WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump says Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta is stepping down following criticism of his handling of a plea deal with a wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein, who is accused of sexually abusing dozens of underage girls.
Trump announced the news with Acosta by his side at the White House as Trump left on a trip to the Midwest.
Acosta says stepping aside was the right decision.
He was the U.S. attorney in Miami when he oversaw a 2008 non prosecution agreement with Epstein. Epstein avoided federal charges and served 13 months in jail.
Similar charges recently filed against Epstein by federal prosecutors in New York had put Acosta's role in the 2008 deal under renewed scrutiny.
Saturday, December 14 2019 9:16 AM EST2019-12-14 14:16:26 GMT
Saturday, December 14 2019 2:27 PM EST2019-12-14 19:27:09 GMT
(AP Photo/Paul Weber). In this Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 photo, Democrat Royce West, left, a Texas state senator who is running for U.S. Senate in Texas, talks with local party organizer Jimmy Alan Hall after a campaign stop in San Marcos, Texas. West is on...
(AP Photo/Paul Weber). In this Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 photo, Democrat Royce West, left, a Texas state senator who is running for U.S. Senate in Texas, talks with local party organizer Jimmy Alan Hall after a campaign stop in San Marcos, Texas. West is on...
Beto O'Rourke isn't running for Senate again, and Democrats who have unusually high hopes for Texas in 2020 are facing an unsettled landscape.
Beto O'Rourke isn't running for Senate again, and Democrats who have unusually high hopes for Texas in 2020 are facing an unsettled landscape.
Made up of about 60 kids, The Estacado High School band's numbers pale in comparison to other school bands across the state, but their performances on the field are among the very best. That is what Vista Ridge High School Band Director Bryan Christian said, who leads a group with about five times as many kids.
Made up of about 60 kids, The Estacado High School band's numbers pale in comparison to other school bands across the state, but their performances on the field are among the very best. That is what Vista Ridge High School Band Director Bryan Christian said, who leads a group with about five times as many kids.
Last Saturday, a Morton home was engulfed in flames with a mother's disabled daughter inside. Luckily, Cochran County Sheriff's deputies were able to get her out safely.
Last Saturday, a Morton home was engulfed in flames with a mother's disabled daughter inside. Luckily, Cochran County Sheriff's deputies were able to get her out safely.
A guest on Lubbock News Now, Bailey DeKoning explains how Christmas cards, blankets, and other comfort items bring cheer to senior homes during the holiday season.
A guest on Lubbock News Now, Bailey DeKoning explains how Christmas cards, blankets, and other comfort items bring cheer to senior homes during the holiday season.
Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott hosted a listening session with faith leaders from across the state to discuss strategies to end child exploitation and sex trafficking in Texas.
Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott hosted a listening session with faith leaders from across the state to discuss strategies to end child exploitation and sex trafficking in Texas.
