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XY qr qr qr NEeD 10Cy qYY E2 GH l1 Pd h3V g?KIq V5kL O65S d_xKKU vV 5H p1 Z6 CTX U0 U1 CTX U0 U1 A0 1D qr qr 10Cy YY K??Kl 1B AMwv 1K F1 KV yW Gd T?H CTX CTX I CK M?qr K?SK?PQZ I IRZX 8YCX 10Cy qr CX kv zg S5kB??a iG wA CTX U2 6Y CTX U2 6Y I K,,j j,s 6Y P!p qr 10Cy qr YY G?O 9K mSd X0 9r?yal 1d bY0 XNf??qN D?J CTX P!Z b!o C,C qrM 10Cy qr8 I fX2 9R lO KV CTX Oo CTX A qr r?qr rq YY Lsy7H4 C,6E IL CTX U3 CTX J,O3_3xx qrM?r q?CX Y9/C 9CX CTX Y10Cy CX CX CX YC YY FV uTl bEWa ȓjJ-8 Gc G??Q9E 9Wq CTX CTX Up i I A 9_ qr qr YY D.X 7s F??Y bc3_c iH CTX CTX A qr 10Cy YY EMq 7H AY mK9Z BY A2 P6L N7 CTX CTX a I I i qr rC CTX CTX 7O I FMM qr qr i I I3 CTX Z6 I L(K4 P:u Z6P CTX y8 J8RsEPSl today I dont think it would be very significant On a somewhat more serious note dont quote me on this but it is my understanding that one of this authors of that article is himself counsel in one of the Epstein-related cases I was surprised to learn that very recently Im certain it is true I was also surprised that that aspect was not disclosed in the Law Journal But in any event I think you know where Im heading I respectfully disagree with the Law Journal piece I was saying that the governments motion is relatively straightforward and in my view a public hearing is clearly nevertheless the preferred vehicle for its resolution Im still convinced of that A few may differ on this but public hearings are exactly what judges do Hearings promote transparency and they provide the court with insights and information which the court may not otherwise be aware of The victims have been included in the proceeding today both because of their relevant experiences and because they should always be involved before rather than after the fact Indictment CR charges Jeffrey Epstein with sex trafficking and with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking The U.S Attorney on August requested that the court approve the governments proposed order of nolle prosequi I think thats a rough justice That means nolle prosequi SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.O CA/Aronberg-0924 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 today I dont think it would be very significa On a somewhat more serious note dont quote me on I this but it is my understanding that one of the authors of i that article is himself counsel in one of the Epstein-related cases I was surprised to learn that very recently Im certain it is true I was also surprised that that aspect was not disclosed in the Law Journal But in any event I think you know where Im heading I respectfully disagree with the Law Journal piece I was saying that the governments motion is relatively straightforward and in my view a public hearing is clearly nevertheless the preferred vehicle for its resolution Im still convinced of that A few may differ on this but public hearings are exactly what judges do Hearings promote transparency and they provide the court with insights and information which the court may not otherwise be aware of The victims have been included in the proceeding today both because of their relevant experiences and because they should always be involved before rather than after the fact Indictment CR charges Jeffrey Epstein with sex trafficking and with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking The U.S Attorney on August requested that the court approve the governments proposed order of nolle prosequi I think thats a rough justice That means nolle prosequi I SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0924 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl discontinuance by the prosecutor of all of a part of the i case that he or she has commenced i The government in its motion concludes that Epsteins death abates these proceedings In accordance with Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure I determined to hold a public hearing and I notified the victims that they would be given the opportunity to be heard before any final action on the motion That is the purpose also of todays proceeding I would do that every time Also recognized that Epstein Mr Epstein died before any judgment of conviction against him had been obtained and that the governments proposed order appears in form and substance to be appropriate Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure a codifies the nolle prosequi process It is entitled dismissal and it states in relevant part that the government may with leave of the court dismiss an indictment information or complaint and that leave of the court proviso you should know was added as an amendment to the original draft of Rule which had originally provided for automatic dismissal upon the motion of the government This proviso in my judgment is clearly directed toward an independent judicial assessment of the public interest in dismissing the indictment Thus even whereas in this case the standard of court review is deferential the SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.O CA/Aronberg-0925 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl discontinuance by the prosecutor of all or of a part of the I case that he or she has commenced The government in its motion concludesi that Epsteins death abates these proceedings In accordance with Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure I determined to hold a public hearing and I notified the victims that they would be given the opportunity to be heard before any final action on the motion That is the purpose also of todays proceeding I would do that every time Also recognized that Epstein Mr Epstein died before any judgment of conviction against him had been obtained and that the governments proposed order appears in form and substance to be appropriate Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure a codifies the nolle prosequi process It is entitled dismissal and it states in relevant part that the government may with leave of the court dismiss an indictment information or complaint and that leave of the court proviso you should know was added as an amendment to the original draft of Rule which had originally provided for automatic dismissal upon the motion of the government This proviso in my judgment is clearly directed toward an independent judicial assessment of the public interest in dismissing the indictment Thus even whereas in this case the standard of court review is deferential the SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0925 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl I court must still make its own independent determination A conclusory statement from the government that dismissal is appropriate does not satisfy the courts obligations It is also in my view required that the court consider the views of the victims in the case at the hearing and before deciding whether to grant the motion This is being done here both as a matter of law and as a measure of respect that we have for the victims difficult decisions to come forward in this matter In a case called United States Heaton H-e-a-t-o-n the government filed a Rule motion for leave to dismiss a charge against a defendant who allegedly committed a sexual offense against a young victim Although I should point out very importantly that that defendant was still alive which distinguishes it from our case Nevertheless I think it is irrelevant because in evaluating the Rule motion then district Judge Paul Cassell who is now a law professor at the University of Utah and is regarded to be a noted expert in victims rights concluded that under the Crime Victims Rights Act victims have broad rights that extend to a courts decision whether to grant a government motion to dismiss under Rule I completely share that viewpoint in these circumstances even though the facts of our case as I said are somewhat different from those in Heaton I believe it is SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.O i i CA/Aronberg-0926 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 I court must still make its own independent determination A conclusory statement from the government that dismissal is I appropriate does not satisfy the courts I obliga;tions It is also in my view required that the court consider the views of the victims in the case at the hearing and before deciding whether to grant the motion This is being done here both as a matter of law and as a measure of respect that we have for the victims difficult decisions to come forward in this matter In a case called United States Heaton H-e-a-t-o-n the government filed a Rule motion for leave to dismiss a charge against a defendant who allegedly committed a sexual offense against a young victim Although I should point out very importantly that that defendant was still alive which distinguishes it from our case Nevertheless I think it is irrelevant because in evaluating the Rule motion then district Judge Paul Cassell who is now a law professor at the University of Utah and is regarded to be a noted expert in victims rights concluded that under the Crime Victims Rights Act victims have broad rights that extend to a courts decision whether to grant a government motion to dismiss under Rule I completely share that viewpoint in these circumstances even though the facts of our case as I said are somewhat different from those in Heaton I believe it is SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0926 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl the courts responsibility and manifestly within its purview to ensure that the victims in this case are treated fairly and with dignity The fundamental substantive principle which applies in considering the governments motion is termed the rule of abatement This principle originated in the English common law It was adopted by most U.S federal courts but more recently it has faced some appropriate criticism The rule of abatement is best explained in the Second Circuit case of U.S Wright In that Wright case two defendants had pled guilty to embezzlement and tax evasion Both defendants appealed but one of the defendants died while his appeal was pending in the Second Circuit The Court of Appeals rule that under the rule of abatement the judgment of conviction against the deceased defendant was required to be vacated and the indictment was to be dismissed The Wright court held that when a convicted defendant dies while his direct appeal of right is pending his death abates not only the appeal but also proceedings had during the course of the prosecution The Second Circuit incidentally has also held that when a criminal conviction abates upon the death of a defendant any restitution ordered as a result of that conviction must also abate and it is also ruled the same with respect to associated forfeiture orders SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0927 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 the courts responsibility and manifestly with its purview to ensure that the victims in this case are treated fairly and I with dignity The fundamental substantive principle which applies in considering the governments motion is termed the rule of abatement This principle originated in the English common law It was adopted by most U.S federal courts but more recently it has faced some appropriate criticism The rule of abatement is best explained in the Second Circuit case of U.S Wright In that Wright case two defendants had pled guilty to embezzlement and tax evasion Both defendants appealed but one of the defendants died while his appeal was pending in the Second Circuit The Court of Appeals rule that under the rule of abatement the judgment of conviction against the deceased defendant was required to be vacated and the indictment was to be dismissed The Wright court held that when a convicted defendant dies while his direct appeal as of right is pending his death abates not only the appeal but also proceedings had during the course of the prosecution The Second Circuit incidentally has also held that when a criminal conviction abates upon the death of a defendant any restitution ordered as a result of that conviction must also abate and it is also ruled the same with respect to associated forfeiture orders SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.y I CA/Aronberg-0927 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl This latter application of the rule of1 abatement regarding forfeiture has not been universally accepted among federal courts but it certainly is the law in this circuit Some of you may be interested to know that some United States courts state courts have criticized the rule of abatement particularly in the face of growing recognition of victims rights in the criminal justice system including the Crime Victims Rights Act It has been written and contended in the Brooklyn Law Review I can give you the cite later that when courts abate criminal convictions they reimpose a burden on victims that legislatures intended to alleviate through these victim rights statutes The state Supreme Court has even concluded that the expansion and codification of victims rights provides the changed conditions needed for overruling the rule of abatement It has also been stated that Alaskas statute and its constitution now require the criminal justice system to accommodate the rights of crime victims Further that the abatement of criminal convictions has important implications for these rights But coming back to our case which is what you are concerned about and I am as well it is appropriate to conclude that if the rule of abatement applies to a convicted defendant as in the Wright case it should also apply a fortiori in the Epstein case which was still in the pretrial phase when SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0928 i FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl This latter application of the rule of abatement regarding forfeiture has not been universally accepted among federal courts but it certainly is the law in this circuit Some of you may be interested to know that some United States courts state courts have criticized the rule of abatement particularly in the face of growing recognition of victims rights in the criminal justice system including the Crime Victims Rights Act It has been written and contended in the Brooklyn Law Review I can give you the cite later that when courts abate criminal convictions they reimpose a burden on victims that legislatures intended to alleviate through these victim rights statutes The state Supreme Court has even concluded that the expansion and codification of victims rights provides the changed conditions needed for overruling the rule of abatement It has also been stated that Alaskas statute and its constitution now require the criminal justice system to accommodate the rights of crime victims Further that the abatement of criminal convictions has important implications for these rights But coming back to our case which is what you are concerned about and I am as well it is appropriate to conclude that if the rule of abatement applies to a convicted defendant as in the Wright case it should also apply a fortiori in the Epstein case which was still in the pretrial phase when SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0928 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl I Mr Epstein died when there had been no conviction So thats just some background I wanted to share with you At this point in time I would like to turn to the government prosecutors to hear from them in support of their Rule application to dismiss the Epstein indictment MS COMEY Thank you your Honor Would you like me to address the court from the podium THE COURT If you wouldnt mind MS COMEY Thank you your Honor I believe your Honor has accurately summarized the state of the law as set forth in our papers in light of the clear Second Circuit law that upon the death of a defendant before a final entry of a judgment of conviction all proceedings must be abated In light of that clear law the government is legally obligated to seek dismissal of the pending indictment against Jeffrey Epstein and we respectfully submit likewise that the entry of the proposed order is similarly required by law A few notes to make about that though your Honor To be very clear dismissal of this indictment as to Jeffrey Epstein in no way prohibits or inhibits the governments ongoing investigation into other potential coconspirators nor does it prevent the bringing of a new case in the future or the prosecution of new defendants SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0929 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl I i Mr Epstein died when there had been no convic ion So thats just some background I wanted to share with I you At this point in time I would like to turn to the government prosecutors to hear from them in support of their Rule application to dismiss the Epstein indictment podium MS COMEY Thank you your Honor Would you like me to address the court from the THE COURT If you wouldnt mind MS COMEY Thank you your Honor I believe your Honor has accurately summarized the state of the law as set forth in our papers in light of the clear Second Circuit law that upon the death of a defendant before a final entry of a judgment of conviction all proceedings must be abated In light of that clear law the government is legally obligated to seek dismissal of the pending indictment against Jeffrey Epstein and we respectfully submit likewise that the entry of the proposed order is similarly required by law A few notes to make about that though your Honor To be very clear dismissal of this indictment as to Jeffrey Epstein in no way prohibits or inhibits the governments ongoing investigation into other potential coconspirators nor does it prevent the bringing of a new case in the future or the prosecution of new defendants SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0929 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl It also does nothing to prevent the government from continuing to explore the possibility of seeking civil forfeiture of any assets that were used to facilitate the crimes charged in this indictment Indeed as has been stated publicly investigations into those matters have been ongoing remain ongoing and will continue following dismissal of the indictment here I would also like to note that as the government has previously mentioned this dismissal in no way lessens the governments resolve to stand up for the victims in this case both those who have come forward and those who have yet to do so We agree with your Honors sentiment that those victims should be respected and we appreciate your Honors recognition of that One housekeeping matter that I did want to reference for your Honor The protective order in this case requires destruction or return of any and all discovery material upon conclusion of the case We have been in communication with defense counsel who have confirmed that they have returned all physical copies that they have of discovery that the government has produced to date and they are in the process of deleting any copies that they may have made So the parties are in compliance with the protective order Finally I just wanted to say a word about the victims in this case and particularly those who are here in court SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.O I CA/Aron be rg FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl It also does nothing to prevent the government from continuing to explore the possibility of seeking civil forfeiture of any assets that were used to facilitate the crimes charged in this indictment Indeed as has been stated publicly investigations into those matters have been ongoing remain ongoing and will continue following dismissal of the indictment here I would also like to note that as the government has previously mentioned this dismissal in no way lessens the governments resolve to stand up for the victims in this case both those who have come forward and those who have yet to do so We agree with your Honors sentiment that those victims should be respected and we appreciate your Honors recognition of that One housekeeping matter that I did want to reference for your Honor The protective order in this case requires destruction or return of any and all discovery material upon conclusion of the case We have been in communication with defense counsel who have confirmed that they have returned all physical copies that they have of discovery that the government has produced to date and they are in the process of deleting any copies that they may have made So the parties are in compliance with the protective order Finally I just wanted to say a word about the victims in this case and particularly those who are here in court SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA Aron be FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl I i today Ill note that in light of the courts order indicating that the victims and their counsel would be permitted to be heard in court here today the government has endeavored to provide notice to all known victims of todays proceeding We did so either directly where a victim was not represented by counsel or through counsel where a victim is represented by an attorney The government does not know exactly how many victims or their attorneys are here today and we do not know how many of them or their counsel would like to speak To the extent any individuals do wish to speak we do not know the substance of what they would like to say We have left that entirely up to the individual decisions of the victims and their attorneys I will note though that throughout this case the government has endeavored and done our utmost to fulfill our obligations under the Crimes Victims Rights Act We have done so by trying to keep as many victims as we are aware of up to date about the ongoing case and about any developments in the case We will continue to provide services and offer services to any of the victims in this case even after the indictment is dismissed Both the U.S Attorneys office and the FBI have been in touch with all known victims or have attempted to be in touch with all known victims either again directly where victims are not represented by counsel or SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0931 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl I i today I Ill note that in light of the courts prder indicating that the victims and their counsel would be permitted to be heard in court here today the government has endeavored to provide notice to all known victims of todays proceeding We did so either directly where a victim was not represented by counsel or through counsel where a victim is represented by an attorney The government does not know exactly how many victims or their attorneys are here today and we do not know how many of them or their counsel would like to speak To the extent any individuals do wish to speak we do not know the substance of what they would like to say We have left that entirely up to the individual decisions of the victims and their attorneys I will note though that throughout this case the government has endeavored and done our utmost to fulfill our obligations under the Crimes Victims Rights Act We have done so by trying to keep as many victims as we are aware of up to date about the ongoing case and about any developments in the case We will continue to provide services and offer services to any of the victims in this case even after the indictment is dismissed Both the U.S Attorneys office and the FBI have been in touch with all known victims or have attempted to be in touch with all known victims either again directly where victims are not represented by unsel or SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0931 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl through counsel where they have attorneys We have expressed I to them that services are available for those who wish to take advantage of them Unless the court has any questions for me the government will otherwise rest on its papers THE COURT I just have one question The protective order is that self-executing or do I need to do something MS COMEY It is self-executing your Honor THE COURT Thanks very much Ms Comey MS COMEY Thank you your Honor THE COURT Yes Ill turn to counsel for the defense at this time Mr Weingarten Im happy to hear from you MR WEINGARTEN Thank you Your Honor I think it is an understatement of the year to say the world looks and feels differently today than it did the last time I was before you For us the elephant in the room is what happened to our client I would like to tell you how we see the world and where we are on that subject We start with the Attorney Generals statements public statements that there were very serious improprieties in the jail We obviously read the press We see that the warden has been taken out We see that the guards on duty at the time have been put on leave We understand guards are SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0932 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 through counsel where they have attorneys We rave expressed to them that services are available for those who wish to take advantage of them Unless the court has any questions for me the government will otherwise rest on its papers THE COURT I just have one question The protective order is that self-executing or do I need to do something MS COMEY It is self-executing your Honor THE COURT Thanks very much Ms Corney MS COMEY Thank you your Honor THE COURT Yes Ill turn to counsel for the defense at this time Mr Weingarten Im happy to hear from you MR WEINGARTEN Thank you Your Honor I think it is an understatement of the year to say the world looks and feels differently today than it did the last time I was before you For us the elephant in the room is what happened to our client I would like to tell you how we see the world and where we are on that subject We start with the Attorney Generals statements public statements that there were very serious improprieties in the jail We obviously read the press We see that the warden has been taken out We see that the guards on duty at the time have been put on leave We understand guards are SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0932 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl refusing to cooperate with the investigation We have heard allegations that people at the time who had responsibility for protecting our client falsified information We understand that there were orders out there that Jeffrey Epstein was never to be left alone and that the orders were ignored by many of the employees of the prison In a word yikes In addition obviously we followed the medical examiners report or we havent followed the report we havent seen it but heard conclusions initially not enough evidence to come to a conclusion wanted to see more We assumed she was talking about the videotapes but then came to the conclusion that it was suicide We report to the court that THE COURT Suicide by hanging MR WEINGARTEN Yes THE COURT was her conclusion MR WEINGARTEN Yes And we report to the court that we had a doctor there at the time and we also have been in receipt of a tremendous amount of medical and scientific evidence volunteered to us opining that the injuries suffered as reported were far more consistent with assault than with suicide and we are happy to supply the court with all the information that we have Now in addition as the court noted we were underway with our pretrial motions and as the court obviously SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C i CA/Aronberg-0933 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 I I I refusing to cooperate with the investigation We have heard allegations that people at the time who had responsibility for protecting our client falsified information We understand that there were orders out there that Jeffrey Epstein was never to be left alone and that the orders were ignored by many of the employees of the prison In a word yikes In addition obviously we followed the medical examiners report or we havent followed the report we havent seen it but heard conclusions initially not enough evidence to come to a conclusion wanted to see more We assumed she was talking about the videotapes but then came to the conclusion that it was suicide We report to the court that THE COURT Suicide by hanging MR WEINGARTEN Yes THE COURT was her conclusion MR WEINGARTEN Yes And we report to the court that we had a doctor there at the time and we also have been in receipt of a tremendous amount of medical and scientific evidence volunteered to us opining that the injuries suffered as reported were far more consistent with assault than with suicide and we are happy to supply the court with all the information that we have Now in addition as the court noted we were underway with our pretrial motions and as the court obviously SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CNAronberg-0933 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl understands the NPA and the role of the NPA was going to be critically important And I would simply like to report that we went pretty far along We interviewed all of the relevant lawyers on the defense side who participated in the NPA and we were satisfied that we had a very strong argument that every one of those lawyers believed with an objective basis that the deal was global That is at the time THE COURT Im sorry that MR WEINGARTEN The deal of the NPA was global That is more specifically at the time the Florida prosecutors and agents knew of conduct in New York and that no competent defense counsel negotiating in good faith with the prosecutors would have ever agreed to a deal back then that allowed New York prosecutors to indict for precisely the same conduct in the future which of course is what happened In addition we have come up with very powerful evidence we believe that Florida prosecutors who participated in the deal steered the victims and the alleged victims to New York on more than one occasion because they did not want to suffer the sleights of attacks against them So we have advanced the ball on this very subject and we are prepared to completely report to the court as to where we are and what weve done Another point We obviously had contact with our SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0934 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 understands the NPA and the role of the NPA was going to be critically important And I would simply like to report that we went pretty far along We interviewed all of the relevant lawyers on the defense side who participated in the NPA and we were satisfied that we had a very strong argument that every one of those lawyers believed with an objective basis that the deal was global That is at the time THE COURT Im sorry that MR WEINGARTEN The deal of the NPA was global That is more specifically at the time the Florida prosecutors and agents knew of conduct in New York and that no competent defense counsel negotiating in good faith with the prosecutors would have ever agreed to a deal back then that allowed New York prosecutors to indict for precisely the same conduct in the future which of course is what happened In addition we have come up with very powerful evidence we believe that Florida prosecutors who participated in the deal steered the victims and the alleged victims to New York on more than one occasion because they did not want to suffer the sleights of attacks against them So we have advanced the ball on this very subject and we are prepared to completely report to the court as to where we are and what weve done Another point We obviously had contact with our SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CNAronberg-0934 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl i client at or around the time of his death and obviously the attorney-client privilege survives death and we are not going to forfeit the privilege but we will report to the court with as much specificity as the court may want that at or around the time of his death we did not see a despairing despondent suicidal person Details to follow if the court wishes The 800-pound gorilla for us of course are the video surveillance tapes Obviously we assume there is a tape that leads directly to the door where Jeffrey Epstein was housed If that tape reports for hours before his death that no one went in and out of that room then the suggestion that there was something other than a suicide seems preposterous But there is no such evidence that has surfaced to date Just the opposite We have heard and we actually read in the press that the tapes were either corrupted or not functioning Talk about a yikes If in fact the system was broken for six months before Jeffrey Epstein was housed I mean that would be stunning incompetence If it was allowed to continue to be inoperative when Jeffrey Epstein was housed it would be incompetence times ten But what if the tapes only broke down or were inoperative or were corrupted on the day he was killed or the day he died Then were in a completely different situation So where does this lead I think where it leads SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.d CA/Aronberg-0935 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 I client at or around the time of his death and bbviously the attorney-client privilege survives death and we are not going to forfeit the privilege but we will report to the court with as much specificity as the court may want that at or around the time of his death we did not see a despairing despondent suicidal person Details to follow if the court wishes The 800-pound gorilla for us of course are the video surveillance tapes Obviously we assume there is a tape that leads directly to the door where Jeffrey Epstein was housed If that tape reports for hours before his death that no one went in and out of that room then the suggestion that there was something other than a suicide seems preposterous But there is no such evidence that has surfaced to date Just the opposite We have heard and we actually read in the press that the tapes were either corrupted or not functioning Talk about a yikes If in fact the system was broken for six months before Jeffrey Epstein was housed I mean that would be stunning incompetence If it was allowed to continue to be inoperative when Jeffrey Epstein was housed it would be incompetence times ten But what if the tapes only broke down or were inoperative or were corrupted on the day he was killed or the day he died Then were in a completely different situation So where does this lead I think where it leads SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CN Aron FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl Judge is there are incredibly important questions that remain open The public interest in this matter is obvious from this courtroom There are conspiracy theories galore We are all for finding the truth We believe this court has an indispensable role to play Whether or not this indictment is dismissed I think this court has the inherent authority to find out what happened on its watch Obviously when the court detained Jeffrey Epstein the court did not anticipate that weeks later he would be dead in his cell I think given the inherent authority of the court the court should make inquiry This could come in many forms Obviously the court made inquiry as to what happened in the first incident When there was an allegation of an attempted suicide the court made inquiry The court obviously was interested I recall your language You talked about that being one of the several open questions indicating an interest on the court for the others as well Obviously the ultimate question is what happened to the client THE COURT Youre talking about the July incident MR WEINGARTEN Yes The court obviously could hold hearings The court could assign a lawyer to help the court I think this is an area where there is intense public interest We have complete SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0936 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl Judge is there are incredibly important questions that remain open The public interest in this matter is obvious from this courtroom There are conspiracy theories galore We are all for finding the truth We believe this court has an indispensable role to play Whether or not this indictment is dismissed I think this court has the inherent authority to find out what happened on its watch Obviously when the court detained Jeffrey Epstein the court did not anticipate that weeks later he would be dead in his cell I think given the inherent authority of the court the court should make inquiry This could come in many forms Obviously the court made inquiry as to what happened in the first incident When there was an allegation of an attempted suicide the court made inquiry The court obviously was interested I recall your language You talked about that being one of the several open questions indicating an interest on the court for the others as well Obviously the ultimate question is what happened to the client THE COURT Youre talking about the July incident MR WEINGARTEN Yes The court obviously could hold hearings The court could assign a lawyer to help the court I think this is an area where there is intense public interest We have complete SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0936 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl confidence in the prosecutors in the Southern District and the FBI to do a competent investigation But these are allegations I against serious components of the United States1 Department of Justice Sometimes the appearance of justice is just as important as justice itself I think the court supervising or at least keeping an interest in this proceeding is incredibly important for the public to have confidence in the ultimate findings and certainly for us to have confidence in the ultimate findings One more issue Judge The conditions of the jail in a word they were dreadful Not just for Jeffrey Epstein but for many of the prisoners over there This is a prison within the shadows of this courthouse The situation is rife with vermin The abuse and the conditions in that prison in a word are a disgrace and everybody knows it A person with authority told us someone with knowledge that the prisoners in Guantanamo and he spoke with personal knowledge are treated better than the prisoners right across the way The feds certainly know how to run a disciplined clean prison Ive been in of them They know how to do it just fine And the question is why in the world does it not happen down the road I think that is a perfectly legitimate subject for the court to make inquiry In a word we want the court to help us find out what happened The court has a role to play It is the institution SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.O i i i CA/Aronberg-0937 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM I I J8RsEPSl I confidence in the prosecutors in the Southern Dlstrict and the I FBI to do a competent investigation But thes are allegations I against serious components of the United Statesl Department of Justice Sometimes the appearance of justice is just as important as justice itself I think the court supervising or at least keeping an interest in this proceeding is incredibly important for the public to have confidence in the ultimate findings and certainly for us to have confidence in the ultimate findings One more issue Judge The conditions of the jail in a word they were dreadful Not just for Jeffrey Epstein but for many of the prisoners over there This is a prison within the shadows of this courthouse The situation is rife with vermin The abuse and the conditions in that prison in a word are a disgrace and everybody knows it A person with authority told us someone with knowledge that the prisoners in Guantanamo and he spoke with personal knowledge are treated better than the prisoners right across the way The feds certainly know how to run a disciplined clean prison Ive been in of them They know how to do it just fine And the question is why in the world does it not happen down the road I think that is a perfectly legitimate subject for the court to make inquiry In a word we want the court to help us find out what happened The court has a role to play It is the institution SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS CA/Aronberg-0937 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM JSRsEPSl that most people have confidence in in these very troubled times So whether or not you dismiss the indictment to us is beside the point We want you to stay on the case we want you to conduct an investigation and we want to know what happened here Thank you your Honor THE COURT Just so it is clear so your view on the motion directly on its merits of the nolle prosequi order and application by the U.S Attorney do you have a view on that MR WEINGARTEN I think if the court felt that the case had to stay alive for the court to continue we would oppose it I think THE COURT Im sorry if what MR WEINGARTEN If the issue if you took the position for you to conduct the investigation or lead the investigation or participate in the investigation then we want the role we want you to play if the indictment has to be alive we would oppose the motion I dont think you need to do that I think you can dismiss the indictment THE COURT So youre suggesting that you support the governments motion just viewed in the context of MR WEINGARTEN Yes of course THE COURT Great SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.G CA/Aronberg-0938 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 that most people have confidence times in in these very troubled So whether or not you dismiss the indictment to us is beside the point We want you to stay on the case we want you to conduct an investigation and we want to know what happened here Thank you your Honor THE COURT Just so it is clear so your view on the motion directly on its merits of the nolle prosequi order and application by the U.S Attorney do you have a view on that MR WEINGARTEN I think if the court felt that the case had to stay alive for the court to continue we would oppose it I think THE COURT Im sorry if what MR WEINGARTEN If the issue if you took the position for you to conduct the investigation or lead the investigation or participate in the investigation then we want the role we want you to play if the indictment has to be alive we would oppose the motion I dont think you need to do that I think you can dismiss the indictment THE COURT So youre suggesting that you support the governments motion just viewed in the context of MR WEINGARTEN Yes of course THE COURT Great SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0938 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl I i MR WEINBERG Judge if I can just supplement THE COURT Absolutely MR WEINBERG Thank you sir Thank you as an out-of-town lawyer for the privilege to appear in front of you your Honor THE COURT Its my pleasure MR WEINBERG First as to the conditions we think your Honor trusted the government the Bureau of Prisons to keep our client safe and keep him in civilized conditions The government will again ask as to other defendants that they be detained at the MCC some subset of them will end up in the SHU unit It is a horrific Ive called it medieval Theres vermin on the floor There is wet from the plumbing There is no sunlight There is limited exercise It is simply conditions that no pretrial detainee and I would go farther as a criminal defense lawyer no United States defendant should be subjected to Certain judges have taken views of the conditions We would urge your Honor the government talks about and we talk about transparency to see what kind of conditions there exist within or yards of one of the great United States district courts Second in terms we have a profound problem with the conclusions of the medical examiner There are for three SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0939 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 MR WEINBERG Judge if I can just supplement THE COURT Absolutely MR WEINBERG Thank you sir Thank you as an out-of-town lawyer for the privilege to appear in front of you your Honor THE COURT Its my pleasure MR WEINBERG First as to the conditions we think your Honor trusted the government the Bureau of Prisons to keep our client safe and keep him in civilized conditions The government will again ask as to other defendants that they be detained at the MCC some subset of them will end up in the SHU unit It is a horrific Ive called it medieval Theres vermin on the floor There is wet from the plumbing There is no sunlight There is limited exercise It is simply conditions that no pretrial detainee and I would go farther as a criminal defense lawyer no United States defendant should be subjected to Certain judges have taken views of the conditions We would urge your Honor the government talks about and we talk about transparency to see what kind of conditions there exist within or yards of one of the great United States district courts Second in terms we have a profound problem with the conclusions of the medical examiner There are for three SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CNAronberg-0939 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl i reasons your Honor One is the timing of Mr Epsteins demise It was on I August On August a bail pending appeal motion was being filed in the Second Circuit On August or the United States Attorneys were going to respond to our request for the preservation and production of documents that would have facilitated and furthered our efforts to demonstrate communications between the Southern District of Florida the Northern District of Georgia which was standing in the shoes of the Southern District of Florida main justice and the Southern District In other words we were beginning the process discharging our responsibilities There had been no new evidence that Mr Epstein had committed any offense against a minor after The subject matter of the New York prosecution was squarely within the heartland of the Florida NPA We had a significant motion to dismiss This was not a futile you know defeatist attitude Third we had all the discovery motions that your Honor had scheduled So the timing for a pretrial detainee to commit suicide on August when his bail pending appeal motion is being filed on August strikes us as implausible Second we had an independent doctor who was present at the autopsy which occurred on August On August the city medical examiners findings were inconclusive We are SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0940 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 reasons your Honor One is the timing of Mr Epsteins demise It was on I August On August a bail pending appeal motion was being filed in the Second Circuit On August or the United States Attorneys were going to respond to our request for the preservation and production of documents that would have facilitated and furthered our efforts to demonstrate communications between the Southern District of Florida the Northern District of Georgia which was standing in the shoes of the Southern District of Florida main justice and the Southern District In other words we were beginning the process discharging our responsibilities There had been no new evidence that Mr Epstein had committed any offense against a minor after The subject matter of the New York prosecution was squarely within the heartland of the Florida NPA We had a significant motion to dismiss This was not a futile you know defeatist attitude Third we had all the discovery motions that your Honor had scheduled So the timing for a pretrial detainee to commit suicide on August when his bail pending appeal motion is being filed on August strikes us as implausible Second we had an independent doctor who was present at the autopsy which occurred on August On August the city medical examiners findings were inconclu ive We are SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA Aron be FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl told by a very experienced forensic pathologist that the broken bones in Mr Epsteins neck in his larynx are more consistent with external pressure with strangulation with homicide if you will than with suicide It doesnt exclude suicide but the pure medical forensic evidence creates profound issues about what happened to him Also the time of death Our medical examiners opinion is it occurred at least minutes and probably hours before a.m on August when he was first found if you will according to the reports Yet he was moved something that is not ordinary in these circumstances I would also THE COURT Excuse me He was moved MR WEINBERG Instead of having the cell in the condition it was found if he had been dead for minutes or two hours or four hours there were efforts to move him and therefore make it more difficult to reconstruct whether or not he died of suicide or some other cause I spoke to Stacey Richmond who is a responsible member of this court who represents the family of Mr Epstein She spoke to the medical examiner on the Friday after Mr Epsteins death and asked why if the conclusion was made late in the afternoon on Friday that week She specifically asked about what extrinsic nonmedical evidence caused the medical examiner to go from uncertain to suicide and she was SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0941 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 told by a very experienced forensic pathologist that the broken bones in Mr Epsteins neck in his larynx are more consistent with external pressure with strangulation with homicide if you will than with suicide It doesnt exclude suicide but the pure medical forensic evidence creates profound issues about what happened to him Also the time of death Our medical examiners opinion is it occurred at least minutes and probably hours before a.m on August when he was first found if you will according to the reports Yet he was moved something that is not ordinary in these circumstances I would also __ THE COURT Excuse me He was moved MR WEINBERG Instead of having the cell in the condition it was found if he had been dead for minutes or two hours or four hours there were efforts to move him and therefore make it more difficult to reconstruct whether or not he died of suicide or some other cause I spoke to Stacey Richmond who is a responsible member of this court who represents the family of Mr Epstein She spoke to the medical examiner on the Friday after Mr Epsteins death and asked why if the conclusion was made late in the afternoon on Friday that week She specifically asked about what extrinsic nonmedical evidence caused the medical examiner to go from uncertain to suicide and she was SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0941 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl i told that the medical examiner had seen nine minutes of one video which was on a stairwell between floors at the MCC She i was told that the principal video that would have showed the whole hall was corrupted It was in DC with the FBI to see if they can reconstruct it And I asked the same questions that my co-counsel did you know was the dysfunction of the critical pivotal video in the most secure prison east of Florence out in Colorado known to the MCC before August or was this corruption occurring on August which would again cause us to be skeptical of the servitude of the medical examiners conclusions that this was suicide rather than some other cause So with my co-counsel we ask your Honor it is not a question of trust or not trust They ask you to detain people and you trust the Bureau of Prisons And it is within your inherit authority your Honor to find out what happened to our client We are angry about the conditions he was held in And were also angry quite frankly your Honor that the only source of information that we get as to what happened to him is through the media rather than through the United States Attorneys office Weve made requests informal We have made Touhy requests Weve been told there is a pending investigation But we trust your Honor and the judiciary and with SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.O i CA/Aronberg-0942 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 told that the medical examiner had seen nine miputes of one video which was on a stairwell between floors at the MCC She I was told that the principal video that would haye showed the whole hall was corrupted It was in DC with the FBI to see if they can reconstruct it And I asked the same questions that my co-counsel did you know was the dysfunction of the critical pivotal video in the most secure prison east of Florence out in Colorado known to the MCC before August or was this corruption occurring on August which would again cause us to be skeptical of the servitude of the medical examiners conclusions that this was suicide rather than some other cause So with my co-counsel we ask your Honor it is not a question of trust or not trust They ask you to detain people and you trust the Bureau of Prisons And it is within your inherit authority your Honor to find out what happened to our client We are angry about the conditions he was held in And were also angry quite frankly your Honor that the only source of information that we get as to what happened to him is through the media rather than through the United States Attorneys office Weve made requests informal We have made Touhy requests Weve been told there is a pending investigation But we trust your Honor and the judiciary and with SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C I CA/Aronberg-0942 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl i all due respect we believe there is an inherent and central role a pivotal role in your Honor to find out what happened to a defendant in a case before the court whether or not the court grants the nolle pros today or whether it holds it pending an investigation into Mr Epsteins death Were not here without significant doubts regarding the conclusion of suicide We are not here to say what happened We dont know what happened But we deeply want to know what happened to our client Thank you sir THE COURT And you as Mr Weingarten have the same view of the nolle prosequi motion MR WEINBERG Yes your Honor THE COURT OK MS COMEY Your Honor may I respond to some of those points THE COURT Sure MS COMEY Thank you your Honor Just briefly With the exception of the noting that the defense does not have an objection to the governments motion virtually everything else that defense counsel just argued respectfully is completely irrelevant to the purposes of todays proceeding and to the motion that is pending before your Honor As an initial matter the question SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C i CA/Aronberg-0943 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 all due respect we believe there is an I I inherent and central I I role a pivotal role in your Honor to find out what happened to a defendant in a case before the court whether or not the court grants the nolle pros today or whether it holds it pending an investigation into Mr Epsteins death Were not here without significant doubts regarding the conclusion of suicide We are not here to say what happened We dont know what happened But we deeply want to know what happened to our client Thank you sir THE COURT And you as Mr Weingarten have the same view of the nolle prosequi motion points MR WEINBERG Yes your Honor THE COURT OK MS COMEY Your Honor may I respond to some of those THE COURT Sure MS COMEY Thank you your Honor Just briefly With the exception of the noting that the defense does not have an objection to the governments motion virtually everything else that defense counsel just argued respectfully is completely irrelevant to the purposes of todays proceeding and to the motion that is pending before your Honor As an initial matter the question SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CNAronberg-0943 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM I I J8RsEPSl I THE COURT Well it may be Well I 221dont know You say irrelevant i It is a public hearing and I think it is fair game for defense counsel to raise its concerns MS COMEY Certainly your Honor But it is irrelevant to whether or not the motion should be granted THE COURT Right I get that MS COMEY I would also note that the question of Mr Epsteins death is the subject of an ongoing and active investigation as has been publicly noted by a separate team of Assistant United States Attorneys from the Southern District of New York separate from the team who is handling this prosecution as well as a separate team of FBI agents There is an ongoing and active grand jury investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Epsteins death It is the function of a grand jury and of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate crimes in the federal court system It is not the purview respectfully of the court to conduct an investigation into uncharged matters So respectfully we disagree with defense counsels suggestion that the court has some authority to conduct an independent investigation To the extent any other defendants who are detained in the MCC have concerns about the conditions or believe that the conditions are relevant to a future or current bail determination it is for those defendants and SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0944 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl THE COURT Well it may be Well I ont know You say irrelevant It is a public hearing and I think it is fair game for defense counsel to raise its concerns MS COMEY Certainly your Honor But it is irrelevant to whether or not the motion should be granted THE COURT Right I get that MS COMEY I would also note that the question of Mr Epsteins death is the subject of an ongoing and active investigation as has been publicly noted by a separate team of Assistant United States Attorneys from the Southern District of New York separate from the team who is handling this prosecution as well as a separate team of FBI agents There is an ongoing and active grand jury investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Epsteins death It is the function of a grand jury and of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate crimes in the federal court system It is not the purview respectfully of the court to conduct an investigation into uncharged matters So respectfully we disagree with defense counsels suggestion that the court has some authority to conduct an independent investigation To the extent any other defendants who are detained in the MCC have concerns about the conditions or believe that the conditions are relevant to a future or current bail determination it is for those defendants and SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0944 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl their counsel to raise those arguments and for the judges hearing those arguments to evaluate those claims It is not I relevant to todays proceedings Thank you your Honor THE COURT In those other cases Ms Comey judges do have authority to investigate but dont here MS COMEY Not to investigate your Honor but to hear arguments about the conditions of confinement in the MCC as they may relate to any bail determination I believe that was the argument that was made The bigger picture here your Honor is that the focus of todays proceeding as we understand it is to allow the victims who have gathered here today to be heard and to comment upon the case and to comment upon the motion that is pending and to bring this case to a close THE COURT Got it MR WEINGARTEN May I THE COURT Sure MR WEINGARTEN We obviously saw this as perhaps the last opportunity to be before you and we wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to say our peace and thank you for allowing us There is precedent here Ted Stevens the Senator from Alaska case in Washington DC Judge Emmet Sullivan ordered an independent investigation by a private lawyer when I SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0945 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl i I I their counsel to raise those