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This archive documents serious criminal matters including sex trafficking. Some content may be disturbing. All victim-identifying information has been redacted per our redaction policy.
Timeline of the Epstein Case
A chronological record of key events in the Jeffrey Epstein case, from his early career through criminal investigations, prosecutions, and document releases. Each event is linked to its primary sources.
65 documented events
1953
1 eventJeffrey Epstein Born in Brooklyn, New York
Jeffrey Edward Epstein was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Pauline and Seymour Epstein. He grew up in a middle-class household in Coney Island.
1974
1 eventEpstein Begins Teaching at Dalton School
Despite lacking a college degree, Epstein was hired to teach calculus and physics at the prestigious Dalton School in Manhattan. He was reportedly hired by headmaster Donald Barr.
1976
1 eventEpstein Joins Bear Stearns
Epstein began working at the investment bank Bear Stearns, where he rose to the role of limited partner. He focused on advising wealthy clients on tax strategies.
1982
1 eventEpstein Launches Financial Management Firm
Epstein left Bear Stearns and founded his own financial management firm, J. Epstein & Co., which reportedly required clients to have a minimum net worth of $1 billion.
1998
2 eventsEpstein Purchases Little St. James Island
Epstein purchased Little St. James, a 70-acre private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which later became central to investigations into his criminal activities.
Construction Begins on Little St. James Island
Jeffrey Epstein began major construction and development on Little St. James Island, including the main residence, guest houses, a maintenance compound, and other structures that would later become central to federal and USVI investigations into his criminal activities.
2002
1 eventTrump Praises Epstein in New York Magazine Interview
In an interview with New York Magazine, Donald Trump stated: 'I've known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy. He's a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.' This quote predates the public exposure of Epstein's criminal conduct, which began with the 2005 Palm Beach investigation.
2003
1 eventVanity Fair Publishes 'The Talented Mr. Epstein' Profile
Vanity Fair published a profile of Jeffrey Epstein by journalist Vicky Ward titled 'The Talented Mr. Epstein,' which was one of the first major media examinations of Epstein's mysterious wealth and social connections. The article raised questions about the source of his fortune but did not include allegations of sexual misconduct that Ward later said were removed before publication.
2005
1 eventPalm Beach Police Begin Investigation
The Palm Beach, Florida police department opened an investigation into Epstein after a parent reported that her 14-year-old daughter had been taken to Epstein's mansion and paid for sexual acts.
2006
1 eventFBI Opens Federal Investigation
After the Palm Beach Police forwarded their findings, the FBI launched a federal investigation into Epstein's activities, identifying dozens of alleged victims.
2007
2 eventsControversial Non-Prosecution Agreement Reached
U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta's office negotiated a controversial non-prosecution agreement (NPA) with Epstein's legal team, led by attorneys including Alan Dershowitz and Ken Starr. The deal shielded Epstein and unnamed co-conspirators from federal prosecution.
Co-Conspirator Immunity Negotiated in Non-Prosecution Agreement
The Non-Prosecution Agreement negotiated between U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta's office and Epstein's defense team — led by Alan Dershowitz, Ken Starr, and Jay Lefkowitz — included a provision granting blanket immunity to unnamed co-conspirators, effectively shielding potential accomplices from federal prosecution.
2008
1 eventEpstein Pleads Guilty to State Charges in Florida
Epstein pleaded guilty to a Florida state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor. He was sentenced to 18 months in the Palm Beach County Stockade but was granted a controversial work release program.
2009
1 eventEpstein Released from Palm Beach County Stockade
Jeffrey Epstein was released from the Palm Beach County Stockade after completing a 13-month sentence on state charges of soliciting prostitution from a minor. His incarceration was marked by a controversial work release program that allowed him to leave the facility for up to 12 hours a day, six days a week.
2010
1 eventPrince Andrew Photographed at Epstein's New York Residence
Prince Andrew was photographed at Jeffrey Epstein's New York City residence, according to media reports. This visit occurred after Epstein's 2008 conviction on state charges in Florida, when he was a registered sex offender. The photographs drew significant criticism when they became public.
2011
1 eventBill Gates Begins Meetings with Jeffrey Epstein
According to reporting by the New York Times, Bill Gates began meeting with Jeffrey Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein's 2008 conviction on state sex offenses. Gates visited Epstein's New York townhouse at least three times and the two exchanged numerous emails. Gates later called the meetings 'a huge mistake.'
