NEW YORK (AP) — The FBI meticulously reviewed Jeffrey Epstein's bank records and emails, conducted searches of his properties, and spent years interviewing his victims and examining his connections to high-profile individuals. However, an Associated Press review of internal documents indicates that despite gathering significant evidence of Epstein's sexual abuse of underage girls, there is minimal proof to suggest he operated a sex trafficking ring catering to powerful men.
Investigators sifted through videos and photos seized from Epstein's residences across New York, Florida, and the Virgin Islands but found no evidence of abuse or involvement of others in his crimes. Internal memos from the Justice Department reported that the financial records examined revealed no links to criminal activities regarding those influential individuals directly associated with Epstein.
While one victim made claims of being lent out to Epstein's wealthy contacts, FBI agents could not corroborate this, and further investigation revealed a lack of similar testimonies from other victims. Summarizing their findings in a July email, agents noted that while a handful of accusers cited other potential abusers, there was insufficient evidence for federal charges, leading to referrals to local law enforcement instead.
Despite the lack of evidence, a review of millions of pages of documents recently released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act continues, with expectations that these could reveal previously overlooked information. The investigation, prompted by earlier allegations in 2005, sought justice for at least 35 girls whom Epstein allegedly exploited by offering payment for manipulative and abusive interactions. In 2019, Epstein was arrested again, only to die by suicide shortly thereafter, leading to the prosecution of his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, on similar charges, underscoring the ongoing ramifications of this notorious case.
Investigators sifted through videos and photos seized from Epstein's residences across New York, Florida, and the Virgin Islands but found no evidence of abuse or involvement of others in his crimes. Internal memos from the Justice Department reported that the financial records examined revealed no links to criminal activities regarding those influential individuals directly associated with Epstein.
While one victim made claims of being lent out to Epstein's wealthy contacts, FBI agents could not corroborate this, and further investigation revealed a lack of similar testimonies from other victims. Summarizing their findings in a July email, agents noted that while a handful of accusers cited other potential abusers, there was insufficient evidence for federal charges, leading to referrals to local law enforcement instead.
Despite the lack of evidence, a review of millions of pages of documents recently released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act continues, with expectations that these could reveal previously overlooked information. The investigation, prompted by earlier allegations in 2005, sought justice for at least 35 girls whom Epstein allegedly exploited by offering payment for manipulative and abusive interactions. In 2019, Epstein was arrested again, only to die by suicide shortly thereafter, leading to the prosecution of his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, on similar charges, underscoring the ongoing ramifications of this notorious case.
