Accusers at Jeffrey Epstein’s Hearing

Accusers at Epstein’s hearing

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The alleged victims in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking and sexual assault cases will address a judge in U.S. District Court in Manhattan at the next court date. On that date, the government plans to dismiss all criminal charges against Jeffrey Epstein because he is dead after committing suicide in his jail cell about two weeks before the scheduled hearing. According to CBS12, however, Epstein’s victims demand to be heard when the judge dismisses the charges. The presiding judge anticipated a large gallery of spectators for the hearing and moved the session to a larger courtroom to accommodate as many people as possible who wish to witness the events.

Jeffrey Epstein’s victims will likely experience a rough time when they speak to the judge assigned to preside over the criminal case against him, currently pending in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, N.Y. One of the accusers told reporters that Epstein abused her sexually as a child. She said the abuse began when she was only 14 years old. She related her story to the assembled media how Epstein’s advances started when she was visiting Epstein’s estate in West Palm Beach. The victim believed that Epstein would not have a chance to get away with the horrendous crimes committed against young women provided that she and his other victims held fast on this occasion.

Epstein received less than a slap on the wrist for a sexual assault conviction in 2008. The judge committed him to a 13-month sentence, most of which he was on work furlough. He took advantage of the work release program to find another victim to abuse, according to allegations filed in lawsuits in Manhattan.

Formal hearings to dismiss charges when a defendant dies is not commonplace. However, the judge, in this case, felt the ends of justice are well served by allowing Epstein’s accusers to come forward and be heard.