2015
1 eventVirginia Giuffre Files Lawsuit Against Ghislaine Maxwell
Virginia Giuffre (née Roberts) filed a defamation lawsuit against Ghislaine Maxwell after Maxwell publicly denied Giuffre's allegations. This case, Giuffre v. Maxwell, produced thousands of pages of documents that were later partially unsealed.
2016
1 eventEpstein Purchases Great St. James Island for $18 Million
Jeffrey Epstein purchased Great St. James Island, a 165-acre neighboring island to Little St. James, for approximately $18 million. He subsequently began development on the larger island, including clearing land and constructing roads, which drew complaints from local residents and environmental regulators.
2018
2 eventsMiami Herald Publishes 'Perversion of Justice' Investigation
Reporter Julie K. Brown published the landmark 'Perversion of Justice' series in the Miami Herald, which detailed the controversial 2007 plea deal, interviewed victims, and reignited public interest in the Epstein case.
Julie K. Brown Publishes 'Perversion of Justice' in Miami Herald
Reporter Julie K. Brown published the landmark 'Perversion of Justice' investigative series in the Miami Herald, identifying approximately 80 victims and detailing the failures of the 2007 plea deal. The series is widely credited with reviving public and prosecutorial interest in the Epstein case.
2019
8 eventsJudge Rules Epstein NPA Violated Crime Victims' Rights Act
Judge Kenneth Marra of the Southern District of Florida ruled that the 2007 Non-Prosecution Agreement violated the Crime Victims' Rights Act by failing to notify and consult with identified victims before entering the plea deal. The ruling came after more than a decade of litigation by victims' attorneys.
Epstein Arrested on Federal Sex Trafficking Charges
Jeffrey Epstein was arrested at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey by FBI-NYPD Crimes Against Children Task Force agents. He was charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York with sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
Alexander Acosta Resigns as Labor Secretary
Following intense scrutiny of his role in negotiating the 2007 non-prosecution agreement while serving as U.S. Attorney in Florida, Alexander Acosta resigned as U.S. Secretary of Labor.
First MCC Cell Incident — Epstein Placed on Suicide Watch
Jeffrey Epstein was found semi-conscious in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center with marks on his neck. He was placed on suicide watch but was removed from it after approximately six days, a decision that later drew significant scrutiny from the DOJ Inspector General and congressional investigators.
Epstein Found Dead in Metropolitan Correctional Center
Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan. The New York City Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a suicide by hanging. His death occurred approximately one month after he was found injured in his cell in a previous incident.
DOJ Inspector General Opens Investigation into MCC Failures
The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General opened a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's death at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, including staffing failures, surveillance camera malfunctions, and the decision to remove Epstein from suicide watch.
FBI Raids Little St. James Island
The FBI executed a search warrant on Jeffrey Epstein's Little St. James Island two days after his death at the Metropolitan Correctional Center. Agents seized evidence including computers, hard drives, storage devices, and other materials from multiple structures on the island.
Prince Andrew BBC Newsnight Interview on Epstein
Prince Andrew gave a televised interview to BBC Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis at Buckingham Palace, discussing his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. He denied allegations of wrongdoing and stated he had 'no recollection' of meeting Virginia Giuffre. The interview was widely described by media commentators as damaging to his reputation.
2020
7 eventsUSVI Attorney General Files Complaint Against Epstein Estate
The U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General filed a civil enforcement action against Jeffrey Epstein's estate, alleging that Epstein used the islands and USVI-based entities as part of a criminal enterprise. The complaint described how Epstein allegedly brought young women and girls to his private islands.
New Mexico Attorney General Opens Zorro Ranch Investigation
New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas announced the opening of an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch property near Stanley, New Mexico. The investigation focused on potential criminal activity at the ranch, which victims had described as another location where abuse occurred.
Epstein Victims' Compensation Program Established
An independent Victims' Compensation Program was established, funded by the Epstein estate, to provide financial compensation to individuals who suffered abuse by Jeffrey Epstein. The program was administered independently and offered a confidential, non-litigious path to compensation.
Ghislaine Maxwell Arrested by FBI
Ghislaine Maxwell was arrested in Bradford, New Hampshire by the FBI. She was charged with conspiracy to entice minors to travel to engage in illegal sex acts, enticement of a minor to travel to engage in illegal sex acts, and perjury.
NYDFS Fines Deutsche Bank $150 Million Over Epstein Account
The New York Department of Financial Services imposed a $150 million fine on Deutsche Bank for 'significant compliance failures' in its handling of the Epstein account, which processed approximately $150 million in transactions from 2013 to 2019.
