as a hedge fund manager in the 1980s and ’90s —

known for his lavish lifestyle and high-profile connections,

Jeffrey Epstein is facing new allegations

that he exploited dozens of young girls for sex.

“Victims were given cash payments

if they could bring other underage girls

to be similarly abused, and that’s

how he continued to expand the number of new victims

that he had—”

It’s the latest in a decades-old saga that’s

been held up as an example of how powerful, rich men

avoid accountability.

So who is Jeffrey Epstein?

The 66-year-old was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.

In his early 20s, he taught physics and math

at the Dalton School, an elite Manhattan prep school.

Connections he made there got him a job

at the investment bank firm Bear Stearns.

He then went on to open his own finance firm in 1982.

And that’s where he amassed his fortune.

His firm reportedly only accepted clients

worth $1 billion or more.

Epstein tried to lead a private life.

But his work managing the money of the very wealthy

got him into some very high-profile social circles.

He became friendly with former President Bill Clinton,

and current President Donald Trump.

Also Britain’s Prince Andrew.

Epstein has six residences, including

an entire private island in the Caribbean,

and this $56 million mansion.

The seven-story house

is one of the largest private residences in Manhattan.

These recent charges include allegations he sexually

abused underage girls from 2002 to 2005

inside his Manhattan and Palm Beach homes.

When he faced similar allegations

a decade ago, federal prosecutors in Florida

struck a secret plea deal with Epstein.

He avoided a possible life sentence in prison

and spent 13 months in Palm Beach jail,

where he was allowed to leave for work six days a week.

That 2008 plea deal was negotiated in part

by Trump’s current labor secretary, Alexander Acosta,

who was then the top federal prosecutor in Miami.

Now prosecutors and investigators

are seeking to hold Epstein without bail

and have appealed for other victims to come forward.

“Your bravery might just empower

others to speak out about crimes

committed against them.

It’s important to remember,

there never was, nor will there be,

an excuse for this kind of behavior.”

Epstein could face up to 45 years in prison.