Palm Beach Post motion to amend Epstein grand jury transcript suit

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA¶

CA FLORIDA HOLDINGS, LLC, CASE NO.: 50-2019-CA-014681-AG Publisher of THE PALM BEACH POST,¶

Plaintiff,¶

v.¶

DAVE ARONBERG, as State Attorney of Palm Beach County, Florida; SHARON R. BOCK, as Clerk and Comptroller of Palm Beach County, Florida,¶

Defendants.¶

CO SA¶

MOTION OF DEFENDANT CA FLORID 1S/GS, 4/ LLC FOR LEAVE TO crc, AMEND ITS¶

Defendant CA Florida Holdings, L utIlier of The Palm Beach Post, for its Motion for Leave to Amend its Complaint pu la.R.Civ.P. 1.190(a) alleges:¶

• 1. The Palm Beach t ”) is a daily community newspaper with offices in West Palm Beach, Florida.
• 2. Since Nove b 2019, PBP has sought to obtain an order allowing the release of the 2006 Jeffr s grand jury transcripts.
• 3. successfully obtained appellate reversal of a final judgment that held the courts lack inhe authority to order release of grand jury transcripts. CA Fla. Holdings, LLC v. Aronberg, 360 So. 3d 1149 (Fla. 4th DCA 2023).
• 4. As a result of PBP’s litigation, on February 29, 2024, Florida’s Governor signed bill HB 117 that amended Fla. Stat. section 905.27. A copy of the amended section 905.27, which is to take effect on July 1, 2024, is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

5. The amendments to section 905.27 were intended to remove any impediments to release of the Jeffrey Epstein grand jury materials. By its terms, and as this Court acknowledged in its February 29, 2024 Order, the amended statute provides a remedial process for PBP and the public to obtain disclosure of the Epstein grand jury materials.

6. Due to the amendments to section 905.27, and the significant effect they have upon PBP’s current litigation, PBP requests that it be granted leave to Complaint. A copy of the proposed pleading is attached as Exhibit B. file a SeC w&Amended

7. If granted leave to amend, the pleadings will conform 905.27. 0 dments to section

8. Also, due to the dismissal of the State / i t) ( A C style of the case should be amended to delete the State Attorney as a party. R SS ,g SlotT body of the proposed Second Amended Com ?n a een removed. o the current State Attorney in the

9. As the prior Clerk of the has tired, the style should be amended to substitute the current Clerk, Abruzzo

10. Because this C rt a Iforized PBP in its February 29, 2024, Order to move for reconsideration once the ents to section 905.27 become effective on July I, 2024, there is no prejudice if le to am d is granted. The Clerk has publicly stated his support for the section 905.27 ., and he has personally advocated for the release of the Epstein grand jury mate’, intervenors have also stated that the Epstein grand jury materials should be released.

WHEREFORE, PBP respectfully requests that this Court grant its motion for leave to amend its complaint, permit PBP to file a Second Amended Complaint, and grant such other relief the Court deems just and proper.¶

Respectfully submitted,¶

/s/Stephen A. Mendelsohn¶

STEPHEN A. MENDELSOHN¶

Florida Bar No. 849324¶

GREENBERG TRAURIG, PA.¶

401 East Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 2000¶

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301¶

Tel.: 954.768.8225¶

mendelsohns@a.gtlaw.coa¶

smithl@gtlaw.com¶

MICHAEL J.¶

(Admitted Pro ce)¶

GREENS G, LLP¶

54 Stat 6th Floor¶

Al 207¶

9.1400¶

w¶

A °¶

(AdmitEs (S e (Admitted Hoc Vice)¶

.,<LL GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP¶

1840 Century Park East, Suite 1900¶

Los Angeles, CA 90067¶

Tel.: 310.586.7700¶

boyajiann@gtlaw.com¶

riveraal@gtlaw.com¶

Counsel for Plaintiff CA Florida Holdings,¶

LLC, Publisher of The Palm Beach Post¶

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE¶

I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and accurate copy of the foregoing has been electronically filed with the Florida E-File Portal for e-service on all parties of record herein on April 3, 2024.¶

/s/Stephen A.Mendelsohn A Cos¶

EXHIBIT A¶

NOT A CERTIFIED COPY¶

CHAPTER 2024-7¶

Committee Substitute for House Bill No. 117¶

An act relating to disclosure of grand jury testimony; amending s. 905.27, F.S.; revising the list of persons prohibited from disclosing the testimony of a witness examined before a grand jury or other evidence it receives; creating an exception for a request by the media or an interested person to the prohibited publishing, broadcasting, disclosing, divulging, or communicating of any testimony of a witness examined before the grand jury, or the content, gist, or import thereof; providing criminal penalties; providing construction; making technical changes; reenacting s. 905.17(1) and (2), F.S., relating to who may be present during a session of a grand jury, to incorporate the amendment made to s. 905.27, F.S., in references thereto; providing an effective date.¶

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:¶

Section 1. Section 905.27, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:¶

905.27 Testimony not to be disclosed; exceptions.—¶

(1) Persons present or appearing during a grand jury proceeding, including a grand juror, a state attorney, an assistant state attorney, a reporter, a stenographer, or an interpreter, as well as the custodian of a grand jury record, may not or any other person appearing before the grand jury shall not disclose the testimony of a witness examined before the grand jury or other evidence received by it except when required by a court to disclose the testimony for the purpose of:¶

