A Florida sheriff launched an investigation Friday into whether his department properly monitored the wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein while he was serving a sentence for soliciting prostitution from underage girls.
The inquiry will focus on whether deputies assigned to monitor Epstein in a work-release program violated any rules or regulations, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said in a statement. Under a 2008 plea deal, Epstein was allowed to spend most of his days at the office of his now-defunct Florida Science Foundation, which doled out research grants, rather than in the county jail.
Epstein, 66, was convicted on one count of procuring a person under age 18 for prostitution and one count of solicitation of prostitution. He served a 13-month sentence, registered as a sex offender and paid restitution to victims. While only convicted on two counts, prosecutors alleged that Epstein had been involved with dozens of underage teenage girls.His plea deal helped him avoid more serious federal charges.
Sex offenders are now banned from participating in the county’s work release program, but apparently weren’t in 2008, according to a copy of the rules at the time. “I do remember young women coming in and going back into the office area,” the now-retired deputy, Jeffrey Rice, said in an interview Thursday.Epstein was not allowed to leave the office unless he was returning to jail, but records show sheriff’s deputies escorted Epstein to his Palm Beach mansion on at least eight occasions.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Florida sheriff to investigate Epstein's work releaseA Florida sheriff launched an investigation Friday into whether his department properly monitored the wealthy financer Jeffrey Epstein while he was serving a sentence for soliciting prostitution from underage girls. The inquiry will focus on whether deputies assigned to monitor Epstein in a work-release
Read more »
Jeffrey Epstein's jail work release in Florida under investigation after sex contact claimsEarlier this week, a lawyer said Jeffrey Epstein, a former friend of Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, had 'improper sexual contact' with at least one woman under the age of 21 in Epstein's business office in West Palm Beach, Florida, during his work release from jail.
Read more »
Florida county launches internal investigation on Jeffrey Epstein monitoringPalm Beach County launches an internal investigation into its sheriff's deputies monitoring of Jeffrey Epstein, following allegations he had 'improper sexual conduct' while on work release from jail.
Read more »
Palm Beach County Sheriff opens probe into Jeffrey Epstein's generous sentence that allowed him to leave jail six days a week'All aspects of the matter will be fully investigated to ensure total transparency and accountability,' a statement said.
Read more »