The Investigation Begins (2005)
In March 2005, the Palm Beach Police Department received a complaint from a parent whose teenage daughter had been paid for a “massage” at Jeffrey Epstein’s Palm Beach mansion at 358 El Brillo Way.
Detective Joseph Recarey was assigned the case, beginning an investigation that would run for over a year.
Building the Case
Detective Recarey conducted a meticulous investigation:
- Interviewed the initial complainant’s daughter
- Identified additional victims through interviews and witness referrals
- Identified a network of girls recruited from local schools and shopping areas
- Conducted surveillance of Epstein’s mansion
- Conducted undercover operations
By the end of the investigation, Recarey had:
- Identified approximately 36 victims
- Documented the recruitment network
- Established a clear pattern of criminal sexual activity with minors
- Compiled a comprehensive evidence package
The Recommended Charges
Based on the evidence, the Palm Beach Police recommended charges of:
- Lewd and lascivious molestation (multiple counts)
- Unlawful sexual activity with a minor (multiple counts)
- Solicitation of prostitution
These would have been state felonies capable of resulting in a lengthy prison sentence.
Barry Krischer’s Failure
State Attorney Barry Krischer received the Palm Beach Police referral. His office:
- Presented only a single count charge to the grand jury — a much lesser offense
- Failed to present the full scope of the evidence
- Allowed the case to result in a charge that Epstein could plea to misdemeanor solicitation
The Palm Beach Police, frustrated by Krischer’s handling, took the extraordinary step of referring the case to the FBI and writing directly to federal authorities, bypassing the State Attorney.
The FBI Federal Investigation
The FBI’s involvement, prompted by the Palm Beach Police referral, led to the eventual federal investigation that produced the 2008 Non-Prosecution Agreement — which the Palm Beach Police also found inadequate.
Detective Recarey’s Legacy
Detective Recarey died of cancer in 2018, before seeing meaningful accountability come to Epstein. He was widely recognized by victims and advocates as having done exemplary investigative work that was let down by the prosecutorial system.