Florida sheriff to investigate Epstein’s work release
Associated PressMIAMI — A Florida sheriff launched an investigation Friday into whether his department properly monitored the wealthy financer Jeffrey Epstein while he was serving a sentence for soliciting prostitution from underage girls. The inquiry will focus on whether deputies assigned to monitor Epstein in a work-release program violated any rules or regulations, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said in a statement. After a little more than three months in a Florida county jail, Epstein spent most of his days at his office, according to Palm Beach County sheriff’s records released to The Associated Press. They just kind of said they were office assistants.” Epstein was not allowed to leave the office unless he was returning to jail, but records show sheriff’s deputies escorted Epstein to his Palm Beach mansion on at least eight occasions. “I followed instructions to the letter.” Bradshaw said determining whether Epstein’s wealth and high-powered legal team resulted in favoritism from the sheriff’s department would be a key part of his investigation and a question that would be taken “very seriously.” Two victims have filed a federal lawsuit asking for the Florida plea deal to be thrown out.