5 things to know about the Jeffrey Epstein arrest, sex trafficking charges
The charges
Epstein was charged Monday with sexually abusing dozens of minor girls over 10 years after he was charged and convicted in Florida of similar crimes but was given a deal to evade federal prosecution. The new charges were brought in Manhattan.
"The news of my abuser's arrest today is a step in the right direction to finally hold Epstein accountable for his crimes and restore my faith that power and money can't triumph over justice," said Sarah Ransome, who claims she was recruited and trafficked for sex by Epstein in 2006 and 2007.
Epstein has been ordered to remain in jail until Monday, when his bail hearing will occur. Because of his sizable wealth and access to private planes, he is considered to be a flight risk among New York law enforcement.
The latest indictment claims the billionaire financial manager knew that some of the girls he allegedly abused were only 14. Prosecutors say that in other instances he used victims to recruit other girls to expand his network of abuse.