Timeline that led to sex-trafficking charges
Nearly six years after Jeffrey Epstein’s death in federal custody, speculation abounds over what information might be in transcripts and other documents related to investigations of the wealthy financier who was a convicted sex offender and accused of sex trafficking young women and girls as young as 14.
The Trump administration is under increasing pressure to release “the Epstein files” — a call that President Trump has sometimes joined, even as his own ties to Epstein come under renewed scrutiny.
In a process spanning decades, criminal cases against Epstein culminated in charges that he operated a sex-trafficking ring preying on young women and underage girls. Prosecutors say he was aided by Ghislaine Maxwell, his long-time associate who is currently in prison.
But while thousands of pages of depositions and other legal documents have been filed — and some have been released — public calls have grown for a release of all the files.
Interest in the case has persisted along with the perception that Epstein used his wealth and elite status — hosting powerful people on private jets and socializing in Palm Beach, Fla., New York, London and a Caribbean island — not only to commit heinous crimes, but to avoid responsibility for them.
2005
Police gather more allegations from underage girls who say he sexually abused them at his mansion, in encounters that often began as massages. Federal prosecutors later say the abuse began as early as 2002.
2006
2007
The much-criticized deal includes a controversial noosecution agreement, or NPA, in which the federal prosecutor’s office grants immunity to Epstein, four co-conspirators, and “any potential co-conspirators,” the Justice Department says. Prosecutors agree not to tell Epstein’s victims about the NPA, which is filed under seal.
2008
Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office/AP
But the wealthy businessman is allowed to leave for 12 hours a day to work at a foundation that he had recently incorporated, according to the Justice Department.
2009
2010
Epstein has settled multiple civil lawsuits brought against him by his victims.
2015
2017
2018
2019
Courtney Wild, who had helped start the first proceedings against Epstein in Florida more than 10 years earlier, is among those who step forward.
“Jeffrey Epstein sexually abused me for years, robbing me of my innocence and mental health,” she said. “Jeffrey Epstein has done nothing but manipulate our justice system, where he has never been held accountable for his actions, even to this day.”