arguments and for the judges I I hearing those arguments to evaluate those relevant to todays proceedings Thank you your Honor I aims I I It is not THE COURT In those other cases Ms Corney judges do have authority to investigate but dont here MS COMEY Not to investigate your Honor but to hear arguments about the conditions of confinement in the MCC as they may relate to any bail determination I believe that was the argument that was made The bigger picture here your Honor is that the focus of todays proceeding as we understand it is to allow the victims who have gathered here today to be heard and to comment upon the case and to comment upon the motion that is pending and to bring this case to a close THE COURT Got it MR WEINGARTEN May I THE COURT Sure MR WEINGARTEN We obviously saw this as perhaps the last opportunity to be before you and we wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to say our peace and thank you for allowing us There is precedent here Ted Stevens the Senator from Alaska case in Washington DC Judge Emmet Sullivan ordered an independent investigation by a private lawyer when i SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C so5-o3oo I CA/Aronberg-0945 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl I he was deeply troubled by the alleged Brady violations I represented the prosecutors in that case so Im very very I familiar with it It is analogous It is a situation where there was tremendous controversy over what happened in the case and whether or not the prosecutors went off the reservation Judge Sullivan and there were three or four independent not independent DOJ inquiries into the very same matter But Judge Sullivan wanted his own opportunity to make a judgment with his own independent investigation THE COURT OK MR WEINBERG If I could just add one precedent your Honor The Chief judge in the District of Massachusetts or the Chief Judge at the time Judge Wolf in a case called U.S Fleming when the conditions at Walpole which is a state prison where federal prisoners were being held we dont have a federal MCC in Boston went to the prison stayed in the prison to determine whether or not the complaints about the conditions were authentic I think your Honor has the inherent authority to go to the ninth floor and see how the MCC houses pretrial detainees Thank you THE COURT Are you saying that whether or not the motion is granted that is pending before us SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0946 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 he was deeply troubled by the alleged Brady vioiations I I represented the prosecutors in that case so Im very very familiar with it It is analogous It is a situation where there was tremendous controversy over what happened in the case and whether or not the prosecutors went off the reservation Judge Sullivan and there were three or four independent not independent DOJ inquiries into the very same matter But Judge Sullivan wanted his own opportunity to make a judgment with his own independent investigation THE COURT OK MR WEINBERG If I could just add one precedent your Honor The Chief judge in the District of Massachusetts or the Chief Judge at the time Judge Wolf in a case called U.S Fleming when the conditions at Walpole which is a state prison where federal prisoners were being held we dont have a federal MCC in Boston went to the prison stayed in the prison to determine whether or not the complaints about the conditions were authentic I think your Honor has the inherent authority to go to the ninth floor and see how the MCC houses pretrial detainees Thank you THE COURT Are you saying that wheth or not the motion is granted that is pending before us SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0946 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM I J8RsEPSl MR WEINBERG Yes your Honor I think like when appeals are taken bail issues I remain before the district court Jurisdiction is not completely divested Your Honor issued a pretrial detention order and your Honor has the power the inherent authority they are not going to refuse to allow you to go look at the ninth floor They are going to count on you to make decisions in the future I just trust that the executive branch is not going to prevent the judicial branch from looking into the death of Jeffrey Epstein or the conditions in the SHU unit at the MCC sir THE COURT Great Thank you MS COMEY May I your Honor Just very briefly your Honor I would note that upon the dismissal of the indictment which I believe the parties agree is appropriate in this case there would be no case There would be no jurisdiction for the court to conduct any sort of inquiry even if the court had such authority THE COURT Right OK I think weve heard enough It is at this point in the hearing that I would like to call upon victims counsel plural for any remarks they may have and they may wish to make Also to introduce their clients those of them who wish to be heard SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C I CA/Aronberg-0947 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 MR WEINBERG Yes your Honor I think like when appeals are taken bail issues I remain before the district court Jurisdiction is not completely divested Your Honor issued a pretrial detention order and your Honor has the power the inherent authority they are not going to refuse to allow you to go look at the ninth floor They are going to count on you to make decisions in the future I just trust that the executive branch is not going to prevent the judicial branch from looking into the death of Jeffrey Epstein or the conditions in the SHU unit at the MCC sir THE COURT Great Thank you MS COMEY May I your Honor Just very briefly your Honor I would note that upon the dismissal of the indictment which I believe the parties agree is appropriate in this case there would be no case There would be no jurisdiction for the court to conduct any sort of inquiry even if the court had such authority THE COURT Right OK I think weve heard enough It is at this point in the hearing that I would like to call upon victims counsel plural for any remarks they may have and they may wish to make Also to introduce their clients those of them who wish to be heard SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA Aron be FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl It would be helpful if in doing that,1 if counsel I Mr Edwards and I see and I see Mr Boise as well I know they are counsel to several at least several of the victims It would be helpful if whoever is speaking both Mr Edwards and Mr Boise would indicate to the court whether or not they have discussed the pending motion with their clients that is to say and the rule of abatement etc etc with them prior to todays hearing Are we going to hear from Mr Edwards first is that right MR EDWARDS Thank you your Honor THE COURT You bet It would be helpful Mr Edwards if you would state and spell your name for the court reporter If you are going to introduce someone else which I trust that you are if you could state and spell their name as well MR EDWARDS Yes your Honor May it please the court Brad Edwards B-r-a-d E-d-w-a-r-d-s with the law firm of Edwards Pottinger I have in the courtroom today victims that I represent and have represented over the years There are at least more who didnt make this hearing today for a multitude of reasons some out of fear of public exposure others because the way in which this case ended will never SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.O CA/Aronberg-0948 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl It would be helpful if in doing that if counsel Mr Edwards and I see and I see Mr Boise as well I know they are counsel to several at least several of the victims It would be helpful if whoever is speaking both Mr Edwards and Mr Boise would indicate to the court whether or not they have discussed the pending motion with their clients that is to say and the rule of abatement etc etc with them prior to todays hearing Are we going to hear from Mr Edwards first is that right MR EDWARDS Thank you your Honor THE COURT You bet It would be helpful Mr Edwards if you would state and spell your name for the court reporter If you are going to introduce someone else which I trust that you are if you could state and spell their name as well MR EDWARDS Yes your Honor May it please the court Brad Edwards B-r-a-d E-d-w-a-r-d-s with the law firm of Edwards Pottinger I have in the courtroom today victims that I represent and have represented over the years There are at least more who didnt make this hearing today for a multitude of reasons some out of fear of public exposure others because the way in which this case endeq will never SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0948 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl bring full justice and they decided it was best for them not to talk today I Some of my clients are going to address the court that are here today Others are not Some are going to use their names and have in the past and others wish to remain anonymous And I have instructed each of them to inform the court reporter that they will be proceeding as Jane Doe so that the court reporter can take them down THE COURT For those who wish to remain anonymous MR EDWARDS Exactly your Honor THE COURT And that is satisfactory as far as I am concerned MR EDWARDS Before we do that I would like to address a couple of the things that have occurred this morning First of all whether relevant or not I personally and on behalf of my clients do appreciate the presentation that Mr Weingarten made and Mr Marty Weinberg made I have tremendous respect for Mr Weinberg Ive worked with him through this and related cases for years and I understand the reason why they made the presentation that they made There is two things of interest to our clients in that respect One is because of the tragic ending that none of my clients wanted nor did I nor did anyone else if there is some civil rights violation and there is some civil remedy for SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0949 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 bring full justice and they decided it was best for them not to talk today Some of my clients are going to address the court that are here tod Others are not Some are going to use their mes and have in the past and others wish to remain anonymous And I have instructed each of them to inform the court reporter that they will be proceeding as Jane Doe so that the court reporter can take them down THE COURT For those who wish to remain anonymous MR EDWARDS Exactly your Honor THE COURT And that is satisfactory as far as I am concerned MR EDWARDS Before we do that I would like to address a couple of the things that have occurred this morning First of all whether relevant or not I personally and on behalf of my clients do appreciate the presentation that Mr Weingarten made and Mr Marty Weinberg made I have tremendous respect for Mr Weinberg Ive worked with him through this and related cases for years and I understand the reason why they made the presentation that they made There is two things of interest to our clients in that respect One is because of the tragic ending that none of my clients wanted nor did I nor did anyone else if there is some civil rights violation and there is some civil remedy for SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0949 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl i Mr Epstein that goes to the estate certainly the victims are I interested in that as they might help to repair the damage done Second Mr Epsteins untimely death the timing is curious to us But more so it makes it absolutely impossible for the victims to ever get the day in court that they wanted in court and to get full justice That now can never happen I know that Mr Epsteins attorneys say he wanted it and they know we did too And there are a lot of people here today that are very sad by the way that this ended for both Mr Epstein and the fact that full justice was robbed from them once again The second issue I wanted to address was the Law Review or the Law Journal article that your Honor referenced which is troubling because the opinion seems to say that transparency is not appropriate in the criminal system and is not appropriate at this point in time Thats tough to swallow especially in this case given the long history of this case Personally it is tough to swallow and on behalf of my clients I can say that is very concerning Transparency is the only way that the justice system works We know this because there was a similar investigation of Mr Epstein many years ago from to My personal involvement in this case was because a young female came into my office named Courtney Wild and she SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0950 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS1 Mr Epstein that goes to the estate certainly the victims are interested in that as they might help to repair the damage done Second Mr Epsteins untimely death the timing is curious to us But more so it makes it absolutely impossible for the victims to ever get the day in court that they wanted in court and to get full justice That now can never happen I know that Mr Epsteins attorneys say he wanted it and they know we did too And there are a lot of people here today that are very sad by the way that this ended for both Mr Epstein and the fact that full justice was robbed from them once again The second issue I wanted to address was the Law Review or the Law Journal article that your Honor referenced which is troubling because the opinion seems to say that transparency is not appropriate in the criminal system and is not appropriate at this point in time Thats tough to swallow especially in this case given the long history of this case Personally it is tough to swallow and on behalf of my clients I can say that is very concerning Transparency is the only way that the justice system works We know this because there was a similar investigation of Mr Epstein many years ago from to My personal involvement in this case was because a young female came into my office named Courtney Wild and she SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CNAronberg-0950 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl i came to me not asking to file a lawsuit against Jeffrey I Epstein but simply asking for the government to talk to her She was cooperating in an FBI investigation and wanted the government to speak with her and I thought that was going to be an easy task It was only a few months later that we learned that this investigation that was represented to my client in written form that it would be a long investigation and to be patient Basically to hang tight It was resolved by way of a secret deal that never allowed any of the more than victims who had been identified of Mr Epsteins abuse in Florida to ever participate in a single hearing There was a hearing They were never notified I then went on to represent many of them in civil cases and also in extensive pro bono work And I can tell your Honor that while Jeffrey Epsteins abuse of them hurt them and harmed them for many years the feelings they had was aggravated exponentially by the facts that they had no rights in the criminal justice system by the fact that they were treated as if they didnt matter They were not allowed their rights under the Crime Victims Rights Act to meaningfully confer with prosecutors to be treated with fairness to be treated with dignity That is what this is supposed to be about and to have notice of hearings So I do want to thank your Honor and especially the SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0951 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl came to me not asking to file a lawsuit againstiJeffrey I Epstein but simply asking for the government to talk to her She was cooperating in an FBI investigation and wanted the government to speak with her and I thought that was going to be an easy task It was only a few months later that we learned that this investigation that was represented to my client in written form that it would be a long investigation and to be patient Basically to hang tight It was resolved by way of a secret deal that never allowed any of the more than victims who had been identified of Mr Epsteins abuse in Florida to ever participate in a single hearing There was a hearing They were never notified I then went on to represent many of them in civil cases and also in extensive pro bono work And I can tell your Honor that while Jeffrey Epsteins abuse of them hurt them and harmed them for many years the feelings they had was aggravated exponentially by the facts that they had no rights in the criminal justice system by the fact that they were treated as if they didnt matter They were not allowed their rights under the Crime Victims Rights Act to meaningfully confer with prosecutors to be treated with fairness to be treated with dignity That is what this is supposed to be about and to have notice of hearings So I do want to thank your Honor and especially the SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA Aron be FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl prosecutors who have worked this investigation and this case which is very different in experience for all of my clients and the other Epstein victims in this case because they were allowed to be a part of the process While some of them elected not to be here today that opportunity should always be allowed for them In we filed that case under the Crime Victims Rights Act because our clients rights were violated and as your Honor knows a federal judge has ruled in our clients favor that their rights were violated So this hearing today means a lot to them The fact that they may never get their chance to speak in court they may never get complete closure and all of us have to wonder if their rights had been afforded them the first time would any of us be here right now Or wouldnt it more likely be the case that everyone including Jeffrey Epstein would have turned out better for it Today I have not only represented but met and become very close with many of these victims Many of these survivors They are very strong people They are people who have persevered through a lot of adversity Its been a roller coaster of emotions that has led us to where we are today And while they have all been cast over the years because of the secrecy of the first investigation in the shadow as victims you cant put them all in one bucket and say one size fits all They are each individual people who were harmed differently and SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0952 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl prosecutors who have worked this investigation and this case which is very different in experience for all of my clients and the other Epstein victims in this case because they were allowed to be a part of the process While some of them elected not to be here today that opportunity should always be allowed for them In we filed that case under the Crime Victims Rights Act because our clients rights were violated and as your Honor knows a federal judge has ruled in our clients favor that their rights were violated So this hearing today means a lot to them The fact that they may never get their chance to speak in court they may never get complete closure and all of us have to wonder if their rights had been afforded them the first time would any of us be here right now Or wouldnt it more likely be the case that everyone including Jeffrey Epstein would have turned out better for it Today I have not only represented but met and become very close with many of these victims Many of these survivors They are very strong people They are people who have persevered through a lot of adversity Its been a roller coaster of emotions that has led us to where we are today And while they have all been cast over the years because of the secrecy of the first investigation in the shadow as victims you cant put them all in one bucket and say one size fits all They are each individual people who were harmed differently and SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA Aron be FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl I i distinctly through not only the abuse but the system And on behalf of all of them I would like to thank your Honor for the fairness with which theyve been treated and the United States Attorneys office for the way in which you have handled this investigation and especially how you have treated the victims in this case Like I said I have many who want to speak Some that cant This is a very difficult day for them But we appreciate the opportunity and the invitation The first client that I have that is going to address your Honor is the one who walked into my office in asking just to be heard Courtney Wild THE COURT Hold on one second Did you all want to be seated You dont need to be standing Whatever is more comfortable until youre ready to give some comments Its up to you Ms Wild if you could spell your name for the court reporters please MS WILD Courtney C-o-u-r-t-n-e-y last name Wild W-i-l-d Continued on next page SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C I CA/Aronberg-0953 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPSl I distinctly through not only the abuse but the system I And on behalf of all of them I would like to thank I your Honor for the fairness with which theyve been treated and the United States Attorneys office for the way in which you have handled this investigation and especially how you have treated the victims in this case Like I said I have many who want to speak Some that cant This is a very difficult day for them But we appreciate the opportunity and the invitation The first client that I have that is going to address your Honor is the one who walked into my office in asking just to be heard Courtney Wild THE COURT Hold on one second Did you all want to be seated You dont need to be standing Whatever is more comfortable until youre ready to give some comments Its up to you Ms Wild if you could spell your name for the court reporters please MS WILD Courtney C-o-u-r-t-n-e-y last name Wild Continued on next page SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0953 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 i MS WILD My name is Courtney Wild and Im a victim of Jeffrey Epstein Jeffrey Epstein sexually abused me for I years robbing me of my innocence and mental health Jeffrey Epstein has done nothing but manipulate our justice system where he has never been held accountable for his actions even to this day Jeffrey Epstein robbed myself and all the other victims of our day in court to confront him one by one and for that he is a coward I want to thank the U.S Attorneys for seeking justice that has been long over due and most importantly given us the victims our day in court to speak our peace and find some sort of closure I feel very angry and sad that justice has never been served in this case Thank you THE COURT Thanks very much MR EDWARDS I believe my next client who is going to speak is probably going to speak as Jane Doe JANE DOE NO Yes Jane Doe THE COURT Well say Jane Doe No just for the record JANE DOE NO Okay Thank you for allowing us to speak today Ive shifted what I want to say in hearing whats already been said and just about the question of Jeffreys death I dont know what the relevance is to this hearing but I do know that it is profoundly relevant to my SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0954 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 MS WILD of Jeffrey Epstein My name is Courtney Wild ahd Im a victim Jeffrey Epstein sexually abused me for I I years robbing me of my innocence and mental health Jeffrey Epstein has done nothing but manipulate our justice system where he has never been held accountable for his actions even to this day Jeffrey Epstein robbed myself and all the other victims of our day in court to confront him one by one and for that he is a coward I want to thank the U.S Attorneys for seeking justice that has been long over due and most importantly given us the victims our day in court to speak our peace and find some sort of closure I feel very angry and sad that justice has never been served in this case Thank you THE COURT Thanks very much MR EDWARDS I believe my next client who is going to speak is probably going to speak as Jane Doe JANE DOE NO Yes Jane Doe THE COURT Well say Jane Doe No just for the record JANE DOE NO Okay Thank you for allowing us to speak today Ive shifted what I want to say in hearing whats already been said and just about the question of Jeffreys death I dont know what the relevance is to this I hearing but I do know that it is profoundly relevant to my SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0954 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 life as a victim I dont like that word but I still feel like I am learning the ways that hes impacted me as a complex I situation but he was also a major part of my life As destructive as that relationship was and as much of a villain as we have created him to be based on facts weve created him to be a villain hes a complex villain and actually all of that is irrelevant Anybody deserves an investigation is the right thing to do Like we do need to know how he died It felt like a whole new trauma all over again and I dont know why you know because I Im trying to defend myself against him at this point in my life but it still does not feel good It didnt feel good to wake up that morning and find out that he had allegedly committed suicide Okay But I also wanted to say to the press Im reading I read my story in the paper I read so many other girls stories that are so similar to my own and everything thats been focused on is not the most important part of it There was the problem with focusing on these the facts of the situation that were out of the ordinary and like because he was such a grand person and it was just a unique situation I know that thats the more interesting side of the story but I dont want to be used as entertainment And the problem the fundamental problem of the whole situation is the element of exploitation and coercion and these are things that so many girls can relate to SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0955 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 i life as a victim I dont like that word but I still feel like I am learning the ways that hes impacted me as a complex situation but he was also a major part of my life As destructive as that relationship was and as much of a villain as we have created him to be based on facts weve created him to be a villain hes a complex villain and actually all of that is irrelevant Anybody deserves an investigation is the right thing to do Like we do need to know how he died It felt like a whole new trauma all over again and I dont know why you know because I Im trying to defend myself against him at this point in my life but it still does not feel good It didnt feel good to wake up that morning and find out that he had allegedly committed suicide Okay But I also wanted to say to the press Im reading I read my story in the paper I read so many other girls stories that are so similar to my own and everything thats been focused on is not the most important part of it There was the problem with focusing on these the facts of the situation that were out of the ordinary and like because he was such a grand person and it was just a unique situation I know that thats the more interesting side of the story but I dont want to be used as entertainment And the problem the fundamental problem of the whole situation is the element of exploitation and coercion and these are things that so many girls can relate to SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA Aron be FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 And even though this Jeffrey Epstein brought it to a grand scale on some level a lot of girls could relate to the trauma that we are talking about and even though this whole situation sucks I would like to think that it may be possibly a catalyst for change because obviously as were seeing with the Me Too movement change needs to happen and its what Im seeing in the papers is not a common story but its so much more common than you realize Thats all Thank you THE COURT Thank you very much MR EDWARDS I believe that the next client is going to also be a Jane Doe so I think for the purposes of the record it will be Jane Doe THE COURT Yes JANE DOE NO Good morning your Honor THE COURT Good morning How are you JANE DOE NO Doing okay I hadnt prepared any words to speak today but there is something that was on my mind this morning when I got here Its been on my mind in reading through the press and through the people that Ive spoken to about it friends family Its something thats bothered me because I think it has a lot of blame in it as well a little bit of what my friend who was up here was speaking about I think that a lot of people asked why we spent so much time why we stayed Its an experience thats really SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0956 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 And even though this Jeffrey Epstein brought it to a grand scale on some level a lot of girls could relate to the trauma that we are talking about and even though this whole situation sucks I would like to think that it may be possibly a catalyst for change because obviously as were seeing with the Me Too movement change needs to happen and its what Im seeing in the papers is not a common story but its so much more common than you realize Thats all Thank you THE COURT Thank you very much MR EDWARDS I believe that the next client is going to also be a Jane Doe so I think for the purposes of the record it will be Jane Doe THE COURT Yes JANE DOE NO Good morning your Honor THE COURT Good morning How are you JANE DOE NO Doing okay I hadnt prepared any words to speak today but there is something that was on my mind this morning when I got here Its been on my mind in reading through the press and through the people that Ive spoken to about it friends family Its something thats bothered me because I think it has a lot of blame in it as well a little bit of what my friend who was up here was speaking about I think that a lot of people asked why we spent so much time why we stayed Its an experience ihats really SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CNAronberg-0956 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 hard to explain to people who havent gone through it I think theres a writer Thomas Nagel who wrote an essay called What is it like to be a bat And.I think that he touches on it pretty strongly and if you havent experienced something its very hard to fully understand why someone makes the decisions they do and what the circumstances were I dont want to speak for all of the victims I think each of us has a different story and different circumstances for why we stayed in it but for me I think he was really strategic in how he approached each of us Things happened slowly over time We didnt it almost was like putting it like that analogy of a frog being in a pan of water and slowly turning the flame up You didnt realize it was happening and it just I dont think anyone can fully understand the experience but I just the blame feels very strong Theres a lot of support as well but I just want people to try and understand that we arent bad people We werent trying to it wasnt a situation where we were trying to extort money from someone A lot of us were in very vulnerable situations and in extreme poverty circumstances where we didnt have anyone on our side to speak on our behalf and thats really scary You start to blame yourself because at first you dont tell anyone whats happening and it becomes your deep dark secret that you tried to keep from everyone And I didnt SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.O I CA/Aronberg-0957 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 hard to explain to people who havent gone through it I think theres a writer Thomas Nagel who wrote an es ay called What is it like to be a bat And.I think that he touches on it pretty strongly and if you havent experienced something its very hard to fully understand why someone makes the decisions they do and what the circumstances were I dont want to speak for all of the victims I think each of us has a different story and different circumstances for why we stayed in it but for me I think he was really strategic in how he approached each of us Things happened slowly over time We didnt it almost was like putting it like that analogy of a frog being in a pan of water and slowly turning the flame up You didnt realize it was happening and it just I dont think anyone can fully understand the experience but I just the blame feels very strong Theres a lot of support as well but I just want people to try and understand that we arent bad people We werent trying to it wasnt a situation where we were trying to extort money from someone A lot of us were in very vulnerable situations and in extreme poverty circumstances where we didnt have anyone on our side to speak on our behalf and thats really scary You start to blame yourself because at first you dont tell anyone whats happening and it becomes your deep dark secret that you tried to keep from everyone And I didnt SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.G CA/Aronberg-0957 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 even know I was a victim until I spoke with my lawyers I had i no idea I had so much self-hatred and doubt and just guilt for everything I still do I still dont feel like I deserve to say Im a victim and I think thats a big problem with our society right now that people are still blaming victims and I think that does need to change I hope that today people understand that each of us has a story has a past has a family and just give us a chance to you know thats basically all I just wanted to say THE COURT Thank you so much JANE DOE NO Thank you so much THE COURT Okay MR EDWARDS Okay I think that the next person who is going to speak is also going to be speaking as Jane Doe so for the purpose of the record Jane Doe No JANE DOE NO Thank you for allowing us to speak today I came to New York City years ago to pursue modeling from a small town I signed on with an agency and was excited to pursue my passion and my dream Several months later I met a female who told me about Mr Epstein She portrayed him as an amazing man who genuinely cared for people and that he was going to be able to help me in a modeling career I was excited to meet him after hearing her talk about him He sounded like an amazing person An introduction was made at his New York home and it is there that I was SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aron FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 even know I was a victim until I spoke with my awyers I had i no idea I had so much self-hatred and doubt and just guilt I for everything I still do I still dont feel like I deserve to say Im a victim and I think thats a big problem with our society right now that people are still blaming victims and I think that does need to change I hope that today people understand that each of us has a story has a past has a family and just give us a chance to you know thats basically all I just wanted to say THE COURT Thank you so much JANE DOE NO Thank you so much THE COURT Okay MR EDWARDS Okay I think that the next person who is going to speak is also going to be speaking as Jane Doe so for the purpose of the record Jane Doe No JANE DOE NO Thank you for allowing us to speak today I came to New York City years ago to pursue modeling from a small town I signed on with an agency and was excited to pursue my passion and my dream Several months later I met a female who told me about Mr Epstein She portrayed him as an amazing man who genuinely cared for people and that he was going to be able to help me in a modeling career I was excited to meet him after hearing her talk about him He sounded like an amazing person An introduction was made at his New York home and it is therethat I was SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA Aron be FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 sexually assaulted I left his home after he threw me basically put money on the table and I was ashamed I was embarrassed This was not the way I was brought up and I couldnt believe this had happened to me I left and my world kind of spiraled after that I stopped going on modeling castings I gained weight I became depressed I stopped going out with my friends and only five months after I had been in New York City to pursue my dream I left I left the modeling industry and I left New York City and I totally switched my career paths I buried this deep within me and all of the new occurrences that have come up in the media is what brought it back up for me And I feel sickened and saddened that it took so many years and God knows how many victims for this to finally come out but Im thankful it did And Im just angry that hes not alive anymore to have to pay the price for his actions So I thank you for your time THE COURT Youre very welcome MR EDWARDS Your Honor Jane Doe No I believe is going to speak now JANE DOE NO Good morning your Honor THE COURT Good morning JANE DOE NO I just have something very short to say I met Jeffrey Epstein at a very vulnerable place in my life and whatever the outcome is with everything I just SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0959 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 sexually assaulted I left his home after he threw me basically put money on the table and I was ashamed I was embarrassed This was not the way I was brought up and I couldnt believe this had happened to me I left and my world kind of spiraled after that I stopped going on modeling castings I gained weight I became depressed I stopped going out with my friends and only five months after I had been in New York City to pursue my dream I left I left the modeling industry and I left New York City and I totally switched my career paths I buried this deep within me and all of the new occurrences that have come up in the media is what brought it back up for me And I feel sickened and saddened that it took so many years and God knows how many victims for this to finally come out but Im thankful it did And Im just angry that hes not alive anymore to have to pay the price for his actions So I thank you for your time THE COURT Youre very welcome MR EDWARDS Your Honor Jane Doe No I believe is going to speak now JANE DOE NO Good morning your Honor THE COURT Good morning JANE DOE NO I just have something very short to say I met Jeffrey Epstein at a very vulnerable place in my life and whatever the outcome is with everything I just SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0959 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 wanted to express that we the victims we will always carry irreparable damage and pain throughout our lives after this Its something thats never going to go away You know whoever we marry in our life whatever future we have in our life its always going to be something thats always there for us And Im very nervous right now And Jeffrey Epstein he took away the chance I had at having the future I had envisioned for myself as a young girl and I think many of us here today will never fully heal from that pain and the heartache that well continue carrying with us So I just wanted to say that Its something that its irreparable I cant even really use a better word to describe that So thank you for hearing us today THE COURT Youre very welcome MR EDWARDS Your Honor Jane Doe No would like to speak JANE DOE NO This is a letter that I wrote so its going to be Dear Jeffrey I think you are a mentally disturbed human being You used your power to make me believe at a young age that I could have my dreams of being a model You paid for your freedom You violated my rights You should have to pay for them just as anyone else You got a plea deal that no one else would been able to get You used your money to get out of paying the price for your actions Also as a victim I never got to see what the SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0960 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 wanted to express that we the victims we will always carry irreparable damage and pain throughout our lives after this Its something thats never going to go away You know whoever we marry in our life whatever future we have in our life its always going to be something thats always there for us And Im very nervous right now And Jeffrey Epstein he took away the chance I had at having the future I had envisioned for myself as a young girl and I think many of us here today will never fully heal from that pain and the heartache that well continue carrying with us So I just wanted to say that Its something that its irreparable I cant even really use a better word to describe that So thank you for hearing us today THE COURT Youre very welcome MR EDWARDS Your Honor Jane Doe No would like to speak JANE DOE NO This is a letter that I wrote so its going to be Dear Jeffrey I think you are a mentally disturbed human being You used your power to make me believe at a young age that I could have my dreams of being a model You paid for your freedom You violated my rights You should have to pay for them just as anyone else You got a plea deal that no one else would have been able to get You used your money to get out of paying the price for your actions Also as a victim I never got to see what the SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CNAronberg-0960 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 agreement was or why the special treatment got approved I think you should been in jail for several years in population and like everyone else that is mentally disturbed like you You paid for yourself to get special treatment while you were in jail I dont even think you spent a day in a jail as a normal human being You had investigators come to my house and also went to my friends house to question them I will never be able to over I will never be able to get over the overwhelming emotions and embarrassment I experienced from that trauma I needed therapy several times a week and had high stress and anxiety levels You paid your way to make the public think that the girls had nothing in life going on for them You wanted to try and blame that we were lower class and that was the problem with the girls I was from a middle class family and did well in school I lived the American girl dream or the American girl life I went on family vacations around the world grew up in a good city and my parents are still married to this day Basically everything you said that we didnt have in our life I did It all came down to I was told I was making in an hour Being young that was a lot of money and I didnt know any better Sadly you were the one with an illness that you should have to go and see a doctor and also have a mentor group SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0961 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 agreement was or why the special treatment got approved I think you should have been in jail for several years in population and live like everyone else that is mentally disturbed like you You paid for yourself to get special treatment while you were in jail I dont even think you spent a day in a jail as a normal human being You had investigators come to my house and also went to my friends house to question them I will never be able to over I will never be able to get over the overwhelming emotions and embarrassment I experienced from that trauma I needed therapy several times a week and had high stress and anxiety levels You paid your way to make the public think that the girls had nothing in life going on for them You wanted to try and blame that we were lower class and that was the problem with the girls I was from a middle class family and did well in school I lived the American girl dream or the American girl life I went on family vacations around the world grew up in a good city and my parents are still married to this day Basically everything you said that we didnt have in our life I did It all came down to I was told I was making in an hour Being young that was a lot of money and I didnt know any better Sadly you were the one with an illness that you should have to go and see a doctor and also have a mentor group SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0961 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 for the sickness you have I will continue with writing my book about that secret life with all the newspaper articles of the case my high school agenda book of official dates Im basing that proof that I deposited cash after leaving Jeffreys I still have all of the information articles that I collected over the years You mentally and physically traumatized me I went to therapy and it was the best thing I did for myself If anyone only learns one thing from this case I hope is that money should not let you buy your way free A crime is a crime and a victim is a victim Thank you THE COURT Thank you Thank you very much MR EDWARDS Your Honor my next client is Chauntae Davies C-h-a-u-n-t-a-e Davies D-a-v-i-e-s MS DAVIES I met Jeffrey Epstein through my first massage teacher a man who took me in as his apprentice to teach me a practice I wanted to learn while in desperate search to find a cure for a debilitating neurological disorder that I have which manifests into violent vomiting attacks largely triggered by stress Its called Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome I was recruited by Ghislaine Maxwell Upon my first meeting of her I wouldnt know I had been recruited until many years later when I would read it in a headline Ghislaine and Jeffrey took me in They sent me to school They gave me a job They flew me around the world introduced me to a world I SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0962 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 for the sickness you have I will continue with writing my book about that secret life with all the newsp per articles of the case my high school agenda book of official dates Im basing that proof that I deposited cash after leaving Jeffreys I still have all of the information articles that I collected over the years You mentally and physically traumatized me I went to therapy and it was the best thing I did for myself If anyone only learns one thing from this case I hope is that money should not let you buy your way free A crime is a crime and a victim is a victim Thank you THE COURT Thank you Thank you very much MR EDWARDS Your Honor my next client is Chauntae Davies C-h-a-u-n-t-a-e Davies D-a-v-i-e-s MS DAVIES I met Jeffrey Epstein through my first massage teacher a man who took me in as his apprentice to teach me a practice I wanted to learn while in desperate search to find a cure for a debilitating neurological disorder that I have which manifests into violent vomiting attacks largely triggered by stress Its called Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome I was recruited by Ghislaine Maxwell Upon my first meeting of her I wouldnt know I had been recruited until many years later when I would read it in a headline Ghislaine and Jeffrey took me in They sent me to school They gave me a job They flew me around the world introduced me to a world I SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0962 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 had only dreamt of and made me feel as though had become a part of their family another thing I was desperately searching for But on my third or fourth time meeting them they brought me to Jeffreys island for the first time and on the first night there Sarah Kellen came tapping on my door late at night to inform me Jeffrey was ready for another massage My instincts told me this didnt feel right but I got up and followed her to a villa I hadnt yet seen Jeffrey and Ghislaines villa I began my massage trying not to let him smell my fear and obvious discomfort but before I knew what was happening he grabbed onto my wrist and tugged me towards the bed I tried to pull away but he was unbuttoning my shorts and pulling my body onto his already naked body faster than I could think I was searching for words but all I could say was meek No please stop but that just seemed to excite him more He continued to rape me and when he was finished he hopped off and went to the shower I pulled my shorts up and I ran as fast as I could back to my own villa my feet bloodied from the rocks I cried myself to sleep that night I spent two weeks vomiting almost to death in a Los Angeles hospital after that first encounter Jeffreys abuse would continue for the next three years and I allowed it SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aron FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 had only dreamt of and made me feel as though I had become a part of their family another thing I was desperately searching for But on my third or fourth time meeting them they brought me to Jeffreys island for the first time and on the first night there Sarah Kellen came tapping on my door late at night to inform me Jeffrey was ready for another massage My instincts told me this didnt feel right but I got up and followed her to a villa I hadnt yet seen Jeffrey and Ghislaines villa I began my massage trying not to let him smell my fear and obvious discomfort but before I knew what was happening he grabbed onto my wrist and tugged me towards the bed I tried to pull away but he was unbuttoning my shorts and pulling my body onto his already naked body faster than I could think I was searching for words but all I could say was meek No please stop but that just seemed to excite him more He continued to rape me and when he was finished he hopped off and went to the shower I pulled my shorts up and I ran as fast as I could back to my own villa my feet bloodied from the rocks I cried myself to sleep that night I spent two weeks vomiting almost to death in a Los Angeles hospital after that first encounter Jeffreys abuse would continue for the next three years and I allowed it SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA Aron FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 to continue because I had been taken advantage of my entire life and had been conditioned to just accept it It took me a long time to come forward too long maybe and all it took to bring and all that it took to bring this man to justice has been robbed by his death Every day every week Ive spent in the hospital since Ive suffered and he has won Every job offer thats been offered to me and then retracted because of my connection to this case I have suffered and he has won Every public humiliation I have endured I have suffered and he has won Every relationship that Ive had to end because of the abuse that I have endured by the hands of this man I have suffered and he has won Every woman sitting in this room today and all of the women who have yet come forward and who have not yet to come forward and whose lives been affected by Jeffrey Epsteins sick abuse of young girls we have all suffered and he is still winning in death I refuse to let this man win in death I couldnt fight back when Jeffrey Epstein sexually abused me because I hadnt yet found my voice Well I have found my voice now and while Jeffrey may no longer be here to hear it I will not stop fighting and I will not be silenced anymore I needed him to hear the pain hes caused what Ive gone through because of him I wrote a 350-page book of all the pain that I have endured at the hands of this man that I really needed him SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0964 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 to continue because I had been taken advantage bf my entire life and had been conditioned to just accept it It took me a long time to come forward too long maybe and all it took to bring and all that it took to bring this man to justice has been robbed by his death Every day every week Ive spent in the hospital since Ive suffered and he has won Every job offer thats been offered to me and then retracted because of my connection to this case I have suffered and he has won Every public humiliation I have endured I have suffered and he has won Every relationship that Ive had to end because of the abuse that I have endured by the hands of this man I have suffered and he has won Every woman sitting in this room today and all of the women who have yet come forward and who have not yet to come forward and whose lives have been affected by Jeffrey Epsteins sick abuse of young girls we have all suffered and he is still winning in death I refuse to let this man win in death I couldnt fight back when Jeffrey Epstein sexually abused me because I hadnt yet found my voice Well I have found my voice now and while Jeffrey may no longer be here to hear it I will not stop fighting and I will not be silenced anymore I needed him to hear the pain hes caused what Ive gone through because of him I wrote a 350-page book of all the pain that I have endured at the hands of this man that I really needed him SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA Aron be FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 to hear His death has robbed me of that justice Please dont rob us of justice again Thank you THE COURT Thank you MR EDWARDS Your Honor I think I have one more client that is going to speak today Anouska De Georgiou THE COURT Would you spell that MS DE GEORGIOU Good morning your Honor THE COURT Good morning MS DE GEORGIOU My name is spelled A-n-o-u-s-k-a D-e space G-e-o-r-g-i-o-u Thank you your Honor for giving us the opportunity to be heard this morning THE COURT Sure MS DE GEORGIOU When I was introduced to Jeffrey Epstein I was young and full of hope and the foolishness of a teenager I was idealistic and I saw the good in people Jeffrey Epstein manipulated me coerced me and sexually abused me Something I think is very important to communicate is that loss of innocence trust and joy is not recoverable The abuse spanning several years was devaluing beyond measure and affected my ability to form and maintain healthy relationships both in my work and my personal life He could not begin to fathom what he took from us and I say us because I am every girl he did this to and theyre all me And today we stand SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0965 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 to hear His death has robbed me of that justice Please dont rob us of justice again Thank you THE COURT Thank you MR EDWARDS Your Honor I think I have one more client that is going to speak today Anouska De Georgiou THE COURT Would you spell that MS DE GEORGIOU Good morning your Honor THE COURT Good morning MS DE GEORGIOU My name is spelled A-n-o-u-s-k-a D-e space G-e-o-r-g-i-o-u Thank you your Honor for giving us the opportunity to be heard this morning THE COURT Sure MS DE GEORGIOU When I was introduced to Jeffrey Epstein I was young and full of hope and the foolishness of a teenager I was idealistic and I saw the good in people Jeffrey Epstein manipulated me coerced me and sexually abused me Something I think is very important to communicate is that loss of innocence trust and joy is not recoverable The abuse spanning several years was devaluing beyond measure and affected my ability to form and maintain healthy relationships both in my work and my personal life He could not begin to fathom what he took from us and I say us because I am every girl he did this to and theyre all me And today we stand SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0965 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 together those that are present and those that arent I was a victim and it has taken me many many years to stand here and say yes it was me I was a victim but I will not remain a victim and be silent for one more day Although I think its tragic when anybody dies before their time Im extremely relieved that Jeffrey Epstein will not be in a position to hurt anymore children or anymore women and Im glad to be part of a group of women who are now bonded forever in the trauma that we endured at the hands of this man Thank you THE COURT Thank you MR EDWARDS Your Honor we had one client who was not able to be here but sent a message through a letter Her name is Michelle Licata M-i-c-h-e-l-l-e last name L-i-c-a-t-a And Brittany Henderson of my office is going to read her letter as instructed THE COURT Sure MS HENDERSON Thank you your Honor THE COURT Yup MS HENDERSON What happened to me occurred many years ago when I was in high school but it still effects my life I was told then that Jeffrey Epstein was going to be held accountable but he was not In fact the government worked out a secret deal and didnt tell me about it The case ended without me knowing what was going on without him being SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0966 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 together those that are present and those that arent I was a victim and it has taken me many many years to stand here and say yes it was me I was a victim but I will not remain a victim and be silent for one more day Although I think its tragic when anybody dies before their time Im extremely relieved that Jeffrey Epstein will not be in a position to hurt anymore children or anymore women and Im glad to be part of a group of women who are now bonded forever in the trauma that we endured at the hands of this man Thank you THE COURT Thank you MR EDWARDS Your Honor we had one client who was not able to be here but sent a message through a letter Her name is Michelle Licata last name L-i-c-a-t-a And Brittany Henderson of my office is going to read her letter as instructed THE COURT Sure MS HENDERSON Thank you your Honor THE COURT Yup MS HENDERSON What happened to me occurred many years ago when I was in high school but it still effects my life I was told then that Jeffrey Epstein was going to be held accountable but he was not In fact the government worked out a secret deal and didnt tell me about it The case ended without me knowing what was going on without him being SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA Aron FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 held responsible without any explanation and without a chance for my voice to be heard I was treated like I did not matter Many years later he was arrested again These investigators and attorneys representing the United States have been completely different I am still mad concerned and confused about how he committed suicide and escaped responsibility again but I know it is not the fault of the judge or the government attorneys I was allowed to be a part of the process this time My attorney was able to tell me what was going on at every stage because they kept him informed Thank you for inviting me It means more to me than you can ever know I was not able to be here this time but I know that I was allowed to be and I had the chance to attend this hearing which is helping me in my healing process The fact that I mattered this time and the other victims mattered is what counts For that I am grateful THE COURT Thank you MR EDWARDS Your Honor finally in when I filed the case under the Crime Victims Rights Act it wasnt me alone I did it with Paul Cassell and Jay Howell Paul Cassell is here today and I think your Honor even cited to a piece of an opinion of his from when he was on the bench and he has some remarks to make Once again your Honor I really do believe that this SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.G CA/Aronberg-0967 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 held responsible without any explanation and without a chance i for my voice to be heard I was treated like I did not matter I Many years later he was arrested again These investigators and attorneys representing the United States have been completely different I am still mad concerned and confused about how he committed suicide and