PALM BEACH, Fla. _ State Sen. Lauren Book, a Democrat, has launched a public petition seeking support for an independent investigation into the handling of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's incarceration by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
The petition has received thousands of signatures, according to a spokesperson for Book. It can be accessed on the Lauren's Kids website, a non-profit organization for child sex abuse survivors started by Book, herself a victim of sexual abuse as a child.
"We need answers & accountability," Book wrote on Twitter. "An independent investigation is the first step. Add your name & join the fight."
The petition follows Book's July 22 formal request to Gov. Ron DeSantis to initiate a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation. Book called for the probe after Bradley Edwards, an attorney for Epstein's victims, alleged at a news conference in New York on July 16 that he had received information from some victims, including one who personally visited Epstein at his office for "improper sexual conduct."
Since then, PBSO Sheriff Ric Bradshaw has announced an internal affairs and criminal investigation of the deputies assigned to monitor Epstein during work-release while he was incarcerated. Book applauded the sheriff's actions but insists an "independent" review is necessary.
Last Thursday, the governor told reporters after a state Cabinet meeting that he would "certainly consider" accepting her request. But a week later, Book's office said they "have not yet heard anything from the governor's office."
Book spokeswoman Claire VanSusteren said the state senator is still hoping for a favorable reply.
While the governor has not commented, others in Palm Beach County have stated their support for independent reviews.
Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne Gannon, a Democrat, said in an email to The Palm Beach Post that "(DeSantis) needs to ask for an independent investigation."
Michael Barnett, chair of the Palm Beach County Republican Party, said that an independent investigation "sounds like it should be a good idea."
"It's hard for an organization to police itself," he told The Post.
U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Fla., said she supports congressional review.
"While we can't undo the damage Mr. Epstein has caused so many young women, it is not too late to ensure justice is served. The survivors of Mr. Epstein's exploitation and manipulation as well as the public deserve transparency and answers to unresolved questions. In that regard, members of the congressional Democratic Women's Caucus have requested that the Oversight and Reform Committee open an investigation and find answers," Frankel said in a statement sent by her office.
