Change in New York State law to usher in 'tidal wave' of child sex abuse lawsuits

Thousands of child sexual abuse lawsuits are expected to flow into New York State courts in the coming weeks exposing decades-old misconduct at schools, hospitals, churches and youth clubs, according to lawyers for victims.

On Aug. 14, the Child Victims Act takes effect, giving people one year to sue over allegations of sexual abuse, regardless of when they said it occurred.

Under the law signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo in February, New York has gone from one of the toughest states to bring a case because of its strict statute of limitations to one of the easiest, potentially unleashing decades of unresolved claims. read more »

Jeffrey Epstein Hoped to Seed Human Race With His DNA

Jeffrey E. Epstein, the wealthy financier who is accused of sex trafficking, had an unusual dream: He hoped to seed the human race with his DNA by impregnating women at his vast New Mexico ranch.

Mr. Epstein over the years confided to scientists and others about his scheme, according to four people familiar with his thinking, although there is no evidence that it ever came to fruition.

Mr. Epstein, who was charged in July with the sexual trafficking of girls as young as 14, was a serial illusionist: He lied about the identities of his clients, his wealth, his financial prowess, his personal achievements. But he managed to use connections and charisma to cultivate valuable relationships with business and political leaders. read more »

Epstein’s Bail Bid Hurt as Court Slams Private Guards for Wealthy

Wealthy people charged with crimes don’t have a right to be freed from jail and watched at home by private guards, the federal appeals court weighing Jeffrey Epstein’s appeal of his bail request ruled in a separate case.

The U.S. Court of Appeals in New York on Thursday refused to overturn a bail ruling that kept Jean Boustani, an executive of the Privinvest family of maritime services companies, behind bars. Boustani had asked to be released to home confinement while awaiting trial for his part in an alleged $2 billion fraud and money-laundering scheme.

In Epstein’s case, Berman denied bail because he posed a “danger to the community.” While noting that Epstein might use his wealth to flee, he said the financier posed a threat to his alleged victims and potential witnesses and pointed to “compelling testimony” from two women who said that Epstein had sexually abused them when they were teens. read more »