(a) Ascertaining whether it is consistent with the testimony given by the witness before the court;¶

(b) Determining whether the witness is guilty of perjury; or¶

(c) Furthering justice, which can encompass furthering a public interest when the disclosure is requested pursuant to paragraph (2)(c).¶

(2) It is unlawful for any person knowingly to publish, broadcast, disclose, divulge, or communicate to any other person, or knowingly to cause or permit to be published, broadcast, disclosed, divulged, or communicated to any other person, in any manner whatsoever, any testimony of a witness examined before the grand jury, or the content, gist, or import thereof, except when such testimony is or has been disclosed in any of the following circumstances: a court proceeding.¶

(a) When a court orders the disclosure of such testimony pursuant to subsection (1) for use in a criminal case, it may be disclosed to the prosecuting attorney of the court in which such criminal case is pending, and by the prosecuting attorney to his or her assistants, legal associates, and¶

employees, and to the defendant and the defendant’s attorney, and by the latter to his or her legal associates and employees. However, the grand jury testimony afforded such persons by the court can only be used in the defense or prosecution of the criminal case and for no other purpose.¶

(b) When a court orders the such disclosure of such testimony is ordered by a court pursuant to subsection (1) for use in a civil case, it may be disclosed to all parties to the case and to their attorneys and by the latter to their legal associates and employees. However, the grand jury testimony afforded such persons by the court can only be used in the defense or prosecution of the civil or criminal case and for no other purpose whatsoever.¶

(c) When a court orders the disclosure of such testimony pursuant to subsection (1) in response to a request by the media or an interested person, regardless of whether that purpose is for use in a criminal or civil case, it may be disclosed so long as the subject of the grand jury inquiry is deceased, the grand jury inquiry related to criminal or sexual activity between the subject of the grand jury investigation and a person who was a minor at the time of the alleged criminal or sexual activity, the testimony was previously disclosed by a court order, and the state attorney is provided notice of the request. This paragraph does not limit the court’s ability to limit the disclosure of testimony, including, but not limited to, redaction.¶

(3) Nothing in This section does not shall affect the attorney-client relationship. A client has shall have the right to communicate to his or her attorney any testimony given by the client to the grand jury, any matters involving the client discussed in the client’s presence before the grand jury, and any evidence involving the client received by or proffered to the grand jury in the client’s presence.¶

(4) A person who violates Persons convicted of violating this section commits shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.083, or by fine not exceeding $5,000, or both.¶

(5) A violation of this section constitutes shall constitute criminal contempt of court.¶

Section 2. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 905.27, Florida Statutes, in references thereto, subsections (1) and (2) of section 905.17, Florida Statutes, are reenacted to read:¶

905.17 Who may be present during session of grand jury.—¶

(1) No person shall be present at the sessions of the grand jury except the witness under examination, one attorney representing the witness for the sole purpose of advising and consulting with the witness, the state attorney and her or his assistant state attorneys, designated assistants as provided for in s. 27.18, the court reporter or stenographer, and the interpreter. The stenographic records, notes, and transcriptions made by the court reporter or stenographer shall be filed with the clerk who shall keep them in a sealed¶

container not subject to public inspection. The notes, records, and transcriptions are confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution and shall be released by the clerk only on request by a grand jury for use by the grand jury or on order of the court pursuant to s. 905.27.¶

(2) The witness may be represented before the grand jury by one attorney. This provision is permissive only and does not create a right to counsel for the grand jury witness. The attorney for the witness shall not be permitted to address the grand jurors, raise objections, make arguments, or otherwise disrupt proceedings before the grand jury. The attorney for the witness shall be permitted to advise and counsel the witness and shall be subject to the provisions of s. 905.27 in the same manner as all who appear before the grand jury. An attorney or law firm may not represent more than one person or entity in an investigation before the same grand jury or successive grand juries in the same investigation.¶

Section 3. This act shall take effect July 1, 2024.¶

Approved by the Governor February 29, 2024.¶

Filed in Office Secretary of State February 29, 2024.¶

EXHIBIT B¶

NOT A CERTIFIED COPY¶

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA¶

CA FLORIDA HOLDINGS, LLC,¶

Publisher of THE PALM BEACH POST, CASE NO.: 50-2019-CA-01468-XXXX-MB Div.: AG¶

Plaintiff,¶

v.¶

ABRUZZO, as Clerk and Comptroller of Palm Beach County, Florida,¶

Defendant.¶

SECOND AMENDED COMP¶

A Cos¶

CA Florida Holdings, LLC, publisher of The P ea r Post, for its Second Amended Complaint against Abruzzo, the Clerk rt and Comptroller for Palm Beach County, Florida, in his official capacity (“C q6c Cle ), alleges as follows:¶

ICTION¶

• I. This is an action}r4tlit ltd exclusive jurisdiction of the Circuit Court pursuant to Fla. Stat. Sections 26.012(2Xa) .011 et seq.

PARTIES¶

• 2. Beach Post is a daily community newspaper published by Plaintiff CA Florida H C, with offices located at 2751 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, Florida. Defendant Abruzzo is the duly elected Clerk and Comptroller of Palm Beach County, Florida. He is sued herein in his official capacity as his office is in possession and/or control of documents that are the subject of this action.

