The Recruitment Geography
Epstein’s network deliberately targeted locations where ambitious but economically vulnerable young women could be found:
- Midtown Manhattan: Near performing arts and fashion-oriented high schools, including the Professional Performing Arts School
- Palm Beach, Florida: Near public beaches and schools in areas with economic diversity
- MC2 Model Management: Through Brunel’s international modeling network, recruitment extended to Eastern Europe and Brazil
The Initial Approach
Recruiters (often young women themselves, including Sarah Kellen and others later named) would identify potential targets through casual conversation. The pitch was typically:
- An offer of modeling work or introduction to a wealthy benefactor
- Discussion of “easy money” for “massages” or companionship
- Invitation to visit a wealthy home
Why Schools
Schools provided a predictable location to find young women of a specific age range at predictable times. Jennifer Araoz described being approached near her school in Midtown. The approach was casual and unthreateninga young woman offering a connection to opportunity.
Economic Vulnerability as Factor
Court testimony and victim accounts consistently describe Epstein’s network prioritizing girls from financially stressed backgroundsthose for whom the prospect of easy money was most compelling. Many victims have described needing the money for family financial needs.
The Escalation Pattern
Initial meetings at Epstein’s properties were framed as legitimate massage therapy or modeling evaluations. Payment was provided for non-sexual activity first, establishing a transaction relationship before escalating to sexual requests.