The apparent suicide of the alleged sex trafficker and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has left a large number of victims dissatisfied and disappointed.
They understandably feel that justice could not be served against the perpetrator of such serious crimes of sexual abuse of minors. The victims are disappointed that Epstein “will never face the consequences” of his actions.
Had he been alive, Epstein, 66, would have had to stand trial in 2020 on charges of sexual abuse and sex trafficking of dozens of minor female victims at his New York and Florida residences.
Victims Express their Anger
Jena-Lisa Jones, 30, had suffered sexual abuse from Epstein in Florida when she was just 14 years old. Jones said she was extremely hurt and mad that he managed to take the easy way out. She said that his suicide demonstrated his cowardice.
Jennifer Araoz, 32, had been raped by Epstein when she was just 15. Araoz has called upon the law enforcement agencies to pursue and prosecute Epstein’s enablers and accomplices.
She said she is angry at the fact that he will not be facing the survivors of his sexual abuse in a court of law. The victims will have to live with the indelible scars of his acts for the remainder of their lives, while he got away without facing the consequences of his crimes and the trauma and pain he caused his victims, Araoz lamented.
Another victim, Michelle Licata, had attended the arraignment of Epstein last month. She has alleged that at the vulnerable age of 16, Epstein tricked her into visiting his home as a massage therapist to earn extra money, and instead abused her. Licata said that she wants Epstein to be held accountable for what he has done.
The Timing of Epstein’s Death
Epstein’s apparent suicide occurred a day after an appellate court in NY unsealed two thousand pages of documents obtained during a now-settled defamation case between one of the alleged victims of Epstein, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, and a longtime associate of Epstein Ghislaine Maxwell. Giuffre said that Maxwell, a British socialite, recruited her and arranged her to visit Epstein’s home for body massage.
Giuffre’s lawyer has said that the timing of Epstein’s death is no coincidence. The lawyer has issued a statement saying that the government should investigate who facilitated and participated in Epstein’s elaborate sex trafficking schemes. On their part, sources in law enforcement have said that the FBI as well as the US Attorney’s office will continue to examine evidence and listen to Epstein’s accusers.
Consult with an Accomplished Sexual Harassment Attorney in California
Have you suffered from sexual harassment or abuse now or in the past? If yes, you should speak to one of the competent and skilled lawyers at Makarem & Associates who will help you pursue your rightful legal claim. Call us at 310-312-0299 to schedule a consultation, or email us at [email protected].
