Joseph 'Joe' Recarey was a highly decorated American law enforcement officer, renowned for his pivotal role as the lead investigator in the 2005 Palm Beach Police Department probe into financier Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking and abuse of minors. Born on June 5, 1967, in Queens, New York, he moved to Florida with his family at age 13. Recarey graduated from the Police Academy in 1990 and built an exemplary career, becoming one of the most decorated officers in Palm Beach Police Department history with over 150 commendations, 11 officer-of-the-month awards, and the 2013 Palm Beach Police Foundation Officer of the Year award. A tenacious homicide detective known for his sophisticated forensic and interview skills, he was often called upon for high-profile cases. In the Epstein investigation, his meticulous work uncovered a vast network of underage victims; he interviewed more than a dozen alleged victims, compiled a comprehensive probable cause affidavit detailing accounts from over 30 victims, and served as the opening witness before the 2006 Palm Beach County grand jury. This thorough probe highlighted allegations of prostitution, serial abuse, sexual battery, and kidnapping, which he intended to use to charge Epstein with multiple felonies. However, it was undermined by the 2008 non-prosecution agreement negotiated between Epstein's high-powered defense team and federal prosecutors, including U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta—a 'sweetheart' plea deal that Recarey viewed as a betrayal of justice and the victims, about which he later testified in depositions regarding interference and the pivot by state prosecutors away from aggressive prosecution. Following his retirement from the Palm Beach Police Department, Recarey moved to Tennessee, where he continued his public service as a detective for the Spring Hill Police Department until his sudden death in 2018 at age 50 after a brief illness, shortly before the renewed federal investigation into Epstein—a loss widely noted by investigative journalists.