First-time public appearance of the key witness in the Jeffrey Epstein case
Marina Lacerda, a woman who played a crucial role in the prosecution of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, has come forward for the first time to share her story. Lacerda, who was identified as "Minor-Victim 1" in Epstein's 2019 indictment, was just 14 years old when she first met Epstein in 2002.
Lacerda, who immigrated to the United States from Brazil and lived in Queens with her mother and sister, was recruited to provide a massage to Epstein. This encounter marked the beginning of years of sexual abuse.
In 2019, Lacerda's testimony provided prosecutors with key information that helped unravel Epstein's alleged network of child sex abuse in New York. The FBI contacted her again when New York prosecutors opened a case into Epstein.
Now, Lacerda is speaking out publicly, encouraging other survivors of abuse to come forward and calling on the Trump administration to release records related to Epstein. She expressed the need for transparency and the release of the Epstein files to aid in her healing process.
Several members of Congress are supporting Lacerda's call to release the Epstein-related documents. Representatives from both major parties are aiming to advance a bill, the "Epstein Files Transparency Act," for the full disclosure of all Epstein-related files. Three Congresswomen, whose names are not specified, have expressed a particular interest in helping the survivors.
Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019. Despite numerous allegations of his sexual misconduct, no evidence was found that he kept a client list, according to the Justice Department and FBI. However, Epstein was seen with approximately 5 to 10 women a day, according to Lacerda.
The Trump administration is currently dealing with the fallout from its decision not to release materials related to the investigation into Epstein. Lacerda's public statements add to the pressure on the administration to release these documents, which many believe are crucial for understanding the full extent of Epstein's crimes.
In 2020, Lacerda met with Congressional lawmakers alongside other survivors of Epstein. This meeting marked a significant step in the ongoing fight for justice and transparency in the Epstein case. Lacerda's bravery in sharing her story is inspiring survivors everywhere and is a testament to the power of speaking out against injustice.
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