‘Serious irregularities’ at jail where Epstein died: Barr

Washington, Aug 13 (IANS) US Attorney General William Barr has said that the jail where alleged sex offender Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide had "serious irregularities".

Barr on Monday weighed in on the weekend incident at a news conference in New Orleans, saying that initial discoveries made by investigators probing into the apparent suicide of Epstein found the jail is partially responsible for the incident, Xinhua reported.

"I was appalled and frankly angry to learn of the failure to adequately secure this prisoner," Barr said. "We are now learning of serious irregularities at this facility that are deeply concerning and demand a thorough investigation."

Barr vowed to "get to the bottom of what happened" and promised accountability.

Barr also said the Justice Department would continue investigation possible accomplices of Epstein in his alleged sex crimes.

Epstein was found unconscious in his cell on Saturday and was later pronounced dead.

US media reports said the jail had not followed protocol to secure Epstein's safety prior to the apparent suicide. Epstein was at the time under "special observation status", indicating that he should have had a cell mate and jail guards should have checked on him every 30 minutes. But records showed that the cell mate was not present when the apparent suicide took place and jail guards failed to make the scheduled tours.

Epstein was accused in early July of sexually exploiting and abusing dozens of underage girls in the early 2000s. He was denied bail weeks after and would face up to 45 years in prison if convicted.

After a previous attempt to take his own life, Epstein was placed on suicide watch, but was later removed from suicide watch at the request of his attorney.