INTRODUCTION¶

4. In what is now widely if belatedly recognized as a colossal miscarriage of justice which led to the further needless victimization of countless young girls and women — a wealthy, politically connected, and powerful financier was not held accountable for, nor even forced to confront, allegations of serious sex trafficking crimes. While it is clear that Jeffrey Epstein’s 2008 deal with the State of Florida was not consistent with the evidence gathered a im, what remains shrouded in mystery is how that evidence was presented — and the o which it was presented — to the grand jury that returned an indictment far more li pe than expected and deserved.

5. Through this action, The Palm Beach Pos lic access to the testimony, minutes, and other evidence presented in 2006 to Ils e ch County grand jury empaneled during the first Epstein sex abuse investigatio , access to such materials is limited, for example, in order to prevent the flight o ability to conceal or destroy evide accused who is later exonerate expressly authorizes the • losure of grand jury proceedings under certain circumstances, including, as here furthe ng justice, which can encompass furthering a public interest. Fla. Stat. § 905.27(1)( se indictment may be contemplated and their re jurors’ candor in deliberations; and to protect an er, these factors are inapplicable here. Also, Florida law

t can no longer credibly be maintained that continued blanket secrecy over the proceedings that led to the egregiously flawed 2006 Epstein indictment is warranted under the law. To the contrary, transparency is required to promote public understanding of the criminal justice system and public confidence in the fair administration of justice. As detailed below, Epstein was accused of sexually abusing and trafficking dozens of women and girls in south Florida (among other locations) over a period of several years while exploiting his wealth and political connections to obstruct the administration of justice at every turn. Public disclosure of the Epstein grand jury proceedings will shed light on the extent to which those in our government entrusted with the solemn responsibility of enforcing our criminal laws equally as to all citizens fulfilled their duties in this instance. Justice will be furthered where it is either (1) demonstrated that Epstein was treated like others accused of similar heinous crimes, or (2) as appears more likely to be the case, those who chose to give Epstein favorable — “unusual,” in the words of the Town of Pa h Police Chief— treatment, are exposed and held accountable. From what limited inje t is now in the public domain, the State Attorney’s referral of Epstein’s case to the out of the ordinary for this type of case — gives rise to a i) s in nee of favoritism and corresponding disregard for the rights of the minor victim ‘s sex trafficking. Access to c, the grand jury materials will allow the public to dete inner the grand jury process, and the secrecy that comes with it, was used to furthe s Ste• e , instead, operated to shield Epstein and his co-conspirators from the conseque of it criminal activities. Accordingly, Fla. Stat. Section 905.27 authorizes the disci b pstein’s 2006 grand jury proceedings. which would be¶

FACTUAL BACKGROUND¶

7. The follo acts were gathered, in large part, from documents obtained by The Palm Beach Post ugh rious Florida Public Records Law requests, documents unsealed or publicly ava ther related judicial proceedings, and information and documents in the public

A. First Epstein Sex Crimes Investigation, Indictment, and Plea:Agreement: 2005-2008.¶

8. The investigation into Epstein’s sex crimes began more than fourteen years ago, when a I4-year-old girl’s stepmother reported to police in the Town of Palm Beach, Florida, that Epstein and others who worked for him arranged for her to give Epstein a “massage.” Epstein required the girl to strip, exposed himself, and masturbated while touching her. The girl was paid $300. Epstein was 52 years old at the time.

9. Following this initial report in 2005, the Town of Palm Beach Police, and later, in 2006, the FBI, investigated Epstein. Interviews under oath with five additional alleged victims and seventeen witnesses revealed that the events described by the 14-year-old girl occurred, with disturbingly similar details, with each of the other victims.

10. Both the victim/witness interviews, as well as evidence retri owing a search of Epstein’s home, showed that some of the girls involved were un of 18. The police search of Epstein’s residence also found two hidden cameras O ghout the house, large numbers of nude photos of girls, including victims who Ae e had not interviewed in the course of their investigation.

11. In March 2006, a State grand s• 84c eeduled at which all of the victims were expected to testify. The proceeding was tpon , however, due to meetings between the State ( od Attorney’s office and Epstein’s riminal defense lawyer and personal friend, Alan Dershowitz.

12. Another gr> jyljy was convened in April 2006, but canceled the day before it was to begin receivin

(1) Police Chief Reiter’s Letter to the State Attorney.¶

n May I, 2006, Town of Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter wrote a “personal and confidential” letter to then Palm Beach County State Attorney, Barry Krischer, stating:¶

I must renew my prior observation to you that I continue to find your office’s treatment of [the Epstein] cases highly unusual. It is regrettable that I am forced to communicate in this manner, but my most recent telephone calls to you and those of the lead detective to your assigned attorneys have been unanswered and messages remain unreturned. After giving this much thought and consideration, I¶

must urge you to examine the unusual course that your office’s handling of this matter has taken and consider if good and sufficient reason exists to require your disqualification from the prosecution of these cases. (Emphasis supplied)¶

14. Chief Reiter’s letter to State Attorney Krischer enclosed the Town of Palm Beach Police Department’s probable cause affidavits charging Epstein and two of his assistants with multiple counts of unlawful sex acts with a minor and one count of sexual abuse, and requested that either an arrest warrant be issued for Epstein or the State Attorney directly ini against him, which would be public. charges

(2) The July 2006 State Grand Jun Presentati¶

15. Instead, State Attorney Krischer elected to refer ca.s’ist4 grand jury, which is mandatory for capital cases but rarely used for all of c . According to an official spokesperson, this was the first time that a sex crime, presented to a grand jury in Palm Beach County.

