawfully paying a teenage girl for sex.

Epstein&nbsp;had been on&nbsp;suicide&nbsp;watch at the jail but was taken off before his&nbsp;death, a source who was not authorized to speak on the matter said previously.&nbsp;

At the MCC, two jail guards are required to make separate checks on all prisoners every 30 minutes, but that procedure was not followed, the source added.

"It is indisputable that the authorities violated their protocols,"&nbsp;Epstein's lawyers Martin Weinberg, Reid Weingarten, and Michael Miller said in a statement, describing conditions in the area he was held as, "harsh, even medieval."

US Attorney General William Barr has criticized "serious irregularities" at the facility.

New York City's chief medical examiner determined on Friday that suicide by hanging was the cause of death for financier Jeffrey Epstein, whose body was found six days ago in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

New York City's chief medical examiner determined on Friday that suicide by hanging was the cause of death for financier Jeffrey Epstein, whose body was found six days ago in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The sparely worded official announcement detailing the autopsy conclusions rebutted a host of conspiracy theories - including one promoted by President Donald Trump - that had circulated on social media about the death of the well-connected former money manager. Epstein's lawyers said they were "not satisfied" with the medical examiner's conclusions and planned to carry out their investigation, seeking prison videos taken around the time of his death. Epstein, 66, was found unresponsive on Saturday in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC), triggering investigations into the circumstances of his death. He was arrested on July 6 and pleaded not guilty to federal charges of sex trafficking involving dozens of underage girls as young as 14. Chief Medical Examiner Barbara Sampson said her determination of the cause of death came after a "careful review of all investigative information, including complete autopsy findings." "Cause: Hanging. Manner: Suicide," the statement said, without providing supporting details for Sampson's findings. Details of the findings had been leaking into the news media over the past few days. Two law enforcement sources told Reuters on Thursday that Epstein's neck had been broken in several places, confirming a Washington Post report that to some had raised questions about possible foul play. Epstein, a registered sex offender who once counted Trump and former President Bill Clinton as friends, pleaded guilty in 2008 to Florida state charges of unlawfully paying a teenage girl for sex. Epstein had been on suicide watch at the jail but was taken off before his death, a source who was not authorized to speak on the matter said previously. At the MCC, two jail guards are required to make separate checks on all prisoners every 30 minutes, but that procedure was not followed, the source added. "It is indisputable that the authorities violated their protocols," Epstein's lawyers Martin Weinberg, Reid Weingarten, and Michael Miller said in a statement, describing conditions in the area he was held as, "harsh, even medieval." US Attorney General William Barr has criticized "serious irregularities" at the facility.

The official autopsy concludes Epstein death was suicide by hanging

Disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein's autopsy report found that he had several broken bones in his neck, the Washington Post reported late on Wednesday. Such breaks can happen to people who hang themselves, the Post reported, citing unidentified sources familiar with the autopsy results.

Disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein's autopsy report found that he had several broken bones in his neck, the Washington Post reported late on Wednesday. Such breaks can happen to people who hang themselves, the Post reported, citing unidentified sources familiar with the autopsy results. However, the newspaper said such breaks can also happen to people who are strangled. Epstein, a multi-millionaire and a convicted sexual offender, was facing a slew of sex trafficking charges. He was found dead in a federal prison in New York City on Saturday.

Jeffrey Epstein's autopsy report finds broken bones in his neck: Washington Post

Who's Who in the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal

Jeffrey Epstein: How the man with famous friends fell apart

Outrage and intrigue over the apparent suicide in prison of well-connected accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein soared Sunday as US lawmakers pushed for answers, including whether "criminal acts" played a role in his death.

Epstein, a convicted paedophile who hobnobbed with countless politicians and celebrities over the years, was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wealthy-financier-jeffrey-epstein-kills-himself-in-prison-242042">found dead in his cell Saturday</a> while awaiting trial on federal charges he trafficked underage girls for sex.

The discovery came a day after a court released documents in which one of Epstein's alleged victims claimed she was forced to have sex with well-known American political and business personalities. They have all denied the allegations.

Epstein's death in a high-security New York jail, an apparent suicide that came just weeks after an earlier possible attempt on his own life, meant he should have been under close watch and has fueled anger and a conspiracy theory frenzy.

Watch: Jeffrey Epstein 'Found Dead In Cell'

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"These survivors deserved a day in court. They deserved justice," Democratic Senator and 2020 presidential candidate Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said Sunday.

"It is a shame that he committed suicide," she told CBS's "Face the Nation."

New York's chief medical examiner Barbara Sampson said Sunday that an autopsy had been completed, but the determination of the cause of death was "pending further information at this time."

The procedure was observed by an outside pathologist at the request of Epstein's representatives, she added.

Cellmate reportedly moved

US Attorney General Bill Barr has instructed the Justice Department's inspector general to probe Epstein's death, saying it "raises serious questions that must be answered."

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-fbi-now-justice-department-probing-jeffrey-epstein-death-242081">FBI is also investigating</a>.

The New York Times reported Sunday that guards were supposed to check Epstein every half hour but that procedure was not followed the night before he was found, citing an unnamed law enforcement official.

The jail had also transferred his cellmate, leaving him alone, the Times said, citing two officials.

Epstein, 66, had been charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.&nbsp;

Prosecutors said Epstein sexually exploited dozens of underage teens, some as young as 14, at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005.

The young women were paid hundreds of dollars in cash to massage him, perform sexual acts and to recruit other girls, prosecutors alleged.

Epstein denied the charges and faced up to 45 years in prison if convicted.&nbsp;

Last month, Epstein was found unconscious with marks on his neck after a possible suicide attempt.&nbsp;

He was put on suicide watch for six days before being returned to his cell in a high-security section of the prison, the Times has reported.

"Pedophiles facing federal criminal charges are at high risk for suicide," tweeted Rod Rosenstein, the former US deputy attorney general.

"Detained paedophiles require special attention. Stopping people from harming themselves is difficult."

'Unfounded conspiracy theories'

Epstein -- whose friends included Donald Trump, former president Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew -- had been convicted in 2008 in a Florida state court of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach mansion.

Those men have all denied knowing anything about Epstein's alleged crimes.

The two thousand pages of previously sealed court documents released Friday focused on testimony by a woman who claimed she was Epstein's "sex slave."

