NEW YORK (AP) — The FBI collected ample proof that Jeffrey Epstein sexually abused underage girls but found scant evidence the well-connected financier led a sex trafficking ring serving powerful men, an Associated Press review of internal Justice Department records shows.
Videos and photos seized from Epstein’s homes in New York, Florida, and the Virgin Islands didn’t depict victims being abused or implicate anyone else in his crimes, a prosecutor wrote in one memo. An examination of Epstein’s financial records, including payments to influential figures in academia, finance, and global diplomacy, found no connection to criminal activity, according to another memo.
Agents summarized that “four or five” Epstein accusers claimed other men or women had sexually abused them. However, there was not enough evidence to bring federal charges against these individuals. A closer look at the investigation suggests that while many allegations were explored, the evidence fell short of proving a larger conspiracy.
The AP and other media organizations are currently reviewing millions of pages of documents previously kept confidential, released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which may contain information not previously considered in the investigation.
In 2005, the Epstein investigation commenced following reports of a 14-year-old girl being molested at his Palm Beach home. His initial plea deal allowed him to serve only 18 months in jail. Following revelations in 2018, Epstein was arrested again but died in custody in August 2019.
Despite extensive inquiries into potential co-conspirators, including Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s claims of trafficking to powerful men, investigators did not find definitive corroborative evidence. The lack of a substantial 'client list' further dampens the narrative of extensive trafficking operations.
In conclusion, while evidence of exploitation exists, the investigations reveal considerable obstacles in linking Epstein to a broader criminal network involving other prominent figures.
