Ryan NicolAs Jeffrey Epstein‘s attorneys worked in 2007 to negotiate a non-prosecution agreement that’s now under scrutiny, the wealthy financier was working to massively expand his estate in the Virgin Islands.
That’s according to a new report from NBC News.
Epstein was accused of having sexual relations with dozens of underage girls, but dodged federal charges under that agreement. Instead, he spent just 13 months in jail on state-level charges. Much of that time was spent on work release.
Epstein has since been indicted on federal child trafficking charges that could see him sentenced to as much as 45 years in prison.
While those 2007 negotiations were ongoing, NBC News reports that Epstein looked to triple the size of his Virgin Islands home. Permit records show he moved to add 16,747-square feet of additions to the 8,124-square foot property.
It’s not clear whether all the renovations were completed. However, the outlet says aerial footage shows “a sprawling compound” on the island.
“The alterations to the existing house will include a complete gutting of the kitchen, living room, office and guest rooms 1, 2 & 3, and installation of new roof structures and interiors,” say the documents reviewed by NBC News.
“The terrace north of the living room will be completely demolished and a new pool will be constructed in its place.”
The plea agreement, finalized in 2008 by Epstein’s lawyers, has come under renewed scrutiny in recent weeks. That’s thanks in part to the recent federal charges as well as an investigation by Julie K. Brown of the Miami Herald.
Alex Acosta, who was U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, was recently forced to resign as Donald Trump‘s Labor Secretary after coming under fire for the arrangement.
State Sen. Lauren Book also is calling for a state investigation of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), which oversaw Epstein’s work release. The program saw him unsupervised for hours at a time, according to deputy logs.
That’s led to questions on whether Epstein continued preying on young girls while on release. PBSO has begun an internal investigation to determine whether deputies acted improperly.
After Epstein completed the program and was released from jail in 2009, NBC News reported he continued to expand the property, getting additional permits.
Epstein remains in custody on the most recent charges. He was recently found injured in his jail cell. It’s still unclear what caused the injuries, though he was placed on suicide watch.