escaped responsibility again but I know it is not the fault of the judge or the government attorneys I was allowed to be a part of the process this time My attorney was able to tell me what was going on at every stage because they kept him informed Thank you for inviting me It means more to me than you can ever know I was not able to be here this time but I know that I was allowed to be and I had the chance to attend this hearing which is helping me in my healing process The fact that I mattered this time and the other victims mattered is what counts For that I am grateful THE COURT Thank you MR EDWARDS Your Honor finally in when I filed the case under the Crime Victims Rights Act it wasnt me alone I did it with Paul Cassell and Jay Howell Paul Cassell is here today and I think your Honor even cited to a piece of an opinion of his from when he was on the bench and he has some remarks to make Once again your Honor I really do believe that this SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0967 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 is a model for how victims should be treated in a criminal process and we really do appreciate it Thank you THE COURT Thank you MR CASSELL Ill be very brief because I know there are others that want to speak here Im Paul Cassell previously served as a federal judge at the District of Utah currently a law professor where I teach crime victims rights at the University of Utah College of Law I just wanted to take one minute to address some suggestion that there would be no need for a hearing this morning I think having heard already from these powerful victims and recognizing how important giving those statements will be in the trajectory of their lives makes clear that your Honor has followed exactly the right path Legally there is one precedent which is U.S Heaton a case that you cited that I wrote about a decade ago and as explained in that opinion victims have important interests in the criminal justice system that can only be recognized if theyre given their day in court With all due respect to other law professors that have recently written an article I think transparency is one of the overriding objectives in our criminal justice system and the one substantive action that I would urge your Honor to take today is to publish your remarks as a published opinion The Heaton case is to my knowledge the only reported decision on SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0968 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 is a model for how victims should be treated in a criminal process and we really do appreciate it Thank you THE COURT Thank you MR CASSELL Ill be very brief because I know there are others that want to speak here Im Paul Cassell previously served as a federal judge at the District of Utah currently a law professor where I teach crime victims rights at the University of Utah College of Law I just wanted to take one minute to address some suggestion that there would be no need for a hearing this morning I think having heard already from these powerful victims and recognizing how important giving those statements will be in the trajectory of their lives makes clear that your Honor has followed exactly the right path Legally there is one precedent which is U.S Heaton a case that you cited that I wrote about a decade ago and as explained in that opinion victims have important interests in the criminal justice system that can only be recognized if theyre given their day in court With all due respect to other law professors that have recently written an article I think transparency is one of the overriding objectives in our criminal justice system and the one substantive action that I would urge your Honor to take today is to publish your remarks as a published opinion The Heaton case is to my knowledge the only reported decision on SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0968 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 this particular issue even though its more than a decade old and yet we can see today that these problems recur in many I other cases Your remarks today I think should be published so that they can serve as a guide for other judges around the country I would encourage you to add into your remarks a reference to the Crime Victims Rights Act The Crime Victims Right Act promises victims the right to be treated with fairness dignity and respect and the process that we see unfolding this morning is a clear example of how victims can be treated with fairness dignity and respect So I know that your Honor is wondering what is the appropriate action here Unfortunately it seems like there are no other legal options but there was a legal option for you to decide to exercise which was to allow these victims to come forward And if theres been one positive thing that has come out of the tragedies the abuse the other events of this case its been your decision to allow these victims to be heard this morning and I encourage you to publish your decision and to encourage other judges to follow what is clearly a model for crime victims rights and is clearly an example that should be followed in other cases down the road THE COURT Thank you very much I appreciate your being here I had no idea that you would be here when I wrote the remarks but it was clear from the literature that you are SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0969 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 this particular issue even though its more than a decade old I and yet we can see today that these problems recur in many I I other cases Your remarks today I think should be published so that they can serve as a guide for other judges around the country I would encourage you to add into your remarks a reference to the Crime Victims Rights Act The Crime Victims Right Act promises victims the right to be treated with fairness dignity and respect and the process that we see unfolding this morning is a clear example of how victims can be treated with fairness dignity and respect So I know that your Honor is wondering what is the appropriate action here Unfortunately it seems like there are no other legal options but there was a legal option for you to decide to exercise which was to allow these victims to come forward And if theres been one positive thing that has come out of the tragedies the abuse the other events of this case its been your decision to allow these victims to be heard this morning and I encourage you to publish your decision and to encourage other judges to follow what is clearly a model for crime victims rights and is clearly an example that should be followed in other cases down the road THE COURT Thank you very much I appreciate your being here I had no idea that you would be here when I wrote the remarks but it was clear from the literature that you are SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0969 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 the leading expert formerly of the District Court of Utah I believe and its a pleasure to have you here today MR CASSELL Thank you your Honor THE COURT Thanks Mr Boies MR BOIES Thank you your Honor David Boies of Boies Schiller Flexner We have with us today five of the victims that we represent There are a number of additional victims who either were unable to attend or are still unwilling to come forward publicly This has been an enormously traumatic aspect of their lives something that as youve already heard and will hear more today is something that they can never entirely escape from I want to as prior counsel have commend both the Court and counsel for the Department of Justice for the consideration and respect and attention that they have paid to the victims We believe that that is not only right as a matter of human dignity but we think that is exactly what the law requires and intends I will be more blunt than the Court has been or Professor Cassell has been about Professor Greens article That is an article that cites no authority and I believe there is no authority for his proposition I entirely respect his right to advocate on behalf of his client Alan Dershowitz who has retained him in connection with litigation that weve SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C i CA/Aronberg-0970 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM el J8RPEPS2 the leading expert formerly of the District Court of Utah I believe and its a pleasure to have you here today MR CASSELL Thank you your Honor THE COURT Thanks Mr Boies MR BOIES Thank you your Honor David Boies of Boies Schiller Flexner We have with us today five of the victims that we represent There are a number of additional victims who either were unable to attend or are still unwilling to come forward publicly This has been an enormously traumatic aspect of their lives something that as youve already heard and will hear more today is something that they can never entirely escape from I want to as prior counsel have commend both the Court and counsel for the Department of Justice for the consideration and respect and attention that they have paid to the victims We believe that that is not only right as a matter of human dignity but we think that is exactly what the law requires and intends I will be more blunt than the Court has been or Professor Cassell has been about Professor Greens article That is an article that cites no authority and I believe there is no authority for his proposition I entirely respect his right to advocate on behalf of his client Alan Dershowitz who has retained him in connection with litigation that weve SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0970 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 brought against Mr Dershowitz but I would have expected that the Law Journal or Professor Green himself would have disclosed that connection which I think is a conflict But regardless of the appropriateness of his disclosure or lack of disclosure I think that his article opposing allowing the victims to have a voice in this proceeding is inconsistent not only with the policy that underlies the Crime Victim Rights Act and the very statute that Mr Epstein is being prosecuted under but it ignores the actual language of those statutes and many other statutes in which Congress has made clear that the purpose of the criminal law is no longer simply to punish the individual defendant but it is to find some way of trying to mitigate the damage that has been done to the victims through restitution and economic mitigation but also through the ability to confront and to have the court system and the justice system and the prosecutors treat these victims as they are victims as they are human beings and they are entitled to the respect that our society needs to give every human being So I think that this is not only commendable but I think it is what the Law requires In response to the question the Court asked I have discussed this hearing with my clients I have told them that under the applicable law the government has no alternative but to move to dismiss this case and I believe under the SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0971 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 brought against Mr Dershowitz but I would have expected that the Law Journal or Professor Green himself would have disclosed that connection which I think is a conflict But regardless of the appropriateness of his disclosure or lack of disclosure I think that his article opposing allowing the victims to have a voice in this proceeding is inconsistent not only with the policy that underlies the Crime Victim Rights Act and the very statute that Mr Epstein is being prosecuted under but it ignores the actual language of those statutes and many other statutes in which Congress has made clear that the purpose of the criminal law is no longer simply to punish the individual defendant but it is to find some way of trying to mitigate the damage that has been done to the victims through restitution and economic mitigation but also through the ability to confront and to have the court system and the justice system and the prosecutors treat these victims as they are victims as they are human beings and they are entitled to the respect that our society needs to give every human being So I think that this is not only commendable but I think it is what the law requires In response to the question the Court asked I have discussed this hearing with my clients I have told them that under the applicable law the government has no alternative but to move to dismiss this case and I believe under the SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA Aronberg-0971 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 applicable law in this circuit the Court has no alternative but to grant that motion I think the current law is outdated as the Court suggested in some of its remarks I think there will come a time when either an Appellate court or the Congress will make clear that just as its possible to continue civil cases against someone after they have deceased it is possible at least for purposes of things like restitution to continue criminal cases but we are not there now And fortunately in this case there are other ways and perhaps even more efficient ways to vindicate the interests of the victims here We greatly appreciate the remarks of the representative of the Department of Justice today and we too on behalf of the victims are not going to stop when we walk out of this courtroom We are going to continue to seek vindication against Mr Epsteins estate and in some senses perhaps even more important against the people who worked with him and enabled him As you have already heard and will hear more Mr Epstein did not act alone He could not have done what he did on the scope and the scale of what he did for as many years as he did it without the activities and support and the co-conspirator activity of a number of other key individuals and those individuals also need to bear their share of responsibility and those people need to have a reckoning as SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0972 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 applicable law in this circuit the Court has np alternative but to grant that motion I think the current law is outdated as the Court suggested in some of its remarks I think there will come a time when either an Appellate court or the Congress will make clear that just as its possible to continue civil cases against someone after they have deceased it is possible at least for purposes of things like restitution to continue criminal cases but we are not there now And fortunately in this case there are other ways and perhaps even more efficient ways to vindicate the interests of the victims here We greatly appreciate the remarks of the representative of the Department of Justice today and we too on behalf of the victims are not going to stop when we walk out of this courtroom We are going to continue to seek vindication against Mr Epsteins estate and in some senses perhaps even more important against the people who worked with him and enabled him As you have already heard and will hear more Mr Epstein did not act alone He could not have done what he did on the scope and the scale of what he did for as many years as he did it without the activities and support and the co-conspirator activity of a number of other key individuals and those individuals also need to bear their share of responsibility and those people need to have a reckoning as SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CN Aron be FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 well My partner Sig McCawley whos been working with me for more than five years on this case is going to with the Courts permission introduce five of our clients who will speak briefly to your Court Thank you very much THE COURT Thank you very much Mr Boies Pleasure to have you here MS McCAWLEY Thank you your Honor the first victim that would like to speak today is Theresa Helm THE COURT Can we have the spelling of your name MS McCAWLEY Sure Sigrid S-i-g-r-i-d and the last name is M-c-C-a-w-l-e-y and Im a partner at Boies Schiller Flexner THE COURT Thank you MS HELM Good morning THE COURT Good morning MS HELM Thank you prosecutors and Judge and the Court My name is Theresa Helm I note today I do feel respected and listened to so I appreciate that and I have to say that I commend the boldness of the New York prosecutors for pursuing a man that has you know and others that have clearly taken a lot from a lot of people years ago I knew him only as Jeffrey I was recruited and brought from California to New York and that SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0973 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 well My partner Sig Mccawley whos been working with me for more than five years on this case is going to with the Courts permission introduce five of our clients who will speak briefly to your Court Thank you very much THE COURT Thank you very much Mr Boies Pleasure to have you here MS McCAWLEY Thank you your Honor the first victim that would like to speak today is Theresa Helm THE COURT Can we have the spelling of your name MS McCAWLEY Sure Sigrid S-i-g-r-i-d and the last name is and Im a partner at Boies Schiller Flexner THE COURT Thank you MS HELM Good morning THE COURT Good morning MS HELM Thank you prosecutors and Judge and the Court My name is Theresa Helm I note today I do feel respected and listened to so I appreciate that and I have to say that I commend the boldness of the New York prosecutors for pursuing a man that has you know and others that have clearly taken a lot from a lot of people years ago I knew him only as Jeffrey I was recruited and brought from California to New York and that SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0973 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 experience for the last years has been a dark corner in my story in my life in my life story and that has been definitely made worse by my own self-shame and that and anger for normalizing all of the red flags I feel like we are conditioned to do that and thats something that needs to change So Im here today you know Im coming forward because it is time to bring light to that darkness and its time to replace that darkness with light And I am a survivor of this and I do aim to progress further from being a survivor you know I feel Ive worked hard guite hard to get to where Im at now and Im definitely at a place in my life where I will no longer cover up no longer cover up what needs to be brought to light Jeffrey is no longer here and the women that helped him are Ghislaine Maxwell My experience is with Ghislaine Maxwell and Sarah Kellen and they definitely need to be held accountable for helping him helping themselves helping one another carry on this huge almost like a system So they need to be held accountable all of them and I would like to see that certainly on behalf of myself and for everyone here Thank you THE COURT Thanks so much MS McCAWLEY Our next client who is going to speak this morning is Virginia Roberts Giuffre SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0974 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 experience for the last years has been a dark corner in my story in my life in my life story and that has been definitely made worse by my own self-shame and that and anger for normalizing all of the red flags I feel like we are conditioned to do that and thats something that needs to change So Im here today you know Im coming forward because it is time to bring light to that darkness and its time to replace that darkness with light And I am a survivor of this and I do aim to progress further from being a survivor you know I feel Ive worked hard quite hard to get to where Im at now and Im definitely at a place in my life where I will no longer cover up Ill no longer cover up what needs to be brought to light Jeffrey is no longer here and the women that helped him are Ghislaine Maxwell My experience is with Ghislaine Maxwell and Sarah Kellen and they definitely need to be held accountable for helping him helping themselves helping one another carry on this huge almost like a system So they need to be held accountable all of them and I would like to see that certainly on behalf of myself and for everyone here Thank you THE COURT Thanks so much MS McCAWLEY Our next client who is going to speak this morning is Virginia Roberts Giuffre SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-097 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 MS GIUFFRE Good morning your Honor THE COURT Good morning How are you MS GIUFFRE Okay Thank you My name is Virginia Roberts Giuffre thats V-i-r-g-i-n-i-a Roberts R-o-b-e-r-t-s Giuffre G-i-u double for Fred r-e I am a victim of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in the dark and cruel and criminal acts they committed against me and hundreds of other girls and young women for years and years and years unstopped Thank you for allowing me to address the Court and speak the truth I commend the prosecutors from the Southern District of New York for the ongoing investigation and its pursuit of justice for us victims It has given me hope and I will not let go of that hope When I was recruited by Ghislaine Maxwell at Mar-a-Lago just before I was I thought I was given a big break and Id be able to reset my life and become an actual real massage therapist My hopes were quickly dashed and my dreams were stolen Jeffrey Epstein is no longer alive but this is not about how he died This is about how he lived He will not have his day in court but the reckoning of accountability has begun supported by the voices of these brave and beautiful women in this courtroom today The reckoning must not end It must continue He did not act alone and we the victims know that We trust the government SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0975 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 MS GIUFFRE Good morning your Honor THE COURT Good morning How are you MS GIUFFRE Okay Thank you My name is Virginia Roberts Giuffre thats V-i-r-g-i-n-i-a Roberts R-o-b-e-r-t-s Giuffre G-i-u double for Fred r-e I am a victim of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in the dark and cruel and criminal acts they committed against me and hundreds of other girls and young women for years and years and years unstopped Thank you for allowing me to address the Court and speak the truth I commend the prosecutors from the Southern District of New York for the ongoing investigation and its pursuit of justice for us victims It has given me hope and I will not let go of that hope When I was recruited by Ghislaine Maxwell at Mar-a-Lago just before I was I thought I was given a big break and Id be able to reset my life and become an actual real massage therapist My hopes were quickly dashed and my dreams were stolen Jeffrey Epstein is no longer alive but this is not about how he died This is about how he lived He will not have his day in court but the reckoning of accountability has begun supported by the voices of these brave and beautiful women in this courtroom today The reckoning must not end It must continue He did not act alone and we the victims know that We trust the government SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0975 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 is listening and that the others will be brought to justice Thank you your Honor THE COURT Thank you very much MS McCAWLEY The next client of ours that will be speaking this morning is Sarah Ransome MS RANSOME Thank you your Honor My name is Sarah Ransome R-a-n-s-o-m-e Im a victim of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwells international sex trafficking ring I would like to thank the Court for the dignity and the respect you are showing me here today as well as the other victims I would also like to acknowledge and extend my gratitude to the prosecutors from the Southern District of New York for pursuing justice on behalf of the victims Please please finish what you have started I struggled to find the words to adequately say how important your work is to us For a very long time Jeffrey Epstein gamed the system at every level and when he realized he couldnt do that any longer he showed the world what a depraved and cowardly human being he is by taking his own life But we the victims are still here prepared to tell the truth and we all know he did not act alone We are survivors and the pursuit of justice should not abate Thank you your Honor THE COURT Youre very welcome MS McCAWLEY Our next client who is going to be SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0976 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 is listening and that the others will be brought to justice Thank you your Honor THE COURT Thank you very much MS McCAWLEY The next client of ours that will be speaking this morning is Sarah Ransome MS RANSOME Thank you your Honor My name is Sarah Ransome R-a-n-s-o-m-e Im a victim of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwells international sex trafficking ring I would like to thank the Court for the dignity and the respect you are showing me here today as well as the other victims I would also like to acknowledge and extend my gratitude to the prosecutors from the Southern District of New York for pursuing justice on behalf of the victims Please please finish what you have started I struggled to find the words to adequately say how important your work is to us For a very long time Jeffrey Epstein gamed the system at every level and when he realized he couldnt do that any longer he showed the world what a depraved and cowardly human being he is by taking his own life But we the victims are still here prepared to tell the truth and we all know he did not act alone We are survivors and the pursuit of justice should not abate Thank you your Honor THE COURT Youre very welcome MS McCAWLEY Our next client who is going to be SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0976 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 speaking this morning is Annie Farmer MS FARMER Good morning your Honor THE COURT Good morning MS FARMER Annie A-n-n-i-e Farmer F-a-r-m-e-r I had the opportunity to speak at Jeffrey Epsteins bail hearing and I really appreciate that you heard me and listened to me that day I am so sorry that others will not have the opportunity to stand before him the way that I did But Im here today to speak on behalf of my sister Maria Farmer who could not be here Jeffrey Epstein Ghislaine Maxwell not only assaulted her but as were hearing from so many of these brave women here today they stole her dreams and her livelihood She risked her safety in so many years ago to report them to no avail and it is heartbreaking to her and to me that all this destruction has been wrought since that time We were deeply disappointed and disturbed by Epsteins death and the fact that that was allowed to happen while he was in the governments custody and Im encouraged to hear that there will be a full investigation as to how that was allowed to happen But it is extremely important as others are saying that he did not act alone and that the other people that were a part of what he did are held accountable and that that investigation continues SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0977 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 speaking this morning is Annie Farmer MS FARMER Good morning your Honor THE COURT Good morning MS FARMER Annie A-n-n-i-e Farmer F-a-r-m-e-r I had the opportunity to speak at Jeffrey Epsteins bail hearing and I really appreciate that you heard me and listened to me that day I am so sorry that others will not have the opportunity to stand before him the way that I did But Im here today to speak on behalf of my sister Maria Farmer who could not be here Jeffrey Epstein Ghislaine Maxwell not only assaulted her but as were hearing from so many of these brave women here today they stole her dreams and her livelihood She risked her safety in so many years ago to report them to no avail and it is heartbreaking to her and to me that all this destruction has been wrought since that time We were deeply disappointed and disturbed by Epsteins death and the fact that that was allowed to happen while he was in the governments custody and Im encouraged to hear that there will be a full investigation as to how that was allowed to happen But it is extremely important as others are saying that he did not act alone and that the other people that were a part of what he did are held accountable and that that investigation continues SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0977 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 I believe that we have a real problem in this country with perpetrators of sexual abuse and sexual assault being held accountable There are so many roadblocks to victims being heard to cases being investigated thoroughly and then to those cases being prosecuted And so I think this is a really important signal to send a message to victims out there that people will take you seriously people will follow through and that even those in power as we have unfortunately seen that has not been often are able to escape that that even those in power will be held accountable Thank you THE COURT Thanks so much MS McCAWLEY Our next client whos going to address the Court is Marijke Chartouni She says it much more beautifully than I do so Ill let her say it MS CHARTOUNI My first name is spelled M-a-r-i-j-k-e last name is C-h-a-r-t-o-u-n-i My name is Marijke Chartouni and I am a victim of Jeffrey Epstein and the sophisticated sex trafficking operation he ran where he allegedly was to be a financier I was and previously modeled and was living in the West Village I met a young woman named Rena through a mutual friend We were friends for a few months She was an amazing artist and liked to party One day she called me and asked if I was interested in meeting a friend of hers She told me he wanted to meet me and really liked blonds and I thought he was SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.O CA/Aronberg-0978 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 I believe that we have a real problem in this country with perpetrators of sexual abuse and sexual assault being held accountable There are so many roadblocks to victims being heard to cases being investigated thoroughly and then to those cases being prosecuted And so I think this is a really important signal to send a message to victims out there that people will take you seriously people will follow through and that even those in power as we have unfortunately seen that has not been often are able to escape that that even those in power will be held accountable Thank you THE COURT Thanks so much MS McCAWLEY Our next client whos going to address the Court is Marijke Chartouni She says it much more beautifully than I do so Ill let her say it MS CHARTOUNI My first name is spelled M-a-r-i-j-k-e last name is C-h-a-r-t-o-u-n-i My name is Marijke Chartouni and I am a victim of Jeffrey Epstein and the sophisticated sex trafficking operation he ran where he allegedly was to be a financier I was and previously modeled and was living in the West Village I met a young woman named Rena through a mutual friend We were friends for a few months She was an amazing artist and liked to party One day she called me and asked if I was interested in meeting a friend of hers She told me he wanted to meet me and really liked blonds and I thought he was SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0978 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 i i i our age and liked to do the same things we did at that age so I agreed I On a sunny crisp day we took the train together to the Upper East Side She then began to talk a little bit about him on our way to his house I was at his house I was sexually assaulted by both Rena and Jeffrey Epstein in his mansion It left me feeling both disgusted and betrayed As we walked home to the subway afterwards she continued to tell me about the man who had just abused me with her participation She seemed exhilarated from the horrific experience I was shocked and in a daze This is a few things that she had told me She told me he went to Cooper Union He was a mathematical genius That he had favorite girls that he would take to Chanel for 15-minute all-you-can-buy shopping trips She told me his right-hand person had connection to the arts and the fashion world and she could help me This is not my complete story Ill stop here Im in a good stable place in my life and I had decided to come forward to be a voice to the victims who may not be able to tell their story or at least not yet I feel like I am a survivor Thank you Judge Berman for inviting victims to speak today before you We hope the government is listening very closely to the words we are saying THE COURT Thank you very much SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0979 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 I I I I I our age and liked to do the same things we did that age so I agreed On a sunny crisp day we took the train together to the Upper East Side She then began to talk a little bit about him on our way to his house I was at his house I was sexually assaulted by both Rena and Jeffrey Epstein in his mansion It left me feeling both disgusted and betrayed As we walked home to the subway afterwards she continued to tell me about the man who had just abused me with her participation She seemed exhilarated from the horrific experience I was shocked and in a daze This is a few things that she had told me She told me he went to Cooper Union He was a mathematical genius That he had favorite girls that he would take to Chanel for 15-minute all-you-can-buy shopping trips She told me his right-hand person had connection to the arts and the fashion world and she could help me This is not my complete story Ill stop here Im in a good stable place in my life and I had decided to come forward to be a voice to the victims who may not be able to tell their story or at least not yet I feel like I am a survivor Thank you Judge Berman for inviting victims to speak today before you We hope the government is listening very closely to the words we are saying THE COURT Thank you very much SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0979 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 MR BOIES Your Honor just very briefly THE COURT Sure MR BOIES I would like to express to the Court how proud I am of all of these women who have come forward Its taken an enormous amount of strength and courage for them to do so Thank you THE COURT Thanks Mr Boies Hold on one second Pause MS LERNER Thank you your Honor My name is Kimberly Lerner of Lerner and Lerner and your Honor with your permission I would like my client Jennifer Aroz to stand next to me THE COURT Sure MS LERNER Would that be okay THE COURT Absolutely MS LERNER Your Honor I would like to begin by saying that I am in awe of all of these beautiful women I just want to let you know on behalf of Jennifer and myself we admire you we respect you and we applaud you and you are brave survivors And Jennifers heart is with all of you and we thank you so much for coming forward Jennifer when she went public she thought she was one of the only ones and to see all of these faces is I know amazing for her Jeffrey Epstein was a predator a pedophile and a sick SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0980 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 MR BOIES Your Honor just very briefly THE COURT Sure MR BOIES I would like to express to the Court how proud I am of all of these women who have come forward Its taken an enormous amount of strength and courage for them to do so Thank you THE COURT Thanks Mr Boies Hold on one second Pause MS LERNER Thank you your Honor My name is Kimberly Lerner of Lerner and Lerner and your Honor with your permission I would like my client Jennifer Aroz to stand next to me THE COURT Sure MS LERNER Would that be okay THE COURT Absolutely MS LERNER Your Honor I would like to begin by saying that I am in awe of all of these beautiful women I just want to let you know on behalf of Jennifer and myself we admire you we respect you and we applaud you and you are brave survivors And Jennifers heart is with all of you and we thank you so much for coming forward Jennifer when she went public she thought she was one of the only ones and to see all of these faces is I know amazing for her Jeffrey Epstein was a predator a pedophile and a sick SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0980 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 individual However he was also a thief He stole Jennifers childhood dreams her innocence and her self-confidence She was years old What he could not buy he forcibly took Why Because he surrounded himself with a network of powerful people who not only looked the other way but also actively facilitated and participated in his sexual abuse of children Jeffrey Epstein thought he was above the law and essentially he was until now The system let Jennifer and the other victims down but it does not have to end here We ask the U.S Attorneys Office and the FBI to bring all of Epsteins enablers and co-conspirators to justice It has taken Jennifer years to find her voice and again Jeffrey Epstein has tried to silence her While she will never have her chance to face him in court he no longer has any power over her Today this brave survivor will be heard MS AROZ Thank you for allowing me to be able to have my chance in court today to be able to tell you what this horrific man did to my life You cant even imagine how much it affected my childhood all the way through my adult life He robbed me of my dreams He robbed me of my chance to pursue a career I always adored He stole my chance at really feeling love because I was so scared to trust anyone for so many years that I had such severe anxiety I didnt want to leave my house let alone my bed SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS p.c CA/Aronberg-0981 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 individual However he was also a thief He stole Jennifers childhood dreams her innocence and her self-confidence She was years old What he could not buy he forcibly took Why Because he surrounded himself with a network of powerful people who not only looked the other way but also actively facilitated and participated in his sexual abuse of children Jeffrey Epstein thought he was above the law and essentially he was until now The system let Jennifer and the other victims down but it does not have to end here We ask the U.S Attorneys Office and the FBI to bring all of Epsteins enablers and co-conspirators to justice It has taken Jennifer years to find her voice and again Jeffrey Epstein has tried to silence her While she will never have her chance to face him in court he no longer has any power over her Today this brave survivor will be heard MS AROZ Thank you for allowing me to be able to have my chance in court today to be able to tell you what this horrific man did to my life You cant even imagine how much it affected my childhood all the way through my adult life He robbed me of my dreams He robbed me of my chance to pursue a career I always adored He stole my chance at really feeling love because I was so scared to trust anyone for so many years that I had such severe anxiety I didnt want to leave my house let alone my bed SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0981 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 The fact that he felt entitled to take:away my innocence the fact that he felt that he could do whatever he wanted regardless of the laws hurts me so very much It took me years to tell anyone what Epstein did to me because I was so ashamed and embarrassed at what people would say or think of me until I found out there were other victims girls just like me I knew I could no longer keep my silence no matter how ruthless and powerful Epstein was and still is even after his death The fact I will never have a chance to face my predator in court eats away at my soul Even in death Epstein is trying to hurt me I had hoped to at last get an apology but this evil man had no remorse or caring for what he did to anyone I felt let down by the people who were supposed to watch him in prison They let this man kill himself and kill the chance of justice for so many others in the process taking away our ability to speak Out of all the damages and side effects that Epstein caused by his heartless and selfish acts its very hard to put my feelings and emotions into words trying to let his horrendous actions go and attempting to forgive him has been so difficult for me Yet as hard as its been to come so publicly forward I refuse to let Epstein take me as a victim anymore I am a survivor The many that stand before me here today that have shared the horrific experiences with this SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0982 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 The fact that he felt entitled to take away my innocence the fact that he felt that he could do whatever he wanted regardless of the laws hurts me so very much It took me years to tell anyone what Epstein did to me because I was so ashamed and embarrassed at what people would say or think of me until I found out there were other victims girls just like me I knew I could no longer keep my silence no matter how ruthless and powerful Epstein was and still is even after his death The fact I will never have a chance to face my predator in court eats away at my soul Even in death Epstein is trying to hurt me I had hoped to at last get an apology but this evil man had no remorse or caring for what he did to anyone I felt let down by the people who were supposed to watch him in prison They let this man kill himself and kill the chance of justice for so many others in the process taking away our ability to speak Out of all the damages and side effects that Epstein caused by his heartless and selfish acts its very hard to put my feelings and emotions into words trying to let his horrendous actions go and attempting to forgive him has been so difficult for me Yet as hard as its been to come so publicly forward I refuse to let Epstein take me as a victim anymore I am a survivor The many that stand before me here today that have shared the horrific experiences with this SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA Aron be FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 deplorable human being because even though this weak evil coward tried to steal all of our childhoods tried to steal all I of our innocence and tried to steal all of our means of justice he will never steal our inner strength and he will never ever ever steal our voice Thank you so much THE COURT Youre welcome MS GIBBS Good morning your Honor Teri Gibbs T-e-r-i G-i-b-b-s For the record I am a California attorney Im not admitted to the New York State bar I am here to make a statement on behalf of New York attorney Lisa Bloom I work for her firm The Bloom Firm Lisa Bloom represents four of Jeffrey Epsteins victims Jane Doe for the record Jane Doe and Jane Doe I am so proud of all of you victims who are here today and are able to voice yourselves today I will not and cannot comment on the criminal case or Ms Blooms communications with her clients Ms Bloom would like to share three of her clients statements for the record Here are the statements Statement of Jane Doe To the Honorable Richard Berman Jeffrey Epstein stole my innocence He gave me a life sentence of guilt and shame I do not consider myself a victim I see myself a survivor The abuse that I endured cannot continue Lets stop this before it happens to other young women Jane Doe SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0983 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 deplorable human being because even though this weak evil coward tried to steal all of our childhoods tried to steal all I of our innocence and tried to steal all of our means of justice he will never steal our inner strength and he will never ever ever steal our voice Thank you so much THE COURT Youre welcome MS GIBBS Good morning your Honor Teri Gibbs T-e-r-i G-i-b-b-s For the record I am a California attorney Im not admitted to the New York State bar I am here to make a statement on behalf of New York attorney Lisa Bloom I work for her firm The Bloom Firm Lisa Bloom represents four of Jeffrey Epsteins victims Jane Doe for the record Jane Doe and Jane Doe I am so proud of all of you victims who are here today and are able to voice yourselves today I will not and cannot comment on the criminal case or Ms Blooms communications with her clients Ms Bloom would like to share three of her clients statements for the record Here are the statements Statement of Jane Doe To the Honorable Richard Berman Jeffrey Epstein stole my innocence He gave me a life sentence of guilt and shame I do not consider myself a victim I see myself a survivor The abuse that I endured cannot continue Lets stop this before it happens to other young women Jane Doe SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0983 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 Statement of Jane Doe To the Honorable Richard Berman I used to be relatively carefree inquisitive hopeful and excited about life but my life changed because of Jeffrey Epstein My perspective on life became very dark when I was unknowingly recruited by one of his agents Jeffrey Epstein ruined me His recruiter ruined me The far-reaching consequences of that day ruined my familys lives Ive chosen to remain anonymous in order to protect my family from unwanted media attention I was just trying to figure out my path in life when I encountered Jeffrey Epstein in his New York City mansion I cannot even begin to summarize the many detriments this experience of sexual assault has had on my life Immediately following the incident I was unable to function and be around other people My parents had to rescue me and bring me home where I became a recluse for years I was changed forever and buried my assault deep down where the darkness couldnt hurt me anymore but of course it has always been here lingering and affecting me unconsciously At the time I was mired in shame guilt and humiliation I had somehow tricked myself into thinking that I had allowed the assault to happen that I did it to myself that I dont deserve to be alive or to be loved I believed that I was a disgusting shameful person who does not deserve to ever be happy These are the thoughts Ive lived with on a daily SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0984 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 Statement of Jane Doe To the Honorable Richard Berman I used to be relatively carefree inquisitive hopeful and excited about life but my life changed because of Jeffrey Epstein My perspective on life became very dark when I was unknowingly recruited by one of his agents Jeffrey Epstein ruined me His recruiter ruined me The far-reaching consequences of that day ruined my familys lives Ive chosen to remain anonymous in order to protect my family from unwanted media attention I was just trying to figure out my path in life when I encountered Jeffrey Epstein in his New York City mansion I cannot even begin to summarize the many detriments this experience of sexual assault has had on my life Immediately following the incident I was unable to function and be around other people My parents had to rescue me and bring me home where I became a recluse for years I was changed forever and buried my assault deep down where the darkness couldnt hurt me anymore but of course it has always been here lingering and affecting me unconsciously At the time I was mired in shame guilt and humiliation I had somehow tricked myself into thinking that I had allowed the assault to happen that I did it to myself that I dont deserve to be alive or to be loved I believed that I was a disgusting shameful person who does not deserve to ever be happy These are the thoughts Ive lived with on a daily SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0984 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 basis Furthermore because I couldnt tell anyone out of fear of judgment blame or retaliation keeping this secret completely hindered my ability to uncover why these issues existed for me which could have led to a path of healing over the years It is time for those of power to do the right thing It is time for compassion toward our fellow human beings to reign over money power and greed We need to protect our most vulnerable to allow them a chance at a normal life and nothing should come in the way of that I believe that for future generations including my own children this case will set a precedent that victims must no longer suffer in silence on our own or be shamed for coming forward to seek protection This case should demonstrate to those who want to harm others that there will be a reckoning and they will pay dearly for the harm they inflict on innocent people Judge Berman I thank you for from the bottom of my heart for this forum and opportunity To all of those survivors who came before me I commend your bravery There is no way I could have done this without you Thank you to the public following this story for your outrage and desire for answers which will hopefully move this case forward so that victims can stop having to relive their SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0985 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 basis Furthermore because I couldnt tell anyone out of fear of judgment blame or retaliation keeping this secret completely hindered my ability to uncover why these issues existed for me which could have led to a path of healing over the years It is time for those of power to do the right thing It is time for compassion toward our fellow human beings to reign over money power and greed We need to protect our most vulnerable to allow them a chance at a normal life and nothing should come in the way of that I believe that for future generations including my own children this case will set a precedent that victims must no longer suffer in silence on our own or be shamed for coming forward to seek protection This case should demonstrate to those who want to harm others that there will be a reckoning and they will pay dearly for the harm they inflict on innocent people Judge Berman I thank you for from the bottom of my heart for this forum and opportunity To all of those survivors who came before me I commend your bravery There is no way I could have done this without you Thank you to the public following this story for your outrage and desire for answers which will hopefully move this case forward so that victims can stop having to relive their SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CNAronberg-0985 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 experiences every day and move on to begin to heal God bless the victims their families the investigators and public servants working so diligently to find those answers and to right all these wrongs Jane Doe Continued on next page SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0986 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RPEPS2 experiences every day and move on to begin to heal God bless the victims their families the investigators and public servants working so diligently to find those answers and to right all these wrongs Jane Doe Continued on next page SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0986 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 THE COURT Thanks very much MS GIBBS One more Statement of Jane Doe In the past few weeks I have had to reflect on my interaction with Jeffrey Epstein and realized that though I have yet to put it all behind me I am still a victim I say this because I have to come to terms with it in an effort to truly get past the abuse I suffered at the hands of Epstein Pursuing criminal penalties against him and having an opportunity to address the egregious crimes he committed against me and other young woman would have helped my recovery process This all came to an abrupt halt when he took his own life This point of disclosure is lost I cannot say that I am pleased he committed suicide but I am at peace knowing he will not be able to hurt anyone else However a sad truth remains I along with other people will never have an answer as to why I will never have an apology for the wrongdoing And most importantly Epstein will not be justly sentenced for his crimes Now I sit in my home questioning the well-being of those girls like myself In choosing death Epstein denied everyone justice Any efforts made to protect Epsteins name and legacy send a message to the victims that he wins and that he is untouchable I understand his case may be dismissed or closed but this makes me feel as though I and anyone else who fell pry his hands simply do not matter SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0987 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 THE COURT Thanks very much MS GIBBS One more Statement of Jane Doe In the past few weeks I have had to reflect on my interaction with Jeffrey Epstein and realized that though I have yet to put it all behind me I am still a victim I say this because I have to come to terms with it in an effort to truly get past the abuse I suffered at the hands of Epstein Pursuing criminal penalties against him and having an opportunity to address the egregious crimes he committed against me and other young woman would have helped my recovery process This all came to an abrupt halt when he took his own life This point.of disclosure is lost I cannot say that I am pleased he committed suicide but I am at peace knowing he will not be able to hurt anyone else However a sad truth remains I along with other people will never have an answer as to why I will never have an apology for the wrongdoing And most importantly Epstein will not be justly sentenced for his crimes Now I sit in my home questioning the well-being of those girls like myself In choosing death Epstein denied everyone justice Any efforts made to protect Epsteins name and legacy send a message to the victims that he wins and that he is untouchable I understand his case may be dismissed or closed but this makes me feel as though I and anyone else who fell pry to his hands simply do not matter SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0987 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 I ask that you very seriously consider the final decision because it will undoubtedly affect all other facets of this case including any future charges brought against the recruiters or third parties to his crimes I do not want the narrative to be Those poor girls I want to send a message to anyone who would consider engaging in similar acts to think twice beforehand I want some sort of closure for those of us who relive those horrible moments where we were assaulted abused and taken advantage of by Epstein You have the opportunity to help us seek that closure I appreciate your time and consideration and ask for your continued support in dealing with this case to illustrate that we Epsteins victims do matter Sincerely Jane Doe On behalf of Lisa Bloom and The Bloom Firm thank you your Honor THE COURT Thank you Ms Gibbs Did we have any other victims counsel or victims Ms Allred MS ALLRED Good morning your Honor THE COURT Good morning How are you MS ALLRED Fine Thank you Allred Maroko Goldberg by Gloria Allred G-l-o-r-i-a A-l-l-r-e-d Your Honor thank you so much for this opportunity to SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0988 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 I ask that you very seriously consider the final decision because it will undoubtedly affect ali other facets of this case including any future charges brought against the recruiters or third parties to his crimes I do not want the narrative to be Those poor girls I want to send a message to anyone who would consider engaging in similar acts to think twice beforehand I want some sort of closure for those of us who relive those horrible moments where we were assaulted abused and taken advantage of by Epstein You have the opportunity to help us seek that closure I appreciate your time and consideration and ask for your continued support in dealing with this case to illustrate that we Epsteins victims do matter Sincerely Jane Doe On behalf of Lisa Bloom and The Bloom Firm thank you your Honor THE COURT Thank you Ms Gibbs Did we have any other victims counsel or victims Ms Allred MS ALLRED Good morning your Honor THE COURT Good morning How are you MS ALLRED Fine Thank you Allred Maroko Goldberg by Gloria Allred Your Honor thank you so much for this opportunity to SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CNAronberg-0988 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 afford the victims their voice because many of them have never spoken before They never spoke in Florida They never spoke anywhere They never told their mother They never told their father They never told their family members This is an opportunity for them to be heard We thank you for that Your Honor for years my firm has been the leading womens rights private law firm in the United States We have helped thousands of victims And I as an officer of the court and as a believer in the system have tried to encourage the victims to have confidence in the system that should provide them access to justice that should help them to assert and vindicate their rights in a court of law It has been increasingly difficult in this case for me to say to my clients that they should have confidence in the system of justice given what has occurred in this case People Jeffrey Epstein Having said that I am encouraged by the fact that this court essentially in an unprecedented situation where the defendant is deceased is still affording these victims an opportunity to be heard So we thank you for that It is some encouragement Your Honor you also asked do our clients wish to be heard in reference to some of the issues that have been raised this morning including what should happen into this case Your Honor there has been a suggestion that the court should investigate the circumstances of the death of Mr Epstein Im SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0989 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 afford the victims their voice because many of them have never spoken before They never spoke in Florida ey never spoke anywhere They never told their mother They never told their father They never told their family members This is an opportunity for them to be heard We thank you for that Your Honor for years my firm has been the leading womens rights private law firm in the United States We have helped thousands of victims And I as an officer of the court and as a believer in the system have tried to encourage the victims to have confidence in the system that should provide them access to justice that should help them to assert and vindicate their rights in a court of law It has been increasingly difficult in this case for me to say to my clients that they should have confidence in the system of justice given what has occurred in this case People Jeffrey Epstein Having said that I am encouraged by the fact that this court essentially in an unprecedented situation where the defendant is deceased is still affording these victims an opportunity to be heard So we thank you for that It is some encouragement Your Honor you also asked do our clients wish to be heard in reference to some of the issues that have been raised this morning including what should happen into this case Your Honor there has been a suggestion that the court should investigate the circumstances of the death of Mr Epstein Im SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0989 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 not going to repeat the arguments made by counsel but I would say that if there is jurisdiction and I know that is a legal issue which has been previously argued that certainly it would increase the confidence of my clients Not just my clients but victims all