16. In July 2006, after State ine aischer presented testimony and evidence from one victim, the grand jury return n n ent on a sole count of solicitation of prostitution. There is no mention in the indi en the victim being a minor.

17. On info ni • and belief, a second of Epstein’s victims was supposed to testify before the grand j , but unable to attend because of a school exam.

18. m asbnable explanation has been provided as to why the numerous other known victim t presented as witnesses and crime victims to the grand jury convened in July 2006. Nor has an reasonable explanation been provided as to why State Attorney Krischer, who was initially eager to investigate and prosecute Epstein for his crimes, over time lost the desire to do so.

19. On information and belief, during the grand jury appearance of the single victim who testified, the State Attorney presented evidence that vilified the victim and attacked her credibility, including soliciting testimony regarding underage drinking and questionable personal behavior that was unrelated to the charges against Epstein. Further upon information and belief, this information was initially brought to the attention of the State Attorney’s office by Epstein’s defense counsel.

(3) The FBI’s Investigation and Epstein’s Non-Prosecution Agreement With Federal Authorities.¶

20. On information and belief, following the deficient July 2006 i and with Chief Reiter’s encouragement, the FBI began its own investigation of E

21. Records unsealed in 2015 revealed that the FBI comp rts on “34 confirmed minors” that were victims of Epstein’s sexual predations. B idence gathered by the FBI, a 53-page indictment was prepared by the U.S. Attom \ in June 2007. However, at the request of Epstein’s lawyers, the indictment was \ CCIth,,re nted to a federal grand jury.

22. Instead, then U.S. Attorney e So ern District of Florida, Alexander Acosta, negotiated a plea deal with Epstein’s wyers to grant immunity to Epstein (along with four named co-conspirators and ed potential co-conspirators) from all federal criminal charges.

23. Thro remainder of 2007 and through the first half of 2008, Epstein’s lawyers and th mey continued negotiating the plea arrangement. Upon information and belief, E wyers insisted that (I) the victims not be notified, (2) the deal be kept confidenti d under seal, and (3) all grand jury subpoenas (including one that had already been issued for Epstein’s computers) be withdrawn.

24. On June 30, 2008, Epstein pled guilty to State charges: one count of solicitation of prostitution and one count of solicitation of prostitution with a minor under the age of 18. He was

sentenced to 18 months in jail, followed by a year of community control or house arrest, and was adjudicated as a convicted sex offender required to register twice a year in Florida.¶

25. The plea deal, called a non-prosecution agreement (“NPA”), allowed Epstein to receive immunity from federal sex-trafficking charges that could have sent him to prison for life. On information and belief, based on public records, former State Attorney Krischer cor mtunicated with then U.S. Attorney Acosta concerning the NPA’s negotiation with Epstein’s

26. Indeed, Epstein was not incarcerated in a Florida prison f IO to crimes for which he was convicted. Instead, he was placed in a private wing m Beach County Stockade, where, after 3 12 months, he was allowed to leave ti ork release” for up to 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. His private driver provide 3( t )l b ‘nation to and from “work.”

27. Epstein was released five months ear t . i

28. Upon information and belief, 14s t , lated the terms of his probation, but was not prosecuted.

(4) The Ctj P.V,hims’ Rights Act I itioation.¶

29. Epstein’s victin4onlylldarned after the fact about his plea in State court and filed an emergency petition to il federal prosecutors to comply with the Crime Victims’ Rights Act (18 U.S.C. § 377 VRA , which mandates certain rights for crime victims, including the right to be inform lea agreements and the right to appear at sentencing. U.S. District Judge Kenne recently ruled that federal prosecutors violated the CVRA by failing to notify Epstein’s victims before allowing him to plead guilty to only the two State offenses.

30. The prosecution’s failure to keep the victims apprised, among other things, also contravenes the Florida Constitution, Article I, § 16(b) and Fla. Stat. § 960.001.

31. Following publicity exposing the extraordinary leniency of the plea deal, dozens of civil suits were brought against Epstein, most of which Epstein’s lawyers settled out-of-court.

32. In 2010, Epstein was registered as a “level three” (i.e., high risk of repeat offense) sex offender in New York, a lifelong designation. In 2011, the New York County District Attorney’s office unsuccessfully sought to lower his registration to low-risk “level one.”

33. Upon information and belief, during the course of the Town of Palm Beach and FBI investigations, Epstein retained private investigators to follow, harass, and photograph his victims and their families, as well as Chief Reiter and the Town of Palm Beach detective wl vestigated the case against Epstein. AS

34. Upon information and belief, Epstein’s victims were t with law enforcement and told that they would be compensated if did not cooperate with law enforcement. Qainst cooperating

B. Second Epstein Sex Crimes Investin S i ment. Suicide: 2019.¶

35. On July 6, 2019, Epstein was a ederal sex trafficking charges.

36. Upon information and be ited States government’s investigation of new allegations and charges stemmed, • continued press investigations into and reporting on the mishandling of the 2006 harg and the civil suits that followed. 37. In a July r,9, letter to the federal district court by the U.S. Attorney for the

