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MelissaB

(16,420 posts)
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 04:02 PM Feb 2019

Breaking: Federal prosecutors broke law in Jeffrey Epstein case, judge rules





Breaking: Federal prosecutors broke law in Jeffrey Epstein case, judge rules

A judge ruled Thursday that federal prosecutors — among them, U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta— broke federal law when they signed a plea agreement with a wealthy, politically connected sex trafficker and concealed it from more than 30 of his underage victims.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth A. Marra, in a 33-page opinion, said that the evidence he reviewed showed that Jeffrey Epstein had been operating an international sex operation in which he and others recruited underage girls — not only in Florida — but from overseas, in violation of federal law.

“Epstein used paid employees to find and bring minor girls to him.,’’ wrote Marra, who is based in Palm Beach County. “Epstein worked in concert with others to obtain minors not only for his own sexual gratification, but also for the sexual gratification of others.’’

Instead of prosecuting Epstein under federal sex trafficking laws, Acosta, then the U.S. attorney in Miami, helped negotiate a non-prosecution agreement that gave Epstein and his co-conspirators immunity from federal prosecution. Epstein, who lived in a Palm Beach mansion, was allowed to quietly plead guilty in state court to two prostitution charges and served just 13 months in the county jail. His accomplices, some of whom have never been identified, were never charged.

Read more here: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article226577419.html#storylink=cpy