Virginia Giuffre detailed new allegations against Epstein and his high-profile acquaintances.&nbsp;

"Some of wealthiest people in the world committed a horrible crime. If they think for a second that they got away with it because Jeffrey Epstein is dead, they're dead WRONG," tweeted New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, as prosecutors pledged to pursue the indictment.

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While a full investigation into how the federal government let this happen needs to be launched IMMEDIATELY, we won’t stop fighting for justice for every single victim.
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-retweets-conspiracy-theory-about-bill-clinton-amid-outcry-on-jeffrey-epsteins-death-242088">Trump weighed in on Saturday</a>, retweeting a conspiracy theory alleging -- without any evidence whatsoever -- that Bill Clinton may be connected to Epstein's death.

"This is another example of our president using this position of public trust to attack his political enemies with unfounded conspiracy theories," Beto O'Rourke, another Democrat running for president, told CNN.

Senator Cory Booker, also in the 2020 race, described Trump's retweet as "more recklessness" and "dangerous."

Trump aide Kellyanne Conway, asked on "Fox News Sunday" about her boss's retweet, said that "the president just wants everything to be investigated."

Epstein avoided a lengthy jail sentence when facing the charges in Florida over a decade ago.&nbsp;

He served just 13 months under a secret plea deal struck with the then federal prosecutor in the state, Alex Acosta, who was forced to resign as US labor secretary last month over the issue.

Alleged victims were hoping for more justice this time around.

"I really wanted him to... be put in jail and have to sit there and think about what it is he exactly did to so many people," one accuser, Michelle Licata, told ABC's "This Week."

Outrage and intrigue over the apparent suicide in prison of well-connected accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein soared Sunday as US lawmakers pushed for answers, including whether "criminal acts" played a role in his death.

Outrage and intrigue over the apparent suicide in prison of well-connected accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein soared Sunday as US lawmakers pushed for answers, including whether "criminal acts" played a role in his death. Epstein, a convicted paedophile who hobnobbed with countless politicians and celebrities over the years, was found dead in his cell Saturday while awaiting trial on federal charges he trafficked underage girls for sex. The discovery came a day after a court released documents in which one of Epstein's alleged victims claimed she was forced to have sex with well-known American political and business personalities. They have all denied the allegations. Epstein's death in a high-security New York jail, an apparent suicide that came just weeks after an earlier possible attempt on his own life, meant he should have been under close watch and has fueled anger and a conspiracy theory frenzy. Watch: Jeffrey Epstein 'Found Dead In Cell' × "These survivors deserved a day in court. They deserved justice," Democratic Senator and 2020 presidential candidate Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said Sunday. "It is a shame that he committed suicide," she told CBS's "Face the Nation." New York's chief medical examiner Barbara Sampson said Sunday that an autopsy had been completed, but the determination of the cause of death was "pending further information at this time." The procedure was observed by an outside pathologist at the request of Epstein's representatives, she added. Cellmate reportedly moved US Attorney General Bill Barr has instructed the Justice Department's inspector general to probe Epstein's death, saying it "raises serious questions that must be answered." The FBI is also investigating. The New York Times reported Sunday that guards were supposed to check Epstein every half hour but that procedure was not followed the night before he was found, citing an unnamed law enforcement official. The jail had also transferred his cellmate, leaving him alone, the Times said, citing two officials. Epstein, 66, had been charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. Prosecutors said Epstein sexually exploited dozens of underage teens, some as young as 14, at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005. The young women were paid hundreds of dollars in cash to massage him, perform sexual acts and to recruit other girls, prosecutors alleged. Epstein denied the charges and faced up to 45 years in prison if convicted. Last month, Epstein was found unconscious with marks on his neck after a possible suicide attempt. He was put on suicide watch for six days before being returned to his cell in a high-security section of the prison, the Times has reported. "Pedophiles facing federal criminal charges are at high risk for suicide," tweeted Rod Rosenstein, the former US deputy attorney general. "Detained paedophiles require special attention. Stopping people from harming themselves is difficult." 'Unfounded conspiracy theories' Epstein -- whose friends included Donald Trump, former president Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew -- had been convicted in 2008 in a Florida state court of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach mansion. Those men have all denied knowing anything about Epstein's alleged crimes. The two thousand pages of previously sealed court documents released Friday focused on testimony by a woman who claimed she was Epstein's "sex slave." Virginia Giuffre detailed new allegations against Epstein and his high-profile acquaintances. "Some of wealthiest people in the world committed a horrible crime. If they think for a second that they got away with it because Jeffrey Epstein is dead, they're dead WRONG," tweeted New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, as prosecutors pledged to pursue the indictment. While a full investigation into how the federal government let this happen needs to be launched IMMEDIATELY, we won’t stop fighting for justice for every single victim. — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) August 10, 2019 × Trump weighed in on Saturday, retweeting a conspiracy theory alleging -- without any evidence whatsoever -- that Bill Clinton may be connected to Epstein's death. "This is another example of our president using this position of public trust to attack his political enemies with unfounded conspiracy theories," Beto O'Rourke, another Democrat running for president, told CNN. Senator Cory Booker, also in the 2020 race, described Trump's retweet as "more recklessness" and "dangerous." Trump aide Kellyanne Conway, asked on "Fox News Sunday" about her boss's retweet, said that "the president just wants everything to be investigated." Epstein avoided a lengthy jail sentence when facing the charges in Florida over a decade ago. He served just 13 months under a secret plea deal struck with the then federal prosecutor in the state, Alex Acosta, who was forced to resign as US labor secretary last month over the issue. Alleged victims were hoping for more justice this time around. "I really wanted him to... be put in jail and have to sit there and think about what it is he exactly did to so many people," one accuser, Michelle Licata, told ABC's "This Week."

As victims express outrage over sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein's death, US lawmakers push for investigation for any foul play

Reports claim that Jeffrey Epstein found dead in the cell. Epstein was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. He was facing sex trafficking charges.

Jeffrey Epstein 'Found Dead In Cell'

US financier Jeffrey Epstein, awaiting trial on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wealthy-financier-jeffrey-epstein-kills-himself-in-prison-242042">was found dead in jail Saturday of an apparent suicide</a>, triggering outcry over how the high-profile detainee could die in custody.

