Year-ender: Names under the spotlight in 2019
According to the reports by US media, Epstein was previously convicted on similar charges around 11 years ago in Florida. He avoided federal prosecution and was thus spared from a lengthy jail time by pleading guilty to state charges under a plea deal. He spent 13 months in a county jail and was allowed to go to his office during the day.
Several influential political figures also were involved in Epstein's scandal, such as Britain's Prince Andrew, US President Donald Trump, and former US president Bill Clinton.
Numerous media reports about Prince Andrew's alleged links to Epstein appeared. The Duke of York met Epstein after the American financier's release from an 18-month prison term in 2010 for prostituting minors.
The Duke of York said in a statement that he wanted to "clarify the facts" around his "former association or friendship" with Epstein.
"At no stage during the limited time I spent with him did I see, witness or suspect any behavior of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction."
Overseas media reported that a Royal expert argued the Palace had not yet done enough to reduce the damage to the royal family following his interview about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The Duke of York stepped back from his royal duties in late November.
Another past associate of Epstein's was Donald Trump. Before he became president, Epstein and Trump reportedly used to party together but the two later had a falling out, according to a report by CNBC.
