FBI investigating Epstein death in Manhattan jail

The FBI signaled it is investigating the death of disgraced billionaire Jeffrey Epstein after he was discovered dead in his Manhattan jail cell due to an “apparent suicide.”

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons said in a news release Saturday that the FBI would investigate the apparent suicide.

Authorities said Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell early Saturday morning. He was transported to a hospital for treatment and he was pronounced dead there, officials said.{mosads}

Several lawmakers have called for answers in Epstein’s death after he was reportedly put on suicide watch in late July following a possible suicide attempt, when he was discovered unconscious in his cell with marks around his neck.

The Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC), where Epstein was being held, did not immediately return The Hill’s request Saturday for clarification about Epstein’s suicide watch.

Epstein had pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges and was in jail awaiting trial. He had been accused of sexually abusing dozens of girls over a number of years.

His death came a day after court documents revealed that he was accused in 2016 of sending an underage girl to meet and have sex with two former politicians as part of his alleged sex ring.

– John Bowden contributed