The government and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-fbi-now-justice-department-probing-jeffrey-epstein-death-242081">FBI immediately launched probes</a> as politicians, law enforcement officials and alleged victims expressed shock that Epstein could take his own life when a recently reported suicide attempt meant he should have been under close watch.

Epstein, a convicted paedophile who befriended numerous politicians and celebrities over the years, was found unresponsive in his cell around 6:30 am (1030 GMT) at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York from "an apparent suicide," the US Department of Justice said.&nbsp;

He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

US Attorney General Bill Barr said he was "appalled" and instructed the Justice Department's inspector general to probe the circumstances.&nbsp;

"Mr Epstein's death raises serious questions that must be answered," Barr said.

Watch: A sex scandal that should worry Trump

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The FBI is also investigating, the Justice Department said.

The New York Times and other media reported Epstein hanged himself. The city medical examiner's office did not confirm the cause of death.

On July 23, the 66-year-old was found unconscious with marks on his neck. He was put on suicide watch for six days before being returned to his cell in a high-security part of the jail, the New York Times reported.

His death came one day after a New York court released a tranche of sealed legal documents, providing new details about what prosecutors allege was Epstein's sex-trafficking operation.

Epstein last appeared in court on July 31 when a judge told him that his trial wouldn't begin before next June.

'We need answers'

The wealthy hedge fund manager had been charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.&nbsp;

Epstein, who denied the charges, had faced up to 45 years in prison -- effectively the rest of his life -- if convicted.&nbsp;

The Metropolitan Correctional Center, a federal facility in Manhattan that often houses suspects awaiting or during the trial, is considered one of the most secure penal establishments in the US.&nbsp;

Infamous Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman spent more than two years there as an inmate.

"We need answers. Lots of them" tweeted New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Republican Senator Ben Sasse, who heads the Senate's judiciary oversight committee, said the government had failed Epstein's alleged victims "yet again."

The two thousand pages of previously sealed court documents released Friday focused on testimony by a woman who claimed she was Epstein's "sex slave."

Virginia Giuffre, now an adult, claimed she was forced to have sex with well-known American political and business personalities. They have all denied the allegations.&nbsp;

'No closure'

Prosecutors said Epstein sexually exploited dozens of underage girls, some as young as 14, at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005.

They claimed that Epstein was "well aware that many of the victims were minors."

The young women were paid hundreds of dollars in cash to massage him, perform sexual acts and to recruit other girls, prosecutors alleged.

Epstein allegedly had an army of recruiters, often not much older than their targets, who would approach vulnerable teens.

Epstein is also accused of paying off possible co-conspirators to "influence" them, US media have reported.

Epstein, whose friends included President Donald Trump, former president Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew, was convicted previously of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach mansion.

They have all denied knowing anything about his alleged crimes.

Trump on Saturday retweeted a conspiracy theory alleging, without evidence, that Clinton may be connected with Epstein's death.

Epstein avoided federal prosecution when facing the charges in Florida a decade ago.

Under a secret plea deal negotiated by former US labour secretary Alex Acosta, at that time a federal prosecutor in Florida, Epstein admitted to a single state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor and registered as a sex offender.&nbsp;

He served 13 months in a county jail before being released. Acosta resigned last month amid a backlash over the deal.

One of Epstein's alleged victims said she'll "never have a sense of closure" because he will never be convicted, according to a message shared by the woman's attorney, Lisa Bloom.

"You stole from us the huge piece of healing that we needed to move on with our lives," the woman said.

But Manhattan federal prosecutor Geoffrey Berman said that while Epstein's apparent suicide was a "yet another hurdle" in delivering justice to his alleged victims, the court case — which included a conspiracy charge — would continue to play out.

US financier Jeffrey Epstein, awaiting trial on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, was found dead in jail Saturday of an apparent suicide, triggering outcry over how the high-profile detainee could die in custody.

US financier Jeffrey Epstein, awaiting trial on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, was found dead in jail Saturday of an apparent suicide, triggering outcry over how the high-profile detainee could die in custody. The government and FBI immediately launched probes as politicians, law enforcement officials and alleged victims expressed shock that Epstein could take his own life when a recently reported suicide attempt meant he should have been under close watch. Epstein, a convicted paedophile who befriended numerous politicians and celebrities over the years, was found unresponsive in his cell around 6:30 am (1030 GMT) at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York from "an apparent suicide," the US Department of Justice said. He was pronounced dead at a hospital. US Attorney General Bill Barr said he was "appalled" and instructed the Justice Department's inspector general to probe the circumstances. "Mr Epstein's death raises serious questions that must be answered," Barr said. Watch: A sex scandal that should worry Trump × The FBI is also investigating, the Justice Department said. The New York Times and other media reported Epstein hanged himself. The city medical examiner's office did not confirm the cause of death. On July 23, the 66-year-old was found unconscious with marks on his neck. He was put on suicide watch for six days before being returned to his cell in a high-security part of the jail, the New York Times reported. His death came one day after a New York court released a tranche of sealed legal documents, providing new details about what prosecutors allege was Epstein's sex-trafficking operation. Epstein last appeared in court on July 31 when a judge told him that his trial wouldn't begin before next June. 'We need answers' The wealthy hedge fund manager had been charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. Epstein, who denied the charges, had faced up to 45 years in prison -- effectively the rest of his life -- if convicted. The Metropolitan Correctional Center, a federal facility in Manhattan that often houses suspects awaiting or during the trial, is considered one of the most secure penal establishments in the US. Infamous Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman spent more than two years there as an inmate. "We need answers. Lots of them" tweeted New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Republican Senator Ben Sasse, who heads the Senate's judiciary oversight committee, said the government had failed Epstein's alleged victims "yet again." The two thousand pages of previously sealed court documents released Friday focused on testimony by a woman who claimed she was Epstein's "sex slave." Virginia Giuffre, now an adult, claimed she was forced to have sex with well-known American political and business personalities. They have all denied the allegations. 'No closure' Prosecutors said Epstein sexually exploited dozens of underage girls, some as young as 14, at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005. They claimed that Epstein was "well aware that many of the victims were minors." The young women were paid hundreds of dollars in cash to massage him, perform sexual acts and to recruit other girls, prosecutors alleged. Epstein allegedly had an army of recruiters, often not much older than their targets, who would approach vulnerable teens. Epstein is also accused of paying off possible co-conspirators to "influence" them, US media have reported. Epstein, whose friends included President Donald Trump, former president Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew, was convicted previously of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach mansion. They have all denied knowing anything about his alleged crimes. Trump on Saturday retweeted a conspiracy theory alleging, without evidence, that Clinton may be connected with Epstein's death. Epstein avoided federal prosecution when facing the charges in Florida a decade ago. Under a secret plea deal negotiated by former US labour secretary Alex Acosta, at that time a federal prosecutor in Florida, Epstein admitted to a single state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor and registered as a sex offender. He served 13 months in a county jail before being released. Acosta resigned last month amid a backlash over the deal. One of Epstein's alleged victims said she'll "never have a sense of closure" because he will never be convicted, according to a message shared by the woman's attorney, Lisa Bloom. "You stole from us the huge piece of healing that we needed to move on with our lives," the woman said. But Manhattan federal prosecutor Geoffrey Berman said that while Epstein's apparent suicide was a "yet another hurdle" in delivering justice to his alleged victims, the court case — which included a conspiracy charge — would continue to play out.

