Judge recommends Epstein victims' lawsuit against FBI move forward despite time limits
A magistrate judge advised that the federal suit filed by Jeffrey Epstein survivors against the FBI should not be dismissed, even though the claim is past the statute of limitations.
In a detailed report, Magistrate Judge Ryon M. McCabe urged the Florida federal court to allow a negligence lawsuit by Jeffrey Epstein victims against the FBI to continue, despite the claim being filed after the statutory deadline. The plaintiffs allege that FBI agents in New York, Florida and other states failed to act on credible tips dating back to 1996, creating a foreseeable risk to victims. McCabe found the allegations sufficient to survive a motion to dismiss and to potentially establish a common-law duty of care under Florida’s voluntary undertaking and zone-of-risk doctrines.
He expressed skepticism about the plaintiffs’ ability to demonstrate causation, a matter typically reserved for a jury. The judge recommended a 90-day discovery period to uncover FBI policies on sexual abuse investigations, after which the government could re-file a dismissal request. The recommendation will be reviewed by U.S. District Judge David S. Leibowitz, who currently oversees the case. Discovery has been paused pending this ruling.
Why it matters
The decision could shape accountability for federal agencies in handling sexual abuse investigations.
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