Judge orders surprise release of Epstein transcripts

Judge orders surprise release of Epstein transcripts

A judge in Florida has ordered the unexpected release of graphic transcripts from the state’s 2006 prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein, a case that concluded with the wealthy financier receiving a minimal sentence.

In 2008, Epstein struck a deal to avoid charges of sex trafficking and rape, pleading guilty to a lesser charge and receiving a 13-month prison sentence.

The nearly 200 pages of documents include details of Epstein’s crimes, first-hand accounts from victims, and information about payments to underage victims.

On Monday, Circuit Judge Luis Delgado ordered the release of the 16-year-old documents, stating that “details in the record will be outrageous to decent people.”

“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.”

Referring to Epstein as “the most infamous pedophile in American history,” the judge noted that the state’s leniency in the case “has been the subject of much anger and has at times diminished the public’s perception of the criminal justice system.”

“Epstein is indeed notorious and infamous and is widely reported to have flaunted his wealth while associating with politicians, billionaires, and even British royalty,” he continued.

“It is understandable that given those reports the public has a great curiosity about what was widely reported by news agencies as ‘special treatment’ regarding his prosecution.”