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Epstein Appeals To Not Be Jailed Awaiting Trial

Billionaire political financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is appealing U.S. District Judge Richard Berman’s decision to keep him behind bars until his trial. Epstein is facing new sex trafficking charges after public outrage over his light sentence in 2007 caused federal investigators to re-open his case.

Berman expressed concern that Epstein might seek out “new victims” if he’s released from jail.

“Mr. Epstein’s alleged excessive attraction to sexual conduct with or in the presence of minor girls — which is said to include his soliciting and receiving massages from young girls and young women perhaps as many as four times a day — appears likely to be uncontrollable,” Judge Berman wrote. He also called Epstein a flight risk and a danger to the public.

Epstein’s lawyer pointed out that no new accusers have come forward since Epstein’s first trial. But one victim, Courtney Wild, appeared in court to ask Berman not to grant bail.

“Your honor, my name is Courtney Wild and I was sexually abused by Jeffrey Epstein at the age of 14,” Wild said. “He is a scary person to have walking the street.”

Epstein has connections to many powerful politicians and businessmen around the world, including former President Bill Clinton and President Donald Trump. Both Clinton and Trump have denied knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct and said they cut ties with Epstein long ago.