Jeffrey Epstein’s past is coming under new scrutiny with the release of old police reports. These documents reveal that the Palm Beach Police Department (PBPD) had investigated Epstein several times before his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution.
In 2005, a couple reported to the police that they suspected their 14-year-old daughter had a sexual relationship with an older man in Palm Beach. They didn’t know the man’s name or address, but this tip led to the investigation that eventually caught Epstein.
However, the new records show that police were aware of Epstein long before this. As early as 2001, the West Palm Beach Police Department contacted the PBPD about Ghislaine Maxwell, who allegedly was hiring young women from a local college to work at her home. Some of these students claimed that Maxwell offered them $200 a day to answer phones, and others said that Epstein touched them inappropriately.
The police investigated these claims and even searched Epstein’s trash, finding nude photos and a list of women. But the case was closed in 2002 because police didn’t find any clear illegal activity.
In 2004, a masseuse told police that Epstein had repeatedly asked her to take off her clothes during massages. A taxi driver also reported dropping off two young girls at Epstein’s house, who were overheard discussing how much money they would make “dating” in Palm Beach.
In November 2004, police questioned a woman parked at Epstein’s home. She said she was there to pick up money for being a massage therapist and mentioned that Epstein often had young girls visiting him.
Despite these reports, it wasn’t until 2005 that police started seriously investigating Epstein. They began monitoring his home and eventually arrested him for sexual battery of a 14-year-old girl.
By 2006, police had interviewed over 30 potential victims, most of whom were underage. A detective recommended charging Epstein with multiple counts of sexual activity with a minor, which could have resulted in a 135-year prison sentence.
However, prosecutors chose to indict Epstein on only one count of soliciting a prostitute. This allowed Epstein to negotiate a plea deal, serving just 13 months in jail and then being placed on house arrest.
