Idaho Law Blog
By Lane V. Erickson, Idaho Estate Planning Attorney
While awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was found unresponsive in his jail cell. He was pronounced dead on August 10, 2019, at 6:39 am and his death was ruled a suicide. Prior to his death, he had been investigated for sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl, and pleaded guilty to those charges to avoid persecution of an additional 36 girls who were identified. Through his conviction he became a registered sex offender but did very little time other than 13 months with extensive work release.
Epstein was arrested a second time on July 6, 2019 under the federal court system for charges of sex trafficking minors in both Florida and New York. Both before and after his death more than 50 alleged victims filed suit against Jeffrey Epstein and against his estate which is estimated to be valued at $634 million.
Many civil litigations were being pursued to collect this money through these claims. However, the estate and the attorneys representing the victims apparently settled their claims through a voluntary restitution program for the alleged victims where they will be paid an undisclosed amount for their claims. Before the plan can proceed it has to be approved by the probate court judge in St Thomas, Virgin Islands which is where the estate is being handled.
While many of the victims are relieved that the process is over and that they will be compensated for their injuries, many expressed regret that through his death Epstein would not have to face his victims and be held personally accountable for the crimes he committed against them.
ENLIST AN IDAHO ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY TO HELP YOU
If you have any questions about your estate or how to simplify your plans for your family and loved ones, we can help. Call us toll free at 877-232-6101 or 208-232-6101 for a free consultation with Lane Erickson and the Racine Olson team of Estate Planning attorneys in Pocatello. You can also email Lane Erickson directly at lane@racineolson.com. We will answer your questions and will help you solve your Pocatello Estate Planning problems. I have helped numerous clients create their own customized estate plans and I’m confident that I can help you too.