over and some are by the way located in other parts of the world to have the court oversee the investigation We are encouraged by the sensitivity of the attorneys for the United States Attorneys office for the Southern District of New York and the investigation that is going on with the separate team However and of course the defense is also conducting its own investigation But I do think the greatest confidence would be if the court in some way would be able to oversee an investigation because the court is a neutral party And although the court certainly has a stake in finding out what happened to defendants who are in the custody of the federal system and who should be there to face the prosecutors and the charges against them but now are not because clearly the system has failed And the United States Attorney has admitted that and even before he admitted that everybody knows the system failed Failed the victims failed the court failed everyone In any event your Honor having seen so many thousands of victims of gender violence sex harassment sexual assault Ive dealt with child sex trafficking child SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C A Aro nberg-0990 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 not going to repeat the arguments made by counsel but I would say that if there is jurisdiction and I know that is a legal issue which has been previously argued that certainly it would increase the confidence of my clients Not just my clients but victims all over and some are by the way located in other parts of the world to have the court oversee the investigation We are encouraged by the sensitivity of the attorneys for the United States Attorneys office for the Southern District of New York and the investigation that is going on with the separate team However and of course the defense is also conducting its own investigation But I do think the greatest confidence would be if the court in some way would be able to oversee an investigation because the court is a neutral party And although the court certainly has a stake in finding out what happened to defendants who are in the custody of the federal system and who should be there to face the prosecutors and the charges against them but now are not because clearly the system has failed And the United States Attorney has admitted that and even before he admitted that everybody knows the system failed Failed the victims failed the court failed everyone In any event your Honor having seen so many thousands of victims of gender violence sex harassment sexual assault Ive dealt with child sex trafficking child SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.G CA/Aronberg-0990 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 molesters I mean this is a unique case because there are so many victims and so many failures of the system At this point what we would really ask for is not just words but words have been helpful but deeds and that is very important In addition I would like to say throughout this case is the running theme of the betrayal of trust Betrayal of trust by Jeffrey Epstein Betrayal of trust by the system And betrayal of trust to the victims who had a right to justice And the Crime Victims Act should not just be words it should have meaning and it should be enforced In essence we are asking although you may need to of course grant this motion to dismiss I think because the court has shown sensitivity to victims and victims needs if there is a way to at least keep the record open so that victims who have not been able to be physically present in the courtroom today and who have not been able to submit to the court any letters victim impact and who have not been able to secure attorneys or speak to attorneys yet so for example Ill still hearing from victims who I have not been able to meet with yet because they just recently are now contacting me so if they could submit at least for the record their victim impact statements that I think would be a very important assistance to them So that would be at least they would know that what they are sharing is on the record So in summary I would say that they are looking SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0991 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 molesters I mean this is a unique case because there are so many victims and so many failures of the system At this point what we would really ask for is not just words but words have been helpful but deeds and that is very important In addition I would like to say throughout this case is the running theme of the betrayal of trust Betrayal of trust by Jeffrey Epstein Betrayal of trust by the system And betrayal of trust to the victims who had a right to justice And the Crime Victims Act should not just be words it should have meaning and it should be enforced In essence we are asking although you may need to of course grant this motion to dismiss I think because the court has shown sensitivity to victims and victims needs if there is a way to at least keep the record open so that victims who have not been able to be physically present in the courtroom today and who have not been able to submit to the court any letters victim impact and who have not been able to secure attorneys or speak to attorneys yet so for example Ill still hearing from victims who I have not been able to meet with yet because they just recently are now contacting me so if they could submit at least for the record their victim impact statements that I think would be a very important assistance to them So that would be at least they would know that what they are sharing is on the record So in summary I would say that they are looking SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CNAronberg-0991 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 forward to the very serious investigation by the United States Attorney of who may have conspired in this case and that is very hopeful and were hoping that everyone who may have a role to this criminal prosecution will submit that evidence This is about power This is about many victims having lived in fear fear of the rich the powerful the famous fear that the system will not afford them justice So fear of not coming forward And fear of course is a weapon that the rich powerful famous and sexual predators used to silence the victims But that is gone for a lot of victims because they refuse to suffer in silence Finally it does take courage to speak truth to power We thank this honorable court for giving these victims a voice We thank them even after the death of the defendant for showing respect for the victims allowing them dignity allowing them a voice We do want truth we do want justice we do want accountability and we do want those conspirators to face the justice system Your Honor right now we have two of our clients who would like to address the court THE COURT Sure MS ALLRED Then I have a couple of statements on victims who do not wish to address the court As they come up well give them the opportunity to say either their name or Jane Doe SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0992 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 forward to the very serious investigation by the United States Attorney of who may have conspired in this case and that is very hopeful and were hoping that everyone who may have a role to this criminal prosecution will submit that evidence This is about power This is about many victims having lived in fear fear of the rich the powerful the famous fear that the system will not afford them justice So fear of not coming forward And fear of course is a weapon that the rich powerful famous and sexual predators used to silence the victims But that is gone for a lot of victims because they refuse to suffer in silence Finally it does take courage to speak truth to power We thank this honorable court for giving these victims a voice We thank them even after the death of the defendant for showing respect for the victims allowing them dignity allowing them a voice We do want truth we do want justice we do want accountability and we do want those conspirators to face the justice system Your Honor right now we have two of our clients who would like to address the court THE COURT Sure MS ALLRED Then I have a couple of statements on victims who do not wish to address the court As they come up well give them the opportunity to say either their name or Jane Doe SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0992 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 By the way thank you your Honor for allowing some of these victims to be called Jane Doe What number the court affords to them well accept whatever that is Thank you THE COURT Were up to nine MS ALLRED Thank you MS DAVIES Hello My name is Teala Davies That is T-e-a-l-a D-a-v-i-e-s I was going to start this statement by saying that I was a victim of Jeffrey Epstein But thats not the case Im still a victim of Jeffrey Epstein Im still a victim because the fear of not being heard stopped me from telling my story for so many years This lingering fear almost stopped me from attending this monumental movement of strength and power Im still a victim because I am fearful for my daughters and everyones daughters Im fearful for their future in this world where there are predators in power a world where people can avoid justice if their pockets run deep enough Im still a victim because the 17-year-old Teala was manipulated into thinking she had found someone who cared someone who wanted to help Jeffrey knew I had nowhere to go He knew I was vulnerable and he took advantage of that poor girl who will never be the same I cannot eat at the thought that Jeffrey Epstein I SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0993 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 By the way thank you your Honor for allowing some of these victims to be called Jane Doe What number the court affords to them well accept whatever that is Thank you THE COURT Were up to nine MS ALLRED Thank you MS DAVIES Hello My name is Teala Davies That is D-a-v-i-e-s I was going to start this statement by saying that I was a victim of Jeffrey Epstein But thats not the case Im still a victim of Jeffrey Epstein Im still a victim because the fear of not being heard stopped me from telling my story for so many years This lingering fear almost stopped me from attending this monumental movement of strength and power Im still a victim because I am fearful for my daughters and everyones daughters Im fearful for their future in this world where there are predators in power a world where people can avoid justice if their pockets run deep enough Im still a victim because the 17-year-old Teala was manipulated into thinking she had found someone who cared someone who wanted to help Jeffrey knew I had nowhere to go He knew I was vulnerable and he took advantage of that poor girl who will never be the same I cannot eat at the thought that Jeffrey Epstein I SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA Aron be FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 cannot eat at the thought of Jeffrey Epstein not serving the time he needed to realize the pain and suffering he caused so many vulnerable young girls He thought he was untouchable and honestly so did I I thought he was the most powerful person I would ever meet But the end is here and here I stand becoming more powerful than he will ever be Thank you THE COURT Thank you JANE DOE Jane Doe Um in when I was years old I flew on Jeffrey Epsteins plane to Zorro Ranch where I was sexual molested by him for many hours What I remember most vividly was him explaining to me how beneficial the experience was for me and how much he was helping me to grow Yikes I remember feeling so small and powerless especially after he positioned me by laying me on his floor so that I was confronted by all the framed photographs on his dresser of him smiling with wealthy celebrities and politicians After he finished with me he told me to describe in detail how good my first sexual experience felt That was the first of many lies I was forced to carry for him the weight of which proliferated my trauma I felt powerless not merely because one man wanted to strip me of my innocence but because I was the victim of a system that just enfranchises human beings making them vulnerable to pedophilic exploitation SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0994 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 cannot eat at the thought of Jeffrey Epstein no serving the time he needed to realize the pain and suffering he caused so many vulnerable young girls He thought he was untouchable and honestly so did I I thought he was the most powerful person I would ever meet But the end is here and here I stand becoming more powerful than he will ever be Thank you THE COURT Thank you JANE DOE Jane Doe Urn in when I was years old I flew on Jeffrey Epsteins plane to Zorro Ranch where I was sexual molested by him for many hours What I remember most vividly was him explaining to me how beneficial the experience was for me and how much he was helping me to grow Yikes I remember feeling so small and powerless especially after he positioned me by laying me on his floor so that I was confronted by all the framed photographs on his dresser of him smiling with wealthy celebrities and politicians After he finished with me he told me to describe in detail how good my first sexual experience felt That was the first of many lies I was forced to carry for him the weight of which proliferated my trauma I felt powerless not merely because one man wanted to strip me of my innocence but because I was the victim of a system that just enfranchises human beings making them vulnerable to pedophilic exploitation SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CNAronberg-0994 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 As unjust as what happened to me was I believe that experience to be a symptom of insidious and pathological violence that extreme wealth yields a violence which ultimately stays hidden through channels of extreme power that serve it I first identified with this feeling the night after I was molested by Epstein when another girl and I took out two of his ATVs and raised them across the mesa I crashed mine and expressed my concern to the other girl of getting in trouble which she replied to me Dont worry no one gets in trouble for anything here Even as a child I understood in a sad and precocious way what I hoped we have the ability of changing now Even though Epstein is dead there is still justice to be brought for the crimes we felt powerless against concealing for him and the system that supported him for all these years Thank you THE COURT Youre very welcome MS ALLRED Thank you Your Honor may it please the court I would like to read a statement for Jane Doe my client who is present in court but requested that I read it We only have one opportunity at childhood One opportunity to develop One opportunity to find direction for our lives Jeffrey Epstein robbed and denied me at each SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C A/Aro nberg-0995 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 As unjust as what happened to me was I believe that experience to be a symptom of insidious and pathological violence that extreme wealth yields a violence which ultimately stays hidden through channels of extreme power that serve it I first identified with this feeling the night after I was molested by Epstein when another girl and I took out two of his ATVs and raised them across the mesa I crashed mine and expressed my concern to the other girl of getting in trouble which she replied to me Dont worry no one gets in trouble for anything here Even as a child I understood in a sad and precocious way what I hoped we have the ability of changing now Even though Epstein is dead there is still justice to be brought for the crimes we felt powerless against concealing for him and the system that supported him for all these years Thank you THE COURT Youre very welcome MS ALLRED Thank you Your Honor may it please the court I would like to read a statement for Jane Doe my client who is present in court but requested that I read it We only have one opportunity at childhood One opportunity to develop One opportunity to find direction for our lives Jeffrey Epstein robbed and denied me at each SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0995 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 opportunity he had I came from a small Texas town not far from the New Mexico border My mother died when I was after suffering from cancer for many years My father was devastated as were my siblings and I My father was saddled with debt My only hope for college was to get a scholarship When I was I was.a blossoming freshman in high school and was trying to carry on my mothers dream She wanted me to master the violin After school I would often go to a mall in a nearby city A lady approached me and saw I had a violin case with me and asked if I was any good We talked about the violin my family and why I had clothes that looked like hand-me-downs The lady told me she works for a very rich who had a home close by and that he would pay to hear me play I was told that if I could get away she could arrange for transportation to and from his place and have me back before anyone knew I was gone After some hesitation I agreed This decision was the beginning of the end of my childhood The man who only identified himself as or Jeff had asked if I would give him a massage and over four visits eventually progressed to forced oral copulation The money he gave me further placed my young soul into a perverse sense of hell I was so utterly disgusted with myself and what he did SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0996 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 opportunity he had I came from a small Texas town not fat from the New Mexico border My mother died when I was after suffering from cancer for many years My father was devastated as were my siblings and I My father was saddled with debt My only hope for college was to get a scholarship When I was I was.a blossoming freshman in high school and was trying to carry on my mothers dream She wanted me to master the violin After school I would often go to a mall in a nearby city A lady approached me and saw I had a violin case with me and asked if I was any good We talked about the violin my family and why I had clothes that looked like hand-me-downs The lady told me she works for a very rich man who had a home close by and that he would pay to hear me play I was told that if I could get away she could arrange for transportation to and from his place and have me back before anyone knew I was gone After some hesitation I agreed This decision was the beginning of the end of my childhood The man who only identified himself as or Jeff had asked if I would give him a massage and over four visits eventually progressed to forced oral copulation The money he gave me further placed my young soul into a perverse sense of hell I was so utterly disgusted with myself and what he did SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0996 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 to me that I stopped going to see him I had documented the events with a Texas rape crisis center about the man I know now as Jeffrey Epstein Epstein targeted and took advantage of me a young girl whose mother had recently died a horrific death and whose family structure had deteriorated His actions placed me a young girl into a downward spiral to the point where I purchased a gun and drove myself to an isolated place to end my suffering A voice that could only have been from my mother told me quote I am not the victim I am the victor and I dare not pull the trigger I returned the gun days later Epstein is a coward He lived his life leaching off the souls of inspiring young girls due to the fact that he could never know how it feels inspired to live Like a leach once Epstein had his fill he would unlatch and seek out another victim The only sense of justice I had hoped to see was Epstein being sentenced However Epstein died as he lived taking the easy way out without any responsibility Your Honor the next statement is also a statement of a Jane Doe May it please the court I was a 16-year-old virgin when Jeffrey Epstein first raped me I was naive and gullable He was a pillar of finance and a giant in the world that I was an insignificant SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0997 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 to me that I stopped going to see him I had documented the events with a Texas rape crisis center about the man I know now as Jeffrey Epstein Epstein targeted and took advantage of me a young girl whose mother had recently died a horrific death and whose family structure had deteriorated His actions placed me a young girl into a downward spiral to the point where I purchased a gun and drove myself to an isolated place to end my suffering A voice that could only have been from my mother told me quote I am not the victim I am the victor and I dare not pull the trigger I returned the gun days later Epstein is a coward He lived his life leaching off the souls of inspiring young girls due to the fact that he could never know how it feels inspired to live Like a leach once Epstein had his fill he would unlatch and seek out another victim The only sense of justice I had hoped to see was Epstein being sentenced However Epstein died as he lived taking the easy way out without any responsibility Your Honor the next statement is also a statement of a Jane Doe May it please the court I was a 16-year-old virgin when Jeffrey Epstein first raped me I was naive and gullable He was a pillar of finance and a giant in the world that I was an insignificant SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA Aron be FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 part of I was so impressed that this great man would even talk to me and impart any of his wisdom on me I gladly jumped at the chance to meet him again when he told me how impressed he was with my personal story and maturity for my age When I was in his presence he made an effort to call celebrities and influential people on speakerphone like Academy Award-winning actresses and super models who always answered his calls Sadly I was impressed He was friends with former and future heads of states and every other fixture in the New York social scene and beyond He knew important people in my own world that I looked up to and revered but he spoke about them like they were sweet distractions far beneath his stature He could easily reach down from his position and influence the people directly involved with my daily life and future prosperity I was the perfect victim My whole life was extremely turbulent But one of my mothers greatest wishes was that all her children would graduate from respectable universities He promised me that he would write me a letter of recommendation for Harvard if I got the grades and scores needed for admission His word was worth a lot he assured me as he was in the midst of funding and leading Harvards studies on the human brain and the president was his friend The fact that all of you already know these next SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0998 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 part of I was so impressed that this great mah would even talk to me and impart any of his wisdom on me I gladly jumped at the chance to meet him again when he told me how impressed he was with my personal story and maturity for my age When I was in his presence he made an effort to call celebrities and influential people on speakerphone like Academy Award-winning actresses and super models who always answered his calls Sadly I was impressed He was friends with former and future heads of states and every other fixture in the New York social scene and beyond He knew important people in my own world that I looked up to and revered but he spoke about them like they were sweet distractions far beneath his stature He could easily reach down from his position and influence the people directly involved with my daily life and future prosperity I was the perfect victim My whole life was extremely turbulent But one of my mothers greatest wishes was that all her children would graduate from respectable universities He promised me that he would write me a letter of recommendation for Harvard if I got the grades and scores needed for admission His word was worth a lot he assured me as he was in the midst of funding and leading Harvards studies on the human brain and the president was his friend The fact that all of you already know these next SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS CA/Aronberg-0998 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 details which Ill share should ignite fire instead of induce the complacency they did in the past when heard repeatedly over the years but yes an innocent massage turned sexual almost immediately Here come Come help me with a kink in my shoulder while we finish our discussion A large vibrator and a couple of hundred dollars disgust and dirty secret more praise and imparted wisdom from a godlike figure a deliberate diabolical depression of grooming and submission for his pleasure and release Even if I resisted I was no match for him I felt powerless ashamed and embarrassed I wanted to vomit remembering these moments What I learned in those depraved sessions staring up at the dome ceiling in his private massage room tore a violent hole through any normal sexual awakening Im haunted forever having learned everything there is to know about sex through a vile criminal Every time a new molestation would bring a new lesson the progressive and constant unwinding I was nothing more than a teenage prostitute I was his slave I had never even kissed a boy before I met him and never throughout the horrific abuse did Jeffrey Epstein kiss me even once When he stole my virginity he washed my entire body compulsively in the shower-629.4 and then told me If youre not a virgin I will kill you And then I wasnt a virgin anymore SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aron berg-09 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 details which Ill share should ignite fire instead of induce the complacency they did in the past when heard repeatedly over the years but yes an innocent massage turned sexual almost immediately Here come Come help me with a kink in my shoulder while we finish our discussion A large vibrator and a couple of hundred dollars disgust and dirty secret more praise and imparted wisdom from a godlike figure a deliberate diabolical depression of grooming and submission for his pleasure and release Even if I resisted I was no match for him I felt powerless ashamed and embarrassed I wanted to vomit remembering these moments What I learned in those depraved sessions staring up at the dome ceiling in his private massage room tore a violent hole through any normal sexual awakening Im haunted forever having learned everything there is to know about sex through a vile criminal Every time a new molestation would bring a new lesson the progressive and constant unwinding I was nothing more than a teenage prostitute I was his slave I had never even kissed a boy before I met him and never throughout the horrific abuse did Jeffrey Epstein kiss me even once When he stole my virginity he washed my entire body compulsively in the shower and then told me If youre not a virgin I will kill you And then I wasnt a virgin anymore SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA Aron berg-09 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 He forcefully penetrated me I was numb There was pain but his use of the vibrator and his fingers in previous sessions with me had left a black hole-like void between my legs I protested but he forced my face into the bed to stifle my cries That was my first time I got a few hundred dollars as usual as he led me out of his mansion with assurances that I was on the right path guided by him I lied to myself and tried to believe him I became a hollow shell If I missed an appointment he threatened me and let me know who was in charge Do you know how important my time is Ill bury you I owe this I wont say the word Fing town He would hang up I would stand there frozen in the street terrified that his assistant would call to reschedule I made sure to stay in line and not disobey him I was in complete denial Being paid after every scheduled meeting felt routine and disgusting He was the master of the universe and the world bent to his will He would eventually brag to his assistants about my ability to please him sexually right in front of me leaving me feeling grotesque and worthless Everything in my outside life was falling apart I distanced myself from friends and grew further away from my family I felt less human after each ordeal My psyche broke down completely and wouldnt let me continue SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0010 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 He forcefully penetrated me I was numb There was pain but his use of the vibrator and his finge in previous sessions with me had left a black hole-like void between my legs I protested but he forced my face into the bed to stifle my cries That was my first time I got a few hundred dollars as usual as he led me out of his mansion with assurances that I was on the right path guided by him I lied to myself and tried to believe him I became a hollow shell If I missed an appointment he threatened me and let me know who was in charge Do you know how important my time is Ill bury you I owe this wont say the word Fing town He would hang up I I would stand there frozen in the street terrified that his assistant would call to reschedule I made sure to stay in line and not disobey him I was in complete denial Being paid after every scheduled meeting felt routine and disgusting He was the master of the universe and the world bent to his will He would eventually brag to his assistants about my ability to please him sexually right in front of me leaving me feeling grotesque and worthless Everything in my outside life was falling apart I distanced myself from friends and grew further away from my family I felt less human after each ordeal My psyche broke down completely and wouldnt let me continue SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-0010 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM i J8RsEPS3 One day I walked out of his residence and passed a girl similar to myself When I turned around she was entering Jeffreys residence He no longer even tried to schedule his appointments with other girls in secrecy from me Maybe he never did I was too stupid to see My world shattered I had been so naive I had an epiphany in a calvary of desperation I realized I was just one of many young girls he had in rotation come to perform for him for money I went into a deep depression and never lifted completely I wanted to inflict pain on myself I was humiliated angry and suicidal I locked myself away from everything I cut myself off forever from the world I had known I endured the daily agony of knowing my life would never be the same I could never go back to New York City and the wonderful life I had taken for granted before I met this demon named Jeffrey Epstein This creature had manipulated and outwitted the whole system including some of the most intelligent scientists political people prosecutors and power players How easy was it to manipulate a 16-year-old virgin who never had a boyfriend and came from a background of hardship with no parental guidance or support I went to therapy and was given antidepressants for severe anxiety and depression My only solace years later SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-001001 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 One day I walked out of his residence and passed a girl similar to myself When I turned around she was entering Jeffreys residence He no longer even tried to schedule his appointments with other girls in secrecy from me Maybe he never did I was too stupid to see My world shattered I had been so naive I had an epiphany in a calvary of desperation I realized I was just one of many young girls he had in rotation come to perform for him for money I went into a deep depression and never lifted completely I wanted to inflict pain on myself I was humiliated angry and suicidal I locked myself away from everything I cut myself off forever from the world I had known I endured the daily agony of knowing my life would never be the same I could never go back to New York City and the wonderful life I had taken for granted before I met this demon named Jeffrey Epstein This creature had manipulated and outwitted the whole system including some of the most intelligent scientists political people prosecutors and power players How easy was it to manipulate a 16-year-old virgin who never had a boyfriend and came from a background of hardship with no parental guidance or support I went to therapy and was given antidepressants for severe anxiety and depression My only solace years later SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-001001 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 was my desire to succeed on my own terms I emersed myself into my studies and was accepted to every college I applied to graduating from a top university To this day there is still an ache in my being that I did not apply to Harvard in fear of his influence there They say you never forget your first Im in a never-ending nightmare trying to do just that Im forever suffering because everything reminds me of that horror This new wave of worldwide publicity only worsens my despair It was only many years later that I was finally intimate with a man again and those moments were marred by my actions as a child with Jeffrey Epstein Even now is impossible to separate his treachery from any care of a good man For one brief moment there was elation when he was recently arrested I would finally get my chance to see him again face to face and show him what I had become that I had succeeded on my own that I was worth something in spite of his abuse and that I had surmounted the monumental obstacles he laid before me throughout my entire life since falling prey to him I had hoped humanity would prevail but it seems to me that he outsmarted everyone so far and his ghost is still laughing at us I appeal to all of those just and true that his evil legacy and his death not stand in the way of SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-001002 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 was my desire to succeed on my own terms I I em,ersed myself into my studies and was accepted to every college I applied to graduating from a top university To this day there is still an ache in my being that I did not apply to Harvard in fear of his influence there They say you never forget your first Im in a never-ending nightmare trying to do just that Im forever suffering because everything reminds me of that horror This new wave of worldwide publicity only worsens my despair It was only many years later that I was finally intimate with a man again and those moments were marred by my actions as a child with Jeffrey Epstein Even now is impossible to separate his treachery from any care of a good man For one brief moment there was elation when he was recently arrested I would finally get my chance to see him again face to face and show him what I had become that I had succeeded on my own that I was worth something in spite of his abuse and that I had surmounted the monumental obstacles he laid before me throughout my entire life since falling prey to him I had hoped humanity would prevail but it seems to me that he outsmarted everyone so far and his ghost is still laughing at us I appeal to all of those just and true that his evil legacy and his death not stand in the way of SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CNAronberg-001002 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 i I resolution and justice for all of his underagedl victims Thank you your Honor And then just one last one and this is much shorter Statement of Jane Doe also my client I was a model in another country when I came to the United States I was told by a booker that I needed to meet with a man named Jeffrey Epstein who was the owner of Victorias Secret The booker told me that Mr Epstein could help me get into Victoria Secrets world It was my childhood dream to be a Victorias Secret model So I went one day in the afternoon and I met Mr Epstein in his office in his mansion in New York A woman introduced herself and suggested to me that I should be extremely nice to Mr Epstein because if he liked me he would probably have photographers shooting photos of me right away The told me to go upstairs and directed me to Jeffrey Epsteins office Mr Epstein had a white robe on and we chatted very briefly I had my portfolio of photos but he didnt even look at it Suddenly he took his robe off and got close to me I got up to leave but the door was locked I didnt know what was going on It was my first official meeting to be cast in the United States I was a young girl and confused He got very close to me and I had a skirt on He started to touch my genitals I refused him Then he went to the massage table and showed me the vibrator SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C i CA/Aronberg-001003 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 I I resolution and justice for all of his underaged1 victims Thank you your Honor And then just one last one and this is much shorter Statement of Jane Doe also my client I was a model in another country when I came to the United States I was told by a booker that I needed to meet with a man named Jeffrey Epstein who was the owner of Victorias Secret The booker told me that Mr Epstein could help me get into Victoria Secrets world It was my childhood dream to be a Victorias Secret model So I went one day in the afternoon and I met Mr Epstein in his office in his mansion in New York A woman introduced herself and suggested to me that I should be extremely nice to Mr Epstein because if he liked me he would probably have photographers shooting photos of me right away The told me to go upstairs and directed me to Jeffrey Epsteins office Mr Epstein had a white robe on and we chatted very briefly I had my portfolio of photos but he didnt even look at it Suddenly he took his robe off and got close to me I got up to leave but the door was locked I didnt know what was going on It was my first official meeting to be cast in the United States I was a young girl and confused He got very close to me and I had a skirt on He started to touch my genitals I refused him Then he went to the massage table and showed me the vibrator SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-001003 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 I took it and threw it at him At that point I ran to the door again and figured out how to get out of there A girl outside asked me where I was going and she said to be careful She said that Mr Epstein knew a lot of powerful people including Bill Clinton and that if I didnt do what Mr Epstein wanted I would not be able to have any job in the industry I was so scared I couldnt wait to get out of there and I left I took the train home I had spent all of my savings getting Victorias Secret lingerie to prepare for what I thought would be my audition But instead it seemed like a casting call for prostitution I felt like I was in hell Thank you your Honor Thank you THE COURT Thank you Ms Allred Was there anybody else any victims counsel or any of the other victims who have not been heard and wish to be heard Well OK then All I have to say really is thank you all of you for your participation in todays remarkable hearing I think everybody has benefited greatly from your input and especially from the testimony of victims here today and who have had the courage to come forward We have also benefited throughout these proceedings however brief altogether from the attorneys legal advocacy and their written and oral submissions Im grateful to them SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-001004 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 I took it and threw it at him I At that point I ran to the door again and figured out how to get out of there A girl outside asked me where I was going and she said to be careful She said that Mr Epstein knew a lot of powerful people including Bill Clinton and that if I didnt do what Mr Epstein wanted I would not be able to have any job in the industry I was so scared I couldnt wait to get out of there and I left I took the train home I had spent all of my savings getting Victorias Secret lingerie to prepare for what I thought would be my audition But instead it seemed like a casting call for prostitution I felt like I was in hell Thank you your Honor Thank you THE COURT Thank you Ms Allred Was there anybody else any victims counsel or any of the other victims who have not been heard and wish to be heard Well OK then All I have to say really is thank you all of you for your participation in todays remarkable hearing I think everybody has benefited greatly from your input and especially from the testimony of victims here today and who have had the courage to come forward We have also benefited throughout these proceedings however brief altogether from the attorneys legal advocacy and their written and oral submissions Im grateful to them SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-001004 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 i i as well both for the government and the defense and those representing the victims Finally were also grateful to the press for their very diligent coverage of seemingly every detail of this case That concludes our work for today and we stand adjourned Thanks Adjourned SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.G I CA/Aronberg-001005 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM J8RsEPS3 as well both for the government and the representing the victims i I I defensi2 I and those Finally were also grateful to the press for their very diligent coverage of seemingly every detail of this case That concludes our work fo today and we stand adjourned Thanks Adjourned SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS P.C CA/Aronberg-001005 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Appendix CA/Aronberg-001006 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Appendix CA/Aronberg-001006 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The Balm Beach Post REAL NEWS SlAMS HERL The Man Who Had Everything Jeffrey Epstein craved big homes elite friends and underage girls By Andrew Marra Posted Jul I at AM From the archives When Palm Beach detectives started asking questions and teenage girls started talking a wave of legal resistance followed Editor Note This article appeared in The Palm Beach Post on August three weeks after Jeffrey Epsteins arrestin Palm Beach County on a charge of felony solicitation of prostitution WINGED GARGOYLES guarded the gate at Jeffrey Epstein 2s Palm Beach mansion Inside hidden cameras trolled two rooms while the girls came and went For the police detectives who sifted through the garbage outside and kept records of visitors it was the lair of a troubling target Epstein one of the most mysterious of the country 2s mega-rich was known as much for his secrecy as for his love of fine things magnificent homes private jets beautif ul women friendships with the world 2s elite But at Palm Beach police headquarters he was becoming known for something else the regular arrival of teenage girls he hired to give him massages and police say perform sexual favors Epstein,was different from most sexual abuse suspects he was far more powerful He counted among hisfriends former President Bill Clinton Donald Trump and Prince Andrew along with some of the most prominent legal scientific and business minds in the country When detectives started asking questions and teenage girls started talking a wave of legal resistance followed CA/Aronberg-00.1007 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The Ma n,::.who Had iEver thin ef:frtr stein cr;aved 225ibl It __ homes elileJri.ends and:tntd agp 225,;girls By:Andre Marra Posted Jul AM From the _archives When Palm Bea.ch detectives started asking questions and teenage girls started talking a wave of legal resistance followed Editors.Note This article appeared iri the Palm B_each Post on August three weeks after Jeffrey Epsteins arrestiri Palm Beach County on a charge offelony solicitation of prostitution WING ED GARGOYLES guarded the _gate at Jeffrey Ep tein Palrp Beach J!la11si9n Inside hidden cameras trolled two roorns while.th girls came and went For the 267pohce dete_ctives who sifted through the garbage outside 267and kep records of visitors it was the lair ofa troubling target Epstein one of the most mysterious of the cchmtrys mega-rich wasknown as much for his secrecy as for hi_s lovl 0Jfi 1e things magpifi ent homes privc1te jets beall.tifl vyom friendships with.the worlds elite But at Palm Beach p_olice headquarters he was becoming known for something else the regular arrival of teenage girls he hired tq give him ma,mlges and police say perform sexual favors Epstein was different from most sexual abuse suspects he was far more powerful He counted among his,friends former President Bill Clinton Donald Trump and Prince Andrew along with some 267ofthe most prominentlegaJ sc:ientific and business minds in t_he country When detectives started.askin:g questions and teena,ge:girls started talking a wave oflega.l resistance followed CA/Aronberg-00.1007 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM NEW Jeffrey Epstein Lawyer said financier had sex with woman during work release If Palm Beach police didn 2t know quite who Jeffrey Epstein was they found out soon enough Epstein now was a quintessential man of mystery He amassed his fortune and friends quietly always in the background as he navigated New York high society When he first attracted notice in the early it was on account of the woman he was dating Ghislaine Maxwell daughter of the late British media tycoon Robert Maxwell In a lengthy article headlined The Mystery of Ghislaine Maxwell 2s Secret Love the British Mail on Sunday tabloid laid out speculative stories that the socialite 2s beau was a CIA spook a math teacher a concert pianist or a corporate headhunter But what is the truth about him the newspaper wondered 223Like Maxwell Epstein is both flamboyant and intensely private The media frenzy did not begin in full until a decade later In September Epstein was flung into the limelight when he flew Clinton and actors Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker to Africa on his private jet I Suddenly everyone wanted to know who Epstein was New York magazine and Vanity Fair published lengthy profiles The NewYork Post listed him as one of the citys most eligible bachelors and began describing him in.its gossip columns with adjectives such as 223mysterious and 223reclusive Although Epstein gave no interviews the broad strokes of his past started to come into focus Building a life of extravagance He was born blue-collar in the son of a New York City parks department employee and raised in Brooklyn 2s Coney Island neighborhood He left college without a bachelors degree but became a math teacher at the prestigious Dalton School in Manhattan The story goes that the father of one of Epstein 2s students was so impressed with the man that he put him in touch with a senior partner at Bear Stearns the global investment bank and securities firm CA/Aronberg-00.1008 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM NEW JeffreyEpstein Lawyer said financier had sex with woman duringwork release IfP;i_hn Beach polic_e didnt know quite who Jeffrey Epstein was they fou11d out soon enough Epstein now SJ was a quintessential.man of mystery He amassed his fortune and friends quietly always in the background.as he navigated New York high society When he flr tattr.i,cted notice in the early itwas on account of the woman he was dating Cihislaille.Maxwell,da lght_er of the l;i.te J3ritish media tycoon Robert Maxwell In.a len thy article headlined The Mystery of Ghislaine Maxwelfs-SecretLove the British Mail ort Sunday tabloid laid out speculative stories that the socialites beau was a CIA spook a 267math tea her a concertpianist or a corporate headhunter But what is the truth about him th newspaper wondered Lik Maxwell Epstein is both flamboyartt and intensely private The media freniy did not begin in full until a decade later Ih September Epstein was flungt to the limelight when hefle Clinton and actors Kevin Spacey and Chri Tucker to Africa on his private jet Suddenly everyone wanted fo know who Epstein was New York magazine and Vanity Fair pt1.J Jt JD.YJ i files The New-York Post listed him as 6ne ofthe citys mosteHgible bachelors bega11 descdbi11g him in.its _gossip columns whh adjectiy:es such as mysterious 267and reclusive Although Ep 267stein ave ointerviews the 267.broadstrokes of his past started to come into focus Building a life of extravagance He was born blue-collar in the son ofa New York City parks department employee and raised in Brooklyns Coney island neighborhood He feft college without a bachelors degree but became a math teach et at the prestigious Dalton School in Manhattan The story goes that the father of orie of Epsteins students was so impressed with the man that he pud;1imfo to whh a seruqr rtne.r at Bear St arns the global_jn.ve tmeIJ.t bank and securities firm CA/Aronberg-00.1008 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM In Epstein left Dalton for a job at Bear Stearns By the early he had started Epstein and Co That is when he began making:his millions in earnest Little is known or said about Epstein 2s business except this He manages money for the extremely wealthy He is said to handle accounts only of billion or greater It has been estimated he has roughly clients but their identities are the Subject of only speculation All except for one Leslie Wexner founder of The Limited retail and a former Palm Beacher who is said to have been a mentor to Epstein Wexner sold Epstein one of his most lavish residences a massive townhouse that dominates a block on Manhattan 2s Upper East Side It is reported to have among its finer features closed circuit television and a heated sidewalk to melt away fallen snow That townhouse thought to be the largest private residence in Manhattan is only a piece of the extravagant world Epstein built over time In New Mexico he constructed a 27,O-square-foot hilltop mansion on.a ranch outside Santa Fe Many believed it to be the largest home in the state In Palm Beach he bought a waterfront home on El Brillo Way And he owns a 100-acre private island in the Virgin Islands PHOTOS The players in the Jeffrey Epstein saga Perhaps as remarkable as his lavish homes is his extensive network of friends and associates at the highest echelons of power This includes not only socialites but also business tycoons media moguls politicians royalty and Nobel Prize-winning scientists whose research he often funds Just like other people collect art he collects scientists said Martin Nowak who directs the Program for Evolutionary Dynamics at Harvard University and was reportedly the recipient of a million research donation from Epstein Epstein is said to have befriended former Harvard President Larry Summers prominent law Professor Alan Dershowitz Donald Trump and New York Daily News Publisher Mort Zuckerman CA/Aronberg-00.1009 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM I In Epstein left Dalton.for ajob at Bear Stearns By 267the early had started Epstein and Co That is when he began making his millions in earnest Little known or said abo.ut Epstein;s b.usin:ess except this He manages m:oneyfor the extremely wealthy Heis said to handle accounts only:of billion or greater It has been estimated he has roughly clients but their identities are the subject of only speculation All except-for one:Leslie Wexne,r,fot!nder ofThe Limited retail chain and.a former Palm Beacher who is said tOhave 267been a mentor to Epstein exner sold Epstein o:ne of his most lavish-reside:n 267ces a massive townhouse that dominates a block on Manh ttans Uppei East Side Jt is reported to h.J,,ve un.ong 267its finer features dosed circuit television and;a heated sidewalk to melt awayfallen snow That townhouse thought to be the largest private r-esidence in Manhattan is only a piece of the-extravagant world Epstein built over time In New Mexico he constructed a.27,noo-square-foothilltop mansion on.a lO!0QQ..,acreranch qutside Santa Fe Many elievedjt tQ be the largest home In the state in Palm Beach hebought a waterfront hom on E1Brilio Way And he owns a 100-acre 267private island:inthe Virgin Islands Perhaps as remarlcable as his tav1.sh homes is_ hts extensive network of fdends and as.sociates at the highest echelons of power This includes not only s.o:cialites but also business tycqons media moguls politicians royalty and Nobel Prize-Winhing scientists whos research he often fon Justlike o_ther people coH ct:,1rt cc,llects scientists said Martin Nowak wh9 directs the Program for Evolutionary Dynamics at Harvard University and 267was p:ottedly 267the rec pient of a million research donation from Epstein Epstejn is said t9 have btJrien,ded former Barvard President Larry inmers 267prominent I_aw Professor Alan Dershowitz Donald Trump and.New York Daily News Publisher-Mort Zt1ckerinan CA/Aronberg-001009 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM And yet he managed for decades to maintain a low profile He avoids eating out and was rarely photographed The odd thing is I never met him said Dominick Dunne the famous chronicler of the trials and tribulations of the very rich wasn 2t even aware of him except fpi a Vanity Fair article Epstein 2s friendship with Clinton has attracted the most attention Epstein met Clinton as early as when he paid tens of thousands of dollars to join him at an intimate fund-raising dinner in Palm Beach But from all appearances they did not become close friends until after Clinton left the Oval Office and moved to New York Epstein-has donated more than to Democratic candidates campaigns including John Kerry 2s presidential bid the reelection campaign of New Mexico Gov Bill Richardson and the Seriate bids of Joe Lieberman Hillary Rodham Clinton Christopher Dodd and Charles Schumer Powerful friends and enemies A Vanity Fair profile found cracks in the veneer of Epstein 2s fife story The article said he left Bear Stearns in the wake of a federal probe and a possible Securities arid Exchange Commission violation It also pointed out that Citibank once sued him for defaulting on a million loan The article suggested that one of his business mentors arid previous employers was Steven Hoffenberg riow serving a prison term after bilking investors out of more than million in one of the largest Ponzi schemes in American history As he amassed his wealth Epstein made enemies in disputes both large and small He sued the man who in sold him his multimillion-dollar Palin Beach home over a dispute about less than in furnishings A former friend claimed Epstein backed out of a promise to reimburse him hundreds of thousands of dollars after their failed investment in Texas oil wells A judge decided Epstein owed him nothing Jeffrey Epstein Model prisoner who swept mopped floors official says CA/Aronberg-00.1010 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM And yet he managed for decades to maintain a low profile He.avoids eath1g out and was rareiy Photographed The odd:thinJ:l is I never met him said Dominick Durtile the famous chronicler of the trials and tribul,ations ofthe 267very rich fl wasnt eve;n aware of him except for a Vanity Fair arti le Epsteins friendsh pwith Clinton has attra_cted the mostattention Ep tei,1 met Clinton as early is when he paid tens o:f thousands of dollars to join him at ailiiltimatefond-:raising dfort iriPalrri Beach But from all appearances,theydid not become close friends until afrerC:linton left the Qv Office and mqyed to New York Epstein:has qo_nat_ed more than to Democratic,candidatef c_ampa:igns includingJohn Ker-r-ys presidential bicl the reelection campaign of New Mexico Gov Bill Richardson and the Se hate 267bids of Joe Lieberman Hillary Rodhain Clinton ChristopherJ odd and Charles Schumer P9werfql friends_ nd enemi A Vanity Fair profile found cracks in the veneer of Epstein!s life 267story The article said he leftB;st;o";iri"t:he Wake of a federal probe and a possible Securities artd Exchange Commis,sion violation It lso pointed out that Gtiba,;nk sJ him for defaulting on i million lo,an The a:rtide suggested that one of his business mentors 267and previous employers was Steven Hoff en berg riow serving a prison term after bilking investors out of more than 450mill.ion in one of th_e la_rgest Ppnzi schemes in A:merlcan hfstory As he amassed his wealth Epstein made enemies in disputes both large and smalL He sued the man who in sold him his-multimillion-dollar Palm Beach home over a dispute aboutless than in furnishings A foi:m friend cJaJmed Epst in bac:ked qpt of a promise to reimburse him hundreds of thousands of dollars_ atter their failed.investment in Texas oil wells A judge decided Epstein owed him nothing Jeffrey Epstein deJ prisoner Y:ho,s-yv-ept l_opped:f19 rs ofijci i CA/Aronberg-00.1010 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM 2s a bad memory I would rather not have ever met Jeffrey Epstein said Michael Stroll the retired former president of Williams Electronics and Sega Corp 223Suffice it to say I have nothing good to say about him Among the characteristics most attributed to Epstein is a penchant for women He has been linked to Maxwell a fixture on the high-society party circuits in both New York and London Previous girlfriends are said to include a former Ms Sweden and a Romanian model He 2s a lot of fun to be with Donald Trump told New York magazine is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do and many of them are on the younger side No doubt about it Jeffrey enjoys his social life Investigation leads to Epstein Although he was not a frequenter of the Palm Beach social scene he made his presence felt Among his charitable donations he gave to the Palm Beach Police Department and to Ballet Florida In Palm Beach he lived in luxury Three black Mercedes sat in his garage alongside a green Harley-Davidson His jet waited at a hangar at.Palm Beach International Airport At home,,a private chef and a small staff stood at the ready From a window in his mansion he could look out on the Intracoastal Waterway and the West Palm Beach skyline He seemed to be a man who had everything But extraordinary wealth can fuel extraordinary desires Epstein wants to leave jail for mansion in sex-trafficking case In March a worried mother contacted Palm Beach police She said another parent had overheard a conversation between their children Now the mother was afraid her year-old daughter had been molested by a man on the island The phone call triggered an extensive investigation one that would lead detectives to Epstein but leave them frustrated CA/Aronberg-001011 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Its;abad memory I wol!ld:r_ath_er:npt have ever metJeffreyEpstein said Michael Stroll the retired former president of Williams Electronics and Sega Corp Suffice it"to sayl have nothing good to say about him Among the characteristics most attributed to Epstein is a peri.diantfor women He has been Hilk to _M,rxweU fixt op the high,-society p,arty cJ.r:cuit_s in both New York and London Previous girlfriends are said fo in dude a former Ms Sweden and a Romanian model Hes a lot of fun to be with Donald Trump told New York:magazine in It is even said that lik beautif women as_ as I po II1any qf hem are on t_he yo 265nger sid_e No doubt about it,Jeffrey enjoys his social life lnvesti atioh leads to Epstein Although he was not a frequenter of the Palm