Jeffrey Epstein, the billionaire hedge fund manager, who has been accused of sexually assaulting underage girls, has been found dead in his jail cell of an apparent suicide.
He had been held in custody in New York City since July on charges of sex trafficking. The charges in New York stemmed from charges in West Palm Beach, Florida, he faced in 2007.
Alex Acosta, the former U.S. Secretary of Labor was forced to resign his post because of his role in the case. Acosta signed off on a plea deal with Epstein’s attorneys that many believed to be exceedingly lenient.
Epstein had been tied to many politically prominent and celebrity figures including Presidents Trump and Clinton and Prince Andrew of Great Britain.
Attorney General Bill Barr released a statement this morning calling for an investigation into Epstein’s death.
“I was appalled to learn that Jeffrey Epstein was found dead early this morning from an apparent suicide while in federal custody. Mr. Epstein’s death raises serious questions that must be answered,” read a statement released by the attorney general.
“In addition to the FBI’s investigation, I have consulted with the Inspector General who is opening an investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Epstein’s death,” the statement read.
Photo by Jim Henderson via Wikimedia Commons