Newsweek | "I oppose the destruction of evidence that may contain smoking gun
proof that my false accuser made up her story," Dershowitz said. "I want
all the evidence preserved because I have absolutely nothing to hide. I
did nothing wrong. The evidence to be destroyed may also contain proof
of wrongdoing by others. It should be preserved for appeal and for
history. Destroying evidence risks destroying truth."
Upon
returning from a trip to France in 2019, Epstein was arrested.
Indictment documents alleged that Epstein had "sexually exploited and
abused dozens of minor girls at his homes in Manhattan, New York, and
Palm Beach, Florida, among other locations." Epstein also allegedly
"created a vast network of underage victims for him to sexually
exploit." Investigators also reported finding incriminating photographs
of underaged naked girls inside a safe in Epstein's Manhattan home.
Giuffre
claimed that she had been brought into Epstein's circle by Epstein's
lover Ghislaine Maxwell. While involved with Epstein, Giuffre alleged
that she had been involved in sexual relations with Prince Andrew while
she was 17 years old at Epstein's behest.
Prince Andrew denied the allegations, saying in a 2019 statement that he
"deplores the exploitation of any human being and the suggestion he
would condone, participate in or encourage and such behavior is
abhorrent."
Epstein pleaded not guilty to the charges. While awaiting trial, Epstein
died by hanging in his prison cell. After it was discovered that prison
guards had failed to perform safety checks on Epstein, some believed
that Epstein had actually been murdered. However, the coroner officially
ruled Epstein's death a suicide.
