Jeffrey Epstein pleads not guilty to molesting dozens of girls

Wealthy US financier and friend of the powerful Jeffrey Epstein has appeared in a New York court charged with running a vast network of underage girls for sex.

The girls, some as young as 14, were given hundreds of dollars for sex acts.

The indictment alleges he enticed minors to visit his Manhattan and Florida mansions between 2002 and 2005.

Appearing in dark-blue jail clothing, Epstein pleaded not guilty.

Report says, Epstein will remain in jail until his bail hearing on 11 July.