Alleged child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein was found injured and in the fetal position in his jail cell on Tuesday, prompting rumors of a suicide attempt, The Daily Wire reported.
Sources said that Epstein was semi-conscious and had marks on his neck when authorities found him, suggesting that he may have tried to hang himself. But different stories circulated, with others saying the injuries weren’t serious and that Epstein was only trying to get himself transferred to a different facility.
Yet another source said he may have been assaulted by someone else, and that another inmate was being questioned. Still, NBC News reported that Epstein is now on suicide watch at the prison.
Epstein behind bars
Epstein was remanded without bail after his arrest earlier this month. A judge agreed with prosecutors that his extensive international travel and financial means made him a flight risk.
Epstein faces up to 45 years in prison on his latest federal charges. He was also arrested in 2008, but made a deal to serve only 18 months on lesser charges. He was released after serving just 13 months with generous work release arrangements that allowed him to spend 12 hours per day in his home office.
Ties to the top
A number of high-profile men have been associated with Epstein and may have visited his private island or flown on his private jet, nicknamed the “Lolita Express.” Former President Bill Clinton is said to have flown on Epstein’s plane 26 times, but only admits to six times, all after he left office.
Other famous men associated with Epstein include Britain’s Prince Andrew, Ken Starr, Harvey Weinstein, Woody Allen, and Stephen Hawking. It is not clear to what extent these men knew of Epstein’s alleged trafficking or participated in any sexual activity with underage girls.
The media has tried to link President Donald Trump to Epstein, but multiple sources reported that Epstein was banned from Mar-a-Lago more than a decade ago after Epstein allegedly assaulted an underage girl during a visit there.
Wealth from where?
Meanwhile, questions remain about the source of Epstein’s apparent wealth. The supposed billionaire runs a wealth management firm for 10-figure investors, but no current clients can be found. He refused to produce any clear financial records when he was arrested in 2009, and won’t shed any light on where his money comes from.
Some have speculated that the billionaire owner of Victoria’s Secret and Bath and Body Works, Leslie Wexner, bankrolled Epstein. Alexander Acosta has said he was told that Epstein was “intelligence” and that’s why he got a good deal when he was arrested in 2008.
Others say maybe Epstein is blackmailing the men who slept with underage girls at Epstein’s properties or on his jet. Maybe it was just a Ponzi scheme, say others.
Wherever it came from, all the money in the world can’t shield Epstein from facing the consequences of his crimes. Justice will soon be served.