https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/12/business/jeffrey-epstein-bill-gates.html

And unlike many others, Mr. Gates started the relationship after Mr. Epstein was convicted of sex crimes.

https://www.soapcentral.com/human-interest/news-when-bill-gates-first-meet-jeffrey-epstein-former-microsoft-ceo-reportedly-regrets-ties-disgraced-financier

Bill Gates made his acquaintance with Jeffrey Epstein in 2011 when Epstein had been jailed for years for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

https://jacobin.com/2021/08/bill-gates-jeffrey-epstein-mistake-cnn-interview

They were two of the richest men on Earth, meeting after Epstein had already been convicted for child sex trafficking, very intentionally scratching each other’s back and bolstering each other’s charitable endeavors. The relationship between them — and what compelled both to build one — should be seen not as a lapse in judgment but as an indictment of billionaire philanthropy itself.

There’s plenty more out there if you look.

Bill Gates became friends with Epstein AFTER he was convicted.