Trump retweets conspiracy theory about Bill Clinton, amid outcry on Jeffrey Epstein's death

The United States government launched an investigation Saturday into the apparent suicide in his prison cell of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Attorney General Bill Barr said he was "appalled" to hear of the death and had instructed the Department of Justice's inspector general to probe its circumstances. The FBI is also investigating Epstein's death.

"Mr Epstein's death raises serious questions that must be answered," Barr said in a statement.

Epstein, 66, had been charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.&nbsp;

Epstein, who denied the charges and faced up to 45 years in prison if convicted, was denied bail last month in a New York court because he was deemed a flight risk.

He was discovered unresponsive in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York around 6:30 am (1030 GMT) on Saturday, the US Department of Justice said.

Epstein was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead. The New York Times and other media quoted officials as saying Epstein hanged himself.&nbsp;

His death comes just over two weeks after the 66-year-old was found unconscious in his cell with marks on his neck after an apparent suicide attempt.

It is not clear whether Epstein was on suicide watch following the first attempt.&nbsp;

The United States government launched an investigation Saturday into the apparent suicide in his prison cell of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The United States government launched an investigation Saturday into the apparent suicide in his prison cell of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Attorney General Bill Barr said he was "appalled" to hear of the death and had instructed the Department of Justice's inspector general to probe its circumstances. The FBI is also investigating Epstein's death. "Mr Epstein's death raises serious questions that must be answered," Barr said in a statement. Epstein, 66, had been charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. Epstein, who denied the charges and faced up to 45 years in prison if convicted, was denied bail last month in a New York court because he was deemed a flight risk. He was discovered unresponsive in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York around 6:30 am (1030 GMT) on Saturday, the US Department of Justice said. Epstein was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead. The New York Times and other media quoted officials as saying Epstein hanged himself. His death comes just over two weeks after the 66-year-old was found unconscious in his cell with marks on his neck after an apparent suicide attempt. It is not clear whether Epstein was on suicide watch following the first attempt.

First FBI, now Justice Department probing Jeffrey Epstein death

The FBI is investigating the apparent suicide in a New York prison of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wealthy-financier-jeffrey-epstein-kills-himself-in-prison-242042">disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein</a>, the Justice Department said Saturday.

The department's Bureau of Prisons made the announcement as questions were raised as to how a high-profile inmate who had apparently attempted to kill himself last month could take his life in what is supposed to be a highly secure federal facility in downtown Manhattan.

Epstein was charged with trafficking girls for sex.

The bureau said Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell in the Metropolitan Correctional Center "from an apparent suicide."

It said staff began life-saving measures and Epstein was eventually rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

"The FBI is investigating the incident," said the bureau.

The FBI is investigating the apparent suicide in a New York prison of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, the Justice Department said Saturday. The department's Bureau of Prisons made the announcement as questions were raised as to how a high-profile inmate who had apparently attempted to kill himself last month could take his life in what is supposed to be a highly secure federal facility in downtown Manhattan.

The FBI is investigating the apparent suicide in a New York prison of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, the Justice Department said Saturday. The department's Bureau of Prisons made the announcement as questions were raised as to how a high-profile inmate who had apparently attempted to kill himself last month could take his life in what is supposed to be a highly secure federal facility in downtown Manhattan. Epstein was charged with trafficking girls for sex. The bureau said Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell in the Metropolitan Correctional Center "from an apparent suicide." It said staff began life-saving measures and Epstein was eventually rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. "The FBI is investigating the incident," said the bureau.

FBI investigating death of financier Epstein: Justice Department

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-billionaire-jeffrey-epstein-arrested-on-sex-trafficking-charges-reports-234037">wealthy US financier Jeffrey Epstein</a>, indicted on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, committed suicide in prison, US news media reported Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/billionaire-financier-jeffrey-epstein-found-injured-in-jail-cell-media-238325">Epstein</a>, who had hobnobbed with politicians and celebrities over the years and was already a convicted sex offender, hanged himself in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center and his body was found around 7:30 Saturday morning, The New York Times and other media said, quoting officials.&nbsp;

Epstein, 66, had been found in his cell in late July with marks on his neck after an apparent suicide attempt.

The hedge fund manager was denied bail in late July after appearing at a New York court charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.&nbsp;

He denied the charges and had faced up to 45 years in prison -- effectively the rest of his life -- if convicted.&nbsp;

The Metropolitan Correction Center, a federal facility in Manhattan that is often used to house suspects awaiting or during trial, is considered one of the most secure penal establishments in the US.&nbsp;

The infamous Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman spent more than two years there before being convicted and transferred to a federal prison in Colorado. 
&nbsp;

The wealthy US financier Jeffrey Epstein, indicted on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, committed suicide in prison, US news media reported Saturday.

The wealthy US financier Jeffrey Epstein, indicted on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, committed suicide in prison, US news media reported Saturday. Epstein, who had hobnobbed with politicians and celebrities over the years and was already a convicted sex offender, hanged himself in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center and his body was found around 7:30 Saturday morning, The New York Times and other media said, quoting officials. Epstein, 66, had been found in his cell in late July with marks on his neck after an apparent suicide attempt. The hedge fund manager was denied bail in late July after appearing at a New York court charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. He denied the charges and had faced up to 45 years in prison -- effectively the rest of his life -- if convicted. The Metropolitan Correction Center, a federal facility in Manhattan that is often used to house suspects awaiting or during trial, is considered one of the most secure penal establishments in the US. The infamous Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman spent more than two years there before being convicted and transferred to a federal prison in Colorado.

