Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis sent a request to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to take over the investigation pertaining to the Jeffrey Epstein matter following a letter from Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

Governor DeSantis issued an Executive Assignment of this case from Palm Beach County to the State Attorney for the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida. Additionally, the Governor requests FDLE to initiate a preliminary inquiry into other irregularities surrounding the prior state investigation and the ultimate plea agreement.

“Floridians expect and deserve a full and fair investigation,” said Governor DeSantis. “Following my review of Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw’s letter, I am requesting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to take over his criminal investigation pertaining to the Jeffrey Epstein matter. In addition, FDLE will conduct a preliminary inquiry into matters beyond the work release and into other irregularities concerning the case’s disposition. I have also re-assigned the case to the State Attorney for the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit.”

Further questions regarding the active criminal investigation of the Jeffrey Epstein matter should be referred to FDLE.

A PDF copy of the Governor’s Executive Assignment can be found HERE .

A PDF copy of the Governor’s letter to FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen can be found HERE .

A PDF copy of Sheriff Ric Bradshaw’s letter to the Governor can be found HERE .

###