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🧵 Epstein press conference begins momentarily.
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Geoffrey Berman, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York speaks first. Describes arrest of Epstein on his private jet on Saturday as it landing after returning from Paris.
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Berman says this afternoon at Epstein's arraingment, they will ask Epstein to be detained until trial. (i.e no bail).
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Goes through charges and victims. Sex trafficking. "All underage girls at the time of the alleged conduct." Epstein or employees paid them money after the encounters.
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Epstein allegedly paid girls to recruit additional victims to be abused. Allowed him to create "an ever-expanding web" of victims. As young as 14. And he was "well aware that many of his victims were minors and especially vulnerable to expectation.
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Victims "deserve their day in court." Combating sex trafficking and abuse of minors is a priority. Devastating impact can last for years. Victims "voices must be heard."
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Now Berman points to photo of Epstein and asks viewers if they were his victims or have evidence, asks to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
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Berman thanks the FBI and NYC police department for their assistance, as well as CBP. Thanks his career prosecutors and supervisors in the public corruption unit.
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"We will continue to devote significant resources" to these crimes to protect young people from predators.
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Now Sweeney from the FBI is speaking about duty to protect children. Describing the arrest. Charged with one count each of sex trafficking and sex trafficking conspiracy. Allegddly exually exploited dozens of minor girls at his homes in Palm Beach and NYC.
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Children were asked to engage in sex acts for money with a man more than three times there age and others. Also enticed to recruit others. "Too often adults in our society have turned a blind eye to this type of criminal behavior alleged her."
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"The villains are the adult perpetrators, not the victims." These victims come from all walks of life.
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Sweeney speaks to the victims. Says as an FBI special agent, says he "stand among many who make it our mission to put predators behind bars . . .regardless of ... the wealth . . . or perceived position."
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Implores victims to call the 1-800-CALL-FBI.
"Your bravery may . . . empower others to speak out"
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"Your bravery may . . . empower others to speak out"
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Addresses victims again: "You should know in the eyes of the FBI, you come first."
Also thanks the NYPD child and human trafficking task force.
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Also thanks the NYPD child and human trafficking task force.
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Berman speaking again. Inviting questions. Said he is prohibited from talking about other individuals associated with Epstein. And he will say "no comment" across the board.
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First question. Why are these charges not covered by the non-prosecution agreement with the Southern District of FL.
Answer: SDNY not bound by it and not a signatory
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Answer: SDNY not bound by it and not a signatory
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Second question: Why public corruption unit.
Answer: Don't read too much into it
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Answer: Don't read too much into it
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Another question: Focused on why now?
Answer: Not going into dealings with main justice or how their investigation came about, but "I will say" was assisted by some amazing investigative journalism. (Didn't say, but I'm thinking of @jkbjournalist)
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Answer: Not going into dealings with main justice or how their investigation came about, but "I will say" was assisted by some amazing investigative journalism. (Didn't say, but I'm thinking of @jkbjournalist)
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@jkbjournalist Another question: Search of his home in mansion in NYC
Answer: Search was pursuant to a valid warrant. Findings included what appeared to be nude photographs of underage girls
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Answer: Search was pursuant to a valid warrant. Findings included what appeared to be nude photographs of underage girls
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@jkbjournalist Berman: "We think he's a significant flight risk." Maximum sentence of 45 years in jail. "Basically a life-sentence" when you have two planes. . .etc.
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@jkbjournalist Question: Why weren't the three employees charged and are the cooperating
Answer: No comment
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Answer: No comment
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@jkbjournalist Question: Where did he find his victims?
Answer: Indictment indicates that current victims recruited underage girls and were paid fees for bringing them in. That's how he maintained network over several years.
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Answer: Indictment indicates that current victims recruited underage girls and were paid fees for bringing them in. That's how he maintained network over several years.
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@jkbjournalist Question: Why is the case coming back now? If charges related to 2002 - 05
Answer: Victims deserve their day in court. Serious charges
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Answer: Victims deserve their day in court. Serious charges
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@jkbjournalist Question: Was it Miami Herald report that brought more victims to your attention
Answer: "We are certainly aware of that report."
(Again, thank you @jkbjournalist)
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Answer: "We are certainly aware of that report."
(Again, thank you @jkbjournalist)
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Correction. Here is closer to what Sweeney said:
"I have the privilege to stand among many who make it our mission to put predators behind bars where they belong, regardless of the predator's power, wealth or perceived connections."
"I have the privilege to stand among many who make it our mission to put predators behind bars where they belong, regardless of the predator's power, wealth or perceived connections."