US financier Jeffrey Epstein accused of sex trafficking, commits suicide in prison

A woman who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/billionaire-financier-jeffrey-epstein-found-injured-in-jail-cell-media-238325">accused Jeffrey Epstein</a> of keeping her as a sex slave said one of the financier's associates had instructed her to have sex with at least a half-dozen prominent men, according to a court filing unsealed on Friday in a civil lawsuit.

The claim by Virginia Giuffre came in a deposition that was included among roughly 2,000 pages of documents related to her defamation lawsuit against Ghislaine Maxwell, the associate whom Giuffre has said helped Epstein procure girls for sex.

Lawyers for Maxwell did not respond to several phone and email requests for comment.

Epstein has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking involving dozens of underage girls as young as 14, from at least 2002 to 2005. He is being held in a Manhattan jail.

Lawyers for Epstein did not respond to requests for comment outside business hours. Maxwell has not been criminally charged.

The Giuffre deposition and the other documents were released after a federal appeals court in Manhattan rejected Maxwell's bid to keep them under seal.

Giuffre claimed in a May 3, 2016, deposition that Maxwell directed her to have sex with people including former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, former US Senator George Mitchell, modelling agent Jean Luc Brunel, and financier Glenn Dubin.

It was not clear from the deposition transcript included in the court documents how old Giuffre was at the time of the alleged direction.

The transcript does not indicate whether Giuffre actually engaged in sex with the four men.

None of the four men has been criminally charged in connection with Epstein.

Richardson, Mitchell, and Dubin, or their respective representatives, all said the various allegations against them were false.&nbsp;

A lawyer for Brunel did not respond to a phone call and email seeking comment.

A spokeswoman for Richardson said the former governor had never met Giuffre.

'These allegations and inferences are completely false,' she said.&nbsp;

'To be clear, in Governor Richardson's limited interactions with Mr Epstein, he never saw him in the presence of young or underage girls.'

Mitchell said in a statement: 'The allegation contained in the released documents is false. I have never met, spoken with or had any contact with Ms Giuffre.'

A spokeswoman for Dubin said he was 'outraged' by the unsealed allegations, which he considered 'demonstrably false and defamatory,' and said that he had flight records and other evidence that 'definitively' disproved them.

The name of US President Donald Trump, who was once a friend of Epstein, appears in a Nov. 14, 2016, deposition of Giuffre, in which she said Trump and Epstein had been good friends.

In response to a question about how she knew whom Trump had sex with, Giuffre said she 'didn't physically see him have sex with any of the girls.'

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

A woman who accused Jeffrey Epstein of keeping her as a sex slave said one of the financier's associates had instructed her to have sex with at least a half-dozen prominent men, according to a court filing unsealed on Friday in a civil lawsuit.

A woman who accused Jeffrey Epstein of keeping her as a sex slave said one of the financier's associates had instructed her to have sex with at least a half-dozen prominent men, according to a court filing unsealed on Friday in a civil lawsuit. The claim by Virginia Giuffre came in a deposition that was included among roughly 2,000 pages of documents related to her defamation lawsuit against Ghislaine Maxwell, the associate whom Giuffre has said helped Epstein procure girls for sex. Lawyers for Maxwell did not respond to several phone and email requests for comment. Epstein has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking involving dozens of underage girls as young as 14, from at least 2002 to 2005. He is being held in a Manhattan jail. Lawyers for Epstein did not respond to requests for comment outside business hours. Maxwell has not been criminally charged. The Giuffre deposition and the other documents were released after a federal appeals court in Manhattan rejected Maxwell's bid to keep them under seal. Giuffre claimed in a May 3, 2016, deposition that Maxwell directed her to have sex with people including former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, former US Senator George Mitchell, modelling agent Jean Luc Brunel, and financier Glenn Dubin. It was not clear from the deposition transcript included in the court documents how old Giuffre was at the time of the alleged direction. The transcript does not indicate whether Giuffre actually engaged in sex with the four men. None of the four men has been criminally charged in connection with Epstein. Richardson, Mitchell, and Dubin, or their respective representatives, all said the various allegations against them were false. A lawyer for Brunel did not respond to a phone call and email seeking comment. A spokeswoman for Richardson said the former governor had never met Giuffre. 'These allegations and inferences are completely false,' she said. 'To be clear, in Governor Richardson's limited interactions with Mr Epstein, he never saw him in the presence of young or underage girls.' Mitchell said in a statement: 'The allegation contained in the released documents is false. I have never met, spoken with or had any contact with Ms Giuffre.' A spokeswoman for Dubin said he was 'outraged' by the unsealed allegations, which he considered 'demonstrably false and defamatory,' and said that he had flight records and other evidence that 'definitively' disproved them. The name of US President Donald Trump, who was once a friend of Epstein, appears in a Nov. 14, 2016, deposition of Giuffre, in which she said Trump and Epstein had been good friends. In response to a question about how she knew whom Trump had sex with, Giuffre said she 'didn't physically see him have sex with any of the girls.' The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

Jeffrey Epstein accuser links powerful men to financier: Civil court filing

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-dismisses-epsteins-bail-plea-in-child-sex-trafficking-case-236986">Jeffrey Epstein</a>, the financier facing charges of sex trafficking involving dozens of underage girls, was found unconscious in a Manhattan jail cell with injuries to his neck, media reported late on Wednesday, citing unidentified sources.

Epstein was found by guards sprawled on the floor of a cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center on Wednesday, media reported. Some media reported that his face appeared blue.

The billionaire financier was taken to hospital, the New York Post reported, but it was unclear where he was taken or what his condition was.

It was not clear how he suffered his injuries.

Neither a representative for the correctional centre nor Epstein's attorney returned calls or email inquiries from Reuters.

Epstein was recently denied bail, a move his lawyers plan to appeal according to a court notice made public on Tuesday.

Epstein was expected to ask the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn the judge's July 18 rejection of his request to remain under house arrest in his $77 million mansions on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

Epstein has pleaded not guilty to the charges and the appeal for bail was expected. His lawyer Reid Weingarten did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesman for US Attorney Geoffrey Berman in Manhattan declined to comment.

