The Arrangement
While technically serving his 18-month sentence (ultimately about 13 months served), Jeffrey Epstein was granted a work release by Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. Under this arrangement, he was transported to a private office in Palm Beach, remained there under a loose supervision arrangement, and returned to jail each evening.
Six Days Per Week
The work release applied six days per week, 12 hours per day. Effectively, Epstein was in jail only during sleeping hours and had something close to normal daytime freedom.
Who Authorized It
Work release in Palm Beach County was authorized by the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw approved Epstein’s work release, which required multiple administrative approvals.
The Media Coverage
When the details of Epstein’s work release became public, the coverage was nationwide and condemnatory. The work release arrangements exemplified the two-tiered justice system available to the very wealthy.
Congressional and Inspector General Scrutiny
The Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General later examined the Epstein plea deal and work release arrangements, producing a report critical of the federal non-prosecution agreement.