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Epstein is gone, but justice must still be served

Dozens of women claim that Epstein lured them to his Palm Beach, Florida, mansion, where he coerced them into sex, paid them, and asked them to bring him other girls. At least one other woman claims that Epstein trafficked her to his rich and powerful friends.

The abuse allegedly took place as well at his Manhattan mansion, his Virgin Islands island and his New Mexico ranch property.

Epstein will now carry to his grave the secrets of his sordid conduct, the escapades of his wealthy friends, and the mysteries of his financial dealings.

Cheated Once Again

“Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have once again been cheated out of an opportunity for justice,” said Jack Scarola, a Florida attorney who represented five women and litigated with him for 12 years. “I’m sure that none of them regret his death. All of them regret the loss of information that died with him.”

Lawyers said that victims may pursue civil lawsuits against the estate of Epstein, a process that could take years and run up against laws barring claims that are too old. A decade ago, more than two dozen women reached confidential settlements with Epstein in Florida. The size of Epstein’s estate is unknown, although prosecutors say that after his arrest, he claimed a net worth of $559 million.

Many questions have arisen since then about his wealth and business practices.

Araoz’s lawyer said she planned to sue under a New York law that takes effect on Aug. 14, giving victims of child sexual abuse one year to sue over older claims. In Florida, sexual abuse victims have four years to file claims, with some exceptions for children, said Scarola.