Epstein was being investigated by the FBI and local police for the alleged sexual abuse of dozens of underage girls. The FBI had compiled a detailed 53-page indictment, and the case could have led to serious federal charges.
Instead,
Alexander Acosta approved a Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) that:
Let Epstein plead guilty to two lesser state charges (soliciting prostitution, including with a minor).
Shielded Epstein from federal prosecution.
Granted immunity to any potential co-conspirators.
Was kept secret from Epstein’s victims, which violated the Crime Victims’ Rights Act.
Epstein ultimately served only 13 months in a county jail, where he was allowed “work release” 6 days a week.
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President Donald Trump nominated
Alexander Acosta to be Labor Secretary on February 16, 2017, and he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on April 27, 2017
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When asked in 2019 why he gave Epstein the deal,
Acosta reportedly told Trump transition officials that Epstein “belonged to intelligence” and that he was “told to back off.”
This post was edited by gnarjay on Jul 23 2025 08:41pm