WEBVTT 00:02.133 --> 00:05.300 align:left position:12.5%,start line:73.33% size:87.5% JUDY WOODRUFF: Jeffrey Epstein, a politically connected financier, is now facing up to 45 00:07.233 --> 00:10.900 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% years in prison on charges that he was running a sex trafficking ring in the early 2000s 00:12.333 --> 00:15.833 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% that included underage girls as young as 14 years old. 00:15.833 --> 00:20.833 align:left position:12.5%,start line:73.33% size:87.5% Epstein pleaded not guilty and has said any sex was consensual with women he believed 00:21.933 --> 00:24.500 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% were 18 or older. 00:24.500 --> 00:28.666 align:left position:0%,start line:73.33% size:100% The charges were announced as part of an indictment unsealed today by federal prosecutors in New 00:28.666 --> 00:30.800 align:left position:37.5%,start line:93.33% size:62.5% York. 00:30.800 --> 00:34.666 align:left position:12.5%,start line:73.33% size:87.5% As Lisa Desjardins tells us, Epstein has pleaded guilty before to lesser charges and has more 00:35.366 --> 00:37.300 align:left position:25%,start line:93.33% size:75% on this story. 00:37.300 --> 00:41.466 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% LISA DESJARDINS: Epstein allegedly abused dozens of minors at his homes in Manhattan 00:41.466 --> 00:43.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% and Palm Beach, Florida. 00:43.166 --> 00:47.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:80% size:87.5% He enlisted girls to recruit other minors to his trafficking ring. 00:47.000 --> 00:51.833 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% And prosecutors said they seized scores of photos of fully or partially nude girls. 00:51.833 --> 00:56.200 align:left position:0%,start line:73.33% size:100% Epstein, who has been seen in the past as a friend of President Trump and former President 00:56.200 --> 01:01.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:80% size:87.5% Clinton, first faced other sex crime charges back in 2006 and 2007. 01:03.000 --> 01:06.566 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% At the time, he could have faced life in prison for allegations with underage girls. 01:06.566 --> 01:11.566 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% But the prosecutor in the case, Alex Acosta, now President Trump's labor secretary, struck 01:12.300 --> 01:13.833 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% a more lenient deal. 01:13.833 --> 01:17.433 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% Epstein served just 13 months in a county jail for these charges. 01:17.433 --> 01:22.233 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% A Miami Herald investigation earlier this year raised new questions about this deal 01:22.233 --> 01:24.333 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% and brought forward new victims. 01:24.333 --> 01:28.600 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% U.S. attorney Geoffrey Berman of the Southern District of New York said it was important 01:28.600 --> 01:30.666 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% to bring new charges now. 01:30.666 --> 01:32.700 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% GEOFFREY BERMAN, U.S. Attorney, Southern District of New York: Beginning in at least 2002 and 01:32.700 --> 01:37.033 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% continuing until 2005, Epstein is alleged to have abused dozens of victims by causing 01:39.033 --> 01:43.866 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% them to engage in sex acts with him at his mansion in New York and at his estate in Palm 01:45.700 --> 01:46.966 align:left position:25%,start line:93.33% size:75% Beach, Florida. 01:46.966 --> 01:50.633 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% The alleged behavior shocks the conscience. 01:50.633 --> 01:55.600 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% And while the charged conduct is from a number of years ago, it is still profoundly important 01:57.033 --> 02:02.000 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% to the many alleged victims, now young women. 02:02.866 --> 02:04.900 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% They deserve their day in court. 02:04.900 --> 02:08.900 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% And we are proud to be standing up for them by bringing this indictment. 02:08.900 --> 02:13.133 align:left position:0%,start line:73.33% size:100% LISA DESJARDINS: For some perspective on all of this and the decisions to bring new charges, 02:13.133 --> 02:17.533 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% I'm joined by Elie Honig, a former federal prosecutor with the Southern District of New 02:17.533 --> 02:18.800 align:left position:37.5%,start line:93.33% size:62.5% York. 02:18.800 --> 02:19.933 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% Elie, let's start right away with these charges. 02:19.933 --> 02:21.600 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% They are very serious. 02:21.600 --> 02:25.866 align:left position:12.5%,start line:80% size:87.5% They include allegations of mistreating and abusing dozens of girls. 02:25.866 --> 02:29.300 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% But they are dating back 14 years and more. 02:29.300 --> 02:32.366 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% How unusual is it to have such a delay in bringing charges? 02:32.366 --> 02:34.400 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% And how can prosecutors do that? 02:34.400 --> 02:36.366 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% ELIE HONIG®MD+IMD-I, Former Federal Prosecutor: It is quite unusual to see charges 02:36.366 --> 02:38.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% that are this old. 02:38.433 --> 02:41.933 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% The reason that the Southern District of New York was able to charge this case so many 02:41.933 --> 02:46.800 align:left position:12.5%,start line:73.33% size:87.5% years after the fact is, there is actually no statute of limitations on the sex trafficking 02:46.800 --> 02:49.