The charges, concerning alleged misconduct from at least 2002 to 2005, were announced more than a decade after Epstein pleaded guilty to state prostitution charges in Florida.

In denying him bail, US District Judge Richard Berman in Manhattan said the government had shown by clear and convincing evidence that Epstein would pose a danger to the community if released pending trial.

Jeffrey Epstein, the financier facing charges of sex trafficking involving dozens of underage girls, was found unconscious in a Manhattan jail cell with injuries to his neck, media reported late on Wednesday, citing unidentified sources.

Jeffrey Epstein, the financier facing charges of sex trafficking involving dozens of underage girls, was found unconscious in a Manhattan jail cell with injuries to his neck, media reported late on Wednesday, citing unidentified sources. Epstein was found by guards sprawled on the floor of a cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center on Wednesday, media reported. Some media reported that his face appeared blue. The billionaire financier was taken to hospital, the New York Post reported, but it was unclear where he was taken or what his condition was. It was not clear how he suffered his injuries. Neither a representative for the correctional centre nor Epstein's attorney returned calls or email inquiries from Reuters. Epstein was recently denied bail, a move his lawyers plan to appeal according to a court notice made public on Tuesday. Epstein was expected to ask the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn the judge's July 18 rejection of his request to remain under house arrest in his $77 million mansions on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Epstein has pleaded not guilty to the charges and the appeal for bail was expected. His lawyer Reid Weingarten did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesman for US Attorney Geoffrey Berman in Manhattan declined to comment. The charges, concerning alleged misconduct from at least 2002 to 2005, were announced more than a decade after Epstein pleaded guilty to state prostitution charges in Florida. In denying him bail, US District Judge Richard Berman in Manhattan said the government had shown by clear and convincing evidence that Epstein would pose a danger to the community if released pending trial.

Billionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein found injured in jail cell: Media

A US federal judge on Thursday rejected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-paid-350000-to-suspected-co-conspirators-to-influence-them-reports-235409">Jeffrey Epstein's bail request </a>and ordered that the financier accused of sexually assaulting minors remain in custody pending trial.

"The government has established the danger to others and the community," along with the hedge fund billionaire's flight risk, Judge Richard Berman said in his ruling dismissing the bail application, for which Epstein said he could pay more than $100 million.

Epstein's defence team had argued that he should be allowed to remain at his home, fitted with an electronic ankle bracelet and with his building under police video surveillance.

"I doubt that any bail package can overcome the danger to the community," said the judge, who set the next hearing in Epstein's case for July 31.

In his ruling, Berman cited Epstein's ownership of a private jet, along with a fake Austrian passport and $70,000 in cash found in his house, as evidence that the financier could skip bail.

Epstein was charged earlier this month in New York with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. He faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted.

Prosecutors say Epstein sexually exploited dozens of minor girls at his homes in Manhattan, New York and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005. 
&nbsp;

A US federal judge on Thursday rejected Jeffrey Epstein's bail request and ordered that the financier accused of sexually assaulting minors remain in custody pending trial.

A US federal judge on Thursday rejected Jeffrey Epstein's bail request and ordered that the financier accused of sexually assaulting minors remain in custody pending trial. "The government has established the danger to others and the community," along with the hedge fund billionaire's flight risk, Judge Richard Berman said in his ruling dismissing the bail application, for which Epstein said he could pay more than $100 million. Epstein's defence team had argued that he should be allowed to remain at his home, fitted with an electronic ankle bracelet and with his building under police video surveillance. "I doubt that any bail package can overcome the danger to the community," said the judge, who set the next hearing in Epstein's case for July 31. In his ruling, Berman cited Epstein's ownership of a private jet, along with a fake Austrian passport and $70,000 in cash found in his house, as evidence that the financier could skip bail. Epstein was charged earlier this month in New York with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. He faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors say Epstein sexually exploited dozens of minor girls at his homes in Manhattan, New York and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005.

Judge dismisses Epstein's bail plea in child sex trafficking case

Jeffrey Epstein, the financier charged with sexually abusing young girls in a case that led to the resignation of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-labour-secretary-alex-acosta-announces-resignation-over-epstein-affair-235372">US labour secretary</a>, was accused Friday of paying off possible co-conspirators to "influence" them, US media reported.

New York prosecutors said they had obtained financial records showing Epstein wired $350,000 to possible co-conspirators in his misdeeds, just days after reports broke of a secret plea deal he negotiated a decade ago, news reports said.

"This course of action, and in particular it's timing, suggests the defendant was attempting to further influence co-conspirators who might provide information against him in light of the recently re-emerging evaluations," prosecutors said in a filing arguing that Epstein should remain behind bars until trial.

Prosecutors said the financier made two payments, one for $100,000 and another for $250,000, to a pair of suspected co-conspirators, who were not named.

Epstein, 66, was charged Monday in New York with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. He faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted.

Prosecutors sought to demonstrate he had a history of trying to obstruct inquiries into his actions, in order to keep him in jail pending trial.

According to prosecutors, Epstein sexually exploited dozens of underage teenage girls at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005. Some were as young as 14.

US Labor Secretary Alex Acosta resigned Friday amid a backlash over Epstein's 2009 secret plea deal he negotiated while he was a Florida federal prosecutor.

The deal required Epstein to admit to a single state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor and register as a sex offender. He served just 13 months in county jail.

Jeffrey Epstein, the financier charged with sexually abusing young girls in a case that led to the resignation of the US labour secretary, was accused Friday of paying off possible co-conspirators to "influence" them, US media reported.

Jeffrey Epstein, the financier charged with sexually abusing young girls in a case that led to the resignation of the US labour secretary, was accused Friday of paying off possible co-conspirators to "influence" them, US media reported. New York prosecutors said they had obtained financial records showing Epstein wired $350,000 to possible co-conspirators in his misdeeds, just days after reports broke of a secret plea deal he negotiated a decade ago, news reports said. "This course of action, and in particular it's timing, suggests the defendant was attempting to further influence co-conspirators who might provide information against him in light of the recently re-emerging evaluations," prosecutors said in a filing arguing that Epstein should remain behind bars until trial. Prosecutors said the financier made two payments, one for $100,000 and another for $250,000, to a pair of suspected co-conspirators, who were not named. Epstein, 66, was charged Monday in New York with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. He faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors sought to demonstrate he had a history of trying to obstruct inquiries into his actions, in order to keep him in jail pending trial. According to prosecutors, Epstein sexually exploited dozens of underage teenage girls at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida, between 2002 and 2005. Some were as young as 14. US Labor Secretary Alex Acosta resigned Friday amid a backlash over Epstein's 2009 secret plea deal he negotiated while he was a Florida federal prosecutor. The deal required Epstein to admit to a single state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor and register as a sex offender. He served just 13 months in county jail.