Beach social scene he made his presence felt Among his ch;irit;ible donatio_ns he gave to the Pa,lm PoHc;e Dep;ir,t:ment and to Ballet_ Florida 1h Palm Beach he liv:ed in luxury Three black Mercedes sat in his garage alongside a green Harley-Davidson His jet waited at a hangar at Palm Beach International Airport Athome a pdvate chef and a small staff stood atthe ready From a window _his mansion he could lo.ok out on thl Intracoasta1 Waterway and the West Palm B.each skyline He seemed to be a man who had everything But extraordinary al-tli can fuel extrc:1.ordinc:1.ry desires pstein wantst_ole_avejail.for_mansion m.sex-traffickingcase __ In March a worried mother contacted Palm Beach police She said another parent had overheard a conversation between their children Nowtl:i mofher yvas:afraid 14-year-old daughter had been DJ.oksted by a Inan the island The phone cail triggered a:n extensive investigation 267one that would lead detectives to Epst but leave them frustrated CA/Aronberg-001011 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Palm Beach police and the state attorneys office have declined to discuss the case But a Palm Beach police report.detailing the criminal probe.offers a window into what detectives faced as they sought to close in on Epstein Detectives interviewed the girl who told them a friend had invited her to a rich mans house to perform a massage She said the friend told her to say she was if asked At-the house she said she was paid after stripping to her panties and massaging the man while he masturbated Police interview alleged victims The investigation began in full after the girl identified Epstein in a photo as the who had paid her Police arranged for garbage trucks to set aside Epstein 2s trash so police could sift through it They set up a video camera to record the comings and goings at his home They monitored an airport hangar for signs of his private jet 2s arrivals and departures They quickly learned that the woman who took the 14-year-old girl to Epstein 2s house was Haley Robson a Palm Beach Community College student from Loxahatchee In a sworn statement at police headquarters Robson then admitted she had taken at least six girls to visit Epstein all between the ages of and Epstein paid her for each visit she said During the drive back to her house Robson told detectives like a Heidi Fleiss Police interviewed five alleged victims and witnesses Their report shows some of the girls said they had been instructed to have sex with another woman in front of Epstein and one said she had direct intercourse with him In October police searched the Palm Beach mansion They discovered photos of naked young looking females just as several of the girls had described in interviews Hidden cameras were found in the garage area and inside a clock on Epsteins desk alongside a girl 2s high school transcript Two of Epsteins former employees told investigators that young-looking girls showed up to perform massages two or three times a day when Epstein was in town They said the girls were permitted many indulgences A chef cooked for them Workers gave them rides and handed out hundreds of dollars at a time CA/Aronberg-00.1012 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM I Palm Beach police and the state attorney.s office have deqlined to discuss 1;he case But a Palm I Beach police reportdetailing 267the criminal probe offers a window into what _detectives faced as they 267sought to close in on Epstein Detectives i_ntemewed the gir:l w_ho told th_em a friend had invjted her to a rich mans house to perform a massage She said the friend told he_r to say she was if asked At the house she said she was 267paid after Stripping to her-panties and massaging the man while he ma turbated Police interview:5 alleged victim The investigation began in foll after the gid identified Epstein in a photo as the man who had paid her Police artangedfor garbage trucks to set aside Epsteins trash so:police.could sift th,ro iJ They set a videp camera lQ record the comings and goings at his home They monitored an airport:ha.ngar for signs ofhis privatejets arrivals and,departures They quickly learned that the Woman who took the 14-year-old girl to Epsteins house wa Haley Robson a Palm Beath Comm.unify College student from Loxahatchee In a sworn st;itement at pohc:e he;iciqua.rters Robson tl:ien admitted she had taken at least six girls to visitEpstein all between the ages of14 andl6 Epstein paid.her f,oreach.visit,aShe said During the drive back to her house,Robson told detectiv.es Im like a Heidi Fleiss Police interviewed five alleged victims and Witnesses Their repor.t shows some of the girls said they had beeninsJn1cted tohaye sexwithanother woman in front of Epstein and one said she had direct intercourse with him In October police seat.che_d the Palm Beach mansion They discovered photos of naked young looking females just as several of the g"irls had,desttibed in interviews Hidden cameras.were found in the garage area aJ1d insid dqck cH:i Eps eh:is sk alongsic:le a gi,rls_ high chool transcript Two of Epsteins former employees told investigators that young-,looking ids showed up to perform massages two or three times a day when Epstein was irit6Wh They said the girls wer permitted ma_nyfodulgenc_es A chef cooked for them Workers gave them rides and.handed out hundreds of dollars ata time CA/Aronberg-00.1012 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM One employee told detectives he was told to send a dozen roses to One teenage girl after a high school drama performance Others were given rental cars One according to police received a Christmas bonus The cops moved to cement their case But as they tried to tighten the noose they encountered other forces at work In Orlando they interviewed a possible victim who told them nothing inappropriate had happened between her and Epstein They asked her whether she had spoken to anyone else She said yes a private investigator had asked her the same questions Jeffrey Epstein Acosta Krischer trade barbs oyer sweetheart deal When they subpoenaed one of Epstein 2s former employees he told them the same thing He and a private eye had met at a restaurant days earlier to go over what the man would tell investigators Detectives received complaints that private eyes were posing as police officers When they told Epstein 2s local attorney Guy Eronstin he said the investigators worked for Roy Black the high-powered Miami lawyer who has defended the likes of Rush Limbaugh and William Kennedy Smith While the private eyes were conducting a parallel investigation Dershowitz the Harvard law professor traveled to West,Palm Beach with information about the girls From their own profiles on the popular Web site.MySpace.com he obtained copies of their discussions about their use of alcohol and marijuana He took his research to a meeting with prosecutors in early where he sought to cast doubt on the teens reliability The private eyes had up enough dirt on the,girls to make prosecutors skeptical Not only did some of the girls have issues with drugs or alcohol but also some had criminal records and other troubles Epsteins legal team claimed And at least one of them they said lied when she told police she was younger than when she started performing massages for Epstein After the meeting prosecutors postponed their decision to take the case to a grand jury CA/Aronberg-001013 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM One em,ployee told detectives he was told to send a dozen roses to one te 267enage gi:rlaftet a high I school drama performance Others were given rental cars Orte accordin to police received a Christmas b9nlls The cops moved t9 cemenJ their case But as they tried to tighten the noose they encountered other forces at work In Orlando they interviewed a possible victim who told them nothing inappropriate had happened between her and Epstein They askecl her whether she ba spoken to anyone else She s.aid yes a private inyestigator:had asked her the same qu_estions Jeffrey Epstein Acosta Krischer trade barbs over.sweetheart deal When they subpoenaed one of Epsteins former employees he told 267them the same thing He and a private eye _had met at a restaur;mt days earlier to go over what the m;m would tell investigatofs Dete 242tives received compia:ints that private eyes were posing as police officers When they told Epsteins local attorney Guy Fronstin he said the investigators worked for Roy Black the high-p Jv,ered M1arni lawyer who has defended the 1ikes ofRush Limbaugh and William Kennedy Smith While the private eyes were conducting a parallel investigation Dershowitz the Harvard law professor traveledtb WestPalrh Beach with information about the girls From their own profiles on the popular Web site IvlySpace.com he obtained copies of their discussions about their use of aicohol arid marijuana He took his research to a meeting with prosecutors in early vhere he soughuo cast doubt qnthe teens i:eliability Tbe private yes had enough dirt o.n the 267irl_s to make proseq1tors skepticaL Not only did some of the giris haye issues 267with drugs or a:kohol but a:lso some had criminal records and other troubles Epsteins le al team claimed And at least one of them they said lied when she told police she w::i.s younger th i:i J.en she st rted performing ma sag for Epstein After the meeting prosecutors postponed their decision to take the case to a grand jur-y CA/Aronberg-001013 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM In the following weeks police received complaints that two of the victims or their families had been harassed or threatened Epstein legal team maintains that its private investigators did nothing illegal or unethical during their research By then relations between police and prosecutors were fraying At a key meeting with prosecutors and the defense Detective Joseph Recarey the lead investigator was a no-show according to Epsteins attorney The embarrassment on the prosecutor 2s face was evident when the police officer never showed up for the meeting attorney ack Goldberger said Later in April Recarey walked into a prosecutor 2s office at the state attorney 2s office and learned the case was taking an unexpected turn The prosecutor Lanna Belohlavek told Recarey the state attorney 2s office had offered Epstein a plea deal that would not require him to serve jail time or receive a felony conviction Recarey told her he disapproved of the plea offer The deal never came to pass however Future unclear after charge On May the department asked prosecutors to approve warrants to arrest Epstein on four counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor and to charge his personal assistant Sarah Kellen now for her alleged role in arranging the visits Police officials also wanted to charge Robson the self-described Heidi Fleiss with lewd and lascivious acts By then the department was frustrated with the way the state attorney 2s office had handled the case On the same day the warrants were requested Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter wrote a letter to State Attorney Barry Krischer suggesting he disqualify himself from the case if he would not act Two weeks later Recarey was told that prosecutors had decided once again to take the case to the grand jury CA/Aronberg-00.1014 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Ju the following weeks police receive.cl complaints that two of the VIctJ.ms or their fami11es been harassed or threatened Epsteins legal team maintains that its privat.e investigators did 1:i.oth1g HlegaJ or unethical during their research By then relation between p9li and prosecutors were fraying At a key meeting with prosecutors and the defense Detective Joseph Recarey the 1eadjnvl:!stigator was a no-show according to.Epsteins attorney The emparrass_ment on the.prosecutors face was e:videntwhen the.police officer never showed up for the meeting at_torney Jack Gqldberger sajd Later in April Recarerwalked into a prosecutors office.at the stateattorney.s 9ffice and leani.ed the case was takih ari unexpected turn The prosecutor Lanna Belohlavek told.Recareythe state attorneys office had offered Epstein a plea deal that would not req11ire him to serve jc1il time or receive c1 felony conviction Recarey told her he disapproved of the plea offer The deal never came to pass however Future unclear after charge On May the department asked prosecutors to approve warrants to arrest Epstein on four counts of unlawful sexu.al actiyity witl_l a minor a11d to ch rge his person41 a sistant Sarah Kellen for her alleged role in arranging the visits Police officials also wanted to charge Robson the self.:describe 267d.Heidi Pleiss with lewd and lascivious acts By the department was frustrated with the way the state attorneys office had handled th case On the same day the warr;:mts were requested Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter wrote 267a.letter to State Attorney Barry Kris ch er suggesting he disqualify 267himself from the case if he woul.d not act Two weeks la,ter R:e_carey was t_olci th.at pro ect1tors had decided once again to take the case to the grand jury CA/Aronberg-00.1014 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM It is not-known how many of the girls testified before the grand jury But Epsteins defense team said one girl who was subpoenaed the one who said she had sexual intercourse with Epstein never showed up The grand jury 2s indictment was handed down in July It was not the one the police department had wanted Instead of being slapped with a charge of unlawful sexual activity with a minor Epstein was charged with one count of felony solicitation of prostitution which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison He was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail early July and released hours later Epstein 2s legal team doesn 2t dispute that he had girls over for massages Goldberger said But he said their claims that they had sexual encounters with him lack credibility They are incapable of being believed he said 223They had criminal records They had accusations of theft made against them by their employers There was evidence of drug use by some of them What remains for Epstein is yet to be seen The Palm Beach Police Department has asked the FBI to investigate the case It also has returned the Epstein donated in In New York candidates for governor and state attorney general have vowed to return a total of at least in campaign contributions from Epstein Meanwhile Epstein 2s powerful friends haye remained silent as tabloids and Internet blogs feast on the public details of the police investigation Goldberger maintains Epsteins innocence but says the legal team has not ruled out a future plea deal He insists Epstein will emerge in the end with his reputation untarnished will recover from this he said Staff writer Larry Keller and staff researchers Bridget Bulger Angelica Cortez Amy Hanaway and Melanie Mena contributed to this story amarra pbpost.com I I CA/Aronberg-001015 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM It is not known l10wmany of the girls testified before the grand jury But;:gpsteins defense team said one girl who was subpoenaed the one who said she had sex:ual intercourse with Epstein never showed up The graJ j.uris indictroent was handed down iJ1 It was not the one the police department had wa,nted Instead of being slapped with a charge ofunlawful sexual activity with a minor Epsteinwas charged with one count of felony scilicitatiori of prostitution which carrie a maxiroum penaJty of fiye yeax jn prison liew11s bqoJced int.a tlwPal1 Bea:ch Cg.unty J.1.il early July and released hours lateL Epsteins legal teamdoesnt dispute that he.had girls oveYfor massa_ges Goldberger said But he 267said their claims that they had sexual encounters wit:h hiITI lack credibility They are incapable of being believed he said They had crimfn records They had accusations of theft made against them by their employers There was evidence of drug use by some of them What remains for Epstein is yet to be seen The Palm Beach Police Department has asked the FBlto investig_ate the cas.e It also has ret11rned the Epstein donated in In New York candidates for governor and state attorney general have vowed:to return a total ofatleast in campaign contributions from Epstein Meanwhile Epsteins powerful friends haye remained silen1 as ta,blqids c1.nd Internet biogs fe_ast on tl public details of the police investigation Goldberger maintains Epsteins innocence but says the legal team has hot ruled out a future plea deal.He insists Epstein will emerge in the end with:his reputatiqp urgar:nished He wiH recover frgm thi he aid Staff writer Larry Ke/ler a.ncl staff researchers Bridget Bulger Angeli.ca Cortez Amy Hanaway and MeIanie Mena contributed to this story amarra pbpost;com CA/Aronberg-001015 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM AMarraPBPost CA/Aronberg-00.1016 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM AMarraPBPost CA Aronberg-0O1016 lfLij FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Tuesday November Edition FINAL Section A SECTION Page 1A Source By PAUL OWERS Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Illustration PHOTO MAP Memo Ran all editions Dateline WEST PALM BEACH TRUMP SNAGS GOSMAN ESTATE FOR MILLION When it came time to bid Monday for the palati al Palm Beach digs of Abe Gosman The Donald was not about to be trumped Nobody was going to outbid me the brash said from his New York office Trump bested two other bidders with a million offer for the 43,0-square-foot seven-bedroom estate on oceanfront acres along the storied Raiders Rovz But Trump proud possessor of Mar-a-Lago has no plans to live in the Gosman home at County Road He wants to what else sell it and make more money The star of the mega-hit The Apprentice said he intends to redevelop the site into a super luxury house that would be the finest anywhere in the United States He might build another house before flipping the entire package Ive known about this house for quite some time Trump said Its probably the best piece of land in Florida and probably the country for luxury real estate Although Trump said he could subdivide the property into nine lots Palm Beach Mayor Lesly Smith said zoning regulations allow for only two houses and maybe a third Smith said shes not worried about Trump 2s plans Hes been a very good property owner in the town of Palm Beach she said He does his projects very well Hes a perfectionist Mondays auction took place at U.S Bankruptcy Court in West Palm.Beach as part of Gosmans Chapter bankruptcy case Proceeds from the sale will go into escrow for eventual distribution to creditors The auction began at exactly noon after Judge Steven Friedman dismissed an objection from an attorney representing money manager Jeffrey Epstein The lawyer argued unsuccessfully that Trump was not a qualified bidder because his contract stipulated that he would.not close on the sale unless title insurance was in place beforehand With Trump listening via conference call Epstein began the bidding at million higher than Trumps initial offer Mark Pulte son of the founder-of home-building giant Pulte Homes passed when his turn came letting lawyers forTrump and Esptein bid against each other untilthe price hit million Pulte then bid million briefly raising the ire of Trump who believed that Pulte had given up his right to bid by passing the first time CA/Aronberg-00.1017 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Tuesday November Edition FINAL Section A SECTION Page lA Source By PAUL 1/ERSPalm Beach Post Staff Writer Illustration PHOTO MAP Memo Ran all e.ditions Dateline WEST PALM BEACH TRUMP SNAGS GOSMAN ESTATE FOR 41:MILLION When it came time to bid Monday fodhe palatial Palm Beach digiHJf Abe Gosman The Donald was not about to be trumped Nobody was going to outbid rrie the brash developer-tumed-TV-petsohality 267said 267from his New York offke Trump bested two othetbiddets with a million offer for the 43;0-square-foot seven-bedroom estate on oceanfront:acres along the storied Raid rs Row But Trump proud possessor of.Mar-a-Lago has no plans to live in the Gosman home at CountyR:oad He wants to what el s_ell it and make more money The star ofthe 267mega-fot The Apprentice said he intends to redevelop the site into a super luxury h911se thatwpuld be the finest anywhere in.the United States He might build another ha.use before flipping the entire package Ive known abo 265tthis house for quite s.ometime Trump said It:s probably the best piece ofla:ndin Florida and probably the couritry fot luxury teal-estate Although Trump said he co:uld subdivide the property into nine lots Palm Beach Mayor Lesly Smith sa:idzohing regulations allow for only two houses and maybe a third Smith saig shes not worrieci about Trump.s plans He!s been a very good property owner in the town of Palni Beach she said He does his projects veryweil His a pe1fectioriist Mondays auctiorrtook place at U.S Bankruptcy co-urt,in West Palm.Beach as part of Gosmans Ch Apter bankrnpJcy case Pr.oceecls from the sakwiil go into escrow for eventual distribution to creditors The auction began at exactly_noon after Judge Steven Friedman dismissed an-:objection,from an atto1ey reptesehtihg rnoney rnanaget Jeffrey Epstein The lawy rg 265eci unsl,lcces!lfuHy that Trump was not a qt.ialified bi cider beca_use his contract stipulat that he would.not close on the sale unless title insurance was in place beforehand With Trump listening via conference call Epstein began the bidding at mill ion higher than Trumps initial offer MarkPulte son of the founder-of home-building-giant Pulte Homes passed when his tum came letting lawyers for Trump;anc:l EspteiI1 bid against eac_h other unti1 the pric:e:hit million Pulte then bid million briefly ra sing ire of Trump,,who _believed that Pulte hacl given up his right to bid by passing the first time CA/Aronberg-001017 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM But Friedman allowed the offer to stand and Pulte and Trump went back and forth until Pulte dropped out at million Epstein a part-time Palm Beach resident bowed out at million Friedman closed the bidding minutes after it started leaving Trump with the fight.to buy the 29,0-square-foot home a typical Palm Beach County single-family house is about square feet The property also has a tennis house a pool house and service quarters The closing.could take place within a week but probably wont happen until next month Trustee Joe Luzinski and creditors said they were pleased with the outcome We knew we were dealing with some substantial people who were going to bid it up a bit Luzinski said The system worked said Charles Tatelbaumj a lawyer for creditor JPMorgan Chase Bank In bankruptcy court the idea is to get the-most for creditors and thats what happened The auction proved to be a bonanza for creditors Luzinski said noting that the highest offer former listing agent Sothebys International Realty received was million Sothebys wont receive a commission he said Pulte of Boca Raton said he figured Trump wouldnt back down Monday I got the feeling he was willing to go a lot higher and I didnt want to chase it Pulte said Pulte said Gosman asked him before the auction whether he would be willing to.let him stay in the mansion alter the closing until he decides where he wants to move Trump and Luzinski said they have had no such discussions with Gosman Gosman had the house built after paying million for the land in The former health-care magnate declined interview requests before and after the auction Monday He was at the courthouse but left before the auction took place The million price tag eclipses the million sale of Lowell Bud Paxsons Palm Beach home and guest house but falls short of the million that Virginia home builder Dwight Schar paid for Ron Perelmans 26,0-squarc-foot cstate Casa Apava a designated landmark Schar also paid million for a lakefront lot across the streetfrom the main house for a total of million Insiders say Schar spent a total of million for his new property making.it the priciest residential sale in U.S history Gosman once had a fortune that Forbes magazine estimated at million He voluntarily filed for Chapter bankruptcy protection in listing assets of million and liabilities of million When a judge ruledthat Gosman had to give up all of his exempt assets to creditors if he wanted to reorganize under Chapter Gosman converted the case to Chapter liquidation Last year U.S Bankruptcy Judge Larry Lessen ruled that Abe and Lin Gosmans marriage is invalid,because Florida law does riot recognize a Dominican Republic divorce that Lin Gosman tried to obtain from another man Michael Castre The judges decision was.a huge,victory for creditors because it prevents Abe Gosman from protecting assets by claiming joint ownership with his wife Gosmans assets which include an extensive collection of artwork Could total as much as million and will be sold later Without Lessens ruling Luzinski would have had a.much harder time selling Gosmans estate said David Cimo special counsel for the trustee We would have been thwarted or at least substantially impaired Cimo said CA/Aronberg-001018 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM But Friedman allowec the offer to 267stancl ami I ulte ani;LTi;ump went b,;1cki i:tnd forth t1ritil Puite dropped out at million Epstein a part-,time Palm Beach resident bowed out at million Frie.dman closed the bidding minutes after it started leaving Trump with the rightto buy the 29,0"square foot home a typical Palm Beach Coupty singlec.family hp1,1se is pout square feet Thewoperty_also has a tennis hQuse a pool house and service qtuirters The closing could take place within a week but probably worit happen uri.til next month Trustee ge Luzinski and creditors aid they were ple ed with tl1e ou.tc01:ne We knew we were dealing with some substantial people who were goingto bid itup a bit Luzinski said The system Worked said,Chades Tatelbaum a lawyer for creditor-JPMorgan.Chase Bank In bal;ll9uptcy court the idea is to get the most for creditors arid th.ats what happened The auction pro:ved to be a bonanza for 267creditors Luzinski said noting that the highest offer former lisiing age11t Sotl1ebys lnterna.ti9nal RJ!alty re ejyec;I w::is million Sotliebys wont receive a commission he said Pulte of Boca R;;i.ton said he fig1.1red Tru1p wo 265lclnt ha Gk clown Monday I got the feeling he was willing to go a lot higher and Ldidnt want to chase it Pulte Said P1,1lte Said dos.ma11 asked him befote the auction whether fie wold be willing to let him stay in the mansion after the dosing imtil he decides whete he wa:rtts to move Truhip and Luzinski said they have hact no s1.1ch discu.ssior:is with Gosman Gosm paying million for the land in The former health-Ga.re _rnagnllte clec.lined intervfow requests before 1:tIJcl after the auction Monday He was anhe courthouse but left before the auction took place The mi!Hon price tag ec;lipses the milhon sale of Lowell Bu.ti Paxsons aim Beach home arid guest house but falls short of the million that Virginia h01e builder Dwight Sc.bar paid for Ron Perelmans 26,0QO-square-foot,estate Ca,sa:A:pavll a designated landmark Schar alsQ paid i million for a lakefront lot ac:ross thie street:fro1n the main house for a total of million Insiders say Schar spent a tota:l of million foi"his rtew property making:it the pric:iest residential sale in u:s history Gosman ona had a fortune that Fotbesinagazine.estin1ated a:t 480,million He voluntarily filed for Chapter bankruptcy protectiQn in listing assets of million and liabilities of million Whell ajudge ruled that Gosman had to give up all of his ex.empt assets to cr,editors ff he wanted to reorganize under Chapter Gosman converted the case to Chapter liquidation Last year l.S Ba11kruptcy udg Lany Lessen Tule.d that Abe and Lin Gosmans marriage is invalid because Floiida law does not recognize a Dominican Republic divorce that Lin Gosman tried to obtain from another man Michael Castre Thejudges decisio11-was,a huge.victory for creditors because it preventsAbe Gosman from protecting assets by irning J.oin.t,ownershipwith his wife Gosmans assets which include ah ex.tensive collection of attWork could total as,muchas million and will be sold h1ter Without Less ns ruli11g L.uzinsh would have had a;mu harder time selling Gosmans estate said David Cimo special counsel for the trustee We would haye been thwai1ed or at least substantially impaired Cimo said CA/Aronberg-0O1018 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The trustee alleged during a weeklong trial in May that Gosman fraudulently gave his wife an ownership interest inhis home and other belongings only to avoid losing them in bankruptcy Gosman has denied any wrongdoing saying he made the property transfers in well before he filed for bankruptcy Lessen is expected to rule in the next two months whether Gosman made improper transfers a decision that will affect how much money will be available to creditors Cirno acknowledged that Monday wasnt the best of days for the Gosmaris but said they were willing to move Forward in part because the upkeep of the estate now exceeds their means This is not a happy occasion for them but at least were moving to the next level CimO said Thats not a house you want to live in unless you 2re making large amounts of money like Donald Trump paul_owers pbpost.com CA/Aronberg-00.1019 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The hustee alleged during a week long trial in May that Gosman fraudulently gave his wife an ow11ershjp interest in;his nome and other belongings only to avoid los ng them in bankruptcy Gosman has denied any wrongdoirtg saying he made the property transfers in well before he filed for.bankruptcy Lessen is exp:ected to rule in the next two months whether Gosman made 267irriproper transfers a decisi9n iaj will ffect how lu m9ney will be able to creditors Cimo acknowledgedthat Monday wasnt the best of days for the Gosman:s 267but said they were wHJin.g to move forward pa1t be93,l!S.e th,e lpke of the estate IJ.OW ex eeds their means This is not a happy,occasion for.them but at least were moving to the next level Cimo said Thats not a house you nt to live in unless youre rnaking large amounts of money like Donald Trump paul owers pbpost.com CA/Aronberg-00.1019 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Indi TOnt Billionaire1 Solicited Times News The;Palm Beach Host West Palm Beach FL The Palm Beach fest REAL NEWS30.1 STftRTS HERE Indictment Billionaire Solicited Times Posted Jul at AM Updated Oct at PM EDITORS NOTE This story originally published in The Palm Beach Post on July Billionaire money manager and Palm Beach part-time resident Jeffrey Epstein solicited or procured prostitutes three or more times between Aug and Oct of last year according to an indictment charging him with.felony solicitation of prostitution Epstein was booked at the Palm Beach County jail at a.m Sunday He was released On bond Epstein case is unusual in that suspected prostitution johns are usually charged with a misdemeanor and even a felony charge is typically made in a criminal information an alternative to an indictment charging a person with the commission of a crime His attorney Jack to discuss the charge State attorney 2s office spokesman Mike Edmondson also had little to say Generally speaking there is a case that has a number of different aspects to it Edmondson said of a charge being submitted to a grand jury We first became aware of the case months ago by Palm Beach police Prosecutors and police worked together to bring the case to the grand jury he said ited-3-times CA/Aronberg-00.1020 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM ndictment Bi!IHonaire Solicite_d Time:s Posted _Jul AM Updated.bet at PM EDITORS NOTE This tory origi1Jally publisheq fn The Palm Beadt Post onjuly Billionairemoneymanager and Palm Beach part-time tesident effrey Epstein solicite.d or procured prostitutes three or more times bet:vVeen Aug and Oct of last year according tQ an.indictment-charging:him with.felony solicitation of prostitution Epstein was booked at the Palm Be_ach County jail.it a:m S"llnclay He was.released on bond Epsteins case is unu 267sualin that suspected prostitution johns are 2671ff1ally charged with a misdemeanor and even a felony charge is typically made in a criminal information an alternative to anindiqment charging a person with the commission of a crime His to discuss the charge State attorneys office spokesman Mike Edmondson.also had little to say Generally speaking there is a case t.h,at ha_s a 1mber of qifferent aspt:!cts to it Edmondson said of a prostitution-related ciharge being submitted to a grandjury We first he 267came aware ofthe case inonths ago by Palm Beatkpolite Prosecutors and police worked together to bring the case to the grand jury he said billionaire-solicite_d-3"times CA/Aronberg-0O1020 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Indictment Billionaire Solicited.3 Times News The Palm Beach Post West Palm Beach FL Palm Beach police-confirmed that and said the department will release a report today regarding its investigation Epstein has owned a five-bedroom 1/2-bath 7,234-squarc-foothome with a pool and a boat dock on the Intracoastal Waterway since according to property records A man answering the door there Monday said that Epstein wasn 2t home A Cadillac Escalade registered to him was parked in the driveway which is flanked by two massive gargoyles Epstein sued Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits in contending that the assessment of his home exceeded its fair market value He dismissed his lawsuit in December A profile of Epstein in Vanity Fair magazine said he owns what are believed to be the.largest private homes in Manhattan square feet and in New Mexico a ranch Those are.in addition to his 70-acre island in the U.S Virgin Islands and fleet of aircraft Epstein 2s friends and admirers according to the magazine include prominent businessmen academics and scientists and famed Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz larry.keller pbpost.com ited-3-times CA/Aronberg-00.1021 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Palm Bea.ch police confir,med that and.said the department wilhelease a report today regarding its investigation Epstein has owned a five"bedroom hath 7,234-square foot;home with a pool and a boat dock oh the lrttracoastal Waterway since according to propertyrecords A man answering the door there Monday said that Epstein wasnt home A Cadill Escal de registE!red ro him was parked:in rhe driyeway whichis flanked by two massive gargoyles Epstein suecf PrC pef!Y Appraiser G.ary NikoHts in con ending thatthe assessmentof.his home exceedeqi fair market v:il He dismissec:l his lawsuit in December2002 A profile of Epstein in VanityFait magazine.said he owns what are believed to betheJargest private homes in Manhattan square feet and in.New Mexico a ranch Those arnfo addition to his 70-acre island in the U.S Virgin Islands and fleet:of aiTcraft Epsteins frienc:ls c1dmir rs according to tlle magazine include prominent businessmen academics and ckntists and famed Hi!rvard law 267prof ssor Alan Dershowitz hltps://w pa lrnbea ch post find ictrne nt-bil Ii onaire-sol jcited-3-tirnes CA/Aronberg-0O1021 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM After long billionaire faces solicitation charge News The Palm Beach Post West Palm Beach FL The Palm Beach Post REflLNEWSSTflRTS HERE After long probe billionaire faces solicitation charge Posted Jul at AM Updated Oct at PM EDITOR 2S NOTE This story originally published in The Palm Beach Post on July Palm Beach billionaire Jeffrey Epstein paid to have underage girls and young women brought to his home where he received massages and sometimes sex according to an investigation by the Palm Beach Police Department Palm Beach police spent months sifting through Epstein 2s trash and watching his waterfront home and Palm Beach International Airport to keep tabs on his private jet An indictment charging Epstein was unsealed Monday charging him with one count of felony solicitation of prostitution Palm Beach police thought there was probable cause to charge Epstein with unlawful sex acts with a minor and lewd and lascivious molestation Police Chief Michael Reiter was so angry with State Attorney Barry Krischer 2s handling of the Case that he wrote a memo suggesting the county 2s top prosecutor disqualify himself must urge you to examine the unusual course that your office 2s handling of this matter has taken and consider if good and sufficient reason exists to require your disqualification from the prosecution of these cases Reiter wrote in a May memo to Krischer While not commenting specifically on the Epstein case Mike Edmondson spokesman for the state attorney said his office presents cases Other than murders to a grand jury when there are questions about witnesses credibility arid their ability to testify faces-solicitation-charge CA/Aronberg-001022 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM After Jong probe bt,lil!ioiraire faces s.oltci:tatio:n Gharg:e Posted Jul at AM Updated Qcf3 at PM EDITORS NOTE This story originally published in The Palm Beam Post on July Palm Beach billionaire effrey Epstein paid to have underage-girls and young women brought to his home where he received massages and sometimes sex according to an investigation by the Palm Beach Police Department Palin Beach police spent months sifting through Epstein.s trash and watching his waterfront home an:d Pa.Im Beach International Airport to keep tabs.on his privatejet An indictment charging Epstein was unsealed Monday charging him with one count offel9ny solii:;itationofpro titution Palm Bea.ch police thought there was probable cause t9 c;harge Ep teinwith un1awfu1 sex acts with a minor and lewd and lascivious molestation Police Chief Michael Reiter w,as so angry with State Attorney Barry rischer handling of the ta.se that he wrote a memo suggesting the countis top prosecutor disqualify himself must urge you to examine the unusual coursethatyour offices handling of this matter ha.s takel;l and consider ifgood and sufficient reason exists to require your disquaiific:ation from the prosecution of these cases Reiter wrote in a May mem0,t0 Krischer While not commenting specifically on the:Epst:ein case Mike Edmondson spokesman for the state attorney said his pffice presents cases 267other than murders to a grandjury when there are questions about witnesses credibility arid their bility to testify faces-solicitationcharge CA Aronberg-001022 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Afterlorig We billionaire faces solicitation charge News The Palm beach Post West Palm Beach FL I By the nature of their jobs police officers look at evidence from a 223one-sided perspective Edmondson said prosecutor has to look at it in a much broader fashion weighing the veracity of witnesses and how they may fare under defense attorneys questioning he said Epstein attorney Jack Goldberger said his client committed no crimes The reports and statements in question refer to false accusations that were not charged because the Palm Beach County state attorney questioned the credibility of the witnesses Goldberger said A county grand jury found the allegations wholly unsubstantiated and not credible and that 2s why his client was not charged with sexual activity with minors he said Goldberger said Epstein passeda lie detector test administered by a reputable polygraph examiner in which he said he did not know the girls were minors Also a search warrant served on Epsteins home found no evidence to corroborate the girls allegations Goldberger said According to police documents A Palm Beach Community College student said she gave Epstein a massage in the nude then brought him six girls ages to for massage and sex-tinged sessions at his home A 27-year-pld woman who worked as Epstein 2s personal assistant also facilitated the liaisons phoning the PBCC student to arrange for girls when Epstein was coming to town And she escorted the girls upstairs when they arrived putting fresh sheets on a massage table arid placing massage oils nearby Police took sworn statements from five alleged victims and Witnesses They contend that on three occasions Epstein had sex with the girls A money manager for the ultra-rich Epstein was named one of New York 2s most eligible bachelors in by The New York Post He reportedly hobnobs with the:likes of former President Clinton former Harvard University President Lawrence Summers and Donald Trump and has lavish homes in Manhattan New Mexico and the Virgin Islands re-faces-solicitation-charge I CA/Aronberg-00.1023 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM After-Ioli billionaire faces solicitation charge News The Palm Post West Palm Beach FL I Bythe;nat:u:re oftheir jobs police officers look at evidence from a./one-sided perspective Edmondson said A prosecutor has to look at it in a kuch broader I fashion weighing the veracity of witnesses and how they may fare under defense attorn,eys question1g he said Epsteins attqrney Jack Goldberger,_ said his client committed no crimes The reports and statements in test:ion refer t9 false acc::usations th,at were not charged because the Palm Beach Collnty state attorney questioned:the credibility ctfthe witnesses Goldberger said A county grand j_ury foun:d the allegatidns wholly unsubstantiated and not ct.edible and thats why his dientwas not charged with sexual activitywith 267minors he said Goldberger saic:l Epstein pass eel a lie detector test adm nistered by a rep_ 265table polygraph examinei in which he said he did not 267know the girls were minors Also a search warrahtsetved on Epsteins hoinefound no evidence.to_ corroborate the girls allegations Goldberget said According to police documents A Palm Beach-Community College studentsa:id she,gave-Epstein a massage in the nude then brought him six girls ages to i for massage lnd sex-tinged sessiops at his home A 27-year-old woman who worked as Epsteins personal assistant also facihtated the_ liaisons 267phop,ing the PBCC student to arrange for girls when Epstein was coming to tow11.And_she escorted the gids upstairs w_hen th:ey arriv.ed putting fresh sheets_ on a massage table aud pla:dng massage oils nearby Police took sworn statements from five alleged victims and witnesses They contend that qn three occasio:n.s F:pstein had sex with the girls A money manager for the ultra-rich Epstein was named one of New Yorks most ehgi.ble bachdors_ in by NewYork Pqst He reportedlyliobn9bs wfrh the likes off or.mer President Clinton former Harvard University President Lawrence-Summers and Donald Trump and.has lavish h0mes in anhattan New Mexico and the Virgin Islands hllpi;://wjialmbeachpb erclorig-prbbe-bjHionaire ices-solicilalicirHh rge CA/Aronberg-0O1023 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM After long probe billionaire faces solicitation charge News The Palm Beach Post West PalmBeach FL He has contributed tens of thousands of dollars to Democratic Party candidates and organizations including Sen John Kerry 2s presidential bid and the Senate campaigns of Joe Lieberman Hillary Clinton Christopher Dodd and Charles Schumer Goldberger is one of five attorneys Epstein has retained since he became the subject of an investigation Edmondson said Among the others Alan Dershowitz the well-known Harvard law professor and author who is a friend of Epstein Dershowitz Could not be reached for comment Police said the woman who enlisted young girls for Epstein was Haley Robson of Royal Palm Beach Robson has worked at an Olive Garden restaurant in Wellington and said she was ajournalism major at Palm Beach Community College when she was questioned by police last October She has an unlisted phone number and could.not be reached for comment Robson said she met Epstein when at age a friend asked her if she would like to make money giving him a massage She said she was driven to his five bedroom 1/2-bath home on the Intracoastal Waterway then escorted upstairs to a bedroom with a massage table and oils Epstein and Robson were both naked during the massage she said but when he grabbed her buttocks she said she didn 2t want to be touched Tfaces-soiicitation-charge CA/Aronberg-001024 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM He ha:s contributed tens of thousands of dollars to Democratic Party candidates and 267organizations including Sen John Kerrys presidentialbid an the Senate campaigns ofJoe Lieberman Hillary Clinton Christopher Dodd.aAd Charles Schumer Goldberger one oHive attorneys Epstein has retained since he became the subject qfan-investiga,tion Edmondson said Among the others Alan Dershowitz the well-known Ha.rvard law professor and author who fa a friend of Epstein Dershowitz could not he reached for comme11t Poli e,safd the woman who enlisted young gids for Eps.tein was Haley Robson of Royal Paim Be ch Robson has vy:orkec:i at an Olive Garden resta_ura,nt in Wellin toil and said she was a journalism major a:t Palm Beach Community College 267when she was questioned by police last October She has ah,uhlisted phone number and could.not be reached for comment Rob.son s_aid she met Epstein wh IJ at age a fri.end as_ked he.r if she wo lik to make money giving him a massage She.said she was driven to his five bedroom ba:th home ort the InttacoastalWaterway then escorted.upstairs to a bedroom with a massage table and oils Epstein ahd Robson were both naked during the massag she id but when he gral bed her buttocl sh said slie didnt_ W,!nt to be touched iafler-long-probe CA/Aronberg-0O1024 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM After long billionairefaces solicitation charge News The Palm rch Post West Palm Beach FL Epstein said he 2d pay her to bring him more girls the younger the better Robson told police When she tried once to bring a 23-year-old woman to him Epstein said she was too old Robson said Robson who has not been charged in the case said she eventually brought six girls to Epstein who were paid each time Robson said 2m like a Heidi Fleiss police quoted her as saying The girls knew what to expect when they were taken to Epstein 2s home Robson said Give a massage maybe naked and allow some touching One 14-year-old girl Robson took to meet Epstein led police to start the investigation of him in March A relative of the girl called to say she thought the child had recently engaged in sex with a Palm Beach man The girl then got into a fight with a classmate who accused her of being a prostitute and she couldn 2t explain why she had in her purse The girl gave police this account of her meeting with Epstein She accompanied Robson and a second girl to Epstein 2s house on a Sunday in February Once there a woman she thought was Epsteins assistant told the girl to follow her upstairs to a room featuring a mural of a naked woman several photographs of naked women on a shelf a hot pink and green sofa and a massage table She stripped to her bra and parities and gave him a massage Epstein gave the 14-year-old and she and the other girls left she said She said Robson told her that Epstein paid her that day Other girls told similar stories In most accounts Epstein 2s personal assistant at the time Sarah Kellen now escorted the girls to Epstein 2s bedroom Kellen whose most recent known address is in North Carolina has not been charged in the case Palm Beach police often conducted surveillance of Epstein 2s home and at Palm Beach International Airport to see if his private jet was there so they would know when he was in town Police also arranged repeatedly to receive his trash aife-faces-solicitation-charge CA/Aronberg-001025 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM I Afl,J loog bUlloaal,e Ney/S Th PL JN.,t Palm a,,o fl Epstein sald hed pay her to bring.himmore girls the younger-the better Robso11 told police When she tried once to bring a 23-year-,old wbman to nim I Epstei11 said she was too old R,.cibson sajd Rohson,.who.has not been chai:ged_in the case said.she eventt1allybrougbt six girls to Epstein Who were paid eac:h time Robson said Im 1ike a Heidi Fleiss police quoted her as saying The girls knew what to exp.ecewhen they were take_:ri to Epsteins home Robson said Give,a massage may naked and aUow some tow:hing Qne 14-year-9ld girLRobsontookto meetEpstein ledpciliceto start:the investigation ofhim in Marc:h A rela,tive of the girl c:.illeci to s,iy sbe thought the child had recently engaged,in sex with a Palm Beach 267man The girl then got into.a fight with a classmate who accused her ofbeing a pr ostitute and she couldnt explain why she had in her purse The gir_l gave police this account of her meeting with Epstein She accompanied.Robson and a second girLto Epsteins house on a Sunday in ebr.uary Once there a woman she thought was Epsteins assistant told the gi1:l to follow her upstairs to a room featuring a mural of a naked woman several photographs of naked women on a shelf a hot pink and green sofa and a massage table She stripped to her bra and part ties and gave him a massage Epstein gave the 14-year-old and she and the other girls leftrshe said She said Robson told her that Epstein paid her 200:that day Qther 267girls told si lilar stqries lp Illostaccounts Epstein.s personal assistant at the time Sar.ah Kdlen now27Jescorted th girls to;Ep_steins bedroom I llen wh9s most r_ewnt known adcJres is in North Ca_i:oliI1a h?cs not been charged in the case Palm Beach police often conducted surveillance of Epsteins home and at.Palm Beach International Airport to see if his private jet Was there so they would know when he was in town Police also arranged repeatedly to receive his trash probe-billionair e-faces-solicitation-char CA/Aronberg-00.1025 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM After long probe,.billionaire faces solicitation charge News The Palm Beach Post West Palm Beach FL from Palm Beach sanitation workers collecting papers with names and phone numbers sex toys and femalehygiene products One note stated that afemale could not come over at p.m because of soccer Another said a girl had to Work Sunday Monday after school And still another note contained the work hours of a girl saying she leaves school at a,m and would come over the next day at a.m Only three months before the police department probe began Epstein donated to the department for the purchase of a firearms simulator said Jane Struder town finance director The purchase was never made The money was returned to Epstein on Monday she said faces-solicitation-charge CA/Aronberg-00.1026 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM After long.,.billionaire faces solicitation charge News The Palm I Post West Palm Beach FL from Pal:l Beac:h sanitatfon workers cqllect_ing pc1pers with na1e c1nd phone numbers sex toys and femalehygiene prod_ucts One:notestated thata 267female could not come over at7 p.m because ofsoccer Another said a girl had to work Sunday Monday after school And still another note contained the work hours of a girl 267aying slie leaves scho.61 at a and would come over the next day at a.m Only three months before the police department probe began Epstein donated to the.depc1rtment for the purchase ofa firec1rls simulatc sa:iclang Strude.r town fjnance:dire t_or The purchase:wa,,s never made The money was returned to Epstein on Monday she said e-faces-solicitation-charge CA/Aronberg-001026 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Police awyer tried to discredit teenage girls News Palm Beach Daily News Palm Beach FL Palm Beach Daily News Police say lawyer tried to discredit teenage girls Posted Jul AM Updated Oct at PM EDITORS NOTE This story originally was published in The Palm Beadv Post on July Famed Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz met with the Palm Beach County State Attorneys Office and provided about teenage girls who say they gave his client Palm Beach billionaire Jeffrey Epstein sexually charged,massages according to police reports The reports also state that another Epstein attorney agreed to a plea bargain that would have allowed Epstein to have no criminal record His current attorney denies this happened And the documents also reveal that the father of at least one girl complained that private investigators aggressively followed his car photographed his home and chased off visitors Police also talked to somebody who said she was offered money if she refused to cooperate with-the Palm Beach Police Department probe of Epstein The state attorneys office said it presented the Epstein case to a county,grand jury this month rather than directly charging Epstein because of concerns about the girls credibility The grand jury indicted Epstein on a single count of felony solicitation of prostitution which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison Police believed there was probable cause to charge Epstein with the more serious crimes of unlawful sex acts with a minor and lewd and lascivious molestation Police Chief Michael Reiter was so angry that he wrote State Attorney Barry Krischer a memo in May suggesting he disqualify himself from the case CA/Aronberg-001027 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Police.wyer-tried to discredit teenage girls News Palm Bea News Palni,Beach FL Police say lawyer trTed to discredit teenage girls Posted Ju at AM Updated Oct,3 at PM EDITORS NOTE 267This stor:y originally was published in The,Palm Beach Post onfuly Fa med Harvard lawprofessor Alan D.ershowiti met with the Palnt Beach County State Attorneys Office and provided damaging;information about teenage girls who say they-gave hh client_ Pal Be.