Epstein's Timeline(s)
Police in Palm Beach, Florida, begin investigating Epstein after a family reports that their 14-year-old daughter was molested at his mansion
Police charge Epstein with multiple counts of unlawful sex acts with minors, but the case is sent to a grand jury
Epstein is arrested and indicted on a single count of soliciting prostitution. The FBI opens a federal investigation
Epstein pleads not guilty to the charges. A grand jury returns a single charge of solicitation of prostitution after hearing from only two victims, leading to criticism of the leniency of the legal process.
Federal prosecutors draft charges against Epstein as investigations continue. Negotiations for a plea deal begin with U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta.
Epstein pleads guilty to solicitation of prostitution and solicitation of prostitution from a minor. He is sentenced to 18 months in jail with extensive work release. He enters into a controversial non-prosecution agreement (NPA) that shields him from federal charges and protects co-conspirators.
Victims learn of the plea deal and file an emergency petition under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act
Epstein begins work release from jail. According to the Miami Herald, this includes the prisoner being “picked up by his private driver six days a week and transported to an office in West Palm Beach, where he accepts visitors for up to 12 hours a day” before returning to jail at night. The Washington Post reported Epstein’s cell door was left unlocked, and once deputies allowed him to travel unsupervised in Palm Beach for four hours.
Epstein is given early release from jail. He never serves time in a federal prison.
Prince Andrew is photographed walking with Epstein in Central Park, New York City, after Epstein’s release from prison.
Epstein registers as a level 3 sex offender, one in which a “high risk of repeat offense and a threat to public safety exists,” in New York.
Accuser Virginia Roberts files papers saying Epstein forced her to have sex with members of his social set while she was just 16 years old. A federal judge blocks her claim, but a follow-up lawsuit against another person involved in the accusation is settled in June 2017 for an undisclosed sum.
Journalist Julie K. Brown publishes an investigative report in the Miami Herald, revealing the extent of Epstein’s abuse and the leniency of his plea deal in 2008. This report identifies numerous victims and reignites public interest in the case.
The U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Professional Responsibility begins investigating potential misconduct by U.S. attorneys involved in Epstein’s case.
A federal judge rules that Epstein’s 2008 plea deal was illegal because it violated the Crime Victims’ Rights Act by not consulting victims.
Epstein is arrested at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey on federal charges of sex trafficking minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
Epstein pleads not guilty to the new charges, which could carry a maximum penalty of up to 45 years in prison.
Alexander Acosta resigns as Labor Secretary amid backlash over his handling of Epstein’s earlier plea deal.
Epstein is found injured in his jail cell under suspicious circumstances.
Epstein is found dead in his jail cell in an apparent suicide while awaiting trial on serious federal charges. His death raises numerous conspiracy theories regarding the circumstances surrounding it.
