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Survivor recounts Epstein's abuse during house arrest
A woman identified only as Roza has publicly described how Jeffrey Epstein sexually assaulted her over a three-year period while he was under house arrest in Florida for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Recruitment and coercion
Roza, originally from Uzbekistan, testified at a field hearing organized by House Democrats that she was 18 when she met Epstein's associate, modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, in 2008. Brunel promised her a lucrative modeling career, she said, exploiting her financial vulnerability.
By mid-2009, Roza was in New York on a visa and was introduced to Epstein at his West Palm Beach residence in July of that year. At the time, Epstein was serving house arrest following his 2008 conviction.
Abuse under house arrest
Epstein offered Roza a position at his Florida Science Foundation, where he worked under a work-release arrangement allowing him to leave custody for up to 16 hours a day, six days a week.
Roza told lawmakers that Epstein's masseuse summoned her to his room, where she was first assaulted. She stated that the abuse continued for three years, describing it as "ongoing rape."
Systemic failures highlighted
The hearing, held in West Palm Beach near Epstein's former home and President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, was convened by Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee. Though lacking legal authority, the session aimed to keep scrutiny on Epstein's crimes and alleged government mishandling of the case.
A report released by committee Democrats on Tuesday criticized Epstein's 2008 plea deal, arguing it allowed him to "continue his abuse and trafficking activities for nearly another decade."
Survivors demand accountability
Roza said the abuse she endured while Epstein was under house arrest left her feeling "justice was impossible." She later sought help but said her trauma was compounded when her name was accidentally published in Department of Justice (DOJ) files related to Epstein, while "the rich and powerful remained protected by redaction."
"Now reporters from across the globe contact me. I cannot live without looking over my shoulder. I can only imagine the long-term impact this 'mistake' will have on my life."
Roza, Epstein abuse survivor
The DOJ acknowledged the error, stating it had removed affected files from its website after victims reported their identities were exposed due to "technical or human error."
Calls for transparency
Another survivor, Maria Farmer, submitted recorded testimony, alleging she first reported Epstein's abuse in 1996. She accused law enforcement of repeatedly failing to act.
"The government needs to start telling the truth."
Maria Farmer, Epstein survivor
Epstein died by suicide in a New York prison in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
