New grand jury transcripts released in Jeffrey Epstein case reveal prosecutors knew about allegations against him

Florida judge releases 150 pages of grand jury transcript Monday Transcripts in 2006, which investigated allegations of sex trafficking and rape made against financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Newly released documents dating back 18 years, unsealed by Palm Beach County District Judge Luis Delgado, revealed that prosecutors knew about the detailed allegations against Epstein — years before the financier received a favorable deal.

According to a 2006 deposition, the investigation into Epstein began a year earlier. During the proceedings, two victims were interviewed — including one who said Epstein, then 50, molested her when she was 14.

The second victim testified that she was raped by Epstein the day before her 18th birthday.

The detective in charge of the case testified that the victims were paid for sex acts and encouraged to recruit other underage girls, telling them “the younger the better.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law in February that would allow the documents to be released on or after July 1. Florida grand jury transcripts are typically kept secret, but the law created an exception for cases like Epstein’s.

“In some of these rare circumstances, there needs to be a mechanism by which people can find out the truth and we can seek justice,” DeSantis said as he signed the bill.

Despite the seriousness of the charges, Epstein reached a plea deal with prosecutors two years later. He spent just 13 months in prison under a parole program after pleading guilty to prostitution-related offenses. He was also required to register as a sex offender.

Some of Epstein’s victims spoke out about the case in February.

“We were left in the dark with no answers as to what was happening and why things happened the way they did,” said Jena-Lisa Jones, one of the alleged victims.

Prosecutors have been criticized for their cross-examination of victims during the 2006 proceedings, including asking them to admit to engaging in prostitution with Epstein. Prosecutors have also said some of the victims had past problems, including drug use and shoplifting.

“One of the most important takeaways from the grand jury testimony is that people have known about this really problematic behavior for a long time, and very little was done to stop Jeffrey Epstein,” CBS News attorney Jessica Levinson told CBS News.

Epstein was arrested in 2019 on charges of sex trafficking dozens of underage girls. His death in prison before trial was ruled suicide.

Last year, The Department of Justice oversees stated that “a combination of negligence and misconduct” allowed Epstein to commit suicide.

Epstein’s Twelve Accusers sued the FBI in February for failing to protect him, according to the complaint filed in federal court in New York. The complaint alleges that tips, reports and complaints about Epstein’s activities were provided to the FBI dating back to 1996.