Southern District ew rk, Epstein was described as “a serial sexual predator who preyed on dozens of mi or g s over a period of years.” The letter emphasized that “the Government has real conce nded in past experience with this defendant — that if allowed to remain out on bail, the defendant could attempt to pressure and intimidate witnesses and potential witnesses in this case, including victims and their families, and otherwise attempt to obstruct justice.” It also described the results of the FBI’s search of Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse: evidence of sex trafficking in the form of “hundreds — and perhaps thousands - of sexually suggestive photographs of fully- or partially-nude females,” including underage females. In a locked safe, compact discs were found with handwritten labels including the descriptions: “Young [Name] + [Name],” “Misc nudes 1,” and “Girl pits nude.”¶

38. On July 8, 2019, prosecutors with the Public Corruption Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York charged Epstein with sex trafficking and conspiracy to traffic minors for sex. The grand jury indictment alleges that “dozens” of underag girls were brought into Epstein’s mansions for sexual encounters. A few days later, owin lic outcry over the NPA with Epstein entered into by the U.S. Attorney for the Sout I j ct of Florida, Alexander Acosta, who by then was serving as U.S. Secre r in the Trump administration, resigned from office.

39. Epstein was denied bail and was place 1( n o ,) ial detention at the federal Metropolitan Correction Center in lower Manhatta t

40. On or about August 6, 2019, F S n Ssr , . Ron DeSantis ordered a state criminal probe into the actions of the Palm B hen and former State Attorney Krischer for their handling of the Epstein underage s ng case.

41. On August 10, pstein was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center. His f death was determined to be suicide.

C. The st 27. 01,, SDNY Hearina: Epstein’s Victims Speak.¶

42. On ccount of his death, prosecutors sought to dismiss the indictment against Epstei aintaining that they would continue to investigate his co-conspirators.

43. United States Senior District Judge Richard M. Berman ordered a hearing on August 27, 2019, on the prosecutors’ decision to dismiss the indictment and allowed victims to speak at the hearing.

44. In the course of the hearing, more than two dozen victims delivered their personal stories of pain, frustration, and sexual abuse at the hands of Epstein. Several victims spoke of violent rape by Epstein. Many more victims were present in the courtroom but did not testify.

45. While some questioned the reasoning behind the court’s decision to give the victims voice after Epstein’s death, District Judge Berman noted that “a public hearing is [thy] preferred vehicle of resolution,” emphasizing that “public hearings are exactly what jud Hearings promote transparency and they provide the court with insights and info ich the court may not otherwise be aware of.” Indeed, even Epstein’s defense laµ t the hearing that the court “is the institution that most people have confidence in ’ e ery troubled times.”

46. At the August 27th hearing, the girls, now o e ke about their “exploitation and coercion,” and to the fact that many of them “we S ‘nive S{sup}o ulnerable situations and in extreme 1/Niv poverty, circumstances where [they] didn’t ne on [their] side, to speak on [their] behalf…” One victim lamented that ” icti she] never got to see what the agreement was or why the special treatment got n the Florida case years earlier. Another noted how “completely different” the inv tiga leading to the 2019 federal indictment were from the prosecutors in the Florid, both in their treatment of her and their investigation of her victimization by

47. er federal judge in attendance at the August 27th hearing emphasized that “trans one of the overriding objectives in our criminal justice system.”

48. Nearly all of the victims expressed the conviction that the secrecy that shielded Epstein has caused them “irreparable harm” and that an opportunity to address his criminal wrongdoings, and those of the individuals who enabled his sexual racketeering, would allow for at least some measure of justice to be served after his death. Indeed, one victim stated: “Any efforts

made to protect Epstein’s name and legacy send a message to the victims that he wins and that he is untouchable.” Another victim expressed fear that this is a world “where there are predators in power, a world where people can avoid justice if their pockets run deep enough.” In short, the “unusual” treatment Epstein received in Florida in 2006 based on his wealth, social status, and connections severely eroded the public’s faith in the integrity and impartiality of tjre criminal justice system.¶

D. The Palm Beach Post’s Standing and the Public Interest.¶

(1) The Palm Beach Post Has Reported ENO’s’0 )n Epstein’s Crimes For Nearly 15 Years.14. / )¶

49. Plaintiff, The Palm Beach Post, is a communi aper serving readers in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast vicinity.

50. The Palm Beach Post has been a three other times. Er P ie winner and nominated as a finalist

51. Beginning in 2004, The ch Post has extensively investigated and reported on the allegations against, the I ment investigation of, and the crimes committed by, Epstein and his co-conspirato e Newspaper’s reportage has included publication of the following articles:

• “Th- 4 ho Had Everything: Jeffrey Epstein Craved Big Homes, Elite Friends a gators Say, Underage Girls.,” published on August 14, 2006, reporting that: obson, a local community college student, admitted in a sworn statement to *ce that “she had taken at least six girls to visit Epstein, all between the ages of 14 d 16;” Palm Beach Police “interviewed five alleged victims and 17 witnesses;” Dershowitz, the Harvard law professor, traveled to West Palm Beach with information about the girls,” including social media discussions about “their use of alcohol and marijuana;” after meeting with Epstein’s legal team, “prosecutors postponed their decision to take the case to a grand jury;” Palm Beach Police subsequently “received complaints that two of the victims or their families had been harassed or threatened;” “relations between police and prosecutors were fraying” as the investigation continued; and “one girl who was subpoenaed — the one who said she had sexual intercourse with Epstein — never showed up” to testify before the grand jury.

• “Trump Snags Gosman Estate for $41 Million” published on November 16, 2004, reporting on the bidding war between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein for the purchase of a “43,000-square-foot, seven-bedroom estate on 6 oceanfront acres along the storied ‘Raider’s Row’ ” in Palm Beach.

