Epstein’s legal cases will live on for years

CNN — The apparent suicide of financier and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein early Saturday could lead to more accusers and witnesses stepping forward as well as a flurry of civil suits against the multimillionaire’s estate, according to legal experts. “To those brave young women who have already come forward and to the many others who have yet to do so, let me reiterate that we remain committed to standing for you, and our investigation of the conduct charged in the Indictment – which included a conspiracy count – remains ongoing.” Former prosecutor: ‘Fear factor’ for victims gone Video Ad Feedback Reporter who broke story on Epstein scandal: This surprised me most 00:50 - Source: CNN Epstein was jailed since early July, when he pleaded not guilty to federal charges accusing him of sex trafficking dozens of underage girls, some as young as 14 years old. “Epstein being no longer around, no longer alive, will make it easier for victims to come forward,” said Elie Honig, a CNN legal analyst and former federal prosecutor. “The reckoning of accountability begun by the voices of brave and truthful victims should not end with Jeffrey Epstein’s cowardly and shameful suicide,” said Sigrid McCawley, attorney for Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who has claimed that Epstein kept her as a teenage “sex slave.” “We are hopeful that the government will continue to investigate and will focus on those who participated and facilitated Epstein’s horrifying sex trafficking scheme that damaged so many.” Jennifer Araoz, who claims Epstein raped her when she was 15, in a statement urged authorities “to pursue and prosecute his accomplices and enablers, and ensure redress for his victims.” Attorney Brad Edwards, who represents multiple Epstein accusers, said his “many co-conspirators who may have been fearful to speak out against him have been relieved of that excuse; this is their last chance to speak up.” His death unlikely to stop revelations about prominent men The case against Epstein exposed the names of prominent men in politics and business who associated with him over the years and who various accusers have alleged participated in his activities. “But you could also expect there could be actions against other prominent individuals filed as lawyers pore through discovery materials that have not been unsealed by the courts and as investigations into Epstein’s background continue.” Epstein-related cases will live on, expert says A federal judge in mid-July ordered Epstein to remain in jail pending trial, turning down the multimillionaire’s request to return to his Upper East Side mansion under supervision.