'Serious irregularities' exist in jail where Epstein committed suicide: AG Barr

WASHINGTON -- US Attorney General William Barr said Monday the jail where alleged sex offender Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide had "serious irregularities."

Barr 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.

"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."

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

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.