• “Indictment: Billionaire Solicited 3 Times” published on July 25, 2006, reporting that “Billionaire money manager and Palm Beach part-time resident Jeffrey Epstein solicited or procured prostitutes three or more times between Aug. 1 and Oct. 31 of last year, according to an indictment charging him with felony solicitation of prostitution.” The article further reported that “Epstein’s case is unusual in that suspect rostitution johns are usually charged with a misdemeanor, and even a felony ch typically made in a criminal information — an alternative to an indictment ch n with the commission of a crime.”

• “After Long Probe, Billionaire Faces Solicitation Charge” n July 26, 2006, reporting that “Palm Beach police thought there was prob le c use to charge Epstein with unlawful sex acts with a minor and lewd and las estation.” The article further reported that “Police Chief Michael Reit • angry with State Attorney Barry Krischer’s handling of the case that he mo suggesting the county’s top prosecutor disqualify himself,” and ide year-old on-the-record female source who said “she gave Epstein a nude, then brought him six girls, ages 14 to 16, for massage and sex-ting st s at his home.”

• “Police Say Lawyer Tried to D nage Girls” published on July 29, 2006, reporting that “[f]amed Harv: fessor Alan Dershowitz met with the Palm Beach County State Atto ice and provided damaging information about teenage girls who say his client, Palm Beach billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, sexually charged mas that “[t]he state attorney’s office said it presented the Epstein case to a c’ d jury this month rather than directly charging Epstein because of concerns the girls’ credibility.”

• rye f Age Isn’t Defense In Sex Cases” published on August 5, 2006, at ather than file charges, the state attorney’s office presented the case grand jury” which “indicted Epstein last week on a single, less serious f 14fony solicitation of prostitution,” and that “[t]he case raised eyebrows he state attorney’s office rarely, if ever, kicks such charges to a grand jury.” “Expert: Igno reporti to a u tein Camp Calls Female Accusers Liars” published on August 8, 2006, reporting at “[a] state attorney’s spokesman would say only that the office refers cases to the grand jury when there are issues with the viability of the evidence or witnesses’ credibility.”

• “Palm Beach Chief Focus of Fire In Epstein Case” published on August 14, 2006, reporting that Chief Reiter “pressed for Epstein to be charged with the more serious crimes of sexual activity with minors” and “slammed State Attorney Barry Krischer in blunt language seldom used by one law enforcement official with another because of what he perceived as that office’s mishandling of the case.”

• “Delays In Epstein Case Unusual, Lawyers Say” published on March 13, 2007, reporting that “[n]early eight months after Palm Beach tycoon Jeffrey Epstein was charged with felony solicitation of prostitution, there has been no discernible progress in his case.”

• “Woman Sues Billionaire Investor, Says They Had Sex When She Was 16” published on October 18, 2007, reporting on a lawsuit brought in New York State court against Epstein “by a young woman who says he had sex with her when she was 16 and had sought his help becoming a model.”

• “Palm Beacher Pleads In Sex Case” published on July I, 2008, reporti 55, pleaded guilty … to felony solicitation of prostitution and procu the age of 18 for prostitution,” resulting in “a lifelong obligati offender,” and that “[a]s part of the plea deal, federal investiga investigation of Epstein, which they had taken to a grand j

• “Jeffrey Epstein: Scientist, Stuntman, ‘Sex Slave’ Visit J August 13 2008 reporting that “[d]uring his first visited by , who allegedly escorte4.e Beach waterfront home to an upstairs room, provided the oils for their encounters” young woman whom Epstein purport

• “Billionaire Sex Offender Leave I, 2008, reporting that Epstein’ six days a week on a work- “Epstein, a pe n under gister as a sex to drop their ycoon” published on f confinement” Epstein was pon their arrival at his Palm n repared the masse e table and ,andby “a as his Yugoslavian sex slave.” ays a Week For Work” published on July ed to leave the Palm Beach County Stockade

• “Women Want Epste* al Unsealed” published on June 10, 2009, reporting that attorneys for w ens g Epstein in various courts “want his [non-prosecution] agreement [NPA] f eral prosecutors unsealed” and were moving to unseal the agreement in rcuit ourt of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, and that “Epstein now faces at least a doze lawsuits in federal and state courts filed by young women who said therhad s with him and now are seeking damages.” On that date, The Palm Beach Pk moved to intervene in the matter for the purpose of obtaining public access to c NPA,Which was ordered disclosed by this Court on June 25, 2009. 4ed • stein’s Secret Pact With Feds Reveals ‘Highly Unusual’ Terms” published on ember 19, 2009, reporting that, owing to Epstein’s non-prosecution agreement, eral prosecutors backed down and agreed to recall grand jury subpoenas if Epstein pleaded guilty to prostitution-related felonies in state court” and “also a reed not to charge any of E stein’s ssible co-conspirators: ==, Lesley Groff and ” The article further reported that, according to an attorney representing three of Epstein’s victims, “none of the 30 to 40 wom[e]n identified as victims in the federal investigation” were informed ahead of time about the NPA.

• “Judge Rules Epstein Attorneys Can Subpoena Abortion Records” published on January 27, 2010, reporting that “a judge … gave lawyers representing multimillionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein the right to subpoena abortion records from women who are seeking millions in damages from the part-time Palm Beach resident.”

