Trump official quits as Epstein scandal grows

A TOP figure in Donald Trump’s government resigned yesterday amid criticism of his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

It comes after at least 14 new alleged victims of the paedophile came forward, many of whom would have been underage when they claim they were molested.

Labour secretary Alexander Acosta, a former Florida prosecutor, agreed a ‘ sweetheart’ plea deal which saw Epstein jailed for just 13 months in 2007.

The tycoon also avoided trial despite an investigation which identified 36 of his underage victims.

Mr Acosta quit yesterday – the highest profile scalp in the scandal – after his non-prosecution agreement was thrown into the spotlight when new sexual abuse charges were brought against Epstein.

It serves a blow to the Trump administration – with Mr Acosta responsible for overseeing important policy areas such as job creation. Mr Trump has himself moved in the same circles as Epstein – once calling him a ‘great guy’ – but has since tried to distance himself from the tycoon who stands accused of abusing scores of young girls between 2002-2005. Prosecutors have described a ‘vast network’ of teenagers allegedly assaulted by Epstein. Yet Mr Acosta struck a secret deal – unbeknown to victims – which allowed him to come and go from jail as he pleased and shut down an FBI investigation into his crimes.

A maths teacher turned hedge fund boss, Epstein surrounded himself with the rich and famous and counted Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York as friends.

Epstein, who was arrested on Saturday, denies charges which could carry 45 years in prison.

His lawyers are now trying to convince a judge he should be allowed to spend time on bail at his $77million (£61million) New York mansion.