Berman said his office is “not bound” by Epstein’s non-prosecution deal in Florida
In a statement, Berman said, “As alleged, Jeffrey Epstein abused underage girls for years, operating a scheme in which girls he victimized would recruit others for Epstein to exploit and abuse.”
“Epstein exploited girls who were vulnerable to abuse, enticed them with cash payments, and escalated his conduct to include sex acts, often occurring at his residence on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. While the charged conduct is from a number of years ago, the victims – then children and now young women – are no less entitled to their day in court,” added Berman.
During a press conference, Berman said agents recovered and seized “evidence, including nude photographs of what appeared to be underage girls.” He also made it clear that his office is “not bound” by the 2007 plea agreement between Epstein and federal prosecutors in Florida.
In 2007, Epstein struck a non-prosecution agreement when he pleaded guilty to similar crimes in Florida. He served a 13-month sentence, which he partly completed through work release.