Epstein paid $350,000 to suspected co-conspirators to 'influence' them: Reports

Alex Acosta announced his resignation as US Labour secretary Friday, amid criticism of a secret plea deal he negotiated a decade ago with Jeffrey Epstein, the financier accused of sexually abusing young girls, reported news agency AFP.

"I called the president this morning and told him that I thought the right thing was to step aside," Acosta said in a joint appearance with President Donald Trump at the White House. &nbsp;

On Monday, US prosecutors in New York accused Epstein, 66, of sex trafficking in an indictment that detailed how he lured dozens of girls, some as young as 14, to his luxury homes and coerced them into performing sex acts. Epstein has pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutors said they were not bound by the 2008 Florida deal struck by Acosta, then the US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, that allowed Epstein to plea to a lesser offence. Epstein served 13 months in jail with leave during the day and registered as a sex offender.

Epstein's case drew renewed attention earlier this year after a Miami Herald report highlighted the plea deal and victims' ongoing struggle for justice. In February, a federal judge in Florid ruled that the agreement between Acosta and Epstein violated the victims' rights.

The White House at the time said it was looking into the matter.

Acosta's role in the Florida deal for Epstein was raised at his confirmation hearing in the Republican-led Senate. He has served as Labour secretary since April 2017.

(With inputs from agencies)

Alex Acosta announced his resignation as US Labour secretary Friday, amid criticism of a secret plea deal he negotiated a decade ago with Jeffrey Epstein, the financier accused of sexually abusing young girls, reported news agency AFP.

Alex Acosta announced his resignation as US Labour secretary Friday, amid criticism of a secret plea deal he negotiated a decade ago with Jeffrey Epstein, the financier accused of sexually abusing young girls, reported news agency AFP. "I called the president this morning and told him that I thought the right thing was to step aside," Acosta said in a joint appearance with President Donald Trump at the White House. On Monday, US prosecutors in New York accused Epstein, 66, of sex trafficking in an indictment that detailed how he lured dozens of girls, some as young as 14, to his luxury homes and coerced them into performing sex acts. Epstein has pleaded not guilty. The prosecutors said they were not bound by the 2008 Florida deal struck by Acosta, then the US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, that allowed Epstein to plea to a lesser offence. Epstein served 13 months in jail with leave during the day and registered as a sex offender. Epstein's case drew renewed attention earlier this year after a Miami Herald report highlighted the plea deal and victims' ongoing struggle for justice. In February, a federal judge in Florid ruled that the agreement between Acosta and Epstein violated the victims' rights. The White House at the time said it was looking into the matter. Acosta's role in the Florida deal for Epstein was raised at his confirmation hearing in the Republican-led Senate. He has served as Labour secretary since April 2017. (With inputs from agencies)

US Labour Secretary Alex Acosta announces resignation over Epstein affair

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for President Donald Trump's Labor secretary, Alexander Acosta, to resign amid renewed concerns over his handling of sex abuse charges involving wealthy US financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Acosta "must step down," she said in a tweet late Monday night.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecretaryAcosta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecretaryAcosta</a> must step down. As US Attorney, he engaged in an unconscionable agreement w/ Jeffrey Epstein kept secret from courageous, young victims preventing them from seeking justice. This was known by <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> when he appointed him to the cabinet. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AcostaResign?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AcostaResign</a>
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi/status/1148428641849806849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"As US Attorney, he engaged in an unconscionable agreement w/ Jeffrey Epstein kept secret from courageous, young victims preventing them from seeking justice," she wrote, adding that Trump was aware of the deal when he appointed Acosta to his Cabinet.

White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway told reporters on Tuesday that Acosta was "doing a great job."

She downplayed attention on his role in the case, saying the focus should be on Epstein. Asked if the president had confidence in Acosta, Conway pointed to the strength of the US economy.

Representatives for Acosta did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Monday, US prosecutors in New York accused Epstein, 66, of sex trafficking in an indictment that detailed how he lured dozens of girls, some as young as 14, to his luxury homes and coerced them into performing sex acts. Epstein has pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutors said they were not bound by the 2008 Florida deal struck by Acosta, then the US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, that allowed Epstein to plea to a lesser offence. Epstein served 13 months in jail with leave during the day and registered as a sex offender.

Epstein's case drew renewed attention earlier this year after a Miami Herald report highlighted the plea deal and victims' ongoing struggle for justice. In

February, a federal judge in Florid ruled that the agreement between Acosta and Epstein violated the victims' rights.

The White House at the time said it was looking into the matter.

Acosta's role in the Florida deal for Epstein was raised at his confirmation hearing in the Republican-led Senate. He has served as Labor secretary since April 2017. 
&nbsp;

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for President Donald Trump's Labor secretary, Alexander Acosta, to resign amid renewed concerns over his handling of sex abuse charges involving wealthy US financier Jeffrey Epstein.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for President Donald Trump's Labor secretary, Alexander Acosta, to resign amid renewed concerns over his handling of sex abuse charges involving wealthy US financier Jeffrey Epstein. Acosta "must step down," she said in a tweet late Monday night. .@SecretaryAcosta must step down. As US Attorney, he engaged in an unconscionable agreement w/ Jeffrey Epstein kept secret from courageous, young victims preventing them from seeking justice. This was known by @POTUS when he appointed him to the cabinet. #AcostaResign — Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 9, 2019 × "As US Attorney, he engaged in an unconscionable agreement w/ Jeffrey Epstein kept secret from courageous, young victims preventing them from seeking justice," she wrote, adding that Trump was aware of the deal when he appointed Acosta to his Cabinet. White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway told reporters on Tuesday that Acosta was "doing a great job." She downplayed attention on his role in the case, saying the focus should be on Epstein. Asked if the president had confidence in Acosta, Conway pointed to the strength of the US economy. Representatives for Acosta did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On Monday, US prosecutors in New York accused Epstein, 66, of sex trafficking in an indictment that detailed how he lured dozens of girls, some as young as 14, to his luxury homes and coerced them into performing sex acts. Epstein has pleaded not guilty. The prosecutors said they were not bound by the 2008 Florida deal struck by Acosta, then the US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, that allowed Epstein to plea to a lesser offence. Epstein served 13 months in jail with leave during the day and registered as a sex offender. Epstein's case drew renewed attention earlier this year after a Miami Herald report highlighted the plea deal and victims' ongoing struggle for justice. In February, a federal judge in Florid ruled that the agreement between Acosta and Epstein violated the victims' rights. The White House at the time said it was looking into the matter. Acosta's role in the Florida deal for Epstein was raised at his confirmation hearing in the Republican-led Senate. He has served as Labor secretary since April 2017.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calls for Acosta to resign over Epstein deal

