Question
What was Barry Krischer’s decision in the Epstein case?
Answer
Barry Krischer served as the Palm Beach County State Attorney when the Epstein case was first referred to his office by the Palm Beach Police Department in approximately 2006.
After an investigation, Krischer’s office convened a grand jury in 2006. Rather than pursuing serious felony charges — such as those for rape of a minor or sexual abuse — the grand jury produced an indictment for a single count of soliciting prostitution. This was widely viewed as a dramatically reduced charge compared to what the evidence warranted.
Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter was so dissatisfied with Krischer’s handling of the case that he took the unusual step of writing a letter to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement requesting an independent review and subsequently making a formal referral to the FBI. This federal referral ultimately opened the investigation that led to the 2008 non-prosecution agreement brokered by U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta.
Krischer’s office has never provided a fully satisfactory public explanation for why the state charges were limited. Some critics alleged political or social connections played a role; others pointed to prosecutorial discretion. Krischer denied any improper influence.
The contrast between Reiter’s aggressive pursuit of the case and Krischer’s limited charging decision became a central narrative in accounts of how Epstein avoided serious accountability until 2019.
Sources
- Palm Beach Police Department investigation records
- Michael Reiter public statements and letters to FDLE
- Investigative reporting by the Miami Herald, Julie K. Brown
- Congressional review of the non-prosecution agreement, 2019