Julie K. Brown
Julie K. Brown is an investigative reporter at the Miami Herald. Her work on the Epstein case represents one of the most consequential pieces of investigative journalism in the last decade.
Perversion of Justice
Brown’s series, titled ‘Perversion of Justice,’ was published in November 2018. It focused on the 2008 plea deal, documenting in detail how Alex Acosta’s prosecutors secretly negotiated the non-prosecution agreement with Epstein’s lawyers without involving the victims.
New Victim Voices
A key element of Brown’s investigation was her success in locating and obtaining statements from victims who had not previously spoken publicly. She identified and spoke with more than 80 women who said they had been victimized by Epstein.
Direct Impact on 2019 Prosecution
Prosecutors and government officials have credited or acknowledged the Herald’s investigation as a direct catalyst for reopening scrutiny of the Epstein case. The SDNY’s 2019 charges were filed after the renewed attention prompted a review that discovered additional evidence.
Acosta Resignation
The series also triggered congressional scrutiny of Alex Acosta. When Epstein was arrested in 2019, Acosta came under immediate pressure to explain the 2008 deal, giving a press conference defense that was widely dismissed. He resigned as Labor Secretary within 12 days.