Epstein exploited his mom too: Researcher

Washington: Jeffrey Epstein’s pattern of exploiting women may have begun long before the sex-trafficking scandal that made him infamous, according to researcher Thomas Volscho, a sociology professor at the City University of New York, according to a report in the New York Post.

Volscho said one of the earliest documented incidents involving Epstein occurred while he was a student at New York University (NYU) in the 1970s. A 1976 report stated that NYU took him to civil court after a tuition payment made from his mother Paula Epstein’s bank account was dishonoured. The dispute was later settled.

Volscho said the incident reflected a pattern of manipulation that later emerged in Epstein’s dealings with women. Investigators have alleged that he used promises of education, scholarships and tuition assistance to attract and control victims.

Epstein died in custody on Aug 10, 2019, after authorities ruled his death a suicide. Volscho described the contrast between Epstein and his reportedly devoted parents as deeply ironic.