Fact check: When did epstein begin relations with minors

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, none of the sources contain specific information about when Jeffrey Epstein began relations with minors. However, the sources do provide important contextual information about the scope and nature of his crimes:

• The abuse involved over 1,000 victims according to DOJ investigative files ^[1]
• Epstein's crimes involved the sexual abuse of underage girls over an extended period ^{[2] [3]}
• One source indicates that Epstein's abuse of teenage girls and young women occurred over three decades ^[4]
• The DOJ possesses more than 10,000 videos and images depicting child sex abuse material related to the case ^[5]
• Many victims were high school students who received payments of $200 for illicit massages ^[4]

The sources also reveal that Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted for conspiring with and aiding Epstein in his sexual abuse of underage girls ^[6].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal several important gaps in addressing the original question:

• No specific timeline or starting date for when Epstein's criminal behavior began is provided in any source
• The sources focus primarily on recent political controversies surrounding document releases rather than historical details about when the abuse started ^{[2] [5] [7]}
• There is emphasis on the DOJ's position that no "client list" exists ^{[1] [5]}, which shifts focus away from the timeline question
• Political figures and parties appear to benefit from controlling the narrative around document releases, with Democrats demanding more transparency while the DOJ maintains certain limitations ^{[2] [8]}

The three-decade timeframe mentioned ^[4] suggests the abuse may have begun in the 1990s, but this lacks specificity and official confirmation.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation, as it is a straightforward factual inquiry. However, the lack of specific information available in the sources suggests that:

• Definitive answers about timing may not be publicly available or may be contained in sealed investigative files
• The focus on political controversies surrounding document releases ^{[2] [8]} may be overshadowing the core factual questions about Epstein's criminal timeline
• The emphasis on over 10,000 videos and images in DOJ possession ^[5] indicates substantial evidence exists, but specific details about when the criminal behavior began remain undisclosed

The question appears legitimate, but the available public information analyzed does not provide the specific temporal details being sought.