Epstein Files: FBI Confirmed Teen Abuse by Epstein, Found No Proof of Trafficking

Newly released U.S. Justice Department records show that federal investigators confirmed Jeffrey Epstein repeatedly abused underage girls , but did not find proof that he ran a sex-trafficking ring involving other powerful individuals , according to an Associated Press review of internal FBI and prosecutor documents.

The records, released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act , include FBI interview notes, internal emails, financial reviews and evidence inventories from searches of Epstein’s properties in New York, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Investigators concluded there was extensive evidence that Epstein paid teenage girls for sexual acts, but said allegations that he trafficked victims to others could not be substantiated.

Prosecutors wrote that examinations of Epstein’s bank accounts, emails and payments to individuals and entities linked to prominent figures in business, academia and diplomacy found no financial connections to criminal conduct by others . Agents also reviewed photographs, videos and electronic devices seized from Epstein’s homes. While nude images of females, including material involving minors, were recovered, no media depicted victims being abused by anyone other than Epstein or implicated additional suspects .

Victim testimony was closely examined. While some accusers alleged Epstein arranged sexual encounters with others, investigators said those claims could not be corroborated. In several cases, victims named by other accusers told agents they had not been directed to engage in sexual activity with third parties. FBI summaries noted that no consistent pattern emerged supporting the existence of a trafficking network .

In a 2024 internal email, agents said a small number of accusers alleged abuse by other individuals, but concluded there was insufficient evidence to bring federal charges , and the matters were referred to local law-enforcement agencies.

Epstein was first investigated in Florida in 2005 and arrested on federal charges in 2019 before dying by suicide in jail. His associate Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of recruiting and grooming underage girls and is serving a 20-year prison sentence.

While critics dispute the findings, investigators maintained that had evidence of a broader trafficking operation existed, it would have been pursued .