Full Text
community (by clear and convincing evidence) and that Mr. Epstein presents a risk of flight (by a preponderance of the evidence). Id. Even if rebuttal evidence is presented, "the presumption favoring detention does not disappear entirely." Id. at 436. "[It] remains a factor to be considered among those weighed by the district court." Id.
F. Mr. Epstein Poses a Danger To Others And To the Community
The Court begins with "dangerousness" because that concept is at the heart of this case. It finds that the Government has shown by clear and convincing evidence that Mr. Epstein threatens the safety of another person and of the community, as follows on pages 10-21:
- Victims Have Advised The Court That They Would Fear For Their Safety If Mr. Epstein Were Released
Victims have "specifically conveyed" to the Government that any form of release of the Defendant, including home detention with full-time private guards, could "result in [their] harassment and abuse." Dkt. 11 at 4. At the bail hearing on July 15, 2019, two victims movingly testified about their past sexual encounters with Mr. Epstein when they were minors aged 14 and 16, respectively. 7/15/19 Tr. at 72; see also S. REP. 108-191 ("CVRA Legislative History"), at 22 (In enacting the CVRA, Congress stated that "[V]ictims deserve the right to be heard at specific points in the criminal justice process," including bail hearings. "Giving victims a voice not only improves the quality of the process but can also be expected to often provide important benefits to victims.") Ms. Annie Farmer was introduced by her counsel, David Boies, and stated that she was 16 years old when she "had the misfortune of meeting Jeffrey Epstein [in] New York." 7/15/19 Tr. at 72. Ms. Farmer said that Mr. Epstein "flew [her] to New Mexico" and was "inappropriate" with her. Id. She was reluctant to go into details about her experience with Mr. Epstein. Id. at 73. Ms. Farmer opposes Mr. Epstein's pretrial release because she believes other