A federal judge on Thursday denied bail to wealthy investor Jeffrey Epstein, citing the potential danger to "new victims" from his apparently "uncontrollable" sexual fixation on young girls, and the risk that Epstein will flee to avoid prosecution for child sex trafficking charges.

The decision by Judge Richard Berman means that the 66-year-old Epstein will remain in jail pending trial in the case, where he faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted.

Berman, in a damning written order released hours after a hearing in U.S. District Court in Manhattan where he verbally announced his bail ruling, said that lewd photos of young women found in Epstein's mansion are troubling, as is evidence that he tried to influence the potential testimony of accusers and people who allegedly abetted his conduct.

"This newly discovered evidence also suggests that Mr. Epstein poses 'ongoing and forward-looking danger," the judge wrote. "Mr. Epstein's dangerousness is considerable and includes sex crimes with minor girls and tampering with potential witnesses."