Who is Alex Acosta?
Alexander Acosta is an American lawyer and Republican politician. He served as:
- US Attorney for Southern District of Florida (2005–2009) — where he arranged the Epstein deal
- Dean of Florida International University College of Law (2009–2017)
- US Secretary of Labor under President Trump (2017–2019)
The 2008 Plea Deal
In his capacity as federal prosecutor, Acosta negotiated the Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) with Epstein’s lawyers, allowing Epstein to plead guilty to two state charges in exchange for federal charges being dropped.
Key controversies:
- The deal was secretly negotiated without victim notification (violating Crime Victims Rights Act)
- Epstein received 18 months in a private wing of Palm Beach County jail with work release privileges
- The deal protected Epstein’s potential co-conspirators
- Acosta later said he’d cut the deal because he was told Epstein “belonged to intelligence"
"Intelligence” Comment
In 2019, a Miami Herald source quoted Acosta saying he was told at the time that Epstein “belonged to intelligence” — suggesting Epstein may have been an intelligence asset. This claim was never officially confirmed or denied.
Labor Secretary Tenure (2017–2019)
Acosta served as Trump’s Secretary of Labor with a focus on workforce development. The Epstein deal was not a major issue during his confirmation.
Miami Herald Investigation and Resignation
After Julie K. Brown’s Miami Herald investigation exposed the NPA details in late 2018, public scrutiny intensified. Following Epstein’s re-arrest in July 2019, Acosta held a press conference defending the deal but resigned days later, on July 12, 2019.
DOJ Review
A DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility review of Acosta’s conduct was announced but not completed as of 2024.