Warning this article contains graphic content.
Three more women are suing the estate of Jeffrey Epstein, accusing the late financier of sexual abuse.
The lawsuits accused the billionaire of not only recruiting underage girls, but also of confiscating one of their passports so she couldn't leave his Caribbean island and "forcibly" using a sex toy on another.
The allegations come after Epstein's arrest last month on charges of sex trafficking and his subsequent suicide in prison on August 10.
- Jeffrey Epstein signed will two days before death, prison head removed
- Video emerges of Prince Andrew inside Jeffrey Epstein's New York mansion
- US billionaire Jeffrey Epstein pleads not guilty
The lawsuits were filed in a Manhattan Federal Court on August 19 (local time), reports Reuters.
The accusers allege that Epstein had a "vast enterprise" of associates who recruited them, with all three saying the abuses they suffered continued even after Epstein struck a deal with prosecutors in 2008, where he pleaded guilty to lesser charges and effectively ended further investigation into his actions. As part of that deal, Epstein served just 13 months in prison and was allowed to leave custody 12 hours a day, six days a week, to work from his private office.
Two of the women named in the lawsuits, identified as Lisa Doe and Katlyn Doe were 17 when they met Epstein, with the third, Priscilla Doe, aged 20.
The new charges allege that Epstein flew Katlyn and Priscilla to Florida so he could continue to abuse them while he was on work release from jail, Reuters reports.
Katlyn was made to marry an associate of Epstein's in order that the man could become a citizen of the US. She was also forced to "lose her virginity" to Epstein, Reuters reports the lawsuit as saying.
Priscilla's lawsuit named not only Epstein, but also his ex-girlfriend and business associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The lawsuit claims that Maxwell taught her the "proper way" to sexually please Epstein while she was visiting him on his island in the Carribbean, as well as also alleging that Epstein confiscated her passport so she couldn't leave without his permission, according to CBS.
Maxwell, who has been accused of acting as the mulitmillionaire's "madame" and "co-conspirator", has denied recruiting women for Epstein and has not been charged with any crime
The lawsuit filed for Lisa says Epstein initially recruited her a dance teacher and promised to further her career as a dancer. He also "used a sex toy on her, forcibly", CBS reports.
Just two days before he died, Epstein signed a will placing all of his property in a trust. According to the document his fortune amounted to almost US$578 million (NZ$901 million).
It is not clear how much the lawsuits are seeking from Epstein's estate.
Where to find help and support:
Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Newshub.