-i,ch billion3,ireJeffrey Epstein sexually ch,!rge_d massage according to police reports The creports also state that 267another Epstein ttorney agreed-to a pl c1 i irgain that would hav aUC wed Epste1n to have no criminal ree Jrd H1s current attorney denies this happened And the documents also reveal that the father ofat reast orte girl complained that private investigators aggres 267sivelyfollowed his car photographed.his home and chased off visitors Police also talked to somebody who said she was offered money if she refused to cooperate with.the Palm Beach Police Departme11t probe of Epstein The state ttor;neys office sa.id it presented the Epstein caseto a co:uncy.grand jury this month rather than directly charging Epstein because of concerns about the girls credibility The grand jury indicted Epsteiri;.53 on a single count of felony solicitation of prostitution which carries a maximum penalty offiv ye rs in prison._ Police believed there was probable cause to charge Epstein with tb..e m,or serious c.rime of1Jnlawful a ts whh linor and vvd an.d lascivi us mqlestation Pplice Chi Michael Reiter was so angry that he wro.te:State Attorney Barry Krischer a memo in May suggesting he disqualify hitnselffrom the case CA/Aronberg-0O1027 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Police ray lawyer tried to discreditleenage,girls News Palm BeacITDaily News Palm Beach FL The case originally was going to be presented to the grand jury in February but was postponed after Dershowitz produced information gleaned from the Web site myspace.com showing some of the alleged victims commenting on alcohol and marijuana use according to the police report prepared by Detective Joseph Recarey Haley Robson a 20-year-old Royal Palm Beach woman who told police she recruited girls for Epstein also is profiled on myspace.com Her page includes photos of her and her friends including one using the name Pimpin 2,Made EZ Robson who was not charged in the case is a potential prosecution witness According to Recarey prosecutor Lanna Belohlavek offered Epstein attorneys Dershowitz and Guy Fronstin a plea deal in April Fronstin after speaking with Epstein accepted the deal in which Epstein would plead guilty to one count of aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony be placed on five years probation and have no criminal record The deal also called for Epstein to submit to a psychiatric and sexual evaluation and have no unsupervised visits with minors according to Recarey 2s report The plea bargain was made in connection with only one of the five alleged victims the report states Fronstin who declined to comment on the case was subsequently fired and veteran defense attorney Jack Goldberger was hired He denies there Was any agreement by any of Epstein 2s attorneys to a plea deal We absolutely did not agree to a plea this case he said Neither Belohlavek nor a state attorneys spokesman could be reached for comment The parent or parents of alleged victims who complained of being harassed by private investigators provided license tag numbers of two of the men Police found the vehicles were registered to a private eye in West Palm Beach and another in Jupiter according to Recarey 2s report I have no knowledge of it defense attorney Goldberger said The report also says a woman connected to the Epstein case was contacted by somebody who was still in touch with Epstein That person told her she would be compensated if she didn 2t cooperate with police Recarey 2s report says Those CA/Aronberg-00.1028 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Polic.awyer tried to discredit:teenage,girls News Palm Bea.y 1ws Palm Beach FL The case originally was going to be presented to the grand j,ury in ebniary but was postponed afrerD.ershowitz produced information gleaned from the Web site myspace.com showing some ofthe alleged victims commenting on alcohol and madju,ana use according to the police report prepared by Oetective Joseph Recarey Haley Robson a 20-year-old Royai P_afm Beach w_om:an who,.told police she recruited girls for Epstein also is profiled on myspace.com Her pageihdudes photos of her and her friends including one using the name Pimpin,Made EZ Robson who was J-iOt:ch.i,rged in the case is a potenti;i,l prosecution witnlc!ss_ According to Recarey prosecutor Lanna,Bekihlavek offered Epstein attorneys Dfr:showitz a.nd Guyf rons_tfo a plea dealin April Fronstin after peaki_ng with Epstein accepted the deal in which_Epstein would plead g:uilty to one count of aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony be placed on five years probation and have no criminal record The deal also called for Epstein to submit to a psychiatric and sexual evaluation and ha:ve rto unsupervised visits with rni,nor_s c1ccordiIJJ to:Rec:a_reysreport The plea bargain was made in connection with qnly one _ofthe five allegeci victims the report states Fronstin who declined to comment on the c:ase was subsequently fired and veteran defense attorney Jack Goldberger was hired He denies there was any agreement by any of Epsteins attorneys to a plea deal We absolutely did not agree to a 5lea in this ca:se he said Neither Belohlavek nor a state attorneys spokesnian could be reached for comment The pare11t or parents of illeged victirnswho coII1plain_ed ofbeinghara._ssedby private investigators provided_ lice11se tag m1:rnber_s of two of the men P,ofo found the vehides were registered to a private eye in West Palm Beae:h and another in Jupiter according to Recarey report Th ave no knowledge of it defense attorney Goldberger said The report also says a woman connected to the Epsteiil case was tpntacted by somebody 267vefho was still in touch wfrh Epstein That persontold er she would be compensc1ted if s,he-didnt cooperate wjth police Recarey reR ft says Those https_ CA/Aronberg-0O1028 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Polices?lawyer tried to discredit teenage girls News Palm BeacTOaily News Palm Beach FL who did talk will be dealt with the woman said she was told Phone records show the woman talked with the person who allegedly intimidated her around the time she said Recarey reported Phone records also show that the person said to have made the threat then placed a call to Epsteins personal assistant who in turn called a New York corporation affiliated with Epstein the report states The issue in the Epstein case is not whether females came to his waterfront home but whether he knew their ages 2s never denied girls came to the house Goldberger said But when Epstein was given a polygraph test passed on kno wledge of age the attorney said After the-indictment against Epstein was unsealed this week Police Chief Reiter referred the matter to the FBI 2ve received the referral,:and were reviewing it said FBI spokeswomanjudy Orihuela.in Miami The chief himself has come under attack from Epstein 2s lawyers and friends in New York where he has a home The New York Post quoted Epsteins prominent New York lawyer Gerald Lefcourt as saying his client was indicted only because of the craziness of the police chief Reiter has declined to comment on the case Prosecutors have not presented a sex-related case like Epstein 2s to a grand jury before said Mike Edmondson spokesman for the state attorney 2s office That 2s what you do with a case that falls into a gray area he said The state attorney 2s office did not recommend a particular criminal charge on which to indict Epstein Edmondson said The grand 2jury was presented with a list of charges from highest to lowest then deliberated with the prosecutor out of the room he said 223People are surprised at the grand jury proceeding West Palm Beach defense attorney Richard Tendler said 223Its a Way for the prosecutor 2s office to not take the full responsibility for not filing the charge and not doing what the Palm Beach Police Department wanted I think something fell apart with those underage witnesses I CA/Aronberg-00.1029 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Police.awyer tried to discredit teenage girls News Palm Bea.y News Palm Beach FL who did talk will be dealt with the woman 267said she was told Phone records show the woman talked with the person who allegedly intimidatt:!d her arqund the time she s::1icl Recarey reported Phqne records also show that the person said to have made the threat then placed a call to.Epstein;s personal assistant who in turn called a NeviYork corporatibn affiliated with Epstein tliereport states The issue in.the Epstein case is not whether females c.awe to hi waterfroi:it home but whether he knew their ages Hes ne er clenit:!d girls came the ho Gqlclbt!r:gersa1cl ut when Epstein was given polygraph test he passed on knowledge qageJ the attorney said Aftedhe indictment gainst Epstein was unsea:led this week Police Chief Reiter referred the rnatterto the FBL We ie received the referral and were reviewing it said FBI SpokeswomanJudy Orihuela-in Miami The chief himself has come under attack from Epsteins lawyers and friends in New York where,he has a home The New York Post quoted Epsteins prominent New Yor lawyer Gerald Lefcourtr as saying his client was indicted only beca gf the craziness of the police chief Reiter has declined.to comment on the,case Prosec 265tors have not presented a sex,-related case like Epsteins to grand 267jury before said Mike Edmondson spokesman for the State attornels office That.s what you do with a case that fallsirtto a gray area he said The state attorneys office did not.recommend a particular ri01in.il charge on which.to inructEpstdn E.dmondsonsatd Thegrand:j.urywaspresented with a list of charges from highesno lowest then deliberated with the pros.ecutor out of the room he said Peqple are:surprised at the grand jury pr0 eeding West Palm Beath defense attorney Richard Tendlet said It.s a way for the prosecutors office to not take the full responsibility for not filing the charge and not do in what the Palm Beach.Police Department wanted I think somethingfelf c1part wit,h those underage witness CA/Aronberg-001029 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Police Hawyer tried to discredit teenage girls News Palm.Beact aily News Palm Beach FL Defense attorney Robert Gershman was a prosecutor for six years Those girls must have been.incredible or untrustworthy I don 2t know he said Other attorneys said Epsteins case raises the issue of whether wealthy connected defendants like Epstein whose friends include former President Clinton and Donald Trump are treated differently from others Once he knew he was the subject of a criminal probe Epstein hired a phalanx of powerful attorneys such as Dershowitz and Lefcourt who is a past president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Miami lawyer Roy Black who became nationally known when he successfully defended William Kennedy Smith on a rape charge in Palm Beach also was involved atone point Said defense attorney Michelle Suskauer I think it 2s unfortunate the public may get the perception that with power you may be treated differently than the average Joe CA/Aronberg-00.1030 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Poiic.wyertried to discredit teenage girls News PainfBea.y News Palm Beach FL Defense attorney Rob.ert Gershman was a prosecmtor for six years Those girls must have been.incredible or untrustworthy I dont know he said Other attorneys said Epsteins case raises the issue of whether wealthy connected defendants like Epstein whose friend include forrner Presidt!ntCli_ntpn _md Donald ruinp are treated differendy from qthers On_ce he knew he was the subjec_t ofa criminai probe Epstein hired a phalanx ofpowedul attorneys such,as Dershowitz and Lefcourt who is a past president ofthe National Association of Crirhina Defense Lawyers Miami lawyer Roy Black vvho became nationally known when he successfully defended William Kennedy:Smith on a pe charge in Palm Beach also was involved at one point Said defense atto_r:ney Michelle Suskauer think its 267unfortunate the public may get the per.ceptionthat with 267ower you may be treated diffe"rentlythan the av.erage Joe CA/Aronberg-001030 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The Bata Beach fest REAL-2.9 STARTS HERE Expert Ignorance of age isn 2t defense in sex cases Posted Aug at AM Updated Oct at PM EDITOR 2S NOTE This story originally published in The Palm Beach Post on Aug Even if Palm Beach money manager Jeffrey Epstein didn?t know that girls who police say gave him sexual massages at his Intracoastal home were under the legal age that alone wouldn 2t have exempted him from criminal charges of sexual activity with minors 223Ignorance is not a valid defense said Bob Dekle a legal skills professor who was a Lake City prosecutor for nearly years half of that time specializing in sex crimes against children 223There is no knowledge element as far as the age is concerned Dekle said After an 11-month investigation Palm Beach police said there was probable cause to charge Epstein with unlawful sex acts with a minor and lewd and lascivious molestation They contend that Epstein friend of the rich and famous and financial patron of Democratic Party organizations and candidates committed those acts with five underage girls In the past week New York Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Eliot Spitzer has returned about in campaign contributions he received,from Epstein arid Mark Green a candidate to replace Spitzer in CA/Aronberg-00,1031 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-0O1031 The PalnI Bt1a:ch Post N_EWSSTA Hatf pert lg.ngran r,f gQ isalt dJe:f:tu1se In sex 267ase.s Posted i ug AM Updatgd Oc;t at PM EDITORS NOTE This story originally published in The_ Palm Beach Post on Aut Even if Palm Beach money manager Jeffrey Epstein didnt know that girls,who police gave hi:m sexu_;1.l massages at his Intra coastal home were under the legal age that alone wouldnt nave exempted him from ctimihal charges of sex ac:tivity w:frh minors Ignorance is not a valid defense saidBob Dekle a leg skiils professor who was a Lake City prosec 265tor for nearly years halfofthat time specializing ih sex crimes against children 267There is no knowledge element as far as the age is concerned Dekle said After an U-.m0rith investigation Palm Beach police:said there w:as pr:obable cause to chargeEpstei1T vyith unlawful sex acts with a minor and lewd and.lascivious molestation They contend tha:t Epstein friend of the rich ar.ip famous-and.finaI1cial patron of Democratic Party organizations and candidates committed those acts with five 267underage girls In the past week New Y:ork Attorney General and gul ernatQrial andipaJe EH9t Spitier has r:eturried abo in campai contributions he received from Epstein and Mark Green a candidate to replace Spitzer in FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM his current job has returned to him because of the Palm Beach scandal the New York Daily News has reported Rather than file charges the state attorney 2s office presented the case to a county grandjury The panel indicted Epstein last-week oh a single less serious charge of felony solicitation of prostitution The case raised eyebrows because the state attorney 2s office rarely if ever kicks such charges to a grand jury And it increases the difficulty of prosecuting child sex abuse cases especially when the defendant is enormously wealthy and can hire high-priced top-tier lawyers At least one of Epstein 2s alleged Victims told police he knew she was underage when the two of them got naked for massages and sexual activity She was years old at the time and said Epstein asked her questions about her high school according to police reports A girl who said she met Epstein when she was said he told her if she told anybody what happened at his house bad things could happen the police reports state Epstein 2s youngest alleged victim was when she says she gave him a massage that included some sexual activity She is now The girls father says he doesn 2t know whether she told Epstein her age daughter has kept a lot of what happened from me because of sheer embarrassment he said But she very much looked Any prudent man would have had second thoughts about that Defense attorney Jack Goldberger maintains that not only did Epstein pass a polygraph test showing he did not know the girls were minors but their stories werent credible The state attorney 2s office also implied that their credibility was an issue when it decided not to charge Epstein directly but instead give the case to the grand jury CA/Aronberg-00.1032 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-0O1032 his rnrrent job has returned because of,:he I Palm Beach scandal the New York Daily News has reported Rather tha,n 6.kcharges the st.ate attorneys office presented the case to a county grnnci jury The panel indicted Epstein last.week oh a single iess serious chaq felony solicitation of prostitution The case raised eyebrows beca.use the state attorneys qffice rarely if ever kicks such charges to a grand jury And it increases the difficulty of prosecuting child sex abuse cases e_speciaJly wheri:the defendant is enormously we;;lthy and can hire high-priced top-tier lawyers At least one ofEpstein.s alleged:Vittims told polite he knew she was underage when the two of them got naked for m.as.s.ages sexu:1lactiyity Shew years_ old at the time and said Epstein asked herquestions about her high school accotdihg to police reports A girl who 267said she met Epstein when she was said he told her if s.hetold wybody whatha,ppe11eci at his hottse bad things could happen the 267police reports_ state Epsteins yo:ung 267est alleged victim was when she says she gave him a massage that included some sexual activity She is.now The girls father says doe_sn.t.knowwhgth:er she told Epstein her age My daughter has kept a lot ofwha:t happened from me be at1se of sheer embar:rassqient he said ut she very mudhJooked Any pr.udentm wou_ld have had second thoughts about that Defense attorneyJack Goldberger maintains that not only did Epstein ss a polygraph_ test showing he d_ia not know the girls were minors but their-stories werent credibie The state attorneys office also i1nplied that their credib;ility an iss wlien it not to charge Epstein dir:e,i::tJy but instead give the case to the grand jury FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM A prosecutor has to look at it in a much broader fashion a state attorneys spokesman said lastweek NTElMGENT QR Epstein hired Harvard law Professor Alan Dershowitz when he became aware he was under investigation and Dershowitz.gave prosecutors information that some of the alleged victims had spoke of using alcohol and marijuana on a popular Web site according to a Palm Beach police report Prosecutors typically consider two things in deciding whether to charge somebody with sex-related offenses against minors whether there is sufficient evidence and whether there is a public interest in doing so Dekle said If two teens are in a sexual relationship and the boy turns before the girl he could be charged with a sex crimeif the sex continues There would be no public interest in pursuing that Dekle.said But where there is a large gap in ages and especially in cases of teachers with students there is a public interest in prosecuting he said Likewise if the accused has a track record of sex with minors CA/Aronberg-00.1033 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-00.1033 A prosecutor has to look at it in a much broader fashiori a t.ite attorneys spokesman said last veek Epstein hired Harvard law Professor Alan Dersho:witz whel he._peaJ.m.e iware was under investigation artd Dershowitz,gave prosecutors information that some of tp.e alleged victims had spoke of using afcohol and marijuana o.n a pop,!lar Web site according to a Palm Beach police report Prosecutors typically consider two things in deciding whether to charge somebody with sex:..relate offenses against m10.rs whether there is sufficient eVidertte ahd whetherthere is a,public interest in doing so Dekl s.;,tid Iftwo teens are in a sexual rdationship and the boyt!-rns before the girl he could be charged with a sex crimeif the sex c:.o.ntlnue Th.ere wquld.be no public interest in pursuing that Dekle.said B.utwheretheteis a large gap in ages _a:nd espeda:lly in case of teachers with students there is a ublk irtterestin prose_cuting he Sitid Lj.lq!wisedf the a has a trac:k record.of sex with minors FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Still there is a universal constant in prosecuting these cases Dekle said Men who exploit underage children for sex often carefully choose their victims in ways that Will minimize the risk to them he said Victims usually are from a lower social status and they may suffer from psychological problems Dekle said Lots of child sexual abuse victims have been victimized by multiple people over a period of time Then the act of abuse produces behavior in the victims that further damages their credibility Examples include promiscuous behavior and drug abuse Some of the alleged victims in the Epstein case returned to his home multiple times for the massage sessions-and the to he typically paid them per visit 223That would be a definite problem for the prosecutor said Betty Resch who prosecuted crimes against children in Palm Beach County for five years and now is in private practice in Lake Worth 223The victim becomes less sympathetic to a jury Resch said 223But she 2s a victim nevertheless She 2s a kid Most men charged with sex crimes against minors look normal Dekle said A jury expecting to see a monster seldom will And the victims ages work against them and in favor of the defendant in a trial Dekle said If a child and an adult tell different stories and both swear they 2re telling the truth adult jurors are more likely to believe the adult Dekle said 223You have all these things working against-you in a child sex abuse case Prosecutors normally try to be very careful in filing those cases because they know what theyre getting into There is no such thing as an iron-clad child sexual abuse Case CA/Aronberg-00.1034 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-001034 Still th.ere is a universal const_.1nt in prosecuting these cases Dekle said Men wli.o exploit underagechilclrenfo:r sex often carefully choose their victims in ways that will minimize the riskto them he said Vicfims usually ax:e from aJo:wer soc;i::iJ status a11d they pay surfer from psychological problems Dekle said Lots of child sexual abuse victims hav.e been victimized by multiple people ovet a period of time Then the act ofabuse produces behavior in the vi tims that further damages their credibility Examples include promiscuous behavior a.rtd drug abuse Some of the alleged victims in the Epstein case returnedto his home muitipk times for themassage s_essicms 267and the to he typically paid them per visit That would be a definite problem for the prosecutor said Betty Resch who prosecuted crimes against childre11in aJ_ml e:i.ch County for five years and now is in private practice in Lake Worth The victim becomes less sympathetic to a.jury Resch said Buts_hes _a vktim n_eyertheless Shes a kid Most men chargecl:with sex crimes against minors look normal Dekle said A jury expecting to see a monster sel ioro wi_ll And the victims ages work ag,ainstthem and in favor of the defendant in a trial Dekle sai9 Ifa child and an adult telldifferent,storics and both swear they.re telling the truth adultjurors are more likely to beli_eve the adult Pekle said._ You have all these things working again:st you in a chilcl_ sexabuse case Prosecutors be very,carefol filing th9 cases because they know what theyre gettin,g intp There 1s no s_ucb thing as an iron-c;l_ad chilc:f s_ex abuse case FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The Mm Beach Post REAL NEfc STARTS HERE Epstein campcaHs female accusers liars Posted Aug at AM Updated Oct at PM EDITOR 2S NOTE This story originally published in The Palm Beach Post on Aug Attorneys and publicists for Palm Beach financier Jeffrey Epstein went on the offensive Monday contending that teenage girls who have accused Epstein of sexual shenanigans at his waterfront home are liars and saying that the Palm Beach Police Department is 223childish There never was any sex between Jeffrey Epstein and any underage women his lead attorney Jack Goldberger said from Idaho where he was vacationing with his family Epstein did have young women come to his house to give him massages Goldberger said Mr Epstein absolutely insisted anybody who came to his house be over the age of How he verified that I dont.know Thequestionis did anything illegal occur The law was not violated here He had no explanation as to why Epstein would pay girls or women with no massage training as the alleged victims said was the case to for their visits 223The credibility of these witnesses has been seriously questioned Goldberger said Epstein was indicted by a county grand jury last month on a charge of felony solicitation of prostitution After an Umonth investigation that included sifting through Epstein 2s trash and surveilling his home Palm Beach police concluded there was enough evidence to charge him with sexual activity with minors When the grand jury indicted CA/Aronberg-00.1035 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA Aronberg-00.1035 Ep.ste.in _mp 267ans 267no1lale liaJts Po.sted Aug at AM Updci,eq Oct aq PM EDttORS NOTE This story originally published in The Palm Beach Poston Au Attorneys and publicists for Palm Beach financier Jeffrey Epstein went Qnthe offensive Monday c:ontending that teenage girls who have accused Epstein of sexual shenanigans at his waterfront home a.re liars and saying thar the Palm Beach Police Oepa,rtment.is childish There neverwas anysex 267betweenJeffreyEpstein and any underage women his lead attorney ack Goldberger,_ said from Idaho wherehewasvacationing with his family Epsteiil have_ young women come to hfs h_ouse t.o give him massages Goldberger said Mr Epstein absolutely insisted anybody who came to his ho.use be over the age of How he verified that I dont.know The question is did anything ill!:!gal occur The law was 267npt 267violated here He had no explanation as to why Epstein would,pay giris or women with no massage tr.aining as the a1leged_victirris saiq was t_he case to for th ir visi The credibility of.these witnesses has been seriously questioned Goldberger said Epstein was indicted by a county grand jury last month Oil a charge of felcmy solicitatioI of prostitution After an month investigation that inciuded sifting-throug Epsteins 267trash and surveilling his home Palm Beach police concJuded tberewas enough ev.:idence to h.:i.rge him w,j,th sexual activitywith minors When the grand jury indic,ted FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Epstein on the less serious charge Police Chief Michael Reiter referred the case to the FBI to determine whether there were federal law violations After a spate of stories about the case last week New York publicist Dan Klores whose client list has included Paris Hilton and Jennifer Lopez said on Saturday that Epstein 2s camp was ready get their story out They did that Monday via Goldberger and a Los Angeles publicist for Miami criminal defense attorney Roy Black who also has represented Epstein in the case We just-think there has been a distorted view of this case in the media presented by the Palm Beach police Goldberger said Reiter has consistently declined to comment on the case and did not respond to a request for Comment Monday The implication that State Attorney Barry Krischer was easy on Epstein by presenting the case to a grand jury rather than filing charges1 directly against him is wrong Goldberger said CA/Aronberg-001036 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-0O103.6 Epstein on the Jess serious charge PQli Chief Mic_hg,eJ_ Reiter referred the case to the FBI to dt!termine whether there were federal law violations After a spate of stoties 267about the case last week New rk 265blidstDan lores whose client list has included Paris Hilton.andJennifer;LC pez said:on Saturday that Epsteins camp was ready to:get their story oue They did that Monday via Goldberger and a Los AngeJc publicistfor Miami rhninal defense attorney Roy 13lack who.also has represented,Eps_teinintht case We just-think there has been a distorted view of this case in the media presented by 267the Palm Beach police Goldberger said Reiter has consistently dedine_d to c_omment on the s_e and did not tespond to a request for comment Monday The implication that State Attorn:ey 267Barry Kristher was easy on Epstein by presenting the case to a grand jur:y rather than filing charges directly against him is wrong Goldberger said I I FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The Palm Beach Police Department was happy and ecstatic that the panel was going to review the evidence I think what happened is they weren 2t happy with the result They decided to use the press to embarrass Mr Epstein But records show that-Reiter wrote Krischer on May well before the case went to the grand jury suggesting that Krischer consider if good and sufficient reason exists to require your disqualification from the prosecution of these cases Rather than flat-out decline to charge Epstein Krischer referred the case to the grand jury to appease the chief Goldberger said A state attorney 2s spokesman would say only that the office refers cases to the grand jury when there are issues with the viability of the evidence or witnesses credibility Bpththe state attorney and the grand jury concluded there was not sufficient evidence that Epstein had sex with minors according to Goldberger It was just a childish performance by the Palm Beach Police Department Goldberger said The defense attorney said one of the alleged victims who claimed she was a minor was in fact over the age of Another alleged victim who was subpoenaed to testify to the grand jury failed to do so Epstein 2s accusers he added have histories of drug abuse and thefts These women are liars We 2ve established that But why would they all invent their stories about meeting Epstein fbr sexual massages I don 2t-have an answer aS to what was the motivation for these women to come forward make these allegations Goldberger said CA/Aronberg-001037 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA Aronberg-0O1037 The Palm l3each Pplic Department was happy md ecstatic thatthe 267panelwasgoingto review the.evidenct I think what happened is theywere happy with the res tilt They decid to use the press to embarrass Mr Epstein l3ut _records sliow that 267Reitenvrote Krischer on May welLhefore the case went to the grand 265ggesting that Kris ch er llconsider-if good and sufficient reason exists to requlre your disqu lification from the 267prosecution of these cases Rather than flat-out dedine to charge Epstein K_rischer referred the case to the grand jury to appease the chief Goldberger said A state attorneys spokesman would say only 267that the office refers cases to the rand jury when there ate issues with the viability of the evidence or witnesses credibility Both 267the tate attorney and the grand jury concluded there was no.t sufficient evidence that Epstein had sex with minor according to Goldberger iIt wasjust a childish performance by the Palm Beach Police Department Goldberg said The defense attorney said one of the allegedvictirns-who daimed she 267was,a minor was in fict over the age of Ano her alleged victim who was subpoenaed to testify to th_e gr::i,ncLjuryJailed to do sp Epstein.s acq1sers he added have histories of drug abuse and thefts These women are ha,rs Weve established that why w94ld,th all inve_n_t their stories about meeting Epstein for sexual massages I dortt have an answer a:s tc:fwhat was the motivation for tliese w9men to come forward and make these allegations Goldberger said FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The Palm Beach Post West Palrn 2Beach Florida Aug Mon Page7 Downloaded on Nov Newspapers ly Ranees try hn cix.sgiUriA Witt A wrrf iowi 1fxw ftVWli teKWiSi jiraww ut oh mKhI hht itwr nriniAj Cn Uh I Ih ti thrrtl lwMstftv fks ntSCi 4U vn il f,ubi 273rtkottri 2h i tart hh Crw wjn il ir 4s IhW HarJ a lay brMr ttr f/r4 bw 0s Wh rM9 tamcz fOrBw ti 253urbih fc ri ME-wanJ 273ke4wt a WuX in itiifcinl W.Keta wiafiw WfiMe rfc I ih lu 221SAVirKr llcc4i d.-lftj itit!9fsJ ft/i 1WcXjiU 221tJii K9 VU?j?ai rM 221kmI jOr hr teH Wf iw fomeshd i aJ rw Cas a tep 221Kcfu UM Sw er sn Utw A Sa.VP vnh Reiter focus of fire in Epstein case Clipped By relter_m Sat Apr Copyright Newspaperslcom All Rights Reserved Mew CA/Aronberg-00.1038 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The Palm Beac_h Post West Palm 267Beach Florida Aug Mon Page Downloaded on Reit focus of fire in Epstein case relte_r_m Sat Apr Copyright Newspapers:com AU Ri!hfs Reserved CA/Aronberg-00.1038 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The Tata Beach Post REAL56.6 STARTS39.8 HERE Belays in Epstein ease unusual lawyers say Posted Mar at AM Updated Oct at PM EDITORS NOTE This story originally published in The Palm Beach Post March A federal probe or a plea deal could explain the wait in the Palm Bcacher 2s solicitation case Nearly eight months after Palm Beach tycoon Jeffrey Epstein was charged with felony solicitation of prostitution there has been no discernible progress in his case No witnesses deposed No trial date set Nothing save for routine court hearings reset without explanation Usually that would be unusual said criminal defense attorney Glenn Mitchell who has no involvement in the case As a general rule it would be unusual for nothing to have happened agreed Michael Dutko a criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale He represents Haley Robson of Royal Palm Beach potentially a key witness in the case A routine hearing for Epstein was pulled from the court docket last week and reset for May The delays arid inaction could be due to a potential federal probe of Epstein or because a plea deal is in the works attorneys say Unusual is the word that best describes everything about the case against Epstein an enigmatic money manager in New York City who counts Bill Clinton and Donald Trump among his friends CA/Aronberg-001039 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-001039 1a ib:Epst Jn c:ase un11stoU hiw;yets say Posted Mar at AM Updated Oct at.3:Mi PM EDITORS NOTE This story originally published in The Palm J?eqch Posl AfqrGh J3 A federal probe or a plea de.al 267could explain thewait:in the Palm Beac:hers solicitation case Nearly eight months after Palm Beach tycoon Jeffrey Epstefo was charged with felony solicitation ofprQstitution there has been no discernible progress in his case No witnesses deposed No trial date set Nothing save for rout n.e cQQrt hearings reset without explan:nion Osually that would be unusual s_aid criminal defense attorney Glenn Mitchell who has no involvement in the case As a general rule it would beunusualfor nothing to have pp!;!Ileci/1 agreecLtviichael Dutko a criminal deferise attorney-in Fort Lauderdal He represents Haley Robson of Royal lm Beach potentially a Jcey witne ip the case A routine hearing for Epstein wa:s pulled fron:-nhe court docketlast week and reset for May The delays and inac;tfon could.be due to a potential federal.probe of Epstein or because a plea deal is in the,:works attorneys say Unusual is the word that best describes everything about the case against Epstein,.54 an enigmatic money manager in New York Cfry who counts Bili Clinton and Donald Trump a:mong his friends FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Highly unusual is how Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter described State Attorney Barry Krischer 2s handling of the case in a bluntly critical letter to Krischer last year before Epstein was indicted Reiter referred the matter to the FBI to determine whether any federal laws had been violated Epstein 2s allies countered by attacking the chief personally and professionally Reiters department investigated Epstein for months Police sifted repeatedly through his trash and conducted surveillance on his five-bedroom 1/2-bath 7,234-square foot home on the Intracoastal Waterway Police said Epstein paid women and girls as young as to give him erotic massages at his home Police thought there was probable cause to charge him with unlawful sex acts with a minor and lewd and lascivious molestation Epstein responded by hiring a phalanx of lawyers One of them Harvard law professor and author Alan Dershowitz provided the state attorneys office with information about alcohol and marijuana use by some of the girls who said they were with Epstein Prosecutors then referred the case to the grand jury rather than file charges directly against Epstein Epsteins attorneys deny he had sex with underage girls The lawyers say the girls stories are not credible But if the court file is any indicator they 2ve made no effort to depose the girls Neither prosecutors nor defense attorneys have sought to question Robson said Dutko her attorney She recruited teenage girls to visit Epstein for massages and sexual activity Palm Beach police said and presumably would be a key witness CA/Aronberg-00.1040 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-00.1040 I Highly unusual is how Palm Beach Police,ChiefMicl a I Reiter descr bed State Attorne.yBarry K.rischers handling of the case jn a bluntly critical letter to Kris ch er last year i before Epstein was indicted Reiter referred the matter to the FBI to determine whether any federallaws,had been violateq Epsteins allies countere4 by attacking the chief personally and professionally Reiters department investigated Epstein for months Police sifted repe_atedly thro1,1.gh his trash and conduc,;ted surveillance on his five-bedroom 1/2-bath 234-square foot home oh the hitra:coastal Waterway Police said Epstein_pa:id,women and girls as young as to give him erotic massages a this home Police 242ought there was probable cause to charge him 267with unlawful sex acts With a minor and lewd arid lascivious molestation Epstein responded by hiring a phalanx of lawyers One of then1 Hanrard law professor and author.Alan Dershowitz provided the state attorneys office with information about alcohol and.marijuana use by some ofthe girls who said theywere with Epstein PrQsecutors then referred the case to the grand jury rather than file charges dire 267ttly aga:insrEpstein Epstein!s a:tt6rneys deny he had sex 267with underage girls Thelawye.rs say the girls stories are not c:redible ut if the court file is any indicator,.theyve made no effortto depose the girls Nei,tlu prosecutors nor de ense attorneys have sought t.o question Robson said Dutko her attorney She recruited teenage girls to visit Epstein for massages and exual activity Palm eaclr poHce said and pres lmably would b,e a key witness FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Epstein at torney Jack Goldberger did not return phone messages A source close to the case suggested it is languishing pending a decision by the FBI on whether to refer it to federal prosecutors still have a pending case FBI spokeswoman Judy Orihuela said Monday State Attorney Krischer did not return a call for comment His spokesman Mike Edmondson declined to say whether federal investigators are delaying the Epstein case But he added another agency is looking at something we wouldn 2t want to step on their toes Attorneys say inertia in a criminal case often points to a pending plea deal would not surprise me if something has happened that 2s riot reflected in the court file said Dutko such as an agreement that will be formalized later Defense attorney Marc Shiner said defense attorneys sometimes put off overtly conducting discovery deposing witnesses requesting documents and the like because doing so creates more work for harried prosecutors who may become angry and not offer a plea deal 223Sometimes defense lawyers knowing that will try and do discovery without taking depositions said Shiner a former prosecutor for years Instead they may conduct a below-the-radar probe such as having a private investigator check out leads he said Shiner and others say a plea deal for Epstein probably would result in pretrial intervention in which a defendant may be ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation counseling or other conditions in return for dropping the charge CA/Aronberg-00.1041 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-00.104 i Epstein attorney JacikGoldberger did.n9t return phon messages A source close to the case suggested it:is languishing pertding,a decision hy the FBI on whether to refer itto federaL prosecutors We 267still have apen_ding case FBI spokeswomanJudy Orihuela said Monday State Attorney Ktischer did not tettitn a tall for comment His spokesman Mike Ecl.1011-dson declined to s::iy 267vv:heJher federal investigators are delaying the Ep:stein cas:e But he added ifanotheragency is looking at something we wouldnt want to step on their toes Attorneys say inertia in a cr.iminal case often points to a pe.nding plea deal It would not surprise me if something has happened thats Iiotreflected in the court fife said Dutko such as an agreementthat will be formaHzed1ater Defense attorney Marc Shiner said defense attcirneys sometimes put off overtly conducting discovery deposfng witnesses requesting documents and the Hice because doing sq creates more work for haJTied prosecufors who may become angryand notoffeta plea deal S.ometimes defense Ia,vyers knowing that will try and do discovery wifuout taking depo 1.tiorts sajd Shiner a fo1:mer prosecut for years Jnstead,-theymay conduct abelow the tadar probe such.as having a private investigator check out lead he s_aid Shiner and others say a plea deal for Epstein probably would result in pretrial intervention in which a defendant may.be ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation counseling or other conditions rerurn fqr qropping the charge FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Edmondson spokesman for State Attorney Krischer said there is no plea offer and no request for the prosecution to show its cards To my knowledge it 2s,never happened before on a filed case he said CA/Aronberg-00.1042 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-00.1042 Edmondson spokesman for State Attorney Krisc.,her satd there is no 267plea offer and no request for the prosecution to showits cards To.my knowledge its,neverhappenedbefore on a filed c:ase he said FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Thursday O.ctober Edition FINAL Section LOCAL Page 5B Source The Associated Press Illustration?PHOTO Memo Ran all editions Dateline NEW YORK WOMAN SUES BILLIONAIRE INVESTOR SAYS THEY HAD SEX WHEN SHE WAS A billionaire investor already facing jail in Palm Beach County on charges of soliciting underage prostitutes is being sued by a young woman who says he had sex with her when she was and had sought his help becoming a model The lawsuit filed late Tuesday in Manhattans state Supreme Court says financier Jeffrey Epstein had the teen perform a sex act when she brought photographs of herself for him to review in his Upper East Side mansion sometime in Epstein a money manager told the teen he managed finances for Victorias Secret and could get you into the catalog if she were nice to him court papers say The papers say being nice included massages and other favors When the girl told.Epstein I am years old and just want to model he replied Dont worry I wont tell anybody court papers say Epstein said by Londons Mail on Sunday to be a close friend of Englands Prince Andrew has been indicted in Palm.Beach on charges of soliciting underage prostitutes That case is pending The girl visited Epstein several times over the several months and engaged in bizarre and unnatural sex acts while she was a minor the lawsuit says Epstein repeatedly requested that the girl return with her and 16-year-old girlfriends stating Come by with your friends your age next time Dont bring Sherrie a mutual friend in her love girls your age The young Woman,.now kept returning to Epstein because she has mental issues said her lawyer William Unroch He refused to elaborate but court papers say she was disabled as a result of severe mental disease and defect Epsteins lawyer in New York Gerald Lefcourt said The girl has admitted she is insane but she can read a newspaper and recognize the word rich Lefcourt also said the statute of limitations has expired for the womans case criminally and civilly arid will almost certainly be disihissed He refused to comment on Epsteins Florida charges Meanwhile Unroch also acknowledged that his client was living with him arid was at the center of a million lawsuit he filed last year against a neighbor who said he was having sex with underage girls That case is pending What she was doing at is irrelevant to what happened to her when she was Unroch said Wednesday He went on the say he hoped Epstein would agree to do right by his client and resolve the case out court CA/Aronberg-00.1043 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Thursday 0.cfober Edition FINAL Sectiqn LOCAL Page SB Source Th Associateci Press Illustration PHOTO WJ Memq 267Ran all editfons Dateline NEW YORK WOMAN SUESBILLIONAIREINVESTOR SAYS,THEYHADSEX WHEN SHKWAS A billionaire investor already facingjail in Palm B.each County on charges of soliciting underage prostitute is being by a young wqman wfiq sc:1ys be se.x with her when she was and had sought his help becoming a model The,lawsuit filed late Tue day in nhatt ns state Supreme Court says fiIJ-1:mcier Jeffrey Epstein had the teen perform a sex act when she brought photographs of herself for him to review in his Upper East Side mans.ion sometime in Epstein a money manager told the teen he managed finances for Victorias.Secret and could get yo into the catalqg if he were nic;e to him court papers say The papers say ing riice included massages and other favors When the giri tolclEpstdn I am i yei:1r.s old a11d just want to model he replied Dont worry I wont tell anybody court papets say Epstein said by Loncl_qns MailQn lJe c;lqse friend of Engl_ancls Prjnge Am;lrew has been indicted ih Palm.Beach on charges of soliciting underage prostitutes That ca:se is pending The girl visited Epste_in severa.f times-over the everal months an,d e,ngaged in bizarre and unnatural sex.acts while she was a minor 267the lawsuit says Epstein repeatedly requested that the girl return with ller and 16-year-old;girlfrier;id stating Come by with your friends your age next time Dmit bring Sherrie Ea mutual friend in her I love girls 267your age The yoiihg woman now kept returning to Epstein because she has mental issues sa:id her lawyer William Unrqch He.refused to borate but court pape.rs ay she was disabl as a result of.severe mental disease and defect Epstdns lawyer in NewYork Gerald Lefcourt 225saiq The gi.rl has a_dmitted she is ins;me but she can read a newspaper and recognize the word rich Lefcourt also said the statute oflimitations has expired for the womans cas criminally and civilly artd will almost certainly be dismisI;ed Be refused to comment on Epsteinis Florid.a chargl:!s Meanwhile Uhroch also acknowledged that his client Was living With him and wa:s atthe center ofa million lawsuit he filed lasJ year against a neig_hbor who sajd he wa1 having sex with under.age girls That:case is pending What she was doing is irrelevant to what happene.dto her when she was_l6 Unroch s_aid Wednesday He went ort 267the say he hoped Epsteihwouldagtee to do:rightt by his client and.resolve the case out of court CA/Aronberg-001043 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The Mm Beach Post NEWS85.4 STARTS HERE Palm Beacher pleads in sex case Posted Jul at AM Updated Oct at PM EDITOR 2S NOTE This story originally published in The Palm Beach Post on July Jeffrey Epstein will serve years on teen solicitation charges He lives in a Palm Beach waterfront mansion and has kept company with the likes of President Clinton Prince Andrew and Donald Tr ump but investment banker Jeffrey Epstein will call the Palm Beach County Jail home for the next months Epstein pleaded guilty Monday to felony solicitation of prostitution arid procuring a person under the age of for prostitution After seiying months in jail he will be under house arrest for a year And he will have a lifelong obligation to register as a sex:offender He must submit to an HIV test within hours with the results being provided to his victims or their parents As part of the plea deal federal investigators agreed to drop their investigation of Epstein which they had taken to a grand jury two law enforcement sources said Epstein was indicted two years ago after an 11-month investigation by Palm Beach police They received a complaint from a relative of a 14-year-old girl who had given Epstein a naked massage at his five-bedroom square-foot million Intracoastal home Police concluded that there were several other girls brought in and to an upstairs room at the home for similar massages and sexual touching CA/Aronberg-00.1044 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-00.1044 P-ann _Beacb,er ple ds ln s,X e,iise Poste9_ Jul ZOOS at AM Updated dct at EDITORS NOTE This s,tory originally published in The Palm Beach Post on uly Jeffrey Epstein will serve years on teen solicitation charges He li_ves in a Palm Beach waterfront mansion ang has _kept company with the likes of President Clinton Prince Andrew and Donald Trilnip but investment bankerJeffrey Epste_in will aH the Palm Beach County Jail home for the next months Epstein pleaded guilty Monday to felony soUcitationof prostittitiori and ptoturing a person under the age of for prostit After ser,v:i rpopths in il he will be under house arrest for a year And he will have a lifelong obligation to register as a sex offender He must submit to a_n I-UV test-within hours with the results being proyided to his victims ortheir P-arents As part of the plea deal federal investigators agreed to drop their investigation of Epstein which they had taken to a grand jury 1:Wo law en.forc;em nt rnrces ajd Epstein was indidedtwo years ago after an U-month irtvesti atfon by Palm Beach police Theyreceived a complaint from a relative ofa 14-year-.old girl who had given Epstein a naked massage at his five..:bedroom squart:Aoot million Intracoastal home Police concluded that there were several other girls brought in md to an upstairs room atthe home for similar-massages and sex touching FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The indictment charged Epstein only with felony solicitation of prostitution The state attorney 2s office later added the charge of procuring underage girls for that purpose Prosecutor Lanna Belohlavek said of the plea I took into consideration the length the trial would been arid witnesses having to testify about sometimes embarrassing incidents Epstein may have made a serious mistake soon after he was charged He rejected an offer to plead guilty to one count of aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony according to police documents He would have gotten five years probation had rib criminal record and not been a registered sex offender the documents indicate Epstein arrived in court Monday with at least three attorneys He wore a blue blazer blue shirt blue jeans and white and gray sneakers After Circuit Judge Deborah Dale Pucillo accepted the plea he was fingerprinted Epstein then removed his blazer and was handcuffed for the trip to jail while his attorneys tried to shield him from photographers lenses When he eventually is released to house arrest Epsteinwill have to observe a p.m to a.m curfew have no unsupervised contact with anyone younger than and neither own nor possess pornographic or sexual materials 223that are relevant to your deviant behavior the judge said Epstein will be allowed to leave home for Work The New York-based money manager told the judge he has formed the not-for-profit Florida Science Foundation to finance scientific research 2m there every day Epstein said The foundation was incorporated in November Epstein said he already has awarded money to Harvard and MIT CA/Aronberg-00.1045 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-0O1045 The indictment charged Epstein only with felony solicitation ofprostitutioli The state attorneys office later added the charge of procuring underage girls for that pt1rpose Prosecutor Lanna Belohlavek said ofthe"plea I to:ok into consideration the length the trial would have b.een and witnesses l;iaving to testify about sometimes embarrassing incidents Epstein may have:made a serious mistake soon after he was charged He rejected an offer to plead guiltyto One count of aggravated assaultwith intent to commit a felony according to police documents He would have gotten five years probation had ilb c1 267iininaLrecord a:nd not beeri,a registered sex offender the documents indicate Epstei11 arriyedjn court Monday with,.at lea three attorneys He wore a bluebfazer blue,shfrt bluejeans and white.and gray sneakers After Circuit udge DeborahDale PucjU9 accept t_he plea he was fingerprinted Epstein then.removed his biazer and was handcuffed fonhe trip to jail while his attorneys tried to shield him from photographers lenses Wh he eventually is,released to house arrest Epstein 267will have to observe aJ p.m to a.m curfew have;no unsupervised contact with anyone younger than and neither own no_r pos.sess pornographic or sexual materials that are relevant to yo.ur deviant behavior the judge said Epstein will be allowed to leave home for work The New York-based money manager told the judge he has formed the not-f9r-profit Florida Scienc::e foundati9Ilto finance scientific research Tm there every day Epstein said The foundation wasintorpotated:in November Epstein said he already has awarded money to Harvard and MIT FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM When he is released from jail there is a chance that Epstein will be forced to move Sex offenders are not allowed to live within feet of a school park or other areas where children may gather No determination has been made as to whether Epstein 2s home complies but attorneys said it likely does Sex offenders also typically must attend counseling sessions Belohlavek said that was waived for Epstein because his private psychiatrist is working with him The judge was skeptical but agreed to it Epstein 2s legal woes don 2t end with Monday 2s plea There are four pending federal civil lawsuits and one in state court related to his behavior At least one woman has sued him in New York where he owns a 51,0-square-foot Manhattan mansion 2s validation of what we 2re saying in the civil cases said Miami attorney Jeffrey Herman who represents the alleged victims in the federal lawsuits West Palm Beach attorney Ted Leopold represents one alleged victim in a civil suit in state court He said lie anticipates amending that lawsuit to add a few other clients as well In the criminal case police went so far as to scour Epstein 2s trash and conduct surveillance at Palm Beach International Airport where they watched for his private jet so they would know when he was in town They concluded that Epstein paid girls to each after the massage sessions Tm like a Heidi Fleiss Haley Robson now told police about her efforts in recruiting girls for Epstein There was probable cause to charge Epstein with unlawful sex acts with a minor and lewd and lascivious molestation police concluded CA/Aronberg-00.1046 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-001046 When heJs released from:jail there is-a chance that Epstein will be forced to move Sex offenders are not allowed to live within 1,QOO feet qf a school pru:-lc or other ire where chiidren may gather No-determination has been JTiade as to whether Epsteins home complies but attorneys saidit likely does Sex of e_nders also typicallymu_st attend.cou_nselin,g sess ons Belohlavek said that was_ waived for Eps_tein b.eca.use his private 267psychiatrist is working with him The judge was skeptkal bu agreed to it Eps_teins legal woes dont end with Mondays plea There are four pending federal.civiUawsuits and one in sta.te court related to his behavior Atleast one woman has sued him in New Ypfk w.lJ.er:e he owns a 51,0:..squa_re-fqotJylanhattan mansion Its validation of what weire sayin in the civil cases said Miami attorney JeffreyHennart who represents the alleged vic:tims 1n the fed_eral la,w J,lits We PalmJ ea att9rn Ted Leopold represents one alleged victim in a civil suit in state court He said he anticipates aniehdihg that lawsuit to add a few other clients a_s well In the criminal case poHce 267went so far as osco Eps ein.s trash and con:duct:surveillance at Palm Beach.International Airport where they watched for his private jet so they wo know when he was in town Th_ey cpI1ch1_dedJhat Epstein paid gids to each afterthe massage sessions Tm lj a Heidi Fkiss Haley Robson now told police ab.out her efforts in recruiting girls for Epstein There was prob.able cause to 225charge Epstdn with un:lawfu:1 sex acts with-a minor and lewd and lascivio.us molesta:tion polic;e conc:luded FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The state attorney 2s office said questions about the girls credibility led it to take the unprecedented step of presenting the evidence against Epstein to a grand jury rather than directly charging him Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter was furious with State Attorney Barry Krischer saying in a May letter that the prosecutor should disqualify himself I continue to find your office 2s treatment of these cases highly unusual he wrote He then asked for and.got a federal investigation Epstein hired a phalanx of high-priced lawyers including Harvard law professor and author Alan Dershowitz and public relations people who questioned Reiter 2s competence and the victims truthfulness In addition to mansions in Palm Beach and Manhattan Epstein owns homes in New Mexico and the Virgin Islands He 2s a frequent contributor to Democratic Party candidates He also donated million to Harvard in Former New York Gov Eliot Spitzer returned a campaign contribution from Epstein after his indictment then resigned this year during his own sex scandal And the same Palm Beach Police Department that vigorously investigated Epstein returned his donation forthe purchase of a firearms simulator Staff writer Eliot Klei riberg arid former staff researcher Michelle Quigley contributed to this story i CA/Aronberg-00.1047 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA Aronberg-00.104 The state attorneys office said questions about the girls credibility led it to take the unprecedented step of pr!;:!senting the evid nce against Epstein to a grand jury rather than directly charging him Palm Beach Police ChiefMichael Reiter was furious with State Attorney Barry Krischer saying iri a May letter that th pros_ecutor should di_squalify himself coptinue to find your offices tteat:trren:t of these cases highly unus he wrote He then asked fot and got aJederal favestig;ation Ep_st_ein hired a phiila,1u of high-priced lawyers including Harvard law professor and author Alan Ders_howitz and public relations people who questioned Reiters 267competence and the victiwst.I"uthfulness In addition tq rpa,ns1ons lm Beach and Manhattan Epstein owns homes in New Mexico,andthe Virgin Islands_ He.s frequent toiltributot to Democratic Party candidates He als_o donated million to Harvard in Former New York Gqv Eli9tSpitzerrehuned a campaign contribution from Epstein after.his indictrn nt then resig;ned this year during his own sex scandal And the same Palm Bea,ch Police Department that vigorously investigated Epstein returned his donaJionforth purchase ofa ffrearms.simulator Staffwriter Eliot.Kleinberg and former sta:ffaesearcher Michelle Quigley confribut_ed to this story FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The Fata Beach Bost REAL-2.9 NEWS STARTS134.2 HERE Jeffrey Epstein Scientist stuntmen 221sexsUave 2visitjaiBed tycoon By LARRY KELLER Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Posted Aug at AM Updated Jul at PM Tycoon Jeffrey Epstein mingled with an eclectic mix of people including beautiful youngwomen before,he got into trouble for paying teenage girls to give him sexual massages at his Palm Beach mansion Not much has changed even though he now resides in a dorm at the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Offices 17-acre stockade near the fairgrounds During his first month of confinement Epstein was visited by the female assistant who girls told police had escorted them to the room at his mansion where they gave him naked massages Also trekking to the jail was a young woman whom Epstein purportedly described as his Yugoslavian sex slave The wealthy financier and science wonk also has been visited by an expert on artificial intelligence as well as a man who is a mixed martial arts aficionado and sometime movie stuntman The only other people to visit him at the jail according to records are a Singer Island man and an individual who listed Epsteins Palm Beach address as his own Epstein pleaded guilty on June to two prostitution related charges and was sentenced to months in jail followed by a year of house arrest Epstein paid teenage CA/Aronberg-00.1048 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-0O1048 letfr ill 267Sci nJist 267stu 267ntman se 267shiv.et vis itj.alled tY iJQht By LARRY KELLER lPalm Beach Post Staff Writer Posted Aug at AM Updated Jul at Tycoon Jeffrey Epstein mingled with an eclectic mix of people 1ncluding beautiful young 267women before:he got into trouble for paying teenage girls to 267give him s_exual massages at his Palm Beach mansion Not much has changed even though he now resides in a do:rm at th,_e P;ilm Beach CqunJy Sl_ieriffs Offices F-acre h_e i sto.ckade near the fairgrounds During his first mortth of confinemen:t Epstein was visited by.the female assistantwho girls told police had escorted tl:iem to the room 1t 1is Iil:J 1sion wh re tl,ley gaye him 225naked massages Also trekking to the jail was a young woman whom Epstein purportedly described as his Yugoslavian sex slave The we Jt_li.y finaIJ ier ind scjep,ce wonk also h_a beep visited 267by:an ex:pert on a:rtificialirltelligen as well as a mah who is a mixed martial arts aficionado and sometime movie stun_tman The only other people to yisit him the jail according.to records area Singerlsland man and an individual who listed Epsteins Palm Beach address as his 267own Epstein pleaded guilty on June to two prostitution related charges and was sentenced to months in jail followed by a year of house arrest Epstein paid teenage FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM girls to in and for massages in his home that sometimes included.sexual touching Palin Beach police said His jail visitors in July included Sarah Kellen who some of the teen masseuses said phoned them when Epstein was in town and escorted them upon their arrival at his Palm Beach waterfront home to an upstairs room where she prepared the massage table and provided the oils for their encounters;with him Kellen visited Epstein three times in July according to a ail visitors log Kellen lists a Manhattan home address Reached by telephone she declined to discuss Epstein Nadia Marcinkova whose family in Yugoslavia Epstein paidmoney to so that he could bring her to the United States to be his 223sex slave two teenage girls told police One girl told police that Epstein instructed Marcinkova and her to kiss and have sex while he Watched and masturbated Another said she engaged in sex with Marcinkova at Epstein 2s urging Marcinkova visited Epstein in jail four times in days She lists.her address as on the Upper East side of Manhattan not far from Epsteins enormous apartment Roger Schank founder of the Institute for Learning Sciences at Northwestern University and an expert on artificial intelligence paid one visit to Epstein Schank has written numerous books on that subject and has a doctorate degree from Yale University in linguistics He was one of people who applied to be president of Florida Atlantic University in He became 223chief learning officer at the online Trump University in Schank listed his address as being in Stuart and records show he also owns a home in Lake Worth CA/Aronberg-001049 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-0O1049 girls to in and for massages in his home that sometimes included sexual touching Palm Beach polic;e sald His jail visitors inJuly included Sarah Rel1en who some of the teen m_asseuses said phoned them when Epstein was-in town and escorted them upon their arr.ival at his Palm Beach waterfront home,to an upstairs mom where she prepared th massage table and provided the oils for:their encounters,with him Kellen visited Epstein three times in July according to a jail visitors l9g Kellen lis_ts a Manhattan hom.e address Reached by telephone she declined to discuss Epstein Nadia Marcinkova whosefamilyin Yugoslavia Epstein paid:money so that he could bring her to the United States to be his sex slave two teenage girls told police One girL told police that Epstein instructed Marcirikova and her to kiss and have sex while he watched and masturbat Anoth said she engag in se"?C with Marcinkova at Epsteins urging Marcinkova visited.Epstein inja:il four times in l3 days She lists:her address as on the Upper Ea side of Manhattan not far from Epsteins enor:moqs a,p:artment Roger Schank founder of the Institute for Learning Sciences at Northwestern University and a:1t expert on artificial inteUig nce paid one vi l_t tQ Epstein Schank has written numero.us books on that subjec;t and has a doctorate degree from Yale University in linguistics He was one of people who ppHed to be president ofFlor,ida Atlantic University in He became chief learning officer at the onlirie Trump University.in Schank.listed his addtes as being in St l:i.rt and records how he al 9wns a hqme in Lake Worth FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-001050 Epsteinhas financed a number of scientists over the years including Nobel Prize winners He gave million to Harvard University in In November he formed the not-for-profit Florida Science Foundation which he said finances scientific research Igor Zinoviev a Russian mixed martial arts fighter who coaches a Chicago team in the International Fight League He also has worked as a personal trainer celebrity bodyguard and movie stuntman according to the league 2s Web site The New Jersey resident visited Epstein seven times in July Zinoviev Schank and Mar.cinkova could not be reached for comment Staff researcher Niels Heimeriks contributed to this story FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-001050 I I Epste financed a number of scientists over 1ndu9,ingNobel Prize winners He gave m..iJlio J.to Harvard University In November,heformedtfe hoVJor"ptofit Florida Science Foundation which he sa finances scientific research Igor Zinoviev a Russ1an.mixed