​Jeffrey Epstein (1953–2019) was an American financier and convicted sex offender who gained notoriety for his involvement in a widespread sex trafficking operation. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Epstein began his career as a teacher before transitioning into the finance industry, eventually founding his own firm, J. Epstein & Co. He cultivated relationships with numerous high-profile individuals, including politicians, businessmen, and celebrities. In 2008, Epstein was convicted in Florida of procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute, serving 13 months in a county jail as part of a controversial plea deal. In July 2019, he was arrested on federal charges of sex trafficking minors in Florida and New York. Epstein died in his jail cell on August 10, 2019; the medical examiner ruled his death a suicide by hanging, though this conclusion has been met with scepticism and conspiracy theories. His long-time associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted in 2021 of aiding Epstein's abuse by recruitin