• “Epstein Journal’s Findings Could Resurrect Abuse Case” published on March 20, 2010, reporting that “[a] purloined journal that is said to contain the names of `hundreds’ of victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein could be used to reopen the investigation into the multi-millionaire’s appetite for teenage girls.”

• “Epstein Paid Three Women $5.5 Million to End Underage Sex Law published on October 4, 2017, reporting that, according to court documents, “yelled out $5.5 million to settle lawsuits with three of more than two dozen ho sued him.”

• “Judge Rules Feds’ Agreement With Jeffrey Epstein Pa Teen Victims’ Rights” published on February 22, 2019, reporting on a ling y U.S. District Judge Kenneth Marra that “Federal prosecutors violated the of Jeffrey Epstein’s teenage victims [under the Crime Victims’ Right .y failing to reveal they had dropped plans to prosecute the billionaire on d decal charges in connection with the girls’ claims that he paid them for s m Beach mansion.”

• “Epstein Indicted On Sex Charges/P i Beacher Pleads Not Guilty to Sex Trafficking, Conspiracy Charges In a ourt In Manhattan” published on July 9, 2019, reporting on Epstein’s ap ce .S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in which he “plea n illy to charges accusing him of creating a vast network of girls as young at e exploited for his sexual pleasure at his homes in Palm Beach and

A true and correct copy of the a articles, in either the computerized format in which they are maintained in The P r Beac r Post’s electronic archives or the news print edition in which originally publishe ann ed hereto as Exhibit 1.¶

52. e filing of the initial Complaint in this matter, The Palm Beach Post - along with m is ide — has continued to report on Epstein’s crimes and the ongoing official proceeding resulting from those crimes.

(2) The Palm Beach Post’s Standing and the Public Interest.¶

53. The press has a constitutional right of access to criminal proceedings, see, e.g., Richmond Newspapers, Inc. v. Virginia, 448 U.S. 555, 573 (1980), including pre-trial criminal proceedings. v. Graddick, 696 F.2d 796 (11th Cir. 1983). Indeed, “the integrity of the judicial process, which public scrutiny is supposed to safeguard, is just as much at issue in proceedings of this kind [pre- and post-trial] as at trial.” Id. at 801; see also Miami Herald Publ. Co. v. 426 So. 2d 1,6-7 (Ha. 1982) (identifying the news media as a “public surrogate” in matters concerning the closure of judicial proceedings). The press also has a First Amendment interest in receiving information from willing speakers. See Va. Pharmacy Bd. v. Va. Consumer Council, 425 U.S. 748, 756-57 (1976) (“Where a speaker exists … the protecti Th orded [by the First Amendment] is to the communication, to its source and to its recic • h.”); Pittman v. 267 F.3d 1269, 1283 n.12 (11th Cir. 2001) (“The Supreme ognized that the First Amendment offers protection to both speakers and those receive speech.”); see also Stephens v. Cry. of Albemarle, Va., 524 F.3d 485, 492 t C 1 08) (providing that a plaintiff has “standing to assert a right to receive speech” by ’ S4o c , that there exists a speaker willing to convey the information to her”).

54. Because of the unique ro rfo by the press as a “public surrogate” (M, 426 So. 2d at 6-7) in protecting t ccess and its interest in reporting information about criminal proceedings, news or s “presumptively have a right to access judicial records,” Comm ‘r, Ala. Dep’t of C ordvance Local Media, LLC, 918 F.3d 1161, 1166 (1Ith Cir. 2019), and “standing to lion t e validity of an order restricting publicity because its ability to gather news is dire ‘red or curtailed.” IM, 426 So. 2d at 4; see also Carlson v. United States, 837 F. 57-58 (7th Cir. 2016) (“[a]s a member of the public, [the Reporters Committee] has standing to assert [its] claim” to grand jury materials because such materials are “public records to which the public may seek access, even if that effort is ultimately unsuccessful”).

55. Here, the continued denial of access to information The Palm Beach Post seeks on behalf of its journalists and the public it serves “unquestionably constitutes irreparable injury.”

Gainesville Woman Care, LLC v. State of Florida, 210 So. 3d 1243, 1263 (Fla. 2017); see also Zerilli v.M, 656 F.2d 705, 711 (D.C. Cir. 1981) (noting that “the press’ function as a vital source of information is weakened whenever the ability of journalists to gather information is impaired,” as it is by Attorney General’s refusal to disclose unredacted report and underlying grand jury materials).¶

56. The Palm Beach Post has the right to maintain this private right o • because the furtherance of justice, an express legislative exception to grand jury intended for the public benefit, and The Palm Beach Post seeks access on be Ct, public. Fla. Stat. § 905.27(1Xc). It is further expressed in Fla. Stat. § 905.27 th 1 ature in amending Fla. release of the Jeffrey Epstein Stat. § 905.27(1)(c) and (2)(c) in 2024, intended for this t e Jeffrey Epstein grand jury materials. In other words, the legislature cleared all grand July materials.

K e- (3) The Court’s Jurisdiction “I o Declare Rights And Constru }times.¶

,” 57. This Court has C• hei to declare rights, status, and other equitable or legal relations whether or not further • is or could be claimed. Florida Stat. Section 86.011.¶

58. Flori a law pe ifically provides that a declaration may be sought from the Court concerning a rights under a statute. Florida Stat. Section 86.021 (“Any person…whose rights, sta er equitable or legal relations are affected by a statute, or any regulation made under sta ry authority,… may have determined any question of construction or validity arising under such statute,…or any part thereof, and obtain a declaration of rights, status, or other equitable or legal relations thereunder.”).

