Miami Herald investigation forced federal charges after 11 years

Miami Herald reporter Julie Brown published three-part investigative series Perversion of Justice in Nov. 2018, interviewing over 60 Epstein victims and exposing systematic prosecutorial failures by Alexander Acosta office.

Brown investigation went viral generating over 3 million page views and prompting congressional demands for DOJ Inspector General review of Acosta handling of 2007 plea negotiations.

Series identified approximately 80 women Epstein abused between 2001-2006, far exceeding the 40+ victims named in original federal draft indictment that Acosta office abandoned.

Internal DOJ emails obtained by Brown showed unusual main Justice involvement in local prosecution decisions, with 🌲Washington officials pressuring Miami prosecutors to accept lenient plea terms.

Investigation prompted Southern District of 🗽New York to reopen federal criminal case in Dec. 2018, leading to Epstein arrest on Jul. 6, 2019 at Teterboro Airport after Paris trip.

Brown reporting revealed Acosta told Trump transition team he granted lenient treatment because he was told Epstein belonged to intelligence, fueling speculation about government protection.

Series generated bipartisan congressional pressure leading to Acosta resignation as Labor Secretary on Jul. 12, 2019, acknowledging his handling of case was indefensible.