The 2019 Federal Grand Jury
Yes. Jeffrey Epstein was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of New York (SDNY) on July 6, 2019 the same day he was arrested at Teterboro Airport upon returning from Paris.
What the Grand Jury Charged
The grand jury returned a two-count indictment:
- Sex trafficking of minors (18 U.S.C. 1591)
- Conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors
The indictment alleged that from approximately 2002 to 2005, Epstein operated a “vast network” to sexually exploit and abuse dozens of minor girls, with the core offenses occurring at his Manhattan mansion and Palm Beach estate.
How Grand Juries Work in Federal Cases
A federal grand jury consists of 1623 citizens who review evidence presented by prosecutors. Unlike a trial jury, the grand jury:
- Hears only the prosecution’s evidence (no defense)
- Votes on whether “probable cause” exists
- Returns an indictment if a majority (12+) agree
The SDNY grand jury heard evidence from victims and witnesses before voting to indict.
Significance of the SDNY Charges
Unlike the 2008 Florida plea deal, the 2019 SDNY charges were not subject to any non-prosecution agreement. The NPA was Florida-specific and did not bind SDNY. This was a key legal ruling that allowed the new prosecution to proceed despite the prior deal.