Time for Justice: Prosecuting the Epstein Network

The Jeffrey Epstein scandal exposed a web of sex trafficking and abuse involving minors, with high-profile figures from government and business implicated. There is no excuse for those who participated in the trafficking or abuse of victims, including girls and likely boys. No one involved should escape justice, regardless of their status. The DOJ has redacted names of implicated leaders in business and government in public releases, which is unacceptable as they should not be shielded from accountability. Lawmakers who viewed unredacted files identified at least six men, including prominent individuals like a foreign official and a retired CEO, whose names were obscured to protect them.

This shielding undermines transparency and justice. The fact that full disclosure has yet to be completed is causing issues across the country, as Trump is feeling the pressure as he should. Trump promised full transparency during his 2024 campaign and signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act in 2025, but that is not what has been delivered, with heavy redactions persisting despite releases of millions of pages, and many are not happy. President Trump must order the Department of Justice (DOJ) to prosecute all implicated individuals, ensuring they face severe consequences, public humiliation, and lifelong imprisonment. In many cases, the death penalty may be warranted, as no punishment is strong enough for these offenders.

Legal Basis for Prosecution

Epstein's crimes centered on sex trafficking of minors, charged under federal law. The legal foundation for prosecution lies in 18 U.S.C. § 1591, which criminalizes sex trafficking of children by force, fraud, or coercion, and conspiracy to commit such acts. This statute, part of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, has convicted thousands, including Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who received 20 years for similar charges. The TVPA mandates accountability for predators, emphasizing protection for victims and prosecution of enablers, such as financial institutions that benefited from the operations. Evidence from unsealed files shows recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of minors across state lines, meeting the criteria for federal charges.

Constitutional Authority of the President

Constitutionally, the President holds authority to direct enforcement. Article II, Section 3 requires the President to "take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed." This vests executive power in the President, allowing direction of the DOJ to prioritize prosecutions. While norms protect prosecutorial independence in specific cases, the Supreme Court in Trump v. United States (2024) affirmed the President's ability to discuss and guide DOJ actions, including investigations and prosecutions. This ruling reinforces that the executive can override perceived barriers to ensure laws like § 1591 are applied without favoritism.

Upholding Equal Justice

Equal justice under the law, guaranteed by the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, demands no exemptions for the powerful. The Constitution prohibits arbitrary enforcement, ensuring that elites face the same scrutiny as others. Delays in prosecuting Epstein's network, coupled with selective redactions, undermine this principle, as seen in the lack of charges against many associates despite evidence. Victims deserve closure, and society requires deterrence against such atrocities.

A Call to Decisive Action

Trump's administration can act decisively. Recent calls, including from survivors and public figures, urge full transparency and accountability. By directing the DOJ to reopen investigations and pursue indictments, Trump upholds his oath. Offenders must be exposed, tried, and punished harshly, never to harm again. Justice delayed is justice denied; now is the time to end impunity.

Just one man’s humble opinion.

Michael J Badagliacco, “MJB”

Michael is a father of 5, grandfather of 3, USAF Veteran, recording artist, entrepreneur, Editor of USA Liberty Report, passionate about Freedom, Liberty, the founders’ genius of the Constitution and current Candidate for Montrose City Council.