Lauren Book thanks survivors and journalists for releasing Epstein court documents • Florida Phoenix

A Miami Herald reporter and sexual abuse victims are responsible for Monday’s release of documents from the state grand jury investigation into the 2006 Jeffrey Epstein case, according to state Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book.

The Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis authorized the release of Epstein court records — which would normally be kept under seal — this year by passing a narrowly drafted law. In signing the bill in February, DeSantis said, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”

The court records have been sealed since they were created in 2006, when Palm Beach County prosecutors interviewed women who had been sexually abused by Epstein. According to the Herald, prosecutors portrayed the witnesses as “prostitutes, drug addicts, thieves and liars.”

Epstein served 13 months in county jail with generous parole rights and received treatment not normally available to sex offenders. He was arrested again in 2019 on federal charges before being found dead in his jail cell before a trial could take place.

Book, a Democrat who represents part of Broward County, said in a prepared statement that the release of the documents was “another step toward justice for victims who were silenced by a serial predator and then re-victimized by the justice system.”

Book, a survivor of child sexual abuse, is the founder of Lauren’s Kids, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness of the issue.

On Tuesday, Book paid tribute to Miami Herald reporter Julie K. Brown, whose reporting brought the case to public attention. Brown has spent years researching Epstein and has written a book about his victims and his legal past.

“Reporter Julie Brown’s tenacity was critical in uncovering the truth behind Epstein’s crimes, and her tireless efforts continue to expose the systemic failures that enabled such atrocities,” Book said. “Through the efforts of people like Julie and the courage of survivors, what was done in the dark has come to light.”

According to the Herald, the release of the recordings came after sustained legal action by the Herald itself as well as the Palm Beach Post, CNN and the New York Times.