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Breaking: Federal prosecutors broke law in Jeffrey Epstein case, judge rules (Original Post) MelissaB Feb 2019 OP
Maybe Acosta shouldn't be "U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta". MelissaB Feb 2019 #1
Maybe some federal prosecutors should be in jail exboyfil Feb 2019 #3
Since the state was Florida, Pam Biondo is a close Trump friend. Blue_true Feb 2019 #31
Say it LOUDER!!! Shout it from the rooftops!! NurseJackie Feb 2019 #8
There is another question there... angrychair Feb 2019 #13
trDump is a you wash my back and I'll wash yours sorta Thug..... magicarpet Feb 2019 #23
Exactly angrychair Feb 2019 #42
Sounds like they were washing something off -- LuvNewcastle Feb 2019 #46
More tRump cabinet corruption. Do not let this be normalized. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Feb 2019 #39
Interesting. GoCubsGo Feb 2019 #2
They will stoop to any means to keep themselves from prosecution. BSdetect Feb 2019 #4
I think Alan Derpowitz was involved in that travesty as well pecosbob Feb 2019 #5
Yes he was. GemDigger Feb 2019 #7
He was True Blue American Feb 2019 #18
Was he charged with sex trafficking? MagickMuffin Feb 2019 #6
The plea deal only True Blue American Feb 2019 #50
This is huge. Dershowitz should be concerned about more than Hampton invites. nt Baltimike Feb 2019 #9
So now what? Oopsies... It won't happen next time? PeeJ52 Feb 2019 #10
And all these preverts will suddenly find the "christ" word and want to get back to their families. erronis Feb 2019 #14
What law was broken and whats the sentence range? thx in advance uponit7771 Feb 2019 #11
the Crime Victims' Rights Act bluescribbler Feb 2019 #16
What a bunch of bullshit. It's why we Little People fascisthunter Feb 2019 #43
Hey bluescribbler Feb 2019 #62
Sorry, I didn't mean that for you in particular. fascisthunter Feb 2019 #63
Thanks for that link red dog 1 Feb 2019 #72
Retrial? Charge Acosta? zaj Feb 2019 #12
Please Let Alan Douchebagowitz Be Shaking In His Sex Offender Boots! DoctorJoJo Feb 2019 #15
K&R EveHammond13 Feb 2019 #17
Reminding America that trump hires only the best spanone Feb 2019 #19
What is the remedy? PTWB Feb 2019 #20
Miami Herald has done a mountain of work on this Hermit-The-Prog Feb 2019 #21
Yes - apparently Julie K. Brown, a Miami Herald journalist, has been relentlessly pursuing justice Leghorn21 Feb 2019 #27
The Miami Herald did a brilliant job on this. Haggis for Breakfast Feb 2019 #37
Trump reportedly was seen at many of Jeffrey Epstein's "Lolita Parties" red dog 1 Feb 2019 #22
Accuses Drumpf. n/t rzemanfl Feb 2019 #26
Yes! red dog 1 Feb 2019 #32
Given his noted behavior in pageant locker rooms, I have long suspected MrsCoffee Feb 2019 #29
I wonder if Ivanka was invited to these parties. Farmer-Rick Feb 2019 #54
I've been stating for years that the "pee" tape is Benedict Donald with underage girls in Russia ... uponit7771 Feb 2019 #56
I there a Limitations True Blue American Feb 2019 #65
In this case, since the plaintiff's life was threatened, the judge ruled that the statute of red dog 1 Feb 2019 #67
Thanks True Blue American Feb 2019 #68
Here are a couple of links red dog 1 Feb 2019 #70
Thanks again.:) Note True Blue American Feb 2019 #71
Towards the end of the article it states that Epstein could face future charges if more dameatball Feb 2019 #24
"no statute of limitations for sex trafficking since 2002" Hortensis Feb 2019 #25
Thanks for that. True Blue American Feb 2019 #66
Good. I'm sick of this above the law bullshit! nt ecstatic Feb 2019 #28
Epstein is a human piece of garbage! FM123 Feb 2019 #30
My sister claims Epstein is the reason she voted FOR Tre45on AllyCat Feb 2019 #35
So how did she explain to herself that MF45 was actually at the parties? dhol82 Feb 2019 #41
Well, she doesn't want to talk politics with me anymore AllyCat Feb 2019 #44
Not surprised. dhol82 Feb 2019 #49
'signed a plea agreement with a wealthy, politically connected sex trafficker elleng Feb 2019 #33
Ugh, even these vague discussions about what he and AllyCat Feb 2019 #34
This is a big deal - wish it was getting more coverage. Vinca Feb 2019 #36
Donny Deutsch said on Morning Joe a few months ago that he met Epstein at a party in New York saljr1 Feb 2019 #38
Wonder what tRUMP's Fixer, Cohen knows about all of this....nt SayItLoud Feb 2019 #40
Good question! red dog 1 Feb 2019 #69
A little bit 'o justice, here. And a decent judge. byronius Feb 2019 #45
"also for the sexual gratification of others." including A. Dershowitz!! allegedly I should say. YOHABLO Feb 2019 #47
Sick to my stomach brandnewday2009 Feb 2019 #48
What makes me sick is that we have True Blue American Feb 2019 #52
Worse than we EVER could have imagined ailsagirl Feb 2019 #64
K&R ck4829 Feb 2019 #51
K&R... spanone Feb 2019 #53
Anyone remember the Franklin cover up Hotler Feb 2019 #55
Anyone else starting to think where those "lost" border children are at right now?! These are uponit7771 Feb 2019 #57
and nobody seems to be looking for the kids. nt Hotler Feb 2019 #58
I have been True Blue American Feb 2019 #73
KnR FailureToCommunicate Feb 2019 #59
The GOP is involved with the real pedophile ring. UCmeNdc Feb 2019 #60
Arggghhhh! greblach Feb 2019 #61
Such a weird case politically madville Feb 2019 #74

exboyfil

(17,857 posts)
3. Maybe some federal prosecutors should be in jail
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 04:09 PM
Feb 2019

Including Acosta. Double jeopardy sucks when the system is corrupted like this. Sounds like the state folks where also in on this deal.

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
31. Since the state was Florida, Pam Biondo is a close Trump friend.
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 06:06 PM
Feb 2019

She was not going to try a case that might expose Trump.

angrychair

(8,592 posts)
13. There is another question there...
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 04:48 PM
Feb 2019

Is Acosta now “labor secretary Acosta” because of that deal...
Trump was friends with Epstein and it was at an Epstein party that the then 13 yr old girl said trump sexually assaulted her...just saying...

magicarpet

(13,935 posts)
23. trDump is a you wash my back and I'll wash yours sorta Thug.....
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 05:32 PM
Feb 2019

... did Epstein and trDump payoff Acosta then hand out a plumb job for not allowing their criminality to come to light ?

That is trDump's MO.

GoCubsGo

(32,061 posts)
2. Interesting.
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 04:09 PM
Feb 2019

More Trumpsters skirting the law to keep shitstains like Epstein out of prison? Gee, who would've guessed such a thing could happen?

MagickMuffin

(15,886 posts)
6. Was he charged with sex trafficking?
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 04:28 PM
Feb 2019

I'm sure there must be some other crimes connected to this one where he can be charged.

