In Manhattan federal court where the judge is set to hear from victims of Jeffrey Epstein. There are three and a half rows of women with their attorneys in court. Judge Richard Berman is on the bench. @KaraScannell
Prosecutor Maurene comey telling the judge that the dismissal of Epstein’s case “in no way prohibits” the governments ongoing investigation into the involvement of other potential co conspirators, bringing new charges in the future or filing a civil forfeiture of Epstein.
Judge is calling upon victims counsel for any remarks they wish to make and to introduce their clients who wish to be heard. 14 women have stood up.
Victim’s lawyer Brad Edwards has told the judge he has 15 victims in court today. Not all will speak. There are at least 20 other victims who didn’t come. @KaraScannell
Courtney Wild is now addressing the court.
“I feel very angry and sad,” Wild says fighting back tears. “Justice has never been served in this case.” She called Epstein a “coward”
Some of the victims speaking now identifying themselves as Jane Doe.
Jane Doe 1 says this is about exploitation and coercion. “There are things that so many girls can relate to.” She said, “Change needs to happen.”
Jane Doe 2 is addressing why did they stay so long with him. She says Epstein was strategic. “Things happened slowly over time.” She says has so much self hated, blame and still doesn’t believe she’s a victim.
We are now on Jane Doe number 5
8 women have so far spoken
Two of the victims telling prosecutors to continue the investigation:
“They need yo be held accountable. All of them.”
“This is not about how he died but about how he lived. He did not act alone. We trust the government is listening.”
12 women have now addressed the court
Chauntae Davies told the court Epstein raped her on his Island while she said “no please stop.” She recalls her bloody feet as she ran back to her villa. “He won in death. I have found my voice now and I will not stop fighting. I will not be silenced anymore.”
Jane Doe 3 said she came to New York to pursue modeling. She said she was assaulted by Epstein at his home in New York. Her life spiraled after that.
Jane Doe 4 said she will never heal from pain and heartbreak
Jane Doe 5 crying as she read a letter. She said Epstein should have stayed in jail and accused him of being mentally disturbed.She said investigators came to her house. “I will never be able to get over the overwhelming emotions and embarrassment I experienced from that trauma”
A lawyer with Lisa blooms firm is reading statements from 3 victims.
Court has concluded
I read the 86 page transcript from court today. It’s so tough to read the women’s accounts of what happened. They are brave.
Certainly very brave today.
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