Transcript
Convicted pedophile and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein is dead by apparent suicide.
And now a lot of people including lawmakers and US Attorney General Bill Barr want to know how it could have happened while he was in federal custody in Manhattan.
Epstein had been held in Manhattan’s Metropolitan correctional Center since his arrest in early July.
He pleaded not guilty to federal charges after prosecutors accused him of sex trafficking dozens of underage girls, some as young as fourteen.
His request to await trial at his upper East side mansion was denied and he was ordered to stay at the federal facility.
Prison officials say Epstein was found dead in his cell early Saturday morning.
Epstein’s death comes less than twenty-four hours after thousands of pages of revealing documents were unsealed, alleging new details of sexual abuse claims against Epstein and several associates.
Those associates include the names of very prominent men in politics and business.
The news of Epstein’s death has left many angry that he will never have to face his alleged victims in court.
But even though criminal charges won’t be pursued, accusers could still file civil lawsuits seeking money from Epstein’s estate.
An attorney for Epstein called for an investigation into his death.
US Attorney General Bill Barr said he was appalled to learn of Epstein’s death while in federal custody and has ordered the FBI and the Justice Department’s Inspector General to open an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
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