5 things to know about the Jeffrey Epstein arrest, sex trafficking charges

By Brandon Showalter, Opinion writer and social commentator Wednesday, July 10, 2019

What is to come

Because Epstein is connected to the wealthy and powerful and is said to have operated a sex trafficking ring, many are wondering who will be exposed next or implicated.

"This Epstein case is horrific and the young women deserve justice," tweeted Christine Pelosi, the daughter of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic National Committee official.

"It is quite likely that some of our faves are implicated but we must follow the facts and let the chips fall where they may — whether on Republicans or Democrats."

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Nebraska, said in a statement Saturday that Epstein ought to be held without bail pending trial.

"This monster received a pathetically soft sentence last time and his victims deserve nothing less than justice," the Nebraska senator said.

"Justice doesn't depend on the size of your bank account."

Epstein is also a friend of Britain's Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, likely since the 1990s, according to the Guardian.

In 2015, it was reported that Epstein had Virginia Roberts Giuffre brought to his home and “loaned her out to rich and influential men around the world," one of them being Prince Andrew. Giuffre said she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew on three separate occasions. Buckingham Palace has fervently denied the charges.