Sex Crimes

Rich man's accusers win precedent-setting ruling, press to reopen Florida sexual abuse case

Associated Press
Published | Updated

This July 30, 2008 photo shows Jeffrey Epstein in custody in West Palm Beach, Fla. Epstein was suspected nearly a decade ago of paying for sex with underage girls. The FBI abruptly dropped its investigation a few years ago, and Epstein pleaded guilty to a single state charge of soliciting prostitution. He served 13 months in jail. Now, two women who say they were sexually abused as girls by Epstein are hoping a trove of new documents will get the case reopened. (AP Photo/Palm Beach Post, Uma Sanghvi) (The Associated Press)

This July 27, 2006 arrest photo made available by the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office, in Florida, shows Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was suspected nearly a decade ago of paying for sex with underage girls. The FBI abruptly dropped its investigation a few years ago, and Epstein pleaded guilty to a single state charge of soliciting prostitution. He served 13 months in jail. Now, two women who say they were sexually abused as girls by Epstein are hoping a trove of new documents will get the case reopened. (AP Photo/Palm Beach Sheriff's Office) (The Associated Press)

Two women who say they were sexually abused as teenagers by a wealthy financial guru in Palm Beach are hoping a trove of newly released documents will get the case reopened.

The case involves Jeffrey Epstein, who was suspected nearly a decade ago of paying for sex with dozens of underage girls. The FBI ultimately dropped its investigation, and Epstein pleaded guilty to a single offense and served more than a year in jail.

Recently, though, Epstein's accusers won a precedent-setting ruling that will let them see the documents regarding the deal Epstein made with the government.

The women are hoping to undo the agreement and subject Epstein to more charges.

The women's lawyers say Epstein got a sweetheart deal because of his wealth and connections. His attorneys deny that.