Florida Grand Jury: Det. Reiter Testimony

PALM BEACH COUNTY GRAND JURY — WITNESS TESTIMONY Witness: Chief Michael Reiter, Palm Beach Police Department Date: June 2006 Proceeding: Palm Beach County Grand Jury Investigation BACKGROUND: Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter was called to testify before the Palm Beach County Grand Jury regarding the department's investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. By this time, the PBPD had conducted a year-long investigation beginning with a complaint from a parent in March 2005. INVESTIGATION SUMMARY: Chief Reiter testified about the Palm Beach Police Department's investigation, which included: - Multiple victim interviews confirming a pattern of sexual abuse of minors - Search warrant execution at Epstein's Palm Beach residence yielding physical evidence - Identification of multiple victims through phone records and witness referrals - Surveillance operations documenting the arrival of young women at the estate CONCERNS ABOUT STATE ATTORNEY: Reiter testified about his growing concerns that State Attorney Barry Krischer's office was not pursuing the case with appropriate vigor. He described instances where he felt the State Attorney's office was undermining the investigation, including: - Presenting the case to the grand jury in a manner that minimized the evidence - Failing to call key witnesses - Recommending lesser charges despite the evidence supporting more serious felony counts DECISION TO REFER TO FBI: Chief Reiter testified that his frustration with the State Attorney's handling led him to take the extraordinary step of referring the case directly to the FBI, bypassing the local prosecutor. This referral ultimately led to the federal investigation. In a letter to State Attorney Krischer, Reiter wrote that he was "very concerned" about the handling of the case and urged more aggressive prosecution. Source: Florida Court Records / Grand Jury Proceedings Available at: https://www.courtlistener.com/