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Epstein victim speaks out for first time

From CNN's Annie Grayer

Marina Lacerda spoke out today for the first time about the abuse she suffered from Jeffrey Epstein.

“I never thought that I would find myself here. The only reason that I am here is because it feels like the people who matter in this country finally care about what we have to say,” Lacerda said, speaking from Capitol Hill alongside other victims and members of Congress.

Lacerda said she was a 14-year-old immigrant from Brazil working three jobs to support her mother and sister when she was introduced to Epstein and told that she could make $300 to give massages. Lacerda said she had to be at Epstein’s New York City apartment so often that she dropped out of high school before ninth grade.

“It went from a dream job to the worst nightmare,” she recounted.

Lacerda said the release of files related to the case could help remember the traumatic experiences she experienced that she has been unable to remember.

“The worst part is that the government is still in possession right now of the documents and information about … that could help me remember and get over all of this maybe, and help me heal. They have documents with my name on them,” Lacerda said.

Lacerda said she was never given an opportunity to testify about her experience and that she has feared for her life and her family’s lives.

“We could have saved so many women,” Lacerda said. “Why didn’t they let me testify to help stop him?”