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% of minor charges that we see here. 02:49.466 --> 02:52.633 align:left position:0%,start line:73.33% size:100% Most federal crimes have a statute of limitations, meaning the time from when the crime is committed 02:52.633 --> 02:54.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% until you have to charge it, of five years. 02:54.966 --> 02:59.633 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% But this happens to be one of the few very serious statutes that actually does not have 02:59.633 --> 03:01.800 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% any statute of limitations. 03:01.800 --> 03:05.766 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% But I can tell you, the age of these charges will provide some obstacles and some difficulties 03:07.000 --> 03:08.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% to prosecutors in proving their case. 03:08.966 --> 03:10.200 align:left position:25%,start line:93.33% size:75% Memories fade. 03:10.200 --> 03:12.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% Evidence disappears. 03:12.233 --> 03:14.933 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% So I think these are going to end up being strong charges, but the age here could be 03:14.933 --> 03:16.966 align:left position:25%,start line:93.33% size:75% an impediment. 03:16.966 --> 03:19.333 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% LISA DESJARDINS: Also, of course, of note is the fact that Epstein face that massive 03:19.333 --> 03:21.333 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% indictment back in 2006. 03:21.333 --> 03:25.866 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% But, ultimately, that was sealed as part of that plea deal that many call highly unusual. 03:27.833 --> 03:31.933 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% My next question is, why isn't this double jeopardy, if he already signed a plea deal 03:31.933 --> 03:34.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% in a case about sexual misconduct with minors? 03:34.466 --> 03:37.200 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% ELIE HONIG: So first of all, I would call the plea deal that he got in Florida, the 03:37.200 --> 03:39.466 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% non-prosecution agreement, more than -- more than highly unusual. 03:39.466 --> 03:41.600 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% I would call it completely unprecedented. 03:41.600 --> 03:45.600 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% I don't know that I have ever seen a deal that lenient in a case like this. 03:45.600 --> 03:46.966 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% So why isn't it double jeopardy? 03:46.966 --> 03:48.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% A couple reasons. 03:48.433 --> 03:51.600 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% First of all, Epstein only played to state-level charges. 03:51.600 --> 03:53.633 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% These are now federal charges. 03:53.633 --> 03:55.700 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% And that's not double jeopardy. 03:55.700 --> 03:59.233 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% If the state charges, and then the federal government charges, or vice versa -- the Supreme 03:59.233 --> 04:03.200 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% Court actually just clarified this a couple weeks ago -- that is not double jeopardy. 04:03.200 --> 04:07.300 align:left position:0%,start line:73.33% size:100% Second of all, the non-prosecution agreement that Epstein entered into with the Southern 04:07.300 --> 04:12.300 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% District of Florida, which was headed by Alex Acosta, is only binding on that one district, 04:13.366 --> 04:15.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% the Southern District of Florida. 04:15.433 --> 04:18.200 align:left position:12.5%,start line:73.33% size:87.5% It is not binding on the other U.S. attorney's offices, including the Southern District of 04:18.200 --> 04:20.733 align:left position:25%,start line:93.33% size:75% New York. 04:20.733 --> 04:22.100 align:left position:0%,start line:73.33% size:100% And the U.S. attorney for the Southern District, Geoffrey Berman, said that today during his 04:22.100 --> 04:23.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% press conference. 04:23.100 --> 04:25.200 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% And he's correct. 04:25.200 --> 04:26.933 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% LISA DESJARDINS: The Miami Herald has been reporting on this for many months. 04:26.933 --> 04:30.266 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% And so far, Secretary Acosta really has not commented on it. 04:30.266 --> 04:33.066 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% And we asked again also if he had any comment today. 04:33.066 --> 04:36.866 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% Do you think there will be fallout for him because he was the prosecutor in this case? 04:36.866 --> 04:39.366 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% ELIE HONIG: Politically, there certainly could be. 04:39.366 --> 04:44.366 align:left position:12.5%,start line:73.33% size:87.5% Look, it's already being investigated, sort of what went into his decision-making process. 04:46.266 --> 04:49.233 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% I don't see how he, in any sort of good faith or with a straight face, manages to remain 04:49.233 --> 04:52.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% as a Cabinet secretary in this administration. 04:52.100 --> 04:54.833 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% That said, he's not shown any signs of resigning. 