Local Reporter Who Covered Jeffrey Epstein Case Reacts To His Death, Says Victims Feel They've 'Been Robbed' Of Justice
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The fallout from the sudden death of sex offender and wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein continues to ripple throughout the country.
The local reporter who helped put a spotlight on the Epstein case says she is still investigating and searching for the truth.
"A lot of the women who were abused by Epstein feel cheated and robbed of this chance to finally have justice," Julie K. Brown said.
Brown is a senior investigative reporter for CBS 4 News partner "The Miami Herald". Her reporting helped the Epstein case gain national attention.
"He never denied that he did this all this time. He pleaded the fifth. If anything, he said he acknowledged that it happened. At one point, even compared what he did to stealing a bagel," Brown said.
Epstein, 66, was facing federal sex trafficking charges. Prosecutors say he abused dozens of underage girls, as young as 14 in New York and Palm Beach. More than a decade ago, he cut a deal with attorneys in South Florida to avoid similar charges.
Saturday morning he was found unresponsive in a holding cell in New York City. Officials say he died from an apparent suicide.
"I think facing the real possibility that he was going to spend the rest of his life in a federal prison was probably too much for him to handle," Brown said.
An autopsy will determine the cause of death. In July, Epstein was found injured in his cell. Sources told CBS News, he had slight bruises around his neck. But Brown said investigators are not alone in their search for answers because the accusers are asking questions.
"There are a lot of questions that need to be answered in their minds," Brown said. "The federal prosecutors will start looking at other people who helped Epstein. But they will never get their day in court."
Now, investigators will keep looking at Epstein's case but focusing on his inner circle but that may not be enough for accusers.