Jeffrey Epstein is facing sex trafficking charges. The alleged victims were as young as 14. He was taken into custody on Saturday. He is old friend of U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has fondly spoken about Jeffrey Epstein. Watch this video to know more.

A sex scandal that should worry Trump

Jeffrey Epstein, a hedge fund billionaire with ties to top politicians and celebrities, was charged on Monday with sexually exploiting dozens of young girls.

Epstein, 66, was arrested at an airport in New Jersey on Saturday after returning to the United States from Paris on a private jet.

In an indictment unsealed in US District Court for the Southern District of New York, he was charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.

"(Epstein) sexually exploited and abused dozens of minor girls at his homes in Manhattan, New York, and Palm Beach, Florida, among other locations," the indictment said.

Some of the victims were as young as 14.

Epstein, a well-connected financier whose friends have included President Donald Trump and former president Bill Clinton, was convicted previously of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach mansion.

But Epstein avoided federal prosecution in those cases with a 2007 plea deal negotiated by his lawyers with Alexander Acosta, now the labour secretary in the Trump administration.

Under the secret deal, he pleaded guilty to a state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor and served 13 months in county jail.

Acosta, who was the top federal prosecutor in Miami at the time, has been the target of a campaign demanding his resignation over the relatively light sentence handed down to the billionaire financier.

Jeffrey Epstein, a hedge fund billionaire with ties to top politicians and celebrities, was charged on Monday with sexually exploiting dozens of young girls. Epstein, 66, was arrested at an airport in New Jersey on Saturday after returning to the United States from Paris on a private jet.

Jeffrey Epstein, a hedge fund billionaire with ties to top politicians and celebrities, was charged on Monday with sexually exploiting dozens of young girls. Epstein, 66, was arrested at an airport in New Jersey on Saturday after returning to the United States from Paris on a private jet. In an indictment unsealed in US District Court for the Southern District of New York, he was charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. "(Epstein) sexually exploited and abused dozens of minor girls at his homes in Manhattan, New York, and Palm Beach, Florida, among other locations," the indictment said. Some of the victims were as young as 14. Epstein, a well-connected financier whose friends have included President Donald Trump and former president Bill Clinton, was convicted previously of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach mansion. But Epstein avoided federal prosecution in those cases with a 2007 plea deal negotiated by his lawyers with Alexander Acosta, now the labour secretary in the Trump administration. Under the secret deal, he pleaded guilty to a state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor and served 13 months in county jail. Acosta, who was the top federal prosecutor in Miami at the time, has been the target of a campaign demanding his resignation over the relatively light sentence handed down to the billionaire financier.

US hedge fund billionaire charged with sex trafficking minors

A hedge fund billionaire has been arrested on sex trafficking charges in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rainbows-fill-new-yorks-streets-as-gay-pride-parade-celebrates-50-year-anniversary-of-stonewall-riots-231855">New York area</a>, after having long been followed by accusations of molesting young girls, US media reported.

Jeffrey Epstein, who is expected to appear before a federal magistrate on Monday, was arrested Saturday at a New Jersey airport after arriving from Paris in his private jet, CBS Miami reported.

A source familiar with the case told the television station Epstein was charged with one count of sex trafficking and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

Epstein had long been the subject of accusations of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach, Florida mansion.

A police investigation found that he had engaged in sex with underage girls, some as young as 13, according to reporting by the Miami Herald.

But Epstein avoided federal prosecution in those cases with a 2007 plea deal negotiated by R&nbsp;Alexander Acosta, now the US labour secretary and at the time the top federal prosecutor in Miami.

Under the deal, he pleaded guilty to a state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor and was sentenced to 18 months in the county jail.

The Miami Herald investigation found that Epstein was granted work release privileges that allowed him to leave jail for 12 hours a day, six days a week, and that he was released after 13 months.

The revelations threw a spotlight on Epstein, a well-connected financier whose friends included US President Donald Trump and former president Bill Clinton.

It also drew attention to Acosta's role in negotiating the plea deal.

A hedge fund billionaire has been arrested on sex trafficking charges in the New York area, after having long been followed by accusations of molesting young girls, US media reported.

A hedge fund billionaire has been arrested on sex trafficking charges in the New York area, after having long been followed by accusations of molesting young girls, US media reported. Jeffrey Epstein, who is expected to appear before a federal magistrate on Monday, was arrested Saturday at a New Jersey airport after arriving from Paris in his private jet, CBS Miami reported. A source familiar with the case told the television station Epstein was charged with one count of sex trafficking and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Epstein had long been the subject of accusations of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach, Florida mansion. A police investigation found that he had engaged in sex with underage girls, some as young as 13, according to reporting by the Miami Herald. But Epstein avoided federal prosecution in those cases with a 2007 plea deal negotiated by R Alexander Acosta, now the US labour secretary and at the time the top federal prosecutor in Miami. Under the deal, he pleaded guilty to a state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor and was sentenced to 18 months in the county jail. The Miami Herald investigation found that Epstein was granted work release privileges that allowed him to leave jail for 12 hours a day, six days a week, and that he was released after 13 months. The revelations threw a spotlight on Epstein, a well-connected financier whose friends included US President Donald Trump and former president Bill Clinton. It also drew attention to Acosta's role in negotiating the plea deal.

United States billionaire Jeffrey Epstein arrested on sex trafficking charges: Reports

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