Article snippet: Embattled Labor Secretary MORE is “outstanding,” despite swirling questions about his job security. During a nearly hourlong news conference, Acosta said he is “pleased” that federal prosecutors in New York City are bringing sex trafficking charges against Epstein but argued that “facts are being overlooked” in criticism of the deal he previously struck, which some have called too lenient. Under that deal, Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution under Florida law, registered as a sex offender and spent just over a year in jail while having work-release privileges. “We believe that we proceeded appropriately,” Acosta told reporters at the Labor Department, where he spoke in detail about how his office ultimately decided to offer a plea deal to Epstein while Acosta served as U.S. attorney in Miami. “We did what we did because we wanted to see Epstein go to jail. He needed to go to jail,” Acosta said. Addressing critics of the deal, Acosta said, “Times have changed, and coverage of this case has certainly changed.” Acosta was unemotional and unapologetic in defending the deal, saying it was the best outcome he could get at the time. Pushing back on critics who called the agreement lenient, Acosta said the case was initially a state matter and that Epstein would have gone free if his office had not intervened. “The Palm Beach State Attorney's Office was willing to let Epstein walk free. No jail time. Nothing,” Acosta said. The Palm Beach state's attorney ... Link to the full article to read more