martial arts fighter who coaches a Chicago team in the Internati.onal Fight L.eag He also haswotked as a.personal trainer celebrity bodyg 265ard 3.n,dmoyie stuptqian according to the leagues Web sit The:NewJersey resident visited Epstein sE:!ven times in July Zinoviev Scharik and Marcinkova could not be reached for comm nt Staffresearch Niels Hdme:riks cQntr1butE:!d to this story FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM felm tech MIf News i Bi 1I ionaire sexoff ensier leaves jail six days aweek forwork Posted Jul at AM Updated Oct at AM Palm Beach billionaire Jeffrey Epstein who 2s serving months in jail for soliciting an underage girl for prostitution is allowed to leave the Palm Beach.County Stockade six days a week on a work-release program Teri Barbera spokeswoman for the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office confirmed that Epstein hasbeen in the work-release program since Oct He works six days a week Friday through Wednesday a.m to p.m Barbera said via e-mail He works at his local West Palm Beach office monitored on an active GPS system he wears an ankle bracelet Mr Epstein hires a permit deputy at his expense for his own security at his workplace during the time he is out Miami attorney Jeffrey Herman represents six young women who ve sued Epstein claiming he sexually abused them at his Palm Beach home when they were minors Herman said he received a letter about the work-release program from the U.S Attorneys Office within the.past few days But Herman says Epstein had been out on work release for several weeks before the notification clients expressed shock and disappointment Herman said find it incredible that he 2s on work-release in the community and my clients aren 2t notified of this and we get this letter weeks after the fact Jack Goldberger Epstein 2s criminal attorney said the CA/Aronberg-00.1051 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-001051 B,iUiq1,1ajie 267:siff nde jail six da tw.a:fetlor WOtk l?ost Jul AM Updated Oct af A.M Palrn Beach billjqnaire effrey Epstein whos serving months in jail for soliciting an tmdera girlfor prostittition is allowed to leave the Palm Be ch.County Stockade six days i week on a work-release program Teri Barher_a spokeswoman for the Palm Beach Co.unty Sheriffs Office confirmed that Epstein has been in the worhrelease program since Oct He w9r_ six days a week Frid_ay thr:ough edn sday a.m t_p p.m Barb ra sai lvia e,-,mail He works at his lo:ca.L West Palm Beach office trion:itored on an active GPS system he wears an ankle bracelet IVlr Ep tein h,ires a permit dep lty at his expense for his own security at his workplace during the time he is out Miami attorney Jeffrey 267Herman represents sixyourig women who.ve sued Epst_ein,d::i.imin,ghe se::wally _c1.bused themat:his Palm Beach home when they were minors Herman said he received a letter about the work release 267program from the lJ.S Attorneys Office withi11 th pa few days But Herman says Epstein had.been out on work 267releas for several weeks before the notification Mydients expressed shocka disc1.ppoi11tment Ben;nan said I find it incredible that hes on work-release in th:e community and m:y clients arent notified of this and we get this letter weeks after the fact Jack Goldberger Epsteins criminal attorney id the FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM arrangement is not unusual He goes to work every single day and,goes back to jail at night just like everybody else in the program Goldberger said Epstein pleaded guilty June to two felony counts soliciting prostitution and procuring a person under for prostitution As part of the plea agreement Epstein must serve one year of house arrest and register as a lifelong sex offender CA/Aronberg-00.1052 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-00.1052 arrangeme11t is no_tu11_usual He goes to work every single day and goes _back to jail a,t ni ht,justlike everybody eise in the program Goldberger said Epstein pleaded.guiltyJune 30to two felony cou ts solid ting prostitution and procuring a 1rson,under l8 for prostitution As part of the plea agreement Epstein must serve one year of house arrest and register as a lifelong sex offender FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The 2Whn Bast REALNEWS STARTS HERE I Women want Epstein sex plea deal unsealed Posted Jul at AM Updated Oct at PM EDITOR 2S NOTE This story originally published in The Palm Beach Post June Their attorneys will ask a judge to open Jeffrey Epstein 2s records When wealthy money manager Jeffrey Epstein of Palm Beach pleaded guilty last year to procuring teens for prostitution his case detoured around local and state rules regarding the sealing of court documents At a plea conference on the state charges a judge a defense lawyer and a prosecutor huddled at the bench and decided that a deal Epstein had struck with federal prosecutors to avoid charges should be sealed according to a transcript of the hearing And so it was But Florida rules of judicial administration as well as rules of the Palm Beach County court system require public notification that a court document has been or will be sealed meaning-266.5 kept from public view The rules also require a judge to find a significant reason to seal such as protecting a trade secret or a compelling government interest Yet.no notification or reason occurred in Epstein 2s case according to court records CA/Aronberg-001053 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA Aronberg-0O1053 I i AJQ:ment Vif Pl Epstebr.s ple d,al urtstulled Posted Jul at AM Updated 0d PM EDITOR;S NOTE This story originally published in The Palm Beach Post June Their attorneys will ask a judge to openJeffr yEp teins records When wealthy money manager Jeffrey Epstein of Pa:im Beach pleaded guilty last year to procuring teens for prostitu.tion,his case det9ured a,roundlqcal and state rnles_ regarding the sealing of co_urt documen:ts At a plea conference on the state charges a jtidge a defense lawyer and a prosecutor huddled at the bench and decided th.at a dea1::gpstdn ha,d truck with federal prosecutors to avoid charges should be sealed according to a transcript of the heating Andsoitwas But Florida judicial administr_atfon as well as J.ttle_s of the Palm Beach County court system require public notification that a court document has been or will be sealed,,meaningkeptfrom public yiew The rules also require a j11dge Jo:find a significant reason to seaf such as protecting trade secret or a compelling govermneht int rest._ Yet,no notification or reason occurreci in:Epsteiri.s case accor lingto to.urt.reccirds FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Epstein sown attorneys in federal filings have referred to his confidential deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S attorney 2s office struck in September as unprecedented and highly unusual And it was a significant inducement for Epstein to accept the state 2s deal observed the state judge who accepted his plea County Judge Deborah Dale Pucillo Epstein now faces at least a dozen civil lawsuits in federal and state courts filed by young women who said they had sex with him and now are seeking damages Attorneys for some ofthose women want his agreement with federal prosecutors unsealed and will ask Circuit Judge Jeffrey Colbath to do so today It.is against public policy for these documents to be have been sealed and hidden from public scrutiny As a member of the public E.W has a right to have these documents unsealed wrote former Circuit Judge Bill Berger now in private practice-and representing one of the women The Palm Beach Post also will ask Colbath to unseal the agreement Post attorney Deanna Shullman will argue that the public has a right to know the specifics of Epstein 2s deal According to various media accounts Epstein moved in circles that included President Clinton Donald Trump and Prince Andrew International Moneyman of Mystery declared a New York magazine profile of Epstein Epstein is in the Palm Beach County Stockade serving an 18-month sentence after pleading guilty nearly a year ago to felony solicitation of prostitution and procuring teenagers for prostitution He is allowed out from a.m to p.m escorted by a deputy said Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office spokeswoman Teri Barbera CA/Aronberg-00.1054 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA Aronberg-00.1054 Ep,tei!wn attorneys in federal fings h:ave referred to his confldential deferred prosecution agr.eemeht with the U.S attorneys office struck in September as unprecedented and highly u11us AI1d;it_ w:as a significant inducement for Epstein to accept the state.s i deal observed the state judge who accepted his plea County Judge Deborah Dale Pucillo Epstein now faces at least a dozen civil lawsuits in feder.tl arid state courts filed by young women who said they ha:d sex with him and 267now a:re seeking damages Attorn ys for some of those women want his agreement withfederal prosecutQrs unsealed and will ask Circuit Judge Jeffrey Colbath to,do so today I tis ag;aihst ptibhc policyJot these documents to be have been sealed and hidden from public scruti11y A,s a me_mber of the p11blic E.W has a right to haye these documents unseaied wrote former Circuit Judge Bill Berger now in ptivateptactice-ahd representing one ofthe women The Pilrn Beach Post also will ask Colbath to unseal the agreement Post attorneyDeanha,Shullman:will atgue,that the,public has aright to know the specifics ofEpsteii;i.s cleat According to ya,rious media acco 265nts Epstein moved in cirdes that indu.ded President Clinton Donald Trump and Prince Andrew International Mof1eyman of Mystery declared a NewY9rk magazine profil,e,of Epstein Epstein is in the Palm Bea CountyStockad serving an 18-month sentence after pleading 267guilty nearly a year ago to felony solicitation of prostitution and procuring teenagers for prostitutfon He is allowed out from a.m to 1l p.m escorted by a deputy said Palm Beath County Sheriffs Office spokeswoman Teri Barbera FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM During a Palm Beach Police Department investigation five victims and witnesses gave statements They told of young women brought by his assistants to Epstein 2s mansion on El Brillo Way for massages and sexual activity and then being paid afterward At Epsteins plea conference last year his attorney Jack Goldberger and.then-Assistant State Attorney Lanna Belohlavek approached Pucillo in a sidebar conference Pucillo who had left the bench nine years earlier was filling in temporarily as a senior judge According to a transcript Goldberger told Pucillo that Epstein had entered a confidential agreement with the U.S attorney 2s office in which federal prosecutors brokered not pursuing charges against him if he pleaded guilty in state court Pucillo then said she wanted a sealed copy of the agreement filed in his case and Goldberger concurred that he wanted it sealed Belohlavek later signed off on it The Florida Supreme Court has expressed serious concern arid launched an all-out:inquiry into sealing procedures across the state following media reports in of entire cases being sealed and disappearing from court records The public 2s constitutional right of access to court records must remain inviolate and this court is fully committed to safeguarding this right justices wrote in-their final report Epstein 2s office on Tuesday referred any questions to Goldberger who declined to comment Pucillo also has declined.to comment i CA/Aronberg-001055 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-0O1055 During a Palm Beach Police Department investigation,Jive victims a,nd witp.es es gave sti:lten1ents Tpey tqlcl of young women broughtbyhis,assistants to Epsteins mansion on El Briilo Way for massages and sexual activ.ity and then being paid afterward At Ep teins plea co 265ference lastyear his attor11ey Jack Gqldb rger and;then-Assistant State Anorney Lanna Befohlavekapproached Pucillo ih a sidebar conferen:te Pucillo who had left the bench nine years earlier was filling in temporarily as a s.enior judge According to a transcript Goidberger told Pucillo that Epstein had entered a confide-ntial agree:tneht with the U;S itt9rneys 9ffice in which frderal prosecutor:s b_rokeri:!d p.ot 265rs_uing chai;ges against him if he pleadeq guilty in state court Pucillo then said she wante.d a sealed copy of the agreement filed-in his case and Goldberger concurred that he wanted it se_aled Belohlayek later signed qff qn it The Florida Supreme Co.urt has expressed serious concern and laun 267ched an alh-outinquiry into sealing procedures across the state following media reports of entire cases being sealed and dis_appearing from court records The p.ublics constitutional right of ac::cess to court records mustremairt inviolate and this court is folly committed to Si:lf larding _dgh_t/justkes vvi:ote in,their final repor:t Epst_einsnffice onTuesday referred any questions to Goldberger who declined to comment Pucillo also has declined to comment FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The PalmBeach Bast REAL-2.9 STARTS HERE Epstein secret reveals 223highly unusual terms Posted Jun at AM Updated Oct at AM EDITORS NOTE This story originally published in The Palm Beach Post on September A secret non-prosecution agreement multimillionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein struck with federal prosecutors is being called 223highly unusual by former federal prosecutors and downright outrageous by attorneys now representing young women who serviced him The deal reveals:"that the FBI and the U.S Attorney 2s Office investigated him for-several federal crimes including engaging minors in commercial sex The crimes are punishable by anywhere from years to life in prison But federal prosecutors backed down and agreed to recall grand jury subpoenas if Epstein pleaded guilty to prostitution-related.felonies in state court which he ultimately did He received an 18-month jail sentence of which he served months The U.S Attorneys Office also agreed not to charge any of Epstein 2s possible co-conspirators Sarah Kellen Adriana Ross Lesley Groff and Nadia Marcinkova The deal was negotiated in part by heavyweight New York criminal defense attorney Gerald Lefcourt Unsealed on Friday after attorneys for some of Epstein.s victims and The Palm Beach Post sought its release it offers the first public look at the deal Epstein 2s high-powered legal counsel brokered on his behalf CA/Aronberg-00.1056 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA Aron pstei:n se.c.re,t;pa with teds r.eveals hl hi urui-su:af 267terms _g Posted Jun at AM Updated Oct at AM EDITQR;S NOTE This story originally publishedln The Palm Beach Post on September A cret non prosecution greement multimillionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein struck withfederal prosecutors is being called highly unusual by former federal prosecutors ln_d dovmright 9utrageous by attorneys now representing youn,g women who serviced him The deal reveals that the FBI and the.US Attorneys Office investigated him for sevetal federal crimes facludin eJ g;,lgi,ng minors commercial sex The crimes are punishable by anywhere from years to life prison But federal pr.os_ecutors backed down and agreed to recall grand jury subpoenas if Epstein pleaded guilty to prQ tutiqn_-ri:!latedJelonies fn state court which he ultimately did He re.ceived an 18-month jail sentence of which he served months The U.S Attorneys Office also agreed notto charge any of Epstein possible co-q nspir t,o:rs:,Sarah fd,ler1 Ac a Ross Lesley Groff and Nadia Marcinkova The deal was negotiated in part by.heavyweight NeviYork crimin defense attorn Gerald Lefcourt Unsealed on Friday after attorneys for sqme of Epstein.s victims and The Palm B.ea.th Post sough tits release it offers the first.public look at the deal Epsteins high-poweredJegal counsel brokered on his behalf FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Mark Johnson of Stuart a former federal prosecutor described the disparity in potential sentences as unusual but even more so a provision on attorney payment The first draft of the agreement in September required that Epstein pay an attorney tapped by the U.S Attorney 2s Office and approved by Epstein to represent some of the victims That attorney is prominent Miami lawyer Bob Josefsberg But an addendum to the agreement signed the following month struck Epstein 2s duty to pay Josefsberg if he and the victimsdid not accept settlements capped.at SI and instead pursued lawsuits Johnson.said it appears the government was trying to balance the lesser sentence for Epstein with recovering for each victim 2ve never ever seen anything like that in my life he said TVs highly unusual The deal does not say whether any victims were contacted of consulted before the deal was made Attorney Brad Edwards of Fort Lauderdale who represents three of the young women believes that none of the to woman identified as victims in the federalinvestigation were told ahead of time Edwards said his clients received letters from the U.S Attorney 2s Office months after the deal was signed assuring them Epstein would be prosecuted Never consulting the victims is probably the most outrageous aspect of it Edwards said taught them that someone With money can buy his way out of anything It 2s outrageous and embarrassing for United States Attorney 2s Office and the State Attorney 2s Office Epstein now faces many civil lawsuits filed by the women who are represented by a variety of attorneys In many the allegations are the same that Epstein had a predilection for teenage girls identified poor vulnerable ones and used CA/Aronberg-001057 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-0O1057 I Mark son of Stuart a former federal prosecutor described the disparity in.potential sentences a:s unusual but even more so a provision on attorney payment The first draft of the agreement in September requirec:l that"Epsteil pay an attorney pped by the Q.S AttCirnefs-0ffice and proved by Epstein to.tepreseilt some of-the victims That attorney is prominent Miami lawyer Bob Josefsberg But an addendum tothe 267agreementsigned the following month struck Epsteins duty to pay.Josefsbetg if he and.the victims did not accept settlements capped.at and instead pursued lawsuits Johnson said it appears the government was frying to balance the lesser 267sentence for Epstein with recovering for ach victi_m Tve.11ever eve_r seen anything like that in my life he said Its highly unusual The_ deai does not say whether a:nyvictims Wl:!te contacted of consulted.before the deal was made Attorney Brad Edwards of Fort Lauderdale who represents thre_e of the young women believes that none of the to woman identified as victims in the federal investigation Were 267toldahead of time Edwards said his.clients received letters frorn the U.S A,ttome Office months afte_r the de_al was signed assuringthE!mEpstein would be prosecuted Never consulting the victims is probably 267the most outrageous aspe.ct 267ofit Edwards s,,iid It taught them that some:one With money can buy his way out ofartythin Its outrageous and embarrassing for United States Attorneys Office ancl the State Attorneys Office Epstein now faces many civillaws.uits filed by the women who are represented by a variety ofattorheys ln many the allegations are the same that Epstein had a predilection for teenage_ g1rls ic:lentified poor vulnerable ones and use4 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM other young women to lure them to his Palm Beach mansion They walked away with between and i Former Circuit Judge Bill Berger also representing victims called the agreement a sweetheart deal Why was it so important for the government to make this deal Berger asked rhetorically We have not yet had an honest explanation by any public official as to why it was made and why the victims were sold down the river Former federal prosecutor Ryon McCabe described the agreement as very unorthodox Such agreements he said are usually reserved for corporations not individuals 2s very very rare I 2ve never seen or heard of the procedure that was set up here said McCabe who has no involvement in any Epstein litigation He 2s essentially avoiding federal prosecution.because he can afford to pay that many lawyers to help those victims review their cases If a person has no money he couldn 2t be able to strike a deal like this arid avoid federal prosecution The backroom deal with federal prosecutors is all the more interesting in.light of the legal powerhouses who have worked for Epstein including Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz and Bill Clinton investigator Kenneth Starr Lefcourt is a past president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Epstein 2s local defense attorney Jack Goldberger issued a statement Friday saying he had fought the release of the sealed agreement to protect the third parties narried there Mr Epstein has fully abided by all of its terms and conditions He is looking forward to putting this difficult period in his life behind him He is continuing his long standing history of science philanthropy CA/Aronberg-001058 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-0O1058 other yoqng women to lur.e them to his Palm Beach man:sion They walked away with betwe.e1t and I I Former Circ:uitJudge Bill Betget,alsore_presen:ting vittirtis calle_c;l th.e agreemel a sweetheart deaL Why was it so impo.rt_ant for the gqvemment to make this deal Berger asked rhet Yrkally We ha:ve not yet had an honest explanation byany:public official as to whyitwas made ancl:why thevictims 267were sqld iqwn the river Former federal prosecutor Ryon McCabe described the agreement a:s very liriorthodox Such a teeinertts he said are usually reserved for corporations not in viduals It".svery very rare Fve never seen or heardof the procedure that was setup here said McCabe who has no involvement in any Epstein litigation Hes essentially avoiding federal prosecution because he can aff9rd to t;hat many fawyei:s to help those victims reyiew their cases If a person.has no money he couldn:t be able to strike a deal like this 267a:ndavoidfederal The b:i.ckroom deal with federal prosecutors is all the more ihter:estin:g in.iight of the legal powerhouses who.have worked for Epstein including Harvard professor Alan Dershqwitz and Bil_l Clinton fovestig tor Kenneth Starr Lefoourt is a pa.st rresident of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Epsteins local defe11se attorpey ac:k Goldl erger 267issued a statement Friday saying he had fought the release of the sealed agreement to protect the third parties named there Mr Epstein has fully abided by all of its terms and cqnditic:ms He is lookillg forward to_ putting this difficult yeriod in his life behind him He is 267contin:uinghis lon:g standing history of science philanthropy FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The investigation triggered tensions between police and prosecutors with then-Palm Beach Chief Michael Reiter saying in a May letter to then-State Attorney Barry Krischer that the chief prosecutor should disqualify himself continuelo find your office 2s treatment of these cases highly unusual Reiter wrote He then asked for and got the-federal investigation that ended in the sealed deal The Jeffrey Epstein matter was an experience of what a many-million-dollar defense can accomplish Reiter told the Palm Beach Daily News upon his retirement I CA/Aronberg-001059 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-0O1059 i The investigation trigge:recl tensio-qs betwe n_poljce and prosecutors with then:-PalmBeach.Chief Michael ite,r saying in a May letter to then-State Attorney Barry Kris ch er that the chief prosecutor should disqualify himself I I conti_nueto find your offices treatment of these-cases highly unusual Reiter wrote He"the11 asked for anci got the federalinvestigation that ended in the sealed de.al The Jeffrey Epstein matter was an experience of what a many-million-dollar defense can accornplish Reiter told the Pafm Beach Daily News upon his retirement FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Wednesday January Edition FINAL Section LOCAL BUSINESS Page 3B Source By JANE MUSGRAVE Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Dateline WEST PALM BEACH JUDGE RULES EPSTEIN ATTORNEYS CAN SUBPOENA ABORTION RECORDS In a decision that could spark a constitutional showdown over privacy rights a judge Tuesday gave lawyers representing multimillionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein the right to subpoena abortion records from women who are seeking millions in damages froth the part time Palm Beach resident Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Donald Hafele said the records could help Epstein rebut the womens claims that they suffered psychological ills after being paid to give him sexually-charged massages at his Palm Beach mansion when they were as young as Hafele told Epsteins attorneys they c.ouldnt go on a fishing expedition The medical records he said cant be sought until the women are asked whether they have ever had ah abortion how many and where Further he said the records would not be made public and might not be admissible during trial But he said since the vyomen claim Epstein now is responsible for their emotional distress his attorneys can explore the impact of other events Medical records Hafele said are a better source of information than a persons memory Attorney Louis Silver who represents the Presidential Womens Health Center a West Palm Beach clinic where abortions are performed warned Hafele that.he was stepping on shaky constitutional grounds These records arc protected by our constitutional right of privacy he said referring to the Florida Constitution After the hearing Silver said an appeal won 2t be necessary until,Epstein attorneys seek the records In another ruling Wednesday Hafele said that videos from depositions in the state cases cant be released without a court order The ruling came after Epstein attorney Robert Critton complained that a video of Epstein being asked whether he had an egg-shaped penis became a youtube.com sensation It first appeared on The Palm Beach Post Web site Critton blamed attorney Spencer Kuvin for releasing it Kuvin said it was public record The civil suits began mounting after Epstein agreed to plead guilty to two state charges procuring a minor for prostitution and soliciting prostitution He served months of an month sentence As part of the deal brokered with federal prosecutors he agreed not to contest the accusations in the civil lawsuits He can argue the women dont deserve the millions they arc seeking jane_musgrave pbpost.com CA/Aronberg-00.1060 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Wednesday January Edition FINAL Section LOCAL BUSINESS Page 3B Source By JANE MUSGRAVE Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Dateline WESTPALM BEACH JUDGE RULES EPSTEIN ATTORNEYS-CAN SUBPOENAABORTION RECORDS In a decision that could spark a 267o11stitutio11al showdowti over priyacy rights a judge 265esday gaye laW ers representing multimillionaire sex offonderJef:frey Epstein the right to subpoena abortion records from woineh who are seeking millions in damages frofu the part time Palm Beach resident PaJrti Beach County Circuit Judge Donald Hafele aid the retotds could help Epstein rebut the womens claims that they suffered psychological.ills after l?eing paid.to give him sexually-charged massages at his Palm Beach mahsionwheii they were as young as Hafele t_old Epsteins attorneys they c.ouldnt go on a fish1ng expeditfon The medical records he said can!t be sought until the women are asked whether they.have ever had an abortion how many and where Further he said the r.ecords would.not be made 265blii aD might not be admissible during trial But he said siiwe the women claim Epstein now is responsible for their emotionai distress his attorneys can explore the impact of other events Medical records Hafele said are a better so_urce ofinformation than a persons memory Attorney Louis Silver who represents the Presidential Womens Health Center a West Palm Beach clinic where abortions are performed warned Hafele that.he was stepping on shaky constitutional grou1ids Thes.e records are protected by our constitutional right of privacy he said refeningJo the Florida Constitution After the hearing Siiver said an appeal wont be necessary until Epstein attorneys seek the records In 267another ruling Wednesday Hafele also said that vide.os fr.om depositions in the state cases cant be released without a court order The tulirtg came after Epstein attorney Robert Critton complained that a video ofEpstein being asked whether he had an egg.:shaped penis became a y6Utt1be.torh sensatio1t It first appeared on The.Palm Beach Po_stWeb site Critton blamed attorney Spencer I uvin for releasing it Kuvin said it was public record The civil uits began mounting after-Epstein agreed to plead guilty to two stc1t.e charges proc 265ring a minor for prostitution and soliciting prostitution He served months of an mohth sentence As part of the deal broh:red with feder prose 265tors he agreed Qot to contest the accusations in the civil lawsuits He can argue the wom dont deserve the millions they are seeking jane mu grav pbpost.com CA/Aronberg-00.1060 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The Mm Beach Bost NEWS STARTS HERE Epstein Journal 2s Findings Could Resurrect Case By Jane Musgrave Posted at AM Updated at AM EDITOR 2S NOTE This story originally published in The Palm Beach Post on March A purloined journal that is said to contain the names of hundreds of victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein could be used toreopen the investigation into the multi-millionaires appetite for teenage girls an attorney representing seven of the victims said Friday New details about the contents of the journal were released this week when.Alfredo Rodriguez who worked as a property manager for the Palm Beach resident pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for lying to federal agents when asked if he had any information about his former boss criminal activity He later tried to sell the journal he Stole from Epstein for to an unidentified person who alerted authorities according to court records As part of the plea agreement federal prosecutors said the journal 223contains information material to the Epstein investigation including the names of material witnesses and additional victims Had the items been produced in response to the inquiries of state or federal authorities the materials would have been presented to the federal grand jury federal prosecutors wrote CA/Aronberg-001061 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-0O1061 Ep s:tein lournaIs fio in,gs 243OJiJdl 267Re.sutrect C11se By Ja11e Musgrave Posted Sep at AM Upd.ated Oct at AM EDil"ORS NOTE Thts story originally published in The Palm Beach Post on March A purloined journal that is said to contain the names of hundreds ofvictims of c9nvicted x.offencier Jeffrey Epstein co.uld be used toreop the investigation into the multi-millionaires appetite for teenage girls an attorney representing sev of the victim said Friday New details ahoutthe contents of the jou_mal were reJe sed this week when,Alfredo Rodriguez who worked as a property manager fot the.Palm Beach resident pleaded gl!ilty to obstruction of tice for lying to Jederal agents when asked ifhe boss criminal activity He later tried to s.ell the journal he stole from Epstein for to an unidentified person who alerted authorities a.c:cording to court records As part of the plea agreement federal prosecutors said the journal contains information material to the Epstein investigation including the name of ma.teri.itl witnesses and additional victims Had the items been produced in response to the inquiries of state or federal authorities the materials would have be.en presented to the federal grand jury federal prosecutors wrote FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Instead prosecutors short-circuited the grand jury investigation and cut a deal with Epstein They agreed riot to pursue federal charges if he didn 2t contest prostitution related felonies in state court The money manager pleaded guilty in July procuring-a minor for prostitution and soliciting prostitution He served riioriths of an month sentence Attorney Adam Horowitz who represent seven of the roughly women who have filed civil suits against Epstein said the new information could trump the so called non-prosecution agreement The multifaceted agreement he said deals only with a specific list of victims that the U.S Attorneys Office knew about when it penned the deal in If additional victims are listed in the journal Rodriguez stole Horowitz said federal prosecutors could reopen the investigation Tt opens the door for further prosecution he said In addition to turning over the journal to federal agents Rodriguez told them he knew his former boss was having sex with.underage girls when he worked for him in and He had seen naked girls who looked like,minors in the pool of Epstein 2s million mansion He had seen pornographic images of young girls on Epstein 2s computer according to court records Neither Epsteins criminal defense attorney Jack Goldberger nOr attorney Robert Critton who represents Epstein in the civil lawsuits could be reached Federal prosecutors have consistently declined comment The Wording of the controversial agreement is unclear It says federal prosecutors Would provide Epstein 2s attorneys 223with a list of individuals whom it has identified as victims Miami attorney Robert Josefsberg was appointed to I CA/Aronberg-00.1062 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA Aronberg-00.1062 Instead prosecutors short--:circuited the grand fury investigation a:nd.c:uta deal With Epstein They agreed not tq p1.1rsue fec:leral charges ifhe dldn?t.cqntest pros_dtutio related felonies in state co The money manager pleape_d guilty in July procuring a rnin for 267rostitutiori and soliciting prostitution He served mcii1thsof an month sentence Attorney Adam Horowitz who represents seven.of the ro.ughly women who have filed civil suits against Ep,s ein said the new information could trump the so called non proserntion.agreemen The multifaceted agreement he said deals only with a specific list of victims thatthe U.S Attorriey.s Office knew abqut when i.t pe_nn the deal in If dditional vi_ctims are listed the journal Rqdriguez stole HoroWitz said federal prosecutors co.uld reopen the investigation It opens the door for further prosecution he said In addition tQ 265rnlg 9ye1 the rnrnaLto federal agent Rodrig:uez told them he knew his formerbosswas,having sex with undetage girls when he worked for him in and He had seen naked girls 267who looked like 267,minors in the pool of Epsteins mH iqn mansion ha:c:f seen pornographic images ofyoung girl on Epsteins computer according to court records Neither Epstein criminal detense atj:qrney Jack Goldberger nor attorney Robert Critton who represents Epstein in the civil lawsuits could be reached Federal have consistenfly declined c;omment The wording oft.he contro:versiai agreement is unclear It says federal prosecutors would prom de Epsteins attorneys with a U,st of:il diyidualswh,orn i_t hc1,s_ i _ntihed v1_ctjms Miami"attorney Robert Josefsberg was appointe to FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM represent any of the victims on the list who wanted to pursue Epstein in civil court As part of the agreement Epstein is to pay for Josefsberg to represent the women Some of the women most identified as Jane Doe in lawsuits had already hired attorneys to represent them Some have since settled their suits with Epstein although terms were not disclosed Horowitz said he has filed court papers to get the journal that Rodriguez stole 2s another piece of evidence that shows our clients were at Epsteins mansion he said Rodriguez told prosecutors he didn 2t turn over the journal when both FBI and Palm Beach police asked for it because he wanted money for it He also saidhe was afraid Epstein would make him disappear The information he told investigators was his 223insurance policy He faces a maximum years in prison when he is sentenced on June jane_musgrave pbpost.com pbpcourts CA/Aronberg-00.1063 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-00.1063 rep_resent any of the victims on the list who wanted pursue_ Epstein in civil court As part of the agreement Epstein is to pay for Josefsberg to represent 267the women Some of the,womeh rhost identified as Jane Doe in laws_uit ha_d already hired attqmeys tc represent them Some haye since settled their suits with Epstein although termsWere,not disclosed Horowitz said he has filed court papers to get the jo al that Rodriguez stole Its mother piece of evidence that shows our clients were at Epsteins manSion,".he said Rodri ueztold prosecutors he.didnt turn over the fournal when both FBI _and I,Jalm Beach police sked-for i_t because he wanted money for it He also said he was afraid Epstein would make him disappear The,ihformation he told investigators was hi insurance poli He.faces a maximum 20.years _in prison when he is sentenc.:ed onJune jane_musgrave pbpost.com pbpC UftS FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The Palm Beach Post REAL NEWSSTflRTSHERE Epstein paid three women million to end underage sex lawsuits By Jane Musgrave Posted Oct at Updated Oct at AM Ending years of speculation about how much Palm Beach billionaire Jeffrey Epstein paid young women who claimed he used them as sex toys court documents filed last week show he shelled out million to settle lawsuits with three of more than two dozen teens who sued him Responding to requests from Epstein 2s attorneys in a complex lawsuit that was spawned by the sex scandal attorney Bradley Edwards said the politically-connected 64-year-old convicted sex offender paid more than million to each of the three women Edwards represented Identified in court papers only by their initials or pseudonyms because of the nature the allegations and their youthful ages L.M was paid SI million E.W million and Jane Doe million Edwards said of the settlements he negotiated with Epstein to end the lawsuits Jack Goldberger one of Epstein 2s criminal defense attorneys on Tuesday declined comment on the revelations citing confidentiality agreements that were part of the settlements For the same reason he declined to say whether Epstein paid similar amounts to settle roughly two dozen lawsuits filed by other young women against Epstein claiming he paid them for sex when some were as young as years old Attorney Jack Scarola who is representing Edwards said his client was compelled to divulge the confidential settlements to answer questions posed by Epstein 2s attorneys 223Brilliant move on their part he said Even if Epstein 2s attorneys hadn 2t opened the door Scarola said the information would have likely come out He says th information will help him undermine Epstein 2s claims that Edwards 223ginned up the allegations to help his former law partner imprisoned and disbarred Fort Lauderdale lawyer Scott Rothstein perpetuate a billion Ponzi scheme CA/Aronberg-00.1064 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Epst,dn p:ald W.CUTIQn mUliQJl tQ p,nd und 267rage sel Y:h1wsuils By JaneJvlusgr ve Posted Oct at Updated OctA at Ending years-of speculation about how much Palm:Beach billionaire Jeffrey Epstein paid young wom who clailed.h_e,,used them.as sex toys court documents filedJast week showhe shelled out 5.S-miUion to settle lawsuits with three of morethan 267two dozen teens who sued him Responding to requests from Ersteins attorneys in a complex lawsuinhat was spawned by the sex scandal attorney Bradley Edwards said;the politicalJy.:connected 64-year-old convicted sex offender pifd rnore tha mHJfon tq each ofd1_ethree womenEdw ds_repi:esented Identified in court pape.rs only by their inidals orpseuqonym,s 267bec use of the nat J,re qf the allegations and their youthful ages,-L.M was paid 1-million E.W million.andJane.Doe million Edwards said of the settlements he negotiated with Epstein to end the lawsuits Jack Goldberger one of Epsteins criminal defense attorneys on Tuesday decljned comment on the revelations citing confidentialityagreementnhat 267were part of the settlements For the same rea:sonj he declined to say whether Epstein.paid.similar amounts to.settle roughlytwo dozen lawsuits filed by other young women against Epstein claiming he paid them for sex when some were as yotmg as 14years old Attorney Jack Scarola who is tepresenting Edwards said his client was compelledto divulge the confidential settlements to answer questfons posed by Epsteins attorneys Brilliant move on their part he sa Even if Epsteins attorneys hadnt opel ed the door Scarola said the information would have likely come out He says the,informatioh will help him undermine Epsteins daimsthat Edwards ginned up 225the allegations to help his former law partner imprisoned and disbarred FortLauderdaklawyer Sc:qtt RothstRin perpet 265ate a LQ billion Ponzi heme CA/Aronberg-0O1064 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The revelations of the settlements came as part of an ongoingdawsuit that started as a dispute between Epstein and Rothstein both billionaires A year after Epstein in pleaded guilty to solicitation of prostitution and procuring a minor for prostitution he sued Rothstein and Edwards claiming they trumped up the allegations of sexual molestation to perpetuate the Ponzi scheme Rothstein was sentenced to years in prison in after admitting he had built his wildly successful law firm by forging the names of federal judges and others to persuade investors he had negotiated settlements in lawsuits against high-profile people Investors were told they could get a cut of the cash One of the high-profile people Rothstein used to lure investors was Epstein according to a lawsuit West Palm Beach attorney Robert Critton filed on Epstein 2s behalf According to the lawsuit Rothstein told investors Epstein a money manager had agreed to settle the lawsuits With the teens for million a claim Critton described as complete fabrication After Epstein dropped the.lawsuit in Edwards turned the tables on him Edwards accused Epstein of filing the lawsuit maliciously to punish him for representing the young women Although Edwards was a partner in Rothsteins now defunct firm Scarola claims Epstein had no evidence Edwards was involved in the Ponzi scheme Federal prosecutors successfully charged other attorneys and members of the firm but Edwards was never implicated Scarola said in the malicious prosecution lawsuit The revelations about the money Epstein paid to three of the young woman came last week in documents filed for a hearing Tuesday in preparation for a December trial on the lawsuit Attorney Torija Haddad Coleman who represents Epstein on Tuesday sought a delay of the trial in part because she claimed she has been unable to talk to her client since his estate on Jus private island in the Virgin Islands was devastated last month by Hurricane Irma 2ve had no ability to communicate With Mf Epstein she said CA/Aronberg-00.1065 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM The revelations ofthe settle"inents came as part of an ohgoing;lawsuinhai started as a dispute between Epstein and Rothstein both billionaires A year afterEpstei11 pleaded gqjlty to solicitation qf prnstjJutio,ri ancl proc 265ring a mino.r for prostitution he sued Rothstein an Edwards claiming they tn mped ilie allegations of sexual molestation to perpetuate the Ponzi scheme Roth tein was sentenced to SO years in 267prison in after admitting:he:had.buikhis wildly successful law firm by forging the nam:es of federal tudges and othe.rs to persuade investors he had nego_tiated settlements in lawsuits against high,.:.profife people Investors were told they could get a cut of the cash One of the high-profile people Rothstein used to lure inves,tors was EpsJein according to a lawsuit 267west Palm 3each attorney Robert Critton filed on Epstei1/s behalf A oco_rding to the lawsuit Rothstein told investors Epstein a money manager had agreed to 267settle the lawsuits with the teens for million a claim 267Critton described as a complete fabrication After Eps,tein dropped th_el_aws in Edwards t_urned the t.il;ilgs on i i1 Edwarcis accused Epstein filing the laws_uit maliciously punish him for representing the rnng WQJUen Although Edwards was a partner in RothSteirt.s how defunct firm Scarola daims Epstein had no evidence Edwards was involved in the Ponzi scheme Federal prosecutors successfully charged other attor:neys and members of the firm hut,Edwards was never iinpliq1ted Sqarola said in the malicious prosecution lawsuit The re:Velations about the money Epsteirtpaid to three of the yolirtg woman came lastweek in documents filed f9r a hearingTuesday:in preparation for a Dec:eI lbertrial.on fu.e lawsuit Attorney Tonja Haddad Coleman who represents Epstein on Tuesday sought a delay of the tda in part because s.ne claimed sh has been unabl to talk to her dient sinc;e his st.ate on his private island.in the U:S 267virgin Islands was devastated las month by Hurricane Irma Tve had r1o 267abilicyto communicate,with Mt E_1?stein she said CA/Aronberg-001065 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Pointing out Epsteins enormous wealth and his private jet Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Donald Hafele rejected her request While saying he didn 2t want to appear insensitive to those victimized by the storm that hammered the Caribbean and roared through South Florida he said Coleman offered no proof such as an affidavit from Epstein to shore up her claims Still Hafele gave Coleman extra time to respond to various motions that he will have to decide before the case goes to trial Despite Searolas insistence that Edwards had nothing to do with Rothsteins Ponzi scheme Coleman said the evidence indicates otherwise Why else would he try to depose Epsteins well-known friends such as now President Donald Trump former President Bill Clinton and illusionist David Copperfield she asked He used the celebrities as a-draw she said 223The Epstein cases were used to fleece money and defraud investors she said Edwards malicious prosecution case has/been difficultfbr both sides because both Epstein and Edwards have refused to answer questions As he did in the civil lawsuits Epstein has invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when questioned by Scarola Edwards has claimed that much of the information Epstein is seeking is protected by attorney-client privilege The malicious prosecution lawsuitis one of two hotly-contested lawsuits that continue to pit Edwards against Epstein Edwards also is suing the U.S attorneys office claiming it violated the federal Crime Victims Rights Act when it negotiated a:non-prosecution agreement with Epstein Only after federal prosecutors agreed to drop their investigation of Epstein did he agree to plead guilty to two prostitution charges in Palm Beach County Circuit Court In federal court records prosecutors claim one of the key reasons they agreed to drop their case was Epstein 2s agreement to settle lawsuits filed against him by dozens of his underage victims CA/Aronberg-00.1066 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Pointi;ng o:ut Epst i:ns erwrmouswealth and his private jet PahnBeach County Circuit Judge Donald Hafele rejected her request While saying he didrit want to appe_ai insensitive to those victimized by the Storm that hammered the Cadbl:,ean and roared through South Florida he said Coleman offered,nq proof such _as an i.ffidavit from Epstein to shore up het claims 225Still Hafele gave_ Coleman extra time to respond to various motions that he will have to decide before the case goes to trial Despite Scarolls insistence that Edwards h,a_d nothi:ng to do with Rothsteins Ponzi scheme Coleman said th_e evjder,ice ip iicates otherwise Why else would he try Jo depose Epsteins wen..:known friends,surih as now President Donald Trump former esidentBUl Clinton and illusionist David Copperfield she asked He used the cele_brities as a:draw she said The Epstein cases were used to Jleece inoney and defraud investors she 267said Edwards:malicious prosecuti_o case 267has,been difficult:for both sides because both Epstein and Edwa,rds l:1ave refusedt,o answer questions As he did in the civil lawsufrs Epste has 1nyoked his Fifth,A:mendment right against self-incriminatfon whe11 questioned by Scar:ola Edwards has claimed that much of the information Epstein is se_ekingis protected by attorney-client privilege The rn.ali,cious pr:osecution lawsuit is one oftwo hotly-contested lawsuits that c:o:n_tti,weto pit Edwards against Epstein Edwards also is suing the attpr_n!:!ys office claimingjt vioiated the federal Crime Victims Righ_ts Act when it negotiated a:non-prosecutiort agreemehtWith Epstein Only after federal prosecutors agreed to drop their.investigation ofEpstein did he agree to plead guilty,to two prostitution charges in Beach County Circuit Court In federal court records prosecutors cJairn q,ne-ofthe key reasons they agree to drop their casewas Epsteins agreernentto settle lawsuits filed against him by dozens of his underage vj tirns CA/Aronberg-00.1066 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Palm Beach Daily Judge rules feds 2.agreement with Jeffrey Epstein pact violated teeft victims rights By Jane Musgrave Posted Sep at PM Updated Oct at PM EDITOR 2S NOTE Titis story originally published in The Palm Beach Post on February Federal prosecutors violated the rights of Jeffrey Epsteins teenage victims by failing to reveal they had dropped plans to prosecute the.billionaire bn dozens of federal charges in connection with the girls claims that he paid them for sex at his Palm Beach mansion U.S District Judge Kenneth Marra ruled on Thursday In a blistering 33-page ruling Marra meticulously and methodically detailed the numerous steps federal prosecutors took to hide the agreement from more than young women who claim Epstein paid them for sex when they were as young as While the government spent untold hours negotiating the terms and implications of the NP A wi th Epsteins attorneys scant information was shared with the victims Marra wrote Instead the victims were to be patient while the investigation proceeded By then it was too late A deal had already been cut with then-South Florida U.S Attorney Alex Acosta and.Epsteins attorneys to shelve a 52-page federal indictment against Epstein a former math teacher turned money manager who counts Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton among his friends CA/Aronberg-00.1067 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-00.1067 Jud tules ifeds 267reem:entw,ith __ Jef:frey psteiatp.ac.t v1otated,J.;eu1 ivlcti ti:ghts By Ja11 Jv1usgr ye Posted Sep i7 PM Updated Oct at PM EDITORS NOTE This story originally published in The falm _Beach Post on February Federal prosecutors violated the rights of Jeffrey Ep_steins teenage victims by failin reveal they had dropp:ed plans to pr9sec te the.billionaire on.dozens offedetal charges in connec.tion with the girls claims tb t,he;paidtbem for St;!X at his Palm B.eath mansion U.S District Judge Kenne.th Marra.ruled onThursday bHstergig 3J-page ruling Marra meticulously arid methodically detaHe_d the n,umei:-ous steps federal prosecutors tookto hide the agreemerttfrom more than AO young women who cla:im::Epstein paid them for sex whert they wer as yo lng _as While the goyernment spent lntoldho lrsnegotiaJing the terms and implications ofthe NPA with Epsteins attorneys scant infqrmat_io.n was shared with the victims Marra wrote lns_tead the victims were told to be patient while the investigation proceeded By then 1t was too late A deal had already been cut with then-South.Florida U.S Attorney Alex Acosta and.Epsteins attorneys to she lye a page Jedera1 indict1:r1ent_ agains_t Epstein a former rnatli teacher turned money man:a et who counts Pr sidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton among his friends FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Prosecutors failure to alert the young women about the deal violated the Crime Victims Rights Act Marra ruled At a bare minimum the act required the government to inform the young women that it intended to enter into an agreement not to prosecute Epstein he wrote Still Marra said he wasn 2t second-guessing prosecutors decision not to pursue Epstein on federal charges if he pleaded guilty to minor state prostitution charges and agreed to compensate his victims for the trauma he caused The court is;not ruling that the decision not to prosecute was improper Marra wrote The court is simply ruling that under thefacts of this case there was a violation Under the CVRA Further he made no decision about what the remedy should be He gave prosecutors and attorneys representing the young women days to meet to decide how to unravel the complex legal web that has.been hanging over Epstein and his young victims for more than a decade The chances an accord will be reached are slim said attorneyJ ack Scarola who is representing the two Jane Does who challenged the prosecutors actions Further he said there is no road map to follow The lawsuit attorney Bradley Edwards filed on behalf of the two unidentified young women claiming prosecutors violated the federal act is unique he said are treading on virgin ground to use what is probably an inappropriate phrase in this situation he said Scarola said he and Edwards will ask that the nOn prosecution agreement be thrown out That would open the possibility that the long-shelved federal indictment could be dusted off and filed against the 66-year-old Epstein who spends most of his time on a private island he owns in the U.S Virgin Islands i CA/Aronberg-00.1068 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-00.1068 Prosecutors failure to alert the young women about the deal violated the Crime Victims Rights Act"Marra ruled Ata Qc:J.re mip.imuw the act required the govern.me11t to inform the young women that it intend.ed to enter intp an a_greement hot to prosecute Epstein he:wrote Still Marra said he wasnt second-guessing prosecutors de is_1on n_ot to purs.ue Ep tein on.federals charges ifhe pieaded guilty to minor state prostitution charges and 267agreed to compensate his victims for the trauma he caused Th court is not ruli11g that the decision not to prosecute was improper,IJ Marra wrote The couttis simply ruling that under the,facts of this case there was a violation under theCVRA 265r.t;her b:e m.ade decision about what the remedy sho.uld be He gave prosecutors alld attorneys reprnsenting the youngwomert days to meet to decide.how to unravel the complex legal web that has been hanging over Epstein and his young vie rims Jqr mwe tl;ian c1 dgca.d The chances an accord wilf be reached are Slim said attorney Jack Scarola who is representing the two Jane Does who challen,ged the prosecutors actions Further he s_aid there is no ad,i:nap to fol.low The lawsuit attorney Bradley Edwards filed.on behalfofthet-wo unidentified young Women claiming ptosecutors violated the federal act is unique he said We are treading _on virgin ground to use-what is probably an inappropriate phrase in this situation he said Scarola said he arid Edwards will ask that the non prosecution agreement be thrown out Tha,t would op the possibility thanhe long-sheIved federal indictment could be dusted off and filed against the 66-year old Epst.eJn who spendqnost of his time on a private 267islarid he owns in the U.S Virgin Islands I FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM I don 2t see the government conceding to that remedy Scarola admitted Further he said it is likely Epstein will be allowed to weigh in Miami attorney Roy Black years ago filed papers asking to intervene on Epstein 2s behalf The U.S Attorney 2s Office said it wouldn 2t comment on Marras ruling Neither Black nor New York City attorney Jay Lefkowitz who led efforts to bury the federal indictment responded to emails or phone calls for comment West Palm Beach attorney Jack Goldberger who represents Epstein also didn 2t respond Scarola said it is likely Epstein 2s star-studded legal team will argue that Epstein fully complied with the terms of the agreement he made in with federal prosecutors and therefore the agreement can 2t be undone As he promised Epstein pleaded guilty in June to state charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution and soliciting prostitution He served months of an 18-month jail term in a vacant wing of the county stockade that he was allowed to leave hours a day six days week Further as agreed he paid settlements to the young women who sued him While the settlements were confidential court records show he.paid three women a total of million In return federal prosecutors held up their end of the bargain Their investigation ceased Having done all that prosecutors asked of him Scarola said Epstein Will make a simple argument 223You can 2t turn around and deprive me of the benefits bargained for owever Scarola said using Marras ruling he will counter that the contract Epstein signed was illegal and therefore unenforceable CA/Aronberg-001069 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-00.1069 ldortt see the government conceding to that remedy Scarola admitted Further he safd ids likely Epstein will l?e allowed to weigh in Mfami attorney Ro Black years ago filed papers asking to intervene on Epstein.shehalf The U.S Attorneys Office said itwotildn.t comment oh Marras ruling.Neither Black.nor.New York C,ity attorney Jay L_efkowil:_z who led efforts to bu.ry thefe_cleral indictment responded to 267:emails or phon:e 267calls for comment WestP.almBeachattorneyJack Goldberger who represents Epst fo,_ also didnt respond Scarola said it is likely Epsteins star-studded legal team will argue that Epstein fullt complied with the terms of the agreement he made in with federal prosecutors and therefore_ the agree_ment cant be undone As he promised EP,stein pleaded guilty in June state cha:r es of soliciting a minor for prostitution.and soliciting prostitution He 267served months 0L1n J8..:month jail t_erm in a vacant wing of the county stockacle that he was allowed to leave hours a day six days week Further as agreed he paid settlements to the young 267women who sued him While the settlemeptswer:e c9nfalenJial cournecords show he:p:aiclthr.e_e wom toJal of million In return federal prosecutors held up their end of the bargain Their Investigation ceased Ha Ting done all that prosecutors asked ofhim Scarola said Epstein will make a simple argument cari.t tl.ltn around and deprive me of the qenefits I bc!rgafoed for However Sc_arqh s_aid using Marras ruling he:wiH counter thatthe cqntract.Epstein signed was iliegal and therefore unenforceable FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Even if Marra agrees to toss out the non-prosecution agreement Scarola conceded that doesri 2t mean Epstein will face federal charges 223The contract can be set aside and the federal government can attempt to enter into the same agreement he said 223Except the spotlight of public attention will be oh them and the victims will be able to explain to the court why this sweetheart deal should not be approved Scarola said that prosecutors mayhave had good reason not to pursue Epstein There may be.a reasonable explanation but we don 2t knowwhat that reason may have been he said In court papers federal prosecutors have said that many of the young women were afraid to cross the powerful politically connected money manager and simply refused to testily against him In other cases they said the women changed their stories Jane Doe who is trying to have the non-prosecution agreement thrown out initially described Epstein as awesome man and told prosecutors she hoped 223nothing happens to him While she later agreed to testify against Epstein prosecutors said they feared Epstein 2s attorneys would use her words to destroy her if she ever took the witness stand Marra however said the young woman 2s comments didn 2t mean she wasn 2t entitled to know about the prosecutors plans to drop the charges 223There is ho dispute that Epstein sexually abused Jane Doe while she was a