Jean-Luc Brunel Arrested in Paris on Rape and Trafficking Charges
French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, a longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein, was arrested at Charles de Gaulle Airport on charges of rape of minors and sexual harassment. Brunel was accused of procuring young women for Epstein. He was found dead in his prison cell in February 2022 in an apparent suicide.
Two MCC Guards Charged with Falsifying Records
Correctional officers Tova Noel and Michael Thomas were charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and making false records in connection with their failure to monitor Jeffrey Epstein on the night of his death. They had falsified logs to indicate wellness checks were performed when they were not. The case was later resolved through a deferred prosecution agreement.
2021
3 eventsEpstein Victims' Fund Reports $125M+ Distributed to 150 Claimants
The Epstein Victims' Compensation Program reported distributing over $125 million to approximately 150 claimants before concluding operations. The program was funded by the Epstein estate and required participants to waive future claims against the estate.
Prince Andrew Settles Civil Lawsuit
Virginia Giuffre filed a civil lawsuit against Prince Andrew in August 2021. In February 2022, a settlement was reached. Prince Andrew made no admission of guilt. The settlement amount was reportedly around $12 million, with a portion donated to Giuffre's victims' rights charity.
Ghislaine Maxwell Found Guilty on Five Counts
After a month-long trial, a federal jury in Manhattan found Ghislaine Maxwell guilty on five of six counts, including sex trafficking of a minor. She was subsequently sentenced to 20 years in prison.
2022
3 eventsJean-Luc Brunel Found Dead in Paris Prison
Jean-Luc Brunel, a French modeling agent and longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein, was found dead in his Paris prison cell in an apparent suicide while awaiting trial on charges of rape and sex trafficking of minors. Brunel had been arrested in December 2020 at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Ghislaine Maxwell Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison
Judge Alison Nathan sentenced Ghislaine Maxwell to 20 years in federal prison following her December 2021 conviction on five federal counts, including sex trafficking of a minor. The sentence reflected the severity of Maxwell's role in recruiting, grooming, and facilitating the sexual abuse of minors.
Ghislaine Maxwell Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison
Judge Alison J. Nathan sentenced Ghislaine Maxwell to 240 months (20 years) in federal prison and ordered $750,000 in restitution. The judge described Maxwell's crimes as 'heinous and predatory.' The sentence was below the prosecution's request of 30-55 years but above the defense's request of approximately 5 years.
2023
3 eventsJPMorgan Settles with USVI for $75 Million Over Epstein Ties
JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay $75 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands government to settle claims that the bank facilitated Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking operation through its banking services. The settlement resolved claims that JPMorgan maintained Epstein as a client despite warning signs.
JPMorgan Settles with Epstein Victims for $290 Million
JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay $290 million to settle a class action lawsuit brought by Epstein's victims, in addition to the $75 million USVI settlement, for a combined $365 million. The bank maintained Epstein as a client from 1998 to 2013, five years after his conviction.
Deutsche Bank Settles with USVI for $75 Million Over Epstein Ties
Deutsche Bank agreed to pay $75 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands government to settle claims related to its banking relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The bank had previously acknowledged in a separate proceeding that it failed to properly monitor Epstein's accounts.
2024
2 eventsGiuffre v. Maxwell Documents Unsealed
A federal judge ordered the unsealing of documents from the Giuffre v. Maxwell case. The release, spanning hundreds of pages, contained deposition excerpts, flight logs, and other records that named numerous public figures, though being named in the documents does not imply wrongdoing.
Second Circuit Upholds Ghislaine Maxwell Conviction
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld Ghislaine Maxwell's conviction on all five counts and her 20-year sentence. The court rejected arguments about juror non-disclosure and sufficiency of evidence, clearing the way for Maxwell's petition to the Supreme Court.
2025
7 eventsDOJ Announces Release of Epstein Files
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the public release of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, fulfilling commitments made by the incoming administration. The release included investigative records, interview summaries, and other materials from the federal probe.
FBI Releases Additional Epstein Investigation Records
The FBI released additional records from its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein through its public records vault, in response to ongoing FOIA requests and public pressure for transparency.
Epstein Files Transparency Act Introduced in Congress
A bipartisan bill, H.R. 4405, was introduced in Congress requiring the Department of Justice to collect, review, and publicly disclose all records related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Modeled on the JFK Assassination Records Collection Act, the legislation set the framework for the largest document release in the case's history.
Supreme Court Declines to Hear Ghislaine Maxwell's Appeal
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal of her 2021 conviction and 20-year sentence, allowing the verdict to stand. Maxwell's legal team had raised issues including juror non-disclosure and sufficiency of evidence.
