Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Thursday permitting the release of state grand jury documents related to the 2006 Florida investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. To celebrate the bill, HB 117, DeSantis was joined by two Epstein victims as he signed it into law in Palm Beach, near the site of much of Epstein’s sexual exploitation.

“The public deserves to know who participated in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking,” said DeSantis. “Nobody should be protected from facing justice due to their wealth or status, and those who harm children should be exposed and punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Palm Beach County and the victims suffered from Epstein’s vile behavior before the world ever knew his name,” said Representative Peggy Gossett-Seidman. “I followed the story as we parents kept our kids close, but we never stopped seeking the truth. The police investigated relentlessly, and now the Governor opens up the last chapter of this sordid story.”

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The bill will take effect on July 1st, 2024, after which point the grand jury documents can be released. The legislation will also permit the release of any grand jury testimony as long as “the subject of the grand jury inquiry is dead,” “The investigation was about sexual activity with a minor,” “The testimony was previously disclosed by a court order,” and “The state attorney is notified.”

 

Following the 2006 investigation concerning the crimes of Epstein, the Palm Beach Police Department requested that the State Attorney charge Epstein with multiple felonies. These included “unlawful sexual activity with a minor” and “lewd or lascivious molestation.”

But instead of directly charging Epstein, the State Attorney decided to present evidence to a grand jury. This protected the identities of those involved and the details of the case sealed from public view.


Shane Devine is a writer covering politics, economics, and culture for Valuetainment. Follow Shane on X (Twitter).

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