In a shocking revelation, 150 pages of grand jury transcripts from 2006 have been unveiled by Florida Judge Luis Delgado, shedding light on the sex trafficking and rape allegations against financier Jeffrey Epstein. The documents reveal that prosecutors had knowledge of detailed accusations against Epstein years before he was granted a lenient deal.

According to the testimony given in 2006, the investigation against Epstein had begun a year earlier. During the proceedings, two victims came forward with harrowing accounts of their encounters with Epstein. One victim claimed that Epstein, then in his 50s, had molested her when she was only 14 years old. The second victim stated that she was raped by Epstein on the day before her 18th birthday.

The grand jury transcript also disclosed disturbing details about Epstein's alleged operations. A detective testified that victims were paid for engaging in sexual acts and were encouraged to recruit other underage girls, with the belief that "the younger, the better."

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill in February that allowed for the release of these documents. Normally, Florida grand jury transcripts are kept confidential, but this bill created an exemption for cases like Epstein's. Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of seeking justice and truth in such rare circumstances.

Despite the gravity of the accusations against Epstein, he managed to strike a plea deal with prosecutors two years later. Shockingly, he served only 13 months in jail as part of a work release program after pleading guilty to state prostitution crimes. As a result, Epstein became a registered sex offender.

Criticism has been aimed at the prosecution for their handling of the victims during the 2006 proceedings. Prosecutors were accused of questioning victims about their involvement in prostitution with Epstein and highlighting their past issues, such as drug use and shoplifting.

"These grand jury transcripts reveal a troubling fact: people were aware of Epstein's problematic behavior for a long time, yet not enough was done to stop him," commented Jessica Levinson, a CBS News legal contributor.

Epstein's criminal activities resurfaced in 2019 when he was arrested on federal charges of sex trafficking dozens of underage girls. However, before facing trial, he died in prison, with his death being ruled as a suicide by authorities. Last year, a Department of Justice watchdog report highlighted a "combination of negligence and misconduct" that allowed Epstein to take his own life.

In a recent development, twelve of Epstein's accusers filed a lawsuit against the FBI in February, accusing them of failing to protect them. The complaint alleges that the FBI had received tips, reports, and complaints about Epstein's activities as far back as 1996.

The release of these grand jury transcripts has provided a disturbing glimpse into Epstein's alleged crimes and the failures of the justice system to hold him accountable. As investigations continue, the victims are still seeking answers and justice for the trauma they endured at the hands of the notorious financier.