Judge Unseals Grand Jury Records in 2008 Epstein Case, Reveals Disturbing Testimony

A Palm Beach County court has unsealed the grand jury records from the 2008 criminal case against Jeffrey Epstein, exposing shocking details of the financier’s alleged crimes. The records were made public following an order by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

In the unsealed documents, a 16-year-old girl testified in 2006 that she was coerced into visiting Epstein’s Palm Beach estate at the age of 14 by an older acquaintance. Promised $200 for a massage, the girl recounted how the sessions quickly became sexual. According to ABC News, “The teenagers testified and told detectives they were also paid cash or rented cars if they found him more girls.”

The grand jury, despite extensive evidence from the Palm Beach Police Department, indicted Epstein on two lesser prostitution charges rather than the anticipated felony assault. This decision baffled many, especially since most victims were underage, highlighting the severity of the offenses.

The release of these documents breaks from Florida’s typical practice of keeping grand jury records sealed, leaving many to wonder why Epstein faced such minor charges. Critics argue that Epstein’s influential connections shielded him from more severe consequences.

Judge Luis Delgado, who oversaw the release, emphasized the disturbing nature of the findings. “The details in the record will be outrageous to decent people,” Delgado stated. “The testimony taken by the Grand Jury concerns activity ranging from grossly unacceptable to rape — all of the conduct at issue is sexually deviant, disgusting, and criminal.”

These records had been sealed for sixteen years until their release on July 1st. The newly available documents provide further insight into the controversial case and the non-prosecution agreement that allowed Epstein to evade significant jail time for many years.