But I think since the prosecutors broke the law then they should be charged along with the child predator Epstein.



True Blue American

(17,972 posts)
50. The plea deal only
Fri Feb 22, 2019, 09:11 AM
Feb 2019

Involved 2. Why can’t the others sue? Prosecutors had no problem doing that with Cosby.

Weinstein/ Trump, all need to be in jail. Anyone involved.

 

PeeJ52

(1,588 posts)
10. So now what? Oopsies... It won't happen next time?
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 04:40 PM
Feb 2019

We'll prosecute the next poor person we catch doing this to the fullest extent of the law!!!

erronis

(14,941 posts)
14. And all these preverts will suddenly find the "christ" word and want to get back to their families.
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 04:48 PM
Feb 2019

If they still have families those families should be very worried. Except the dumpf kids - they've been steeped in the sewage so long it just seems normal.

bluescribbler

(2,105 posts)
16. the Crime Victims' Rights Act
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 05:00 PM
Feb 2019
Uma Sanghvi Palm Beach Post via AP

Acosta agreed to seal the deal, which meant that none of Epstein’s victims, who were mostly 13 to 16 years old at the time of the abuse, were told about it until it was too late for them to appear at his sentencing and possibly reject the deal. Upon learning that Epstein had pleaded guilty without their knowledge, two of his victims filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida in 2008, claiming that prosecutors violated the Crime Victims’ Rights Act, which grants victims of federal crimes a series of rights, including the ability to confer with prosecutors about a possible plea deal.

Read more here: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article226577419.html#storylink=cpy
 

fascisthunter

(29,381 posts)
43. What a bunch of bullshit. It's why we Little People
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 08:37 PM
Feb 2019

will be tearing you all down to the ground. Death by a thousand cuts....

Leghorn21

(13,520 posts)
27. Yes - apparently Julie K. Brown, a Miami Herald journalist, has been relentlessly pursuing justice
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 05:41 PM
Feb 2019

for these women for a long, long time - I gather that without her tenacity, this disgusting case would have faded away forEVER.

This is great news we’re getting today!!!

Haggis for Breakfast

(6,831 posts)
37. The Miami Herald did a brilliant job on this.
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 06:35 PM
Feb 2019

In a four-part series. Extensive and revealing. That team deserves the Pulitzer for this.

red dog 1

(27,647 posts)
22. Trump reportedly was seen at many of Jeffrey Epstein's "Lolita Parties"
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 05:28 PM
Feb 2019

Both in Florida and at Epstein's Upper East Side Manhattan townhouse

Speaking of Epstein, here's a website with some incredible content:
https://www.justiceforkatie.com

red dog 1

(27,647 posts)
32. Yes!
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 06:12 PM
Feb 2019

She accuses both Drumpf and Epstein.

And if she's lying, why hasn't she been sued for slander?

MrsCoffee

(5,801 posts)
29. Given his noted behavior in pageant locker rooms, I have long suspected
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 05:58 PM
Feb 2019

that his ultimate kompromat might just involve under age girls.

Perhaps Acosta's appointment was a reward for sweeping things under the rug.

Nothing would surprise me these days.

uponit7771

(90,225 posts)
56. I've been stating for years that the "pee" tape is Benedict Donald with underage girls in Russia ...
Fri Feb 22, 2019, 10:42 AM
Feb 2019

... because he's stupid enough to think that someone in their 20s are attracted to him.

red dog 1

(27,647 posts)
67. In this case, since the plaintiff's life was threatened, the judge ruled that the statute of
Sun Feb 24, 2019, 03:33 PM
Feb 2019

limitations would be waived.
Lisa Bloom was the plaintiff's attorney, and has written articles in HuffPo about it.
Ms. Bloom also has discussed the case on The Thom Hartmann Show.

dameatball

(7,380 posts)
24. Towards the end of the article it states that Epstein could face future charges if more
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 05:35 PM
Feb 2019

victims come forward that were not identified in the first trial. His original sentence cannot be overturned, but if additional victims are found he could face another trial and possibly a new sentence. Gee, I wonder WHO he might give up if he was facing another trial. I also wonder WHO any additional victims might identify as participants.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
25. "no statute of limitations for sex trafficking since 2002"
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 05:35 PM
Feb 2019

Epstein could be prosecuted if victims came forward with new charges, and apparently in another jurisdiction. Don't understand the jurisdictional issue, but let's hope he gets slammed good.

