Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta told women who have allegedly been assaulted by Jeffrey Epstein that they “need to come forward,” at a Wednesday afternoon press conference.
Acosta had the press conference to respond to criticism he’s faced for negotiating a plea deal for Epstein, who ended up pleading guilty to two state-level prostitution solicitation charges in 2008. Epstein served 13 months in a county jail, paid restitution to specific victims, and had to register as a sex offender.
The plea deal has faced renewed scrutiny since Epstein was charged with sex trafficking and conspiracy earlier this week.
“A message to the victims: The message is you need to come forward. I heard this morning that another victim came forward and made horrendous, horrendous allegations. Allegations that should never happen to any woman, much less a young girl. And as victims come forward, these cases can be brought, and they can be brought by the federal government,” Acosta began.
“They can be brought by state attorneys. And they will be brought. We have seen in the last few years cases brought against individuals that got away with things for well over a decade,” he continued. “It’s important to realize that people were getting away with these. People were not going to jail at all. And we’re aware of those high-profile cases. And we’ve seen as victims come forward how the justice system deals with it. And so, the message to victims is: Come forward.”
A reporter then asked why he hadn’t apologized to the victims.
Acosta answered, “So, the victims should come forward because the justice system needs to hear from them. And what the victims went through is horrific. What the victims continue to go through is horrific. I’ve seen these videos. I’ve seen the interviews. I’m sorry, I have seen the interviews on television of these victims and their stories. And so, it’s hard.”