04:54.833 --> 04:59.166 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% President Trump just today sort of reaffirmed his support for Secretary Acosta, which I 04:59.166 --> 05:01.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% think is completely inexplicable. 05:01.533 --> 05:06.533 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% This deal that Acosta gave to Epstein years ago is completely indefensible. 05:08.566 --> 05:12.100 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% It's unusual and unprecedented in several respects, in how short a term of prison Epstein 05:14.000 --> 05:16.500 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% faced, 13 months he ended up serving, and most of it on work release. 05:16.500 --> 05:21.233 align:left position:0%,start line:73.33% size:100% The fact that Acosta didn't notify the victims violates federal law, and is something even 05:22.600 --> 05:25.066 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% a first-year prosecutor would know better than to do. 05:25.066 --> 05:30.066 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% So I have to think Acosta knew that and intentionally disregarded that obligation. 05:31.966 --> 05:35.000 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% And the fact that Acosta signed a deal that immunized the co-conspirators, the people 05:35.000 --> 05:37.933 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% around Epstein, is very strange. 05:37.933 --> 05:42.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:73.33% size:87.5% Why would he want to do that unless he was protecting powerful people who he was afraid 05:42.466 --> 05:44.000 align:left position:37.5%,start line:93.33% size:62.5% of? 05:44.000 --> 05:46.066 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% So I think he's got some very difficult questions to answer. 05:46.066 --> 05:48.333 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% I also think Congress needs to do its job here and dig in deep on what happened. 05:48.333 --> 05:52.000 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% LISA DESJARDINS: I need to ask about those potential ripple effects, about the politicians 05:52.000 --> 05:54.366 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% associated with, of course, Mr. Epstein. 05:54.366 --> 05:57.333 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% We know, for example, Donald Trump knew Mr. Epstein. 05:57.333 --> 06:00.700 align:left position:12.5%,start line:80% size:87.5% Here's a quote from the president, then not president, of course. 06:00.700 --> 06:04.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:80% size:87.5% Donald Trump in 2002 said of Epstein: "He's a lot of fun to be with. 06:04.400 --> 06:07.966 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% It's even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do. 06:07.966 --> 06:11.800 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% And many of them are on the younger side," President Trump acknowledging that at the 06:11.800 --> 06:14.366 align:left position:37.5%,start line:93.33% size:62.5% time. 06:14.366 --> 06:17.233 align:left position:0%,start line:73.33% size:100% And also, of course, we know that former President Clinton flew with Epstein on his private jet 06:17.233 --> 06:19.700 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% reportedly dozens of times. 06:19.700 --> 06:24.366 align:left position:12.5%,start line:73.33% size:87.5% Do you think -- or how would we learn if any of these individuals, others he's associated 06:24.366 --> 06:26.300 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% with could get caught up in this case? 06:26.300 --> 06:28.400 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% ELIE HONIG: Good question. 06:28.400 --> 06:32.166 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% So, the number one way we will learn who else was involved in any respect is if this case 06:32.166 --> 06:34.266 align:left position:25%,start line:93.33% size:75% goes to trial. 06:34.266 --> 06:37.500 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% When a case goes to trial, all the evidence comes out, names get named, and we will learn 06:37.500 --> 06:39.933 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% everything, if it comes to that. 06:39.933 --> 06:44.833 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% Now, if Epstein pleads guilty before a trial, then we're going to end up in a gray area. 06:44.833 --> 06:49.500 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% And, traditionally, what federal prosecutor do is, they don't name other people who've 06:49.500 --> 06:51.566 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% not been indicted. 06:51.566 --> 06:55.333 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% You will give them sort of generic labels, like we saw in the indictment today, employee 06:55.333 --> 06:58.066 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% one, employee two, perhaps customer one. 06:58.066 --> 07:02.000 align:left position:0%,start line:73.33% size:100% Famously, we saw Individual 1, which everyone - - in the Michael Cohen case, which everyone 07:02.000 --> 07:04.966 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% could pretty easily tell referred to President Trump. 07:04.966 --> 07:08.600 align:left position:12.5%,start line:80% size:87.5% So we may see some sort of generic reference to other people involved. 07:08.600 --> 07:12.466 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% And, look, we could have more indictments, in which case we could see other people charged. 07:12.466 --> 07:14.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% And we certainly will know who they are. 07:14.533 --> 07:17.500 align:left position:0%,start line:80% size:100% LISA DESJARDINS: Elie Honig, former federal prosecutor from the Southern District of New 07:17.500 --> 07:18.700 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% York, thank you for joining us. 07:18.700 --> 07:18.833 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% ELIE HONIG: Thanks for having me.