Lawyers for convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein said in a new court filing that their client would be “irreparably harmed” if documents regarding his 2008 case are unsealed, ABC News reported.
“This is a widely watched and reported case,” the motion says. “Mr. Epstein and a host of other individuals have been the subject of the most outlandish and offensive attacks, allegations, and plain inventions.”
Some of Epstein’s victims are hoping to overturn Epstein’s plea deal, which saw him serve just 13 months of a laughable 18-month sentence for solicitation of prostitution of a minor, even though he had been accused of abusing as many as 40 underage women. They maintain that the plea agreement violated their rights as it was reached without their knowledge.
Judge Kenneth Marra, of the Southern District of Florida, wrote earlier this month that “public policy favors judicial records being open to the public,” ordering Epstein to show “extraordinary circumstances or particularized needs” that would justify keeping the records sealed, according to Reuters.
Marra ruled that the government did have an “obligation to inform Epstein’s victims about the deal,” ABC reported, “but [Marra] has reserved judgement about whether the government failed to meet its obligations until a more complete factual record is developed.” He has, however, indicated that if he does decide that the victims’ rights were violated by the plea agreement, he would consider rescinding Epstein’s original deal.
Also included in that agreement was federal immunity for any of Epstein’s co-conspirators in his crimes. Epstein is also required to pay for a private attorney for the victims who sought financial settlements without litigation.
The fight by Epstein’s attorneys to keep documents sealed makes it seem like there is something more at stake other than his reputation. He is a convicted pedophile and a registered sex offender. His reputation is widely known.
Given his ties to many of the world’s most powerful and famous, and the recent allegations against his lawyer, Alan Dershowitz – who was instrumental in negotiating his plea agreement, and Britain’s Prince Andrew, unsealing court documents could open Pandora’s Box about his alleged international sex-trafficking ring.
