House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta to step down Monday night over his role in an earlier plea deal with Jeffrey Epstein, who faces sex trafficking charges.
.@SecretaryAcosta must step down. As US Attorney, he engaged in an unconscionable agreement w/ Jeffrey Epstein kept secret from courageous, young victims preventing them from seeking justice. This was known by @POTUS when he appointed him to the cabinet. #AcostaResign
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 9, 2019
Context: A judge ruled in February that federal prosecutors, including Acosta, violated the law by striking a sweetheart plea deal with Epstein, in which the wealthy financier averted federal prosecution for his participation in an international sex operation.
- Acosta, who was then U.S. attorney for the southern district of Florida, opted not to prosecute Epstein on federal sex traffic laws and instead struck a deal that ultimately granted him immunity.
This is a developing news story. Please check back for updates.
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