Rep. Lois Frankel is calling for Congress to launch investigations into sexual abuse and trafficking accusations against Jeffrey Epstein following the wealthy financier’s death.
Epstein, facing charges of child sex trafficking, died in his cell in the Manhattan Correctional Center on Saturday morning at the age of 66. Reports indicate Epstein hanged himself, though no official determination has been made.
Epstein’s death stops the criminal case being built against him and freezes all investigations tied to it.
“The death of Jeffrey #Epstein does not end the need for justice for his victims or the right of the public to know why a prolific child molester got a slap on the wrist instead of a long prison sentence,” said Frankel, a Democrat from Florida. “With the obvious end to criminal proceedings against Epstein, it is important that the US House Committee on Oversight and Reform begin its investigation.”
With the obvious end to criminal proceedings against Epstein, it is important that the US House Committee on Oversight and Reform begin its investigation.
— Rep. Lois Frankel (@RepLoisFrankel) August 10, 2019
Epstein was not on suicide watch at the time of his death, according to NBC News. He had reportedly tried to hang himself in July when authorities found him on his cell floor nearly unconscious and with marks on his neck and back. No official determination as to what caused the bruising was released.
