The Sentence
Under the 2008 NPA, Epstein pleaded to two state charges and was sentenced to 18 months at Palm Beach County Jail. He served approximately 13 months.
The Work Release
Epstein was granted work release a standard Florida program allowing certain inmates to leave during the day. In his case, the arrangement was extraordinary:
- He was permitted to leave for up to 12 hours per day
- Six days per week
- He left for a private office space in Palm Beach
The Controversy
Normal work release is granted for employment at an established workplace. Epstein’s ‘work’ involved visiting a private office and, by some accounts, receiving visitors including employees of his foundation.
Official Investigations
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement later investigated the work release arrangement, finding it was improperly approved. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office faced criticism for the allowances made.
Florida Inspector General
The Florida Inspector General issued a report finding the work release approval did not follow standard procedures and that the Sheriff’s office had treated Epstein with preferential status.