Key Cases
The major criminal prosecutions, civil lawsuits, and institutional settlements arising from the Jeffrey Epstein case.
USA v. Epstein (19-cr-490)
U.S. District Court, SDNY
Federal sex trafficking indictment filed by SDNY prosecutors in July 2019. Charged Epstein with sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking. Case terminated following Epstein's death in custody on August 10, 2019.
USA v. Maxwell (20-cr-330)
U.S. District Court, SDNY
Federal prosecution of Ghislaine Maxwell on charges including sex trafficking of a minor, conspiracy, and perjury. Trial concluded December 29, 2021 with guilty verdicts on 5 of 6 counts. Sentenced to 20 years on June 28, 2022.
Giuffre v. Maxwell (15-cv-07433)
U.S. District Court, SDNY
Defamation lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre against Ghislaine Maxwell. The case produced explosive depositions and documents that were gradually unsealed starting in 2019, with major releases in January 2024. These documents named numerous high-profile individuals.
Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA)
U.S. Attorney's Office, SDFL
Controversial plea deal negotiated by then-U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta that allowed Epstein to plead guilty to state prostitution charges instead of federal sex trafficking charges. The NPA granted immunity to unnamed co-conspirators and was later found to have violated the Crime Victims' Rights Act.
JPMorgan Chase Settlement
U.S. District Court, SDNY / USVI Superior Court
Class action and government lawsuits against JPMorgan Chase for its role as Epstein's primary banker from 1998-2013. The bank maintained Epstein as a client despite internal warnings about his activities. Settled for $290 million with victims in June 2023 and $75 million with the USVI government.