The Southern District of New York
The SDNY covers Manhattan and the Bronx and is considered one of the most prestigious U.S. Attorney’s offices in the country. It has jurisdiction over major financial crimes and has historically pursued high-profile prosecutions.
The Decision to Prosecute
The decision to bring new charges against Epstein in 2019 followed renewed attention generated by the Miami Herald’s 2018 investigation. SDNY prosecutors reviewed the original Palm Beach materials and concluded there was sufficient evidence for federal sex trafficking charges that were not barred by the Florida NPA.
The Indictment
The July 2019 indictment charged Epstein with sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. The indictment relied significantly on victim accounts and documentary evidence from the original investigation.
The Prosecution’s Challenge
A key legal question was whether the Florida NPA barred federal prosecution in New York. SDNY prosecutors argued it did not, as the NPA only bound the SDFL and not other federal districts.
After Epstein’s Death
When Epstein died in August 2019, charges were dismissed. The SDNY subsequently brought charges against Ghislaine Maxwell, obtaining conviction in December 2021.