On Thursday, a federal judge denied bail for disgraced financier Jeffrey Epsteinwho requested to stay in his New York mansion while he awaits trial for sex trafficking-related charges.

Judge Richard Berman of Manhattan’s Federal District Court declared Epstein would remain in jail until his trial. The financier stands accused of sexually abusing and trafficking dozens of underage girls during the early 2000s. Several of the women Epstein abused, some of whom were as young as 14 when the financier allegedly brought them to his luxury homes, have now come forward to detail their trauma. Epstein was arrested at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey on July 6.

“I doubt that any bail package can overcome danger to the community,” Berman said.

Prosecutors said Epstein was simply seeking “special treatment” in demanding to stay at his Upper East Side mansion in Manhattan. They also added they believe the 66-year-old financier, whose fortune is estimated at more than $500 million, is at risk of fleeing the country.

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Epstein, who allegedly committed the sex crimes between 2002 and 2005, is said to have used some of his victims as “recruiters” whom he would pay to bring home more underage girls for him to abuse. Federal officials found a large trove of nude and other lewd photos of young girls when searching Epstein’s apartment. The financier, who for years was a close friend to both President Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton, has pleaded not guilty and has promised to fight the charges, according to his legal team. If convicted, he could serve up to 45 years in prison.

After receiving two charges for his sex crimes in 2008, Epstein struck a secret plea deal in Florida that allowed him to serve just 13 months in jail.  

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Pablo Mena

Article by Pablo Mena

Writer for uPolitics.com. NY Giants and Rangers fan. Film and TV enthusiast (especially Harry Potter and The Office) and lover of foreign languages and cultures.