Epstein Claims Immunity; Prosecutors Say "Extremely Concerning" Images Seized

Update4: In a second Monday hearing, Epstein's attorneys have argued that he has immunity under a 2008 plea deal. As we noted earlier, however, the new case includes additional alleged victims who weren't covered by Epstein's non-prosecution agreement, according to Bloomberg.

His attorneys have also argued that the images seized in a raid of his Manhattan mansion are "ancient" and show consenting adults.

Prosecutors, on the other hand, say that the images are "extremely concerning."

Epstein's bail hearing has been rescheduled to July 15.

Update3: Epstein pleaded not guilty during his Monday arraignment. His lawyer has asked the judge to set aside any decision on granting bail for three days while Epstein remains in custody, and has called the case "essentially a do-over" on "ancient stuff."

pic.twitter.com/NcOgsu9bMx

— Chris Ardizzone (@Ardi44) July 8, 2019

The hearing has adjourned until Thursday the 11th.

Update2: According to OANN's Jack Posobiec, Epstein is willing to cooperate with the investigation, including giving up the names of those who engaged in sex with underage girls, in exchange for a maximum sentence not to exceed five years.

SCOOP: Epstein's lawyer has already made a proffer to SDNY. Epstein will agree to cooperate with the investigation, including giving up the names of individuals that paid for activities with underage girls in exchange for a maximum sentence not to exceed 5 years - @OANN

— Jack Posobiec 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) July 8, 2019

In a Monday bail memorandum letter to Judge Henry Pittman of the Southern District of New York, prosecutors said there was an "extraordinary risk of flight, particularly given the defendant's exorbitant wealth, his ownership of and access to private planes capable of international travel, and his significant international ties."

Also noted was the potential for Epstein to "attempt to pressure and intimidate witnesses and potential witnesses in this case, including victims and their families, and otherwise attempt to obstruct justice."

"As a result, he poses both an acute danger to the community, including some of its most vulnerable members, and a significant risk of flight."

As the defendant acknowledged in his most recent New York State sex offender registration, he has six residences, including two in the U.S. Virgin Islands (including his own private island), and one each in Palm Beach, Florida; Paris, France; New York, New York; and Stanley, New Mexico. The most recent estimated value of the defendant’s New York City mansion alone is more than $77 million. The most recent tax-assessed value of the defendant’s Palm Beach estate is more than $12 million. The defendant’s primary residence is a private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a place where any sort of meaningful supervision would be all but impossible.

Moreover, the defendant has access to innumerable means to flee. His sex registration documentation of “current vehicles” lists no fewer than 15 motor vehicles, including seven Chevrolet Suburbans, a cargo van, a Range Rover, a Mercedez-Benz sedan, a Cadillac Escalade, and a Hummer II. These cars are registered in various states and territories including the Virgin Islands, New York, Florida, and New Mexico. The defendant also has access to two private jets, giving him the ability to leave the country secretly and on a moment’s notice and to go virtually anywhere he wants to travel. He is a very frequent international traveler and regularly travels to and from the United States by private plane. In particular, between January 1, 2018, and the present, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has logged approximately more than 20 flights in which Epstein was traveling to or from a foreign country. Indeed, he was arrested at Teterboro Airport arriving on just such a private international flight after having spent approximately three weeks abroad. Extensive international travel of this nature further demonstrates a significant risk of flight.

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-07-08/epstein-indictment-unsealed-accused-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse-dozens-minor