Count One: Sex Trafficking Conspiracy
The first count charged Epstein with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors (18 U.S.C. 1594(c)). The count alleged an agreement with others (including Ghislaine Maxwell and female recruiters) to engage in trafficking.
Count Two: Sex Trafficking of Minors
The second count charged the substantive offense of sex trafficking of minors under 18 U.S.C. 1591. The charge alleged Epstein recruited and abused dozens of minor girls at his properties in New York and Florida.
The Time Period Alleged
The indictment covered approximately 2002 to 2005 the core documented period of the trafficking operation at the New York and Palm Beach estates.
The Potential Sentence
Each count carried statutory penalties of up to 45 years. Facing both counts, Epstein potentially faced a maximum of 90 years in federal prison.
Why Not More Counts
The indictment’s two counts were a conservative charging approach. The SDNY likely planned to supersede the indictment with additional counts as the investigation developed standard practice in sex trafficking cases with multiple victims.