5 things to know about the Jeffrey Epstein arrest, sex trafficking charges

By Brandon Showalter, Opinion writer and social commentator Wednesday, July 10, 2019

US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Geoffrey Berman announces charges against Jeffery Epstein on July 8, 2019 in New York City. Epstein will be charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of minors. | Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

The arrest of billionaire and registered sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on sex trafficking charges is fueling speculation that many powerful, wealthy people are likely to be exposed or implicated.

Epstein returned from a trip to Europe Saturday, was arrested at a New Jersey airport, and was charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, which is known for its dogged pursuit of high-profile cases.

The 66-year-old financial manager was charged with child sex trafficking in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1591, in connection with allegations that he recruited young girls to exploit at his homes in Palm Beach, Florida, and New York City.

Epstein maintains all his accusers engaged in consensual sexual activity with him and that he thought they were all of legal age at the time. He pleaded not guilty Monday on one count of sex-trafficking and another count of sex-trafficking conspiracy.

Here are five things you should know about the Epstein developments.