59. The Court’s exercise of its power to declare rights “is to be liberally administered and construed.” Florida Stat. Section 86.101.

COUNT I¶

(Declaratory Relief - Florida Stat. Sections 86.011 et seq.)¶

60. The allegations set forth in paragraphs 1 through 59 are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

61. This is an action for Declaratory Relief pursuant to Chapter 86. Florida Statutes, and other supplemental relief. Ailk”

62. The Palm Beach Post respectfully requests that the Court uant to Fla. Stat. Sections 905.27(1) and (2)(c) that it is entitled access to the t tmo mutes, and other evidence presented in 2006 to the Palm Beach County grand c) ’ b se such disclosure and access would be furthering justice in the public interest. F ta 05.27(1)(c).

63. The Palm Beach Post has sought o7fhe testimony, minutes, and other evidence presented in 2006 to the Palm Beac nd jury. A good-faith dispute exists.

64. Through this Complaint, Pal each Post presently has a justiciable question concerning its rights to obtain t 905.27(1) (c) and (2Xc). nd jury materials pursuant to Fla. Stat. Sections

65. In an appe the final judgment entered on December 21, 2022 in this case, the Fourth Distri Appeal reversed the trial court’s decision that Florida courts lack authority to e release of grand jury materials. Rejecting the trial court’s determination, the appell eld that trial courts have inherent authority over grand juries and have the right to order release of grand jury materials if such would further justice as defined in Fla. Stat. section 905.27. CA Fla. Holdings, LLC v. Aronberg, 360 So. 3d 1149 (Fla. 4th DCA 2023). Therefore, this court has inherent authority to release the Epstein grand July materials in addition to the statutory authority granted by the 2024 amendments to Fla. Stat. section 905.27.

66. A bona fide, actual, present, and practical need for the declaration exists in order to further justice in the public interest by the release of the 2006 Epstein grand jury materials.

WHEREFORE, The Palm Beach Post respectfully requests that the Court determine the rights and obligations of the parties by declaring that pursuant to Fla. Stat. Sections 905.27(1)(c) and (2)(c). The Palm Beach Post and the public may gain access to the testimony.¶

COUNT II¶

464itc¶

(Florida Stat. Section 905.27)¶

67. The allegations set forth in paragraphs I through 66 a i ct”pt ted by reference as if fully set forth herein.

68. Based on information learned by The Pal t a ) ost through its Florida Public Records Law requests, law enforcement sources wit SS, i owledge of the grand jury evidence and proceedings, judicial documents obtained • endent but related court proceedings, and i5 S documents otherwise available in the *c rd, the 2006 State Attorney for Palm Beach t o County, Barry Krischer, present t evidence of Epstein’s criminal wrongdoing to the 2006 grand jury in a manne luded Epstein’s indictment for the serious crimes he committed, including sex ing and sexual assault.

69. t to lorida Stat. Section 905.27, as amended in 2024, in order to further justice for E u tein victims and the public, and to provide public disclosure to illuminate whether Epstei unjustifiably lenient treatment based on the available evidence, The Palm Beach Post requests that it and the public be granted immediate access to the testimony, minutes, and other evidence presented in 2006 to the Palm Beach County grand jury.

70. In 2024, the Florida legislature amended Fla. Stat. Sections 905.27 (1)(c) and (2Xc) for the express purpose of removing all legal impediments to the release of the Jeffrey Epstein

grand jury materials. Therefore, other than for limited redactions to protect witness and victim identities, Fla. Stat. Sections 905.27 (1Xc) and (2Xc) compel disclosure of the Epstein 2006 grand jury materials.¶

WHEREFORE, The Palm Beach Post respectfully requests that this Court, pursuant to Ha. Stat. Sections 905.27(1Xc) and (2Xc), as amended, order the Clerk of the Court to provide copies of the testimony, minutes, and other evidence presented in 2006 to the Palm Beaty grand jury during the first Epstein sex abuse investigation so that, following aryir e a inspection, these materials are immediately disclosed to the newspaper, and equitable or legal relief the Court deems just and proper. other and further¶

Dated: 2024 Respectful b d,¶

By: /s/ Stephen A. Mendelsohn STEPHEN A. MENDELSOHN Florida Bar No. 849324 mendelsohns law.com FLService@gtlaw.com¶

GRE RALTRIG, P.A. f CA Florida Holdings, LLC, of The Palm Beach Post¶

hen A. Mendelsohn, Esq. Town Center Circle, Suite 400 oca Raton, Florida 33486 Telephone: (561) 955-7629 Facsimile: (561) 338-7099¶

By: /s/ Michael J thygiel MICHAEL J GRYGIEL (Pro Hac Vice application forthcoming) 54 State Street, 6th Floor Albany, New York 12207 Telephone: (518) 689-1400 Facsimile: (518) 689-1499 grygielm@gtlaw.com¶

Nina D. Boyajian¶

NINA D. BOYASIAN¶

(Pro Hoc Vice application forthcoming)¶

1840 Century Park East, Suite 1900¶

Los Angeles CA 90067¶

Telephone: (310) 586 -7700¶

Facsimile: (310) 586 -7800¶

boyajiann@gtlaw.com¶

riveraal@gtlaw.com¶

A Goes¶