Justice Dept.: “Poor judgement’ in Epstein plea

WASHINGTON» A Justice Department report has found former Labor Secretary Alex Acosta exercised “poor judgment” in handlingan investigation intofinancier Jeffrey Epsteinwhen hewas a top federal prosecutor in Florida. The report is a culmination of an investigation by the Justice Department’s Office of Professional Responsibility over Acosta’s handling of a secret plea deal with Epstein, who had been accused of sexually abusing dozens of underage girls. Under the 2008 non-prosecution agreement, Epstein pleaded guilty to state charges in Florida of soliciting and procuring a minor for prostitution. That allowed him to avert a possible life sentence, instead serving 13 months in a work-release program.