AllyCat

(16,031 posts)
35. My sister claims Epstein is the reason she voted FOR Tre45on
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 06:25 PM
Feb 2019

She said Bill Clinton rode on Epstein’s plane making him guilty of having sex with underage girls. So OBVIOUSLY HRC was also complicit.

elleng

(130,126 posts)
33. 'signed a plea agreement with a wealthy, politically connected sex trafficker
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 06:16 PM
Feb 2019

and concealed it from more than 30 of his underage victims. . .

Instead of prosecuting Epstein under federal sex trafficking laws, Acosta, then the U.S. attorney in Miami, helped negotiate a non-prosecution agreement that gave Epstein and his co-conspirators immunity from federal prosecution.'

AllyCat

(16,031 posts)
34. Ugh, even these vague discussions about what he and
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 06:23 PM
Feb 2019

The “customers” did just turns my stomach. Horrible.

And then the Feds turn around and let him off the hook.

Sickening.

Vinca

(50,168 posts)
36. This is a big deal - wish it was getting more coverage.
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 06:29 PM
Feb 2019

The second part of the plea deal might be protecting a certain orange blob in the White House. The article didn't indicate whether it could or would be thrown out and done over. It should be.

saljr1

(273 posts)
38. Donny Deutsch said on Morning Joe a few months ago that he met Epstein at a party in New York
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 06:38 PM
Feb 2019

years ago and thought Epstein was a weirdo because he asked him what kind of girls he liked. That was his only encounter with him. Wonder if he asked Dershowitz the same question?

byronius

(7,369 posts)
45. A little bit 'o justice, here. And a decent judge.
Thu Feb 21, 2019, 09:56 PM
Feb 2019

Hope they blow this wide open for years. Hope Epstein flips on everybody to avoid life.

Everybody.

I'd like to remind everyone at this point that there is a possible connection between Epstein and Jerry Sandusky, who may have brought some of his victims to Epstein's private plane. That's in victim testimony from the Sandusky trial, unless I'm mistaken.

This is always relevant:

Jimmy Savile

 

brandnewday2009

(287 posts)
48. Sick to my stomach
Fri Feb 22, 2019, 09:01 AM
Feb 2019

Of course, the scandal involves (again) TheRump and a coverup, but I feel sick everytime I read about this story. Sex trafficking of minors is an ultimate degradation of humanity; Acosta, Epstein, and especially TheRump will burn in hell for their crimes. I hope (but sadly, doubt) the justice system does not ignore this story.

True Blue American

(17,972 posts)
52. What makes me sick is that we have
Fri Feb 22, 2019, 09:16 AM
Feb 2019

Last edited Fri Feb 22, 2019, 02:13 PM - Edit history (1)

Prosecutors like this and are now in the Trump cabinet.Trump brought in every sleazy friend he has

ailsagirl

(22,837 posts)
64. Worse than we EVER could have imagined
Sat Feb 23, 2019, 10:56 PM
Feb 2019

He and his buddies are truly rotten to the core

LOCK THEM UP!!!!!!!!

uponit7771

(90,225 posts)
57. Anyone else starting to think where those "lost" border children are at right now?! These are
Fri Feb 22, 2019, 10:45 AM
Feb 2019

... some of the sleaziest bastards around Benedict Donald.

I wouldn't be shocked that those "lost" children were found by Epstein types.

UCmeNdc

(9,589 posts)
60. The GOP is involved with the real pedophile ring.
Fri Feb 22, 2019, 02:28 PM
Feb 2019

They framed Hillary Clinton for their very real illegal activities.

madville

(7,397 posts)
74. Such a weird case politically
Sun Feb 24, 2019, 04:28 PM
Feb 2019

Epstein was a big Democratic donor through the 90's and into the 2000s. Why would a Republican prosecutor cut him a huge break? Remember this was well before Trump was a Republican so I don't really see a connection there and I doubt he was going out of his way to protect Bill Clinton. There's something else in this case I'm sure everyone would like to know, maybe some other prominent politicians or big financial people whose names haven't ever come up. Clinton, Trump and Kevin Spacey hanging out with Epstein has always been creepy.

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