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Epstein abused me while under house arrest, survivor tells US lawmakers
Roza, a survivor recruited from Uzbekistan by Epstein’s associate Jean-Luc Brunel, testified at a field hearing organized by House Democrats that Epstein sexually abused her while he was under house arrest in Florida. The testimony, alongside remarks from another survivor, highlighted alleged ongoing abuse and perceived justice-system failures; a Democratic oversight report linked a 2008 plea deal to continued trafficking.
Why It Matters
The event draws public attention to abuses occurring during Epstein’s custody period and to questions about accountability and the handling of Epstein files, amid congressional scrutiny of the Trump administration’s handling of related documents.
Timeline
16 Events
Hearing described as non-binding and aimed at keeping attention on Epstein case
May 13, 2026
The field hearing, while not legally binding, was organized to keep the Epstein case in the spotlight.
Survivor Roza retraumatized by published name in Epstein files
May 13, 2026
Roza said she was retraumatized after her name was accidentally published in the Epstein files.
DOJ redactions and removal of Epstein files discussed
May 13, 2026
The DOJ said it had removed from its website a number of Epstein-related files after victims said their identities were compromised by flawed redactions.
Maria Farmer testifies via recorded message
May 13, 2026
Maria Farmer gave evidence to lawmakers in a recorded message.
Roza testifies at field hearing in West Palm Beach
May 13, 2026
Roza testified publicly at a field hearing organized by House Democrats in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Democratic oversight report on the 2008 plea deal
May 12, 2026
A report published by Democratic oversight committee members found that Epstein's 2008 plea deal enabled him to continue abuse and trafficking for almost another decade.
Epstein dies in prison
August 10, 2019
Epstein died in a New York prison cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Rape continues for roughly three years
July 2012
Roza says the abuse continued for about three years, through roughly July 2012.
Roza molested by Epstein for the first time
July 2009
One day his masseuse called Roza into Epstein's room where she was molested for the first time by Epstein.
Epstein offers Roza a role at Florida Science Foundation
July 2009
Epstein offered Roza a role at his Florida Science Foundation.
Roza meets Epstein in West Palm Beach while he is under house arrest
July 2009
In July 2009, Roza met Epstein at his house in West Palm Beach while he was under house arrest.
Roza in New York City on a visa
May 2009
By May 2009, Roza was in New York City on a visa.
Roza recruited from Uzbekistan by Jean-Luc Brunel
2008
Roza was recruited from Uzbekistan as a teenager by Epstein's associate and modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel.
Post-2008 custody arrangement allows leaving custody
2008
An arrangement after the 2008 conviction allowed Epstein to leave custody for up to 16 hours a day, six days a week.
Epstein convicted for soliciting prostitution from a minor
2008
Epstein was convicted for soliciting prostitution from a minor and registered as a sex offender.
Maria Farmer first reports Epstein abuse
1996
Maria Farmer said she first reported Epstein's abuse to authorities in 1996.