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Financier Epstein's Death Disappoints Victims, Launches Conspiracy Theories

VOA News

   The Associated Press contributed to this report.

   The apparent suicide in federal custody of well-connected U.S.
   financier Jeffrey Epstein is being investigated by the FBI and the
   Justice Department's Office of the Inspector General.

   Epstein, who had friendships with U.S. President Donald Trump, former
   President Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew, was facing the
   possibility of 45 years in prison if convicted on charges of
   orchestrating a sex trafficking ring and sexually abusing dozens of
   underage girls.

   Several of Epstein's accusers said Saturday they're disappointed that
   the financier won't have to face them in court or serve a long prison
   sentence if convicted.

   The investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan will
   continue despite Epstein's death, a source familiar with the matter
   said. The government is pursuing an "ongoing investigation of uncharged
   individuals" in connection with the case.

   Accusers disappointed

   One Epstein accuser, who filed a since-settled lawsuit against
   Epstein's ex-girlfriend, says she's grateful he will never harm anyone
   again, but is angry there will be no chance he answers for his conduct.

   Virginia Giuffre told The New York Times that her husband woke her
   early in Australia to share the news that Epstein had died.

   "We've worked so hard to get here," Giuffre said, "and he stole that
   from us, too."

   Another accuser, Jennifer Araoz, who came forward after the new charges
   were filed, said she was angered by Epstein's suicide. Araoz alleged
   that Epstein raped her in his New York mansion in the early 2000s when
   she was 15.

   "We have to live with the scars of his actions for the rest of our
   lives, while he will never face the consequences of the crimes he
   committed, the pain and trauma he caused so many people," she said.

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