Epstein's prior guilty plea was part of a deal with prosecutors, who included President Trump's future Secretary of Labor, Alex Acosta. Epstein spent 13 months in a Florida county jail and had to register as a sex offender but faced immunity from federal prosecution. In February, a federal judge ruled that Acosta and other federal prosecutors broke the law by concealing a plea agreement from more than 30 underage girls who were allegedly sexually abused by Epstein.
Some of Epstein's friends include former President Bill Clinton, Great Britain's Prince Andrew and President Trump.
Mr. Trump was quoted by New York Magazine in 2002, saying of Epstein, "I've known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy. He's a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side."
At a press conference on Monday, U.S. Attorneys at the Southern District of New York argued Epstein should be detained until his trial. The government said he has three active U.S. passports, six residences—including some overseas, and one that is his own private island—16 cars, and two private jets.
Prosecutors noted Epstein faces up to 45 years in prison for counts one and two, meaning he could spend the rest of his life in jail.
"Each of these factors—the seriousness of the allegations, the strength of the evidence, and the possibility of lengthy incarceration—creates an extraordinary incentive to flee," said Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. "And as further described below, the defendant has the means and money to do so."
Benedict Arnold 