Bank of America Sued Over Epstein Banking Relationship
A civil lawsuit was filed against Bank of America alleging the bank maintained a banking relationship with Jeffrey Epstein despite red flags about the source and use of his funds. The lawsuit follows similar actions against JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank, which settled for $75 million each.
Epstein Files Transparency Act Passes Congress Unanimously
The U.S. House and Senate unanimously passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act (H.R. 4405), requiring the Department of Justice to collect and publicly release government records related to Jeffrey Epstein. The legislation was modeled on the JFK Assassination Records Collection Act.
President Trump Signs Epstein Files Transparency Act into Law
President Donald Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law, one day after its unanimous passage by Congress. The law set a 60-day timeline for the DOJ to begin releasing records.
2026
12 eventsFederal Court Denies Maxwell Habeas Corpus Petition
A federal judge denied Ghislaine Maxwell's habeas corpus petition, which cited 'substantial new evidence' of constitutional violations at her 2021 trial. The ruling exhausted Maxwell's direct legal challenges to her conviction.
Former Norwegian PM Thorbjorn Jagland Charged Over Epstein Connection
Norwegian prosecutors filed criminal charges against former Prime Minister and Nobel Committee chair Thorbjorn Jagland in connection with his documented association with Jeffrey Epstein. The charges followed revelations in the DOJ Epstein Library files. Jagland denied wrongdoing.
DOJ Releases 3.5 Million Pages from Epstein Investigation
The Department of Justice published 3.5 million pages of documents, 2,000 videos, and 180,000 images through its newly created public Epstein Library at justice.gov/epstein. The release was the largest single disclosure in the history of the Epstein case, made in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Peter Mandelson Resigns from Labour Party and House of Lords Over Epstein Links
Peter Mandelson, Baron Mandelson and one of the architects of New Labour, resigned from the Labour Party and the House of Lords following revelations in the DOJ Epstein Library files documenting his meetings with Epstein. He acknowledged the association was a 'serious error of judgment' but has not been charged with any offence.
AG Pam Bondi Testifies for 5 Hours on Epstein Files Before Congress
Attorney General Pam Bondi testified before the House Judiciary Committee for five hours regarding the DOJ's handling of the Epstein files release. She faced accusations of cover-up over redactions and was accused of monitoring which documents lawmakers accessed in a secure reading room.
Slovak Diplomat Miroslav Lajcak Resigns Over Epstein Files
Miroslav Lajcak, a senior Slovak diplomat and former President of the UN General Assembly, resigned from his positions following revelations about his documented connection to Jeffrey Epstein in the DOJ Epstein Library files. He was among several European officials to step down after the January 2026 document release.
Ghislaine Maxwell Invokes Fifth Amendment at Congressional Hearing
Ghislaine Maxwell, serving a 20-year federal sentence, appeared before a congressional committee investigating the Epstein case and invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in response to virtually all substantive questions. The hearing lasted approximately two hours, during which Maxwell declined to name associates or describe Epstein's operations.
Les Wexner Deposed: Admits Island Visits and Over $1 Billion Transferred to Epstein
Billionaire Les Wexner, former CEO of L Brands (Victoria's Secret parent company), was deposed by Congress for five hours. He testified he was 'conned' by Epstein but admitted visiting Epstein's island with his family and acknowledged that over $1 billion was transferred from Wexner to Epstein. Democrats called his testimony 'not credible.'
DOJ Transmits 'Politically Exposed Persons' List to Congress
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the DOJ compiled and transmitted to congressional committees a classified list of 'politically exposed persons' — individuals who hold or held political positions and are referenced in the Epstein investigation files. The contents of the list have not been publicly disclosed.
Maxwell Reportedly Offers Names for Clemency Consideration
Multiple news outlets reported that Ghislaine Maxwell, through her attorneys, communicated a willingness to provide names and testimony regarding individuals involved in Jeffrey Epstein's criminal enterprise in exchange for consideration of a reduced sentence or clemency. The reports have not been officially confirmed by the DOJ.
Prince Andrew Arrested for Misconduct in Public Office
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew) was arrested by Metropolitan Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, becoming the first senior British royal arrested in nearly 400 years. The arrest, on his 66th birthday, stemmed from allegations that he shared confidential government information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as UK trade envoy. He was held for 12 hours and released.
NYC Gender-Motivated Violence Act Lookback Window Opens
The NYC Gender-Motivated Violence Act lookback window took effect, temporarily suspending statutes of limitations for civil claims of gender-motivated violence. The window allows Epstein victims previously time-barred from filing civil suits to bring claims against perpetrators and enabling institutions.