Epstein abused me while under house arrest, survivor tells US lawmakers

A survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse has told how the late sex offender sexually abused her while he was under house arrest for soliciting prostitution from a minor.Roza, who was recruited from Uzbekistan as a teenager by Epstein's associate and modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, spoke publicly for the first time alongside a number of victims in a field hearing that was organised by House Democrats.She told the session that she was introduced to Epstein by Brunel in July 2009, was offered work by Epstein "to help me with my financial troubles", and he later subjected her to rape over a period of three years.Democratic lawmaker Robert Garcia said the unofficial hearing was held in West Palm Beach, Florida, because it was where Epstein's "crimes first came to light".The hearing, which Garcia pointed out was also held in close proximity to US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence, was held by Democrats from the US House Oversight Committee and local Democratic members.The committee, which has a Republican majority, is currently investigating the financier's crimes. Democratic members of the committee have focused on scrutinising the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files.The hearing carries no legal authority, but was planned with the intention of keeping the Epstein case in the spotlight. Democratic lawmakers heard how Epstein and his accomplices evaded accountability for years, and how victims were repeatedly failed by the justice system.