minor he wrote Therefore regardless of her comments to the prosecutor she was a victim Before the case is finally resolved Scarola predicted that lot of people are going to have to answer a lot of questions CA/Aronberg-00.1070 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-001070 Even if Marra agrees to toss out the non prosecution agreement Scarola conceded that doesnt mean Epstein will face federal charge_s I The contract can be set a5ide and the federal government cari;attempt to enterinto the same a reemen:t he sa:id Except the spotlight of public attention Will be mi them a;nd the vi tims w.ill be able to eiplaJn to the court why this sweetheart dea:l should not be approved Scarola said that proseci1tors mayhave had good reason not tq pursue Epstein_ 1J1e_re may be a reasonable explanation but we dontknow 267what:thatreason may have been he said In court papers federal prosecutors have said that many of the y9u11g wqmep were fraid to cross the powerful politically connected.money.manager and.simply refused testify against him In other cases they said the women changed their stories Jane Doe who is try 265igto have th non prosec;ution agreement thrown out initially described Epstein as an awesome man and told prosecutors she hoped nothing l1appe11s tQ hiIJ1 While sb,e later agreed to testify against Eps.tein prosecutors said they feared Epstein.s attorneys would use her words to destroy her if she ever took the witness stand Marra however said the young womans comments didrit mean she wasnt entitled to know abo.ut the pro_s cutors pla.ris to drop the charges Tliereis ho dispute that.Epstein exually abu_sed Jane I 9e while spg w.i a rn.in,or be Wrote Therefore regar.dless of her tomrtrepts to the prosecutor she was a victim Before the case is finally resolved Scarola predicted that a lqt of peopli ire going t9 h_ ve ro ans;wer a l.ot 9f questipps FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM In his ruling Marra detailed what appeared to be a cozy relationship between.Acosta his line prosecutors and Epstein 2s team of lawyers His phalanx of lawyers included noted Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz and Kenneth Starr the former U.S solicitor general whose investigation led to the impeachment of President Clinton Marra describes an October breakfast meeting between Acosta who is now U.S labor secretary and Lefkowitz shortly after the non-prosecution agreement was inked After the meeting Lefkowitz sent Acosta a note thanking him for the commitment you made to me during our October meeting in which you assured me that your Office would not contact any of the identified individuals potential witnesses or potential-civil claimants and their respective counsel in this matter Marra quoted an equally pleasant note then-Palm Beach County State Attorney Barry Krischer sent to Assistant U.S Attorney Marie Villafana who was the lead prosecutor in Epstein 2s case Glad we could get this worked out for reasons I wont put in writing Krischer wrote shortly after the non-prosecution agreement was sighed After this is resolved I would love to buy you a cup at Starbucks and have a conversation Many of the notes that were exchanged dealt with prosecutors and Epsteins lawyers shared desire to keep the deal secret from Epsteins accusers In a September email Villafana asked Lefkowitz for guidance about what she should reveal 223And can We have a conference call to discuss what I may disclose to the girls regarding the Agreement she asked CA/Aronberg-00.1071 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-00.1071 In his rulin Marra detailed whar appeared to be a cozy relationship between.Acosta his line prosecutor and Ep tein a1 of lawyers His phalan;x of lawyers indud note HalVard.law professor Ala:nDershowitz and:Kenneth I Starr the former U.S solicitor ienetal whose investigation led to the impeachment of Presfdent Clinton Marra descripes an OcJob 2007.bre:ikfast meeting between Acosta who is now U.S labor secretary and Lefkowitz shortly-after the 267non-prosectition agreement was inked After the.meeting Lefkowitz sent Acosta a note thanking him for the commitment you made to me during out October meeting in which you assured me that your Offic.e woulq not co11t c:tc1.py ofthe identified individuals poJential witnesses or potential civil claimants an their respective counsel in this matter Marra quoted an equally pleasant note then-Palrn Be.a.ch Cotmry St.it Attprn c!Y Barry Krisc:her sent to Assis tam D.S Attorney Marie Viliafana who was the lea:d prosecutor in Epstein!s 267case Glad we could get this worked out for rea,sons I wont put fr:i wr:iti11g Krischer wrote shortJy after thl non P.r9secution agreement was signed Aftenhis is resolved I would love to buy you a cup at Starbucks and have a conversatiog Many ofthe not that-were exchanged dea:lt with prpsecutors and Epsteins.lawyers shared desire to keep the deal secret from Epsteins accusers In a ptember emaU Villafana asked Lefkowitz for guidanc about what 267she should reveal An.d can we have a conference call to discuss what I may disdose tck the girls regarding the Agreem nt she a.sked FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Such cooperation between prosecutors and defense attorneys is unusual Marra said was a deviation from the government 2s standard practice to negotiate with defense counsel about the extent of crime Victim notifications he wrote Further he noted that when Edwards and his two young clients asked for information they were repeatedly misled 223The CRVA was designed to protect victims right and ensure their involvementin the criminal justice process Marra wrote When the government gives information to victims it cannot be misleading Ultimately the terms of the non-prosecution agreement were revealed only after Edwards and attorneys for the press successfully sued to make them public pbpcourts CA/Aronberg-00.1072 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CA/Aronberg-00.1072 Such cooperation betweenprosecutors and defen atton1eys is unusual Marr.a said Jt w_as a deviationrrom the governments:standard practice to 267gotiate with defense counsel about the extent of crirne victim notifications he wrote Further he noted that when E.dwards and his twp yo clients asked for information they were repeatedly misled The CRVA was designed toprotectvictirns right and ensure their involvement in the criminal justfre proc:ess Marra wrote When the government gives information to vittiJns it cannot be misleading Ultimately the terrns of the non ptosec:ution agreement werer.evealed only after Edwards:am:l at:torneys for the press ccessfully sued to make them public jm usgrave pbposLcom __ __ co pbpcourts FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM I Tuesday July Edition Final Section A Section Page 1A Source By Jane Musgrave The Palm Beach Post Epstein indicted on sex charges Part-time Palm Beacher pleads not guilty to sex trafficking conspiracy charges in federal court in Manhattan Dressed in a blue prison jumpsuit billionaire Jeffrey Epstein on Monday pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of creating a vast network of girls as young as that he exploited for his sexual pleasure at his homes in Palm Beach and Manhattan The 66-year-old.money managers appearance in U.S District Court in New York City capped more than a decade of recriminations by young women and their.attorneys who claimed Epstein used his money and political influence to avoid federal prosecution Epsteins attorney Reid Weingarten dismissed the two-count indictment on sex trafficking charges as essentially a do-over of allegations that landed Epstein in the Palm Beach County Jail for months more than a decade ago However unlike in when then-South Florida U.S Attorney Alex Acosta agreed to shelve a 53-page federal indictment after Epstein agreed to plead guilty to two state prostitution charges prosecutors in New York.indicated they arent willing to deal Acosta is now U.S labor secretary The alleged behavior shocks the conscience New York City U.S Attorney Geoffrey Berman said at a morning news conference And while the charged conduct is from a number of years ago it is still profoundly important to many of the alleged victims now young women They deserve their day in court At a detention hearing scheduled,for Monday Berman said he will ask a federal judge to keep Epstein behind bars until he is tried on charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking Epstein paid dozens of young women to give him nude massages that for most led to sex he said If convicted of exploiting dozens of young women including many Palm.Beach County girls who were students at Royal Palm Beach High School Epstein faces a maximum 45-year prison sentence Citing Epsteins enormous wealth his homes in New York Palm Beach the U.S Virgin Islands New Mexico and Paris and his ownership of two jets Berman said there are few conditions that could keep Epstein from fleeing to a foreign country to evadeprosecution CA/Aronberg-00.1073 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM July Edition Final Section A Section Page 1A Source By Jane Musgrave Th.e Palm Beach:Pos.t E-psteilt indicted oil Jarges f:art-tio1e J_ altJJ Beac:Jter plea,Js lot gpilty to 267sex traffickii1g con piracy charges it1 deral co11rt in J1:aidiattaI1 Dressed in a blue prison jumpsuit billionaire.Jeffrey Epstein on Monday pleaded not.guilty tP clwrge a.ccu:,ing,him of freating a vast network o.f _girls Jflg a that h_e exploited for his sexual pleasure at his homes in PalmBeach 225and Manhattan Th 66-year-old mQney man.ager a.ppea.rance in D.:S District Court in New YorkCity capped more than a decade of re.criminations by young;women and their.attorneys who cl;1im_eq Epstein 265sed his mo,ney and politic influence t.o void federal prpsecutipn Epsteins attorney Reid Weingarten dismisse.d the two,-count indictment on sex trafficking c:harge as ess.entially a dQ:-ovei pf allegfl:tiQils that landec;l Ep teir1 in the Pfl.lm Beach County Jail for months more than a decade ago However 265nlike when tll n.-South:FJori a At1:orney Al Acosta agreed to shelve a 53-page Jederal indictment affer Epstein agreed to plead guilty to two state prostitution charges prosecutors in New York.indicated they arent willing to deal Acosta is now labor secretary The alleged behavior sho ks the c:onsciepc:e New York City Attorney Geoffrey Herman said at a morni11g news conferel ce And while the c;h;rrged conduc;_tjs from a nwnber ofyears c,1gq it is still profoundly important to many of the alleged victims now young women They deserve th ir d_ay in c9,urt At a detention hearing scheduled for Monday Berman said he will ask a federal judge to keep Epstein behind bars until js tried on charges of sex tr,afficking and c:onsp.iracy to commit sex trafficking Epstein paid dozens of youngw.omen:to.give,himnude massages tb for rnost led to he sc:tid If convicted of exploiting dozens of young women inchiding many Palm Beach County girls who were students at Royal Palm Beach High School Epstein faces a maximumA5 year prison sentence Citing Epsteins enormous wealth his homes in New York Palm Beach the US Virgin Islai1ds New Mexico ai1d Paris and his ownership of two jets Berman said there are few conditions that could keep Epstein fi-om flee1hg to 267aforeign c:ountry-to f.,Vadf prnsec:ution CA/Aronberg-00.1073 I I I I FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM We think hes a significant flight risk Berman said of the man who ferried Britains Prince Andrew actor Kevin Spacey famed Harvardlaw professor Alan Dershowitz and former President Bill Clinton on his jet dubbed the Lolita Express Bermans hard-line stance was welcomed by young women who for years been told that Epstein couldnt be touched because Acosta signed off oh the hdhprbsecutidn agreement promising not to charge Epstein in federal court Former Palm Beach County resident Virginia Guiffre who has accused Epstein of turning her into his sex slave and forcing her to have sex with others including Dershowitz and Prince Andrew praised Berman He showed the case is being taken in a serious way she told the Associated Press Dershowitz has vehemently denied Guiffresclaims New York prosecutors were able to ignore the controversial nonprosecutibn agreement because it contained some significant fine print said former federal Judge Paul Cassell who for years has fought to get the agreement thrown out It says only that no charges could be filed against Epstein in South.Florida he said Berman agreed That agreement only binds by its terms only binds the Southern District of Florida he said The Southern District of New York is not bound by that agreement and wasnt a signatory of it That.means the sordid allegations that have been leveled at Epstein for years are now part of a federal i ndictment Contrary to Epsteins claims he knew the women who came to his homes in New York and Palm Beach were minors because they told him their ages according to the indictment Epstein preyed.on young girls because he knew they were vulnerable to exploitation prosecutors added As part of a carefully orchestrated sex ring Epstein or his associates would call girls while he was in New York so they would be available for sex once he returned to Palm Beach the indictment says The employees werent named They were identified Only as Employee-1 Employee and Employee-3 To ensure he had a steady stream of young girls Epstein would turn some victims into recruiters He would pay them to bring new girls to his home on El Brillo Way along the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach or to his palatial townhouse on New Yorks Upper East Side This allowed Epstein to create an ever-expanding web of new victims Berman-said In both New York and Palm Beach the lurid operation was similar Unidentified employees of Epsteins would escort the teens into a room They were told to take off all or most of their clothes before giving the naked billionaire massages according to the indictment Epstein would also typically masturbate during these encounters ask victims to touch him while he masturbated and touch victims genitals with his hands or with sex toys the indictment says As part of the criminal complaint prosecutors are asking that Epstein be forced to turn over his multimillion-dollar townhouse on East st Street The complaint does not seek forfeiture of Epsteins house in Palm Beach While.heartened that Epstein now faces serious criminal charges in New York Cassell said he would continue to push a West Palm Beach-based federal judge to throwout the nonprosecution agreement.that Acosta forged with Epsteins star-studded legal team CA/Aronberg-00.1074 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM i tliink s_ignificant flight risk Berma11 said of the 1han who ferried Britains Prince Andrew actor Kevin Spacey famed Harvard law professor Aian Oershow,itz and former Presiqent Bill Clinton-on his jet dubbed the Lolita Express Bennans hard-line stance was welcomed by young omen who for years have been told that Epstein c:ouldnt be touched because Acosta signed off oh the n:onprosecuticin agreement promising not to charge Epstein in fed ral court fonn lalm Beach County resident Virginia Guiffre whcjhas accused Epstein oftumirtg her into his sex slave and forcing her to hav.e sex with others induding Dershowitz and rince Ancirew 267praised Berman He 267shbwed the case is being taken in a serious Way she fold the Associated Press Dershow.itz has-vehemently dented Guiffre.s claims N.ewYork prqsecutors were able to ignore the controversial nohprosecutioh agreement because it cortfained some significant fine print sa1d i:ormer federal Jlldge Paul Cassell vho fQr years has fought tQ get the agreement thrown out.It says only that no charges could be filed against Epstein in South.Florida he said Berman agreed Tl _at agreement on binds by its tetms only binds the Southern District of Florida he said The Southern District of New York is not bound by that agreementand wasnt a signatory o:it Thatmeans the sordid allegations that have been leveled at 267Epstein for years are now part of a federal indi.ctment Contrary to Epsteins claims he knew the women who came to his homes in New York and Palm Beach we_r.e linors bec:m1se they told him their ages according to the indictment Epstein preyed.on young girls because he knew they were vulnerable to exploitation prose uiors a.dded As part of a carefully orchestrated sex ting Epstein or his associates would call girls while he was in New York so they would be av ble for sex once he returned to Palin Beach the indictment says The 267employees werent named They wete:identified only as l!Employee-1 mployee 1d E:mployeec3 To ensurehe had a steady stream of young girls Epstein would tum some victims into recruiters He would Ray the1 to bringnew girls to.hi home on Btillo Way along the IhtracoastaLWaterway in Palm Bea:ch or his palatial townhouse on New Yorks U,pperEast Side This allowed Epstein:to create art ever expanding web ofnew 267victin1s Berman.said In both New York and Palm Beach the lurid operation was similar Unidentified employees of Epsteins Would escort the teens into a room They were told to take off all or most of their clo.thes before giving"the naked biliio11alre IDJ ssage.s ccor lillg to.the i nc!ictment Epstein would also typically masturbate during these e11counters ask victims to touch him while he masturbated and touch victims genitals with his 1ands or with sex toys the indictment says As part of the criminal complaint prosecutors are asking that Epstein be forced to turn over his multimillioh-dollat townhouse on East st Street The complaint does i1ot seek forfeiture of Epsteins:house in Palm Beach While.heartened that Epsteih.hoWfaces serious criinina:1 charges in New York Cassell said he would continue to push a West Palm Beach"-based federaljudge to throw 267out the nonprosecution agreementthat Acosta forged with Epsteins star-studded legal team CA/Aronberg-001074 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM U.S District Judge Kencnth Marra has already ruled that Acosta violated the federal Crime Victims Rights Act by not telling Epsteins victims about the agreement before it was inked Coincidentally Cassell and Epstein attorney Roy Black had to file papers by midnight Monday explaining what action Marra should take to redress that wrong Gassell insisted Epstein should face charges in federal court in West Palm Beach Florida victims deserve justice in Florida said Cassell who is working on behalf of Epsteins victimswith attorneysBradley Edwards and Jack Scarola Since its likely Florida women will get to testify against Epstein in New York Scarola said hes not focused oh whether Epstein will face charges here Instead ho said he wants to know how and why the agreement was reached Theres been no explanation as to how a deal like this could been cut and how the federal government could have been involved in a.conspiracy to violate federal law Scarola said of his interest in continuing the legal battle over the nonprosecution agreement When Acosta agreed to drop the federal investigation Epstein in pleaded guilty to two prostitution charges and served months of an 18-monthsentence in a vacant wing of the Palm Beach County Jail a cell he was allowed to leave hours a day six days a week He was also forced to register as a sex offender and settle civil lawsuits more than young women filed against him U.S Rep Lois Frankel D-Wcst Palm Beach said she shares Scarola 2s interest in finding out how the agreement came to be."I am especially more interested in why Epstein got the deal he got Frankel said We need to know why he was given such an easy sentence While she has asked the House Oversight Committee to investigate Acosta Frankel said she is not sure that will happen It just seems to me it was a travesty that this guy got off the way he did and without pre-judging it let 2sEave a proper court case Frankel said Former Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter was inflamed in when then-State Attorney Barry Krischcr refused to charge Epstein with serious crimes Reiter took the information his-officers had gathered from dozens of Epsteins victims to Acosta believing he would prosecute Epstein He didnt Reiter said he was heartened that years later Epstein will finally face justice Thankfully Attorney Berman and the-other authorities in New York.have the good judgment to investigate and prosecute Epstein in the way that should have occurred in Florida over a decade ago Reiter said in a.statement And Scarola said there are signals that Bermans investigation is far from over Berman declined to answer questions about whether others such as Epsteins high-powered friends would be charged He brushed off questions about the significance that the investigation was being handled by the Public Corruption Unit While agents on Saturday were arresting Epstein aboard his private jet at the Teterboro Airport in New Jersey after returning from Paris Other officers were searching his New York City townhouse Agents seized nude photos of young girls who appeared to be minors Berman said He said his focus was on finding more women who were exploited and abused by Epstein Turning to a poster detailing the charges that had been filed against Epstein he pointed a finger at a photo of the convicted sex offender who was once described as a man of mystery CA/Aronberg-00.1075 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM I U:S District Judge Ken en th Marra has already ruled that Acosta violated the federal Crime Victim Rfahts Act by nottelling Epst ins victims aboutthe agre ment before it was.inked Coincidentally Cassell an:d Epstein attorney Roy Black had to file paped by midnight Monday exp faining what action Marra shouici take to redress that wrong Cassell insisted Epstein should.face chatges,in federal court in West Palm Beath Florida 267victims des.erve justice in Florida said Cassell who he working on behalf of Epsteins victims with attorneys Bradley Edwards and Jack Scarola S1rrce its likely Floridawomenwffl get to testify against:Epstyin in New York Scarola said hes not focused oh whether Epstein will face charges here Irtstead he,saidhc wants to know how and why the a.gre_ementwas reached Theres been ho explanation to how a deal like this could have been cut and how the federal government couid have been involved in a conspiracy to vioiate fe:cteral law Scar.ala said of his interest continuing the legal battle over the nonprosecution agreement When Acosta agreed to dropthefedernl investigation Epstein in2008pleaded guilty to two prostitution charges and served 13.moiiths of an 18-inorith sentence in a carit.wing of the Palm Beach County Jail a cell he was allowed to leave hours a day six days a week He was also forced to register as a sex offender and settle civil lavvs 265jts more than yqu.ng women filed against him U,S Rep Lois Frankel D-West Palm Beach said s.he shares Sc_arola;s interest in ftnc;iing oll.t how the agre ment.came to be.Ill am especially more interested in why Epstein got the deal he got Frankel said need to know why he wa given s4ch an easy sentence While she has asked the House Oversight Committee to investigate Acosta Frankel said she is not sure that will happen It ju seems to,me it.was trnve ty th.at tbis guy gqt off the way he,did and withoutpre judging it lets:have a propercomt case Frankel said Former Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter Wa infla_n1ed w,he_n th.en-State Attorney BanyKrischer refused to charge Epstein with serious crimes Reiter took the information his-officers had gathered from dozens of Epsteir1.s victims to Acosta believing he would pros.ecute Epstein He didnt Reiter said he was heartened that l3 years later Epstein will finally face ju tice Thankfully Attorney Berman and the other authorities in New York.have the good juqgrne1 to investiga,te and prosecute Epstein in the way tl:u1t sho h_ave qcc 265rred in Florida over a decade ago Reiter said in a statement Anc;i Scarol said,_ there are signals that ennans inve.stigatiori is fai from over Berman declined to answer questions about whether.others such as,Epsteins high-powered fri epds woul_d be charged He b.ru.shed offquesti ons aqq th.e signifi ance thatt investigation was being handled by the Public Corruption U11it While agents Saturcl.fly were arresting Epste.m JJ,boarc:l hi pdvate jet at the Teterboro Airport in New Jersey after returning from Paris other officers were searching his New York City towJbou Agents seized nud_e photo of young girls who a,ppeared to be minors Berman said He said his focus was on _finding more women who were exploited and abused Epstdn Turning to a poster detailing the charges-that had been filed.against Epsteiti.,.he pointed a fing a,t a phot9 pfthe convicted sex offender w,howas once descrlbeci as a man of mystery I CA/Aronberg-00.1075 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM If you believe you are a victim of this man JeffreyEpstein we want to hear from you Berman said A special number 1-800-CALLFBI will link victims of authorities Bill Sweeney assistant director of the FBIs New York office said after years of being ignored by federal agents the victims voices will be heard The Jeffrey Epstein matter is No on the major case list in the country,1 Sweeney said Turning to address Epsteins victims directly he said Your bravery may empower others to speak out against crimes against them CA/Aronberg-00.1076 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM If you believe you are a victim of this-man effrey:Epstein we want to hear from you I Bennan said A speciaJ 1_1umper 1-800-CALLFBI will inkvic of authorities Bill Sweeney assistant director of the FBIs New York office said after years of being ignored federal agents the vi tims voi es will be he,ard The Jeffrey Epstein inatter is No on the major ca:se list in the country Sweeney said Turning to address-Epsteins victims directly he said Yo.ur bravery m1:ty empower others to speak out against crimes against them jmusgrave pbpost.com CA/Aronberg-00.1076 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Appendix CA/Aronberg-001077 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Appendix CA/Aronberg-001077 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY FLORIDA CASE NO Circuit civil division ag CA FLORIDA HOLDINGS LLC PUBLISHER OF THE PALM BEACH POST P1aint i ff/Petit ioner vs DAVE ARONBERG SHARON BOCK De endant/Respondent HEARING BEFORE THE HONORABLE KRISTA MARX ZOOM CONFERENCE Wednesday June a.m a.m REMOTE ZOOM CONFERENCE Tort Saint Lucie Florida Stenographically Reported By SONJA REED Court Reporter OEPOSITIONSOluflOHV CA/Aronberg-00.1078 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY FLORIDA CASE NO CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION AG Cl fLORJDA HC:fLDING I.LC PUBLI:SHE OF HE PALM BEACH POST I Piaintiff/Petition:er DAVE ARONBERG SHARON B.OCK Defendant/Respondents I CA Aronberg-0O1078 HEARING BEFORE IE HONO BLE Is:RISTA MARX ZOOM CONFERENCE Wedrres.day June a a REMOTE ZOOM CONFERENCE port Saint Lucie Florida Stenqgr phic:ally Reported By 0NJA REE.D Court Repotter FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM a APPEARANCES On behalf of the Plaintiff/Petitioner GREENBERG TRAURIG P.A Century Park East Suite Los Angeles California boyajian gtlaw.com BY NINA BOYAJIAN ESQUIRE On behalf of the Defendant/Respondent JACOB SCHOLZ WYLER LLC Gateway Boulevard Suite Fernandina Beach Florida doug wyler comcast net BY DOUGLAS A WYLER ESQUIRE On behalf of the Defendant/Respondent CLERK COMPTROLLER PALM BEACH COUNTY P.O BOX West Palm Beach Florida nfingerhut mypalmbeachclerk.com BY NICOLE FINGERHUT ESQUIRE ESQUOtE 2.rV deposition souhwhs CA/Aronberg-00.1079 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM APPEl R..ANCES On behalf the Plaint 267iff/Petitioner GREENBERG TRAURIG P.A Century Park East Suit::e Los Angeles califorriia boyajian gtlaw.com BY NINA BOYkJIAN ESQUIRE on behalf of the Def_endant/Respo:ndeht J:ACO:e SCHQLZ WYLER LLC Gateway Botilevard Suite 20ii Fernandina Beach Florida doug wyler comc:a:sb.net B:Y DOUGLAS A WYLE_R ESQUIE,E On_ behalf qf the pefendant:./Respo qent CLERK COMPTROLLER PALM BEACH COUNTY B.ox West Palm Beach lorida nf.ihgerhu.t mypalmbeachclerk.com BY NJ:CO.LE EINC:ERHCJT QUIB:E CA/Aronberg-001079 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM PROCEEDINGS i THE COURT We are here today for a very limited purpose Im sure the attorneys are aware of that but I just dont want there to be any confusion We are here On Defendant Dave Aronberg and Defendant Sharon Bock for the Comptroller and the State Attorneys motion to dismiss Count II Youre all acutely aware as the lawyers that this is a question of law So were not going to be diving into facts and the Court will not be deciding the merits of this motion this morning We are simply here for the sole purpose of that motion to dismiss So I just wanted to make sure that we all stay on track and were all on that same page So Ms Boyagian Ill send it to you first Maam I of course we all know that the Law I must look at the four corners of the motion which alleges that the State Attorney David Aronberg and the clerk and comptroller Sharon Bock actually have custody and control of these grand jury proceeding Whether that is true or not is not for this court to determine because Im looking simply at the four corners of the complaint But not for nothing I think we all know that they dont have control and OfPOSITiON SOLUVIOtH I CA/Aronberg-00.1080 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM PROCEEDINGS THE COURT We are here today for a very limited purpose Im sure the att9rneys lre aware of t:hat ou:t I j11st don want the.re to al confusion We are here on Defendant Dave,Aronber:9 and De.f:endant Sharon Bock for the CoTI ptroller and the State Attorneys ITI.Otion to dism;i.ss Cov.nt II Youre acute1y aware as the lawyers that this is a question of law So we te not going to be di virtg into facts a.nd thE Court n:ot pe deciqirtg the mer.its of this motion this morning We are simply here for the 267sole purpose of that motion to di Miss So I st nted to make 11re that we all stay on track and we re all on that same pag.e s:o Ms Boyagian I send it to you first M?iam I of c9urse w:e know that the La:w I must look at t:he four corners of the motion which al lege,s that the State Attorney David Aronberg and the clerk and comptroller harort Bock actually hc;tve cust:ody and control of t:hesE grarnJ t1ry procee li:ng Whether that is true or not is not for this court to determine because Im lookihg simply at the corner of the comp a,int B11t pat for n9t Jirig I think we al.I know that they dont have control and CA/Aronberg-0O1080 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM custody of the records But Im going to assume that its correct because thats what has been alleged So what I first want to hear from is the attorney for Florida Holdings with regard to assuming arguendo that Florida Statute does create a cause of action what relief is it that youre seeking from in Gount II specifically Not the dec action Were not here on that today what is it you hope to get a judgment MS BOYAGIAN Thank you your Honor Good morning and thank you for the privilege of appearing before this court The relief we are seeking is disclosure of the grand jury records pursuant to the Furtherance of Justice Exception to And under the First Amendment The press as your Honor is aware has a right of access under the First Amendment as a surrogate of the public THE COURT Let me just stop you for a minute Id like you to answer my specific question So I am not particularly convinced and Id like for you to address that So were not going to dive into facts or the pres standing because thats not something were here to discuss today CA/Aronberg-00.1081 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM io ii cU tody of the Ye.c:ord.s But I im goirtg to as litne that it co.rrect because thats what has been alleged So what I f1rst want to hear from the attorney for Florida Holciings with regard to c1ssuming arguendo thc1t Flor_idc:1 Statute does create a cause of action what relief is it that youre seeking from in Count Il specifically Not J:he de.a action We re not h,ere on t.haJ today what i.s it you hope to g,et a judgment MS BOYAGIAN Thank 225you your Honor Good morn.:lD-9 axid thc:tnk you for tJ::ie priyileg of a,ppeFl,;i;iqg beef.ore this court The relief we are seeking is disclosure of the grand jury records p1.1rsuant to the 265rthe:tc:1nce of Jus,tice Exception to And under the First Amendment The pres:s as your Honor is aware has a right of access under the First Amendment as a surrogate of the public THE COURT Let me just Ei-top you fa,r a minute I!cl lil YOll to c:1nswer my specific q1Je.stio.n So I am not particularly convinced and Id like for you to address that So were hot going to dive j.nto cts or the press standing becau,se thats not something we re here to discuss t.oday CA/Aronberg-001081 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM And I have read the voluminous paperwork Ive received paperwork as and five-minute ago from some of the other parties But I deeply appreciate the fact that you sent this to me so much in advance and have been able to spend some time with as I said the voluminous paperwork that was provided 225But as you know Maam we are here for such an extremely limited issue today and that their motion to dismiss where they state youre suing the wrong people that the court has these records And so more importantly I want you to address whether Section gives you a private Cause of action against the state attorney arid the clerk Again Im going to assume the facts are true that are asserted in the motion Whether they are or riot because I think we can all agree were not for sure if they ever that the state attorney doesnt have these records So what is it youre seeking in COtint IT riot the dec action I know you want the records Ive got that But in Count II specifically what do you whats the relief youre seeking and more importantly how under this statute do you get to assert a private action a private cause of action against the state attorney and the CA/Aronberg-00.1082 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM ii Arid I v.e read th voluminous paper ork I Ive rece:i.ved paperwork as and five minute ago from some of the other parties But I deeply appteciate the fact tha.t you SE;!nt this to me so much in advanqe a:n l:1c;J.ye be:en ahle to pend some time with as I sa:Ld the voluminous paperwork that was provided But as you kl1pw Ma a.m we a.re llere for such an extreme1y limited issue today ancf that their motion to dismiss where they state you te suing the wrong people that the court ha,s these reco;rds And s:o mo.re importantly I want you to address whether Beet ion gives you a private cause of action a:gairtst the state attorney arid the clerk Again I going t.o ass.ume the facts ar.e tr:ue that are a 267sserted in the motion Whether they are or not bec::ause I think we cart all agree were not for sure if they ever that the state attorney doesnt have these re.cords So what is it you re seeking in cbunt T.I not t:;.he dee action I know you want the record Ive got that Coul1t II specifically what do you whats the r:elief you re seeking and tnore importantly how under this statute do yo to assert a private action a private cause o.f action against the state attorney and the CA/Aronberg-00.1082 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM clerk MS BOYAGIAN Your Honor we are aware of course that there is no expressed private right of action But that does not end the inquiry As the Florida Supreme Court stated Where a statute like forbids an act Which is to Plaintiffs injury the Party injured should have an action And thats the Smith Piezo case in the volume of materials that we sent you Theres no question here that the denial of the FIRST AMENDMENT right to the press is an injury which gives rise to a right of action Stated another way looking at the analysis that the Fischer Metcalf Court looked at there are three factors in determining whether there is a private right of action where a statute does not expressly provide for one One is whether the Plaintiff is part of the class for which the statute is intended to protect second is a legislative history and the third is the underlying purposes of the statutory scheme The first factor I already addressed that the press is part of the class that the statute is OPPOSITION SOlUIIOHS CA/Aronberg-001083 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM lb 1J clerk MS BOYAGIAN Your Honor we are aware of course that there is no expressed private right of a 1.ion But that doei not end the inquiry As the Floricia Supre.:me CoUcrt state.cl Whe-re a statute like forbids an act which is to Plaintiff ir1j u_ry the pc:t-rty inj 265reel s.hould hcJ.ve an action And that the Smith Piezo case in the volume ot tnateria1 that we sent you Ther.e no quest.ion here that the deniai of the FIRST AMENDMENT right to the J?ress is an injury which gives t.i:se to a right ol action St:ated another way looking at the analysis that the Fischer Metcalf Court looked at there are three factors in determining whethE;:r there ii a private right of act.ion where a statute does not express.ly provide for one One is whether the Plaintiff is part of the clas_s Jqr whic:h the stc;tut:e i interide.d t:o protect second is a legislative history and the third is the i.ihderlyins purposes of the s-tatutory scheme The f:ir factor already c:1.ddressed that the press is part of the class that the statute is CA/Aronberg-0O1083 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM intended to benefit being the surrogate of the public and exercising its first amendment right The second issue of legislative history and the purpose statutory purpose are somewhat related We were unable to find much legislative history on this issue of a private right of action under the statute There is nothing that says we intend to create a private action but theres certainly nothing that says we do not want to Create a private right of action What we do have is that in the same time that was reenacted a statute that pertains to the secrecy of State Grand Jury Statewide grand juries was also enacted That provision which is has no exceptions for for revealing these records By Contrast the legislature intentionally enacted with the Furtherance of Justice Exception If the public through the press cant bring a private right of action to enforce that exception or to seek relief under that exception that intentionally placed exiception of furthering justice is essentially rendered hollow Speaking simultaneously ESQUIRE CA/Aronberg-001084 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM li intended to penefit be 267ing the surrogate of the public and xercising its first amendment right The second issue of legislative history and the purpo?e statutory purpose are somewhat related We were u11ab1e to ir1d nmc.h legislative hd,story on thfs issue of a private right of action under the Statute Tl:Ier is rioth.ing that says we intenc:1 to c,reate a private action but theres ce 267rtainly nothing that says we do not want to create a private risht of Gt i CH What we do have is that in the same time that was reenacted a statute that pertains to the secrecy of State Grahd Jury stat 267ewide grahd juries was also enacted That provision which is has no exceptions for for revealing these records By contrast the legislature intentionally enacted with the Furthe.rance of Justi_ce Exception If the public through the press cant Qring a private right of action to enforce that exception or to seek relief under that exception that intentionally placed exce 267ption of fa.1rthering justice i esseriti lly rend.erect ollow Speaking simultaneously CA/Aronberg-001084 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM THE COURT Okay Pause for a minute I dont think anybody is saying that there isnt a cause of action or that the press doesnt have standing Thats not what Im asking you Im asking you how are the clerk and the state attorney the proper defendants So you know nowhere have I said there isnt a cause of action Clearly there is Inv puzzled by the procedural posturing of this case naming the state attorney And you know Im further stymied by the fact that you allege in your complaint that they have particularly David Aronberg the State Attorney that he has these records But Im going to assume thats true So Im not telling you you dont have a cause of action Im just saying okay lets run this all the way out Lets say you win and you get a judgment against the State Attorney Dave Aronberg Whats he supposed to do with it He cant release the grand jury testimony He has no authority whatsoever to do that MS BOYAGIAN well your Honor as you stated this is a motion to dismiss stage and we are entitled to discovery on the issue of possession OEPOSinON SOI UI lows CA/Aronberg-00.1085 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM lo i7 THE CdlJRT Okay Pa I dont think anybody is for a minute I s.aying that there isnt a cause of action or that the press doesnt have standing Thats not what I asking you Im asking you how a.re the clerk an.ct t:he stat:e a.ttorney the proper defendants So you know nowhere have I said there isnt a ca:1.1se of actiori Clearly there is I puzzled by the procedural posturing of this case naming the state attorney And you know I nt further 13ty1TI:igd by tl fact that you allege in your complaint that they have particularly David Aronberg the State Attorney that he has thes records But going t.o assume thats true So I not tel ing you you dont rave a cause of action I tn just saying okay let run t::his all the way out Lets say you win Bnd you get a judgment against the State Attorney Dave Aronberg What supposed to do with it He c;:ahit release t:.he grand ju_ry test:.irnony HE hcts no authority whatsoever to do that MS BOYAGIAN WeTl your Honor as you stated tpis is a motion to ciismiss stage apcl w;e a,re entitled to discovery on the issue of po:ssession CA Aronberg-001085 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM custody and control My understanding is that the state attorney has asserted that he does not have possession Its not my understanding that the clerk has taken that position So the clerk may indeed be the someone who does have possession custody and control In any event we would submit that the state attorney even it does not have actual possession at this time it might be able to have the power to control or direct the entity or persons who do have control and possession to release those to effect the judgment THE COURT So let me ask you this So the clerk is the keeper of the record But even if you got a judgment against her lets say you asserted this cause of action and lets say you win and you get a judgment against the clerk The clerk cannot release grand jury testimony to you Only the court can So really all Im saying to you is I do not understand the way this case was filed or why these are the defendants because its impossible for them to perform I mean Im going to assume based bn your motion again that they do have the records But we ESQUIRE TV OPPOSITION SOUH IONS CA/Aronberg-00.1086 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM 1J i:U tody arid control Ny understanding i that the state attorney has asserted that does not have possession Its not my understanding that the clerk has taken that position So the clerk may incleed be t.he Omeo11e who does have possession c:ustody and control In any event we would submit that the state attorney even it cloe1:;1 not have act:ual posses at this time it might be.able to have the power to cont-r-e:H or direct the entity or persons who do have t:ontr6.l and posses.sion to release th6s to ef feet the judgment THE COURT So let me ask you this So the clerk i the keeper of the rec:otd But even if YO got a judgment against her lets say you asserted this cause of action a:nd lets say you win and you get a judgment agc3.inst the clerk The clerk cannot reieas.e grand jury testimony to you Only the court can so really all Im saying to you is I not unc:le.rst 267anq t:be way tbi caf was filed or why 267tJ1ese ar the defenda:nt b:ecause its Lmposs.ible for them to perform mea.n I going to as um,.e baseq on ym1r motion again that they do have the rec.ords But we CA Aronberg-00.1086 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM 2j all know everyone in the room knows they do not that only the court theyre theyre with a court interpreting And only the court can release the records So if you get a judgment against either the state attorney or the clerk they cannot I mean I guess what youre saying to me is well we want to do discovery and we want them to say unequivocally I have these records or I dont have them And I mean the law is abundantly clear You cannot do it without a court determining whether in the furtherance of justice the release is appropriate MS BOYAGIAN And that is a determination were asking your Honor to make and were asking for an order from your court THE COURT When we get to the merits of the case sure it is But again you 2re asking me to make that determination and for me to make a determination of whether the grand jury records should be released And the only thing were here today about is why should the clerk and the state attorney have to defend a civil action when its a possibility of performance They even if you were to win and get a judgment against them they cannot ESQUIRE CA/Aronberg-00.1087 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM li all kn9w eveYyone in the rootn krtows they do not that only the court they I re they re with a court interpreting And only the court release the records So if you get a judgment against either the State attorney or the clerk they cannot guess what youre say;ing to me is wel1 we want to cio disc:overy an:d we w:ant thern to sci.y lln1:guivocally I have these re 267cords ox I dont have them And I mean the law is abundantly clear Y:9u cannot do it without a court det,errninirtg whether in the further;ance of justice the release is appropriate BOYAGIAN And that is a determinatiq we re asking your Honor to make and we re asking for an order from your court THE COURT When we get to the merits of the case sure it is But aga youre asking me to make that determination and for me to make a de.t:ertnirtai;ioh of whether the grand jury recon:ls shou.ld be release.ct nd the only tbing we re here today about is why should the clerk and the state attorney have to def ertd a civil action when its a possil i1ity of performartc:e They evert it you were to win and get a judgment against them they cannot CA/Aronberg-00.1087 FILED PA BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM give you what they doht have So I mean its as simply as this Are you you just want to engage in some discovery for them to absolutely assert particularly the state attorney I dont have these records look to the rules that say the moment the grand jurys over theyre sealed and theyre turned over and they cannot be released without court order So Im not addressing the merits or whether you have an exception or youre able to argue that theres ah exception in the furtherance of justice Were not getting there today Im simply saying why should these two entities have to defend this lawsuit when even down the toad if they win they cant give you what they dont have MS BOYAGIAN As your Honor stated Im not sure thatS the case with the clerk That was not in their that issue was not stated in their papers THE COURT Let me ask you this then Do you think if you got a judgment and I or the court doesnt make the determination that the grand jury records should be released that the clerk would be able to perform Would they be able to say here you go I mean could the clerk just make that unilateral CA/Aronberg-00.1088 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM f3 iO li give y9u 267what they dont have So I mean its as simply as this Are you you just want to engage in some discovery for them to absolute a lsert particularly the stat-e attorney I d.on have these records lc ok to t_he rules that say the moment the grand jurys over theyre sealed and theyre turned over and they c::annot be releaseq without court 9rger So Im not address:i.ng the merits Qr whether you have ah exception or youre able to argue tha there c;J-IT e_xteptio_n in the furth_erance of justj,ce We re rrot getting there today Im mp1y saying why 267should these two entities have to defend this lawsuit when even down the road if they Wih they cant give you what they dont have MS BOYAGIAN As your Honor stated_ Im not sure that is the ca with the clerk That was not in their that issue was not stated in the.ir papers THE COURT Let me ask you th1s then Do you think if you got a j:i,J.dgment and I or the court cioe_sn mc3,ke the qete_rrn:i:nation that the grc1,nd 267ury records should be releas.ed that the c.le-rk would be able to p.erf orm Wou,ld they be ab.le to say lere you go mean could the clerk just make that 267unilateral CA/Aronberg-00.1088 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM decision Imgoing to release the records Sealed confidential records Does she have any authority to do that MS BOYAGIAN My understanding your Honor is that requires a court order before the records are unsealed THE COURT Exactly Exactly All right Let me hear from Mr Aronbergs attorney Mr Wyler MR WYLER Thank you your Honor May it please the Court THE COURT Good morning Sir MR WYLER Good morning Your Honor I just wanted to let you know that I spoke with counsel for the clerk Ms Fingerhut a couple of days before this hearing and we decided that I would just make the presentation for both of of us being that our arguments overlap except for the fact of who this claim whether they have the records or not which of course weve said we dont have custody of the records But nonetheless our arguments overlap The Plaintiff is attempting to assert a cause of action under Section That statute settled testimony not to be disclosed exceptions So its just jTV oeresiTfOw solutions i i CA/Aronberg-00.1089 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM deci1:3i9n Im going to leas the records ea.led confidential records Does she have any authority to do that MS BOYAG:IAN My understanding your Honor is t:hat requires c:ourt order bef:ore th:e r.ecord;i are unsealed THE COURT Exactly Exactly r-igh.t Let me 11:ear from Mr rqnberg attorney Mr Wyler MR WYLER Thank you your Honor May it please th.e Court THE COURT Good morning Sir MR WYLER Good morning Y9u:t Honor I just wanted to let you knqw that I spoke with counsel for the clerk Ms Fing,erhut a couple of days before this hearinsr and we decided that I would make the presentation for both of of us bein_g that our arguments overlap ex,cept for the fact of who this claim whether they have the rec::ordi or 267not which of cq weve i::raid we don it have custody of the reoo:r:d But nonetheless our arguments overlap The Pla 225irttif is atternpt.irtg to ass.ert a cause of act-iort uncler ct:ion Tpat tatute settled testirnoIJ.y not to be disclosed exc.eptions So its just CA/Aronberg-00.1089 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM explaining exceptions to the disclosure of the grand jury testimony Our position is that it doesnt set forth a Cause of action and that its impossible for us to perform what theyre asking I know you said you didnt really want to get into the Furthering Justice Exception but I know thats what theyre using as their basis to get to these But its our position that the clear unambiguous statutory language it shows that this disclosure only applies to a civil or criminal case and that within that civil or criminal Speaking simultaneously THE COURT Again sir Im sorry As I told Plaintiffs counsel MR WYLER Can only be used in the defense for THE COURT Okay Were not there Were not discussing the merits of the case and Im not ready to cross that bridge Im here for a very very limited hearing today So just as I stopped Plaintiffs counsel from arguing the merits of the Case and whether or not the Furtherance of Justice Exception will apply in this instance were not even there yet CA/Aronberg-00.1090 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM iO li explaining exceptiohS to the dis9 2671osure of the grand jury testimony Our p:osition is that it do:esn set forth a cause of action and t:hat its impossible f:or us to perform what they re 267ctsking I know you s:aid you didnt really want to get into the Furthering Justice Exception but I know tl:iat whc:lt 1:hey re ing as their pas-is to get to these But its our position that the c:lear unambiguous statutory language it shows that th-i-s dis-closure on,ly appli El to ct i vil qr crimii:i ca_se and that within that civil or criminal Speaking simultaneously THE COURT Again sir I sorry As I tQld Plaintiffrs counsel MR WYLER can only be used in the def nse for THE COURT Okay Were not there We re not discuss.ing the merits of the case and Im not ready t:o cro that bridge I im re for a ve.ry ry limited hearing today So just as I stopped Plaintiffs counsel from arguing 267the merits of the case and whether or hot the Furtherance of Justice Exceptioi:i y,1i-ll ctpply in this inst:ance we re not even there yet CA/Aronberg-00.1090 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Im only here for the purpose of determining whether or not the clerk and state attorney should be dismissed And I am bound by the four corners of the document which assert that you do have control and custody over it So if youll fashion your argument with regard to that limited purpose I would appreciate it MR WYLER No problem your Honor I apologize Within the four Corners of their complaint Our position is that they failed to state a cause of action under It does not provide for it doesnt list that theres no element that they have adequately pled to assert a cause of action under that Theres and the only thing theyre asking for is records that we dont have Theres really not much more to it your Honor And we would ask that you would grant our motion to dismiss for failure to state a cause of action THE COURT Okay Ms Fingerhut are you still on the phone MS FINGERHUT Yes your Honor THE COURT Is there anything you wish to add MS FINGERHUT We agree with the state CA/Aronberg-00.1091 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM I"m only here f9r the 265rpose of get rminirtg whether or not the clerk and state atc.torney should be dismissed And I am bound by the four corners of the document which assert that you do have contr9l and custody over it So if you fashion your argument with regard to that limited purpose I would appreciate it MR WYLER No problem your Hon.or I apologize Within the four corners of their compla:i.n:t our pos 267it;i.on is tl:lat they fa,ileq to state use of act.ion under It does not provide for it doesnt list that theres no element that they have adequ.;3.tely pled to assert a cc:i.use of action under that Theres and the only thing theyre asking for is records that we dont have There I really not much more to it your Honor And we would ask that you would grant our motion to dismiss for failure to state a cause of action THE COURT Okay M_ Fingerhut i:l.TE yqu till on t:h phone MS FINGERHUT Yes your Honor THE COURT Is there artythihg you wish to add MS FINGERHUT We agree with the ti:lte CA/Aronberg-00.1091 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM attorneys position and we also agree with what the Court has said that the plain language of the 225statute a cause of action doesnt exist And we really cannot well be defending something without the four corners Were simply involved in this action because the clerk is the custodian of the records THE COURT Okay Thank you Maam Ms Boyagian back to you MS BOYAGIAN Your Honor Id like to note that in the Butterworth case in which the Supreme Court limited the application by saying that a witness can reveal her Own testimony and prohibiting that they violate the First Amendment THE COURT Say that again please MS BOYAGIAN In the Supreme Court Case the Butterworth case in which the Supreme Court ruled that cant restrict a Grand Jury witness from revealing her own testimony that would be a violation of First Amendment in that case the state attorney was in fact a party THE COURT Well I assume the state attorney that was present I mean I dont find that thats close to what were talking about here and thats whether or not I mean as we know this was in ESQUIRE o.f?6sinoN soiuuoHv CA/Aronberg-00.1092 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM ii attornE:!y po1?ition and also agree wi.t-h what the Court has said that the plain language of the 267statute a cause of action doesnt ex1st And we really cannot we bE defending something without t:he f,qur c::orners We re_ simply involve.ct in this action becaus.e the clerk is the custodian of the records THE COlJRT Oka,y Xhan you Ma I clffi Ms Boyagian back to you MS HOY.AGIAN Your Honor Id like to note tha,t in the Butte:r:worth ca,se in whic:h the me Court limited the app,lication by saying that a witness can reveal her own testimony and prohibiting that they viol te the First Amendment THE COURT Say that again please MS BOYAGIAN In the Supreme Court case the Blitterwort:h c::ase in which the Supreme Ccnrrt rulE:!d that cant restrict a Grand Jury witness from revealing her own testimony that would be a vi9lation of First Amendment in that Cc:l/3e the stat.e at to ney was in fact a party THE COURT Well I assume the state attorney that was present I mean dont find that thats close to wha.t we I re t.::i.l:king about llere and that whether or not I mean as we know this was in CA/Aronberg-00.1092 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM Certainly Dave ArOnberg wasnt even the state attorney then But this is about the release of records I want to give you ample opportunity and again i sincerely appreciate that all of the case law and the way that it was presented to the Court in such a timely fashion I really do And I did spend some time with it But I want to give you whatever opportunity you want to take to convince me that it is in as to Count again Not the dec action whether these would be the appropriate defendants And you know really I want you to boil it down for me as to this lets take it all the way down the road You win You get a judgment against the clerk and the state attorney I know theres other reasons why you might have filed it this way But Im just simply puzzled because I do hear what the clerk and the state attorney are saying and that is performance is impossible They dont have the records and cannot absolutely Theres not even an inch of wiggle room that they could release the records even if you got a judgment It is solely a determination for the court I frankly think you know theres ways to OFPOSinON SOLUTIONS CA/Aronberg-00.1093 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM ertaittly Dave Arortbe-rg wafJh even th 267state attorney then B.ut this is about the release of records I want to give you ample qpportunity and again I s,i_ncere1y appre.cii::ite that all of the cas law and the way that it was pre 267sented to the Court in Such a timely fashion I really do And I did spend sorne time with it But I want to give you whatever opportunity you want to take to convirrce me that it is in as to Count again Not the dee action whether the_se wou1d be the ppropriate clef eI da11ts Ano you know really I want you to boii it down for me as to this letjs take it all the way down the road You win You get cl Judgment against the clerk and the state attorney I know theres other reasons why you might have 225filecl it this way But Im just s-irriply puzzled bec_ause I do hear what the cle_rk and the state attorney are saying and that is performance is impo s,ible Th don I have the recorq,s and c::cJ.nnot abso1utely The.re riot ev an iilch of wiggle room that they could release the records even i.f you got a judgment It is solely a dE 1:e_rmin_at:ion fo;r th,e cou_rt I frankly think_ you know there I ways to CA/Aronberg-00.1093 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM get to your records Theres ways to get confidential records But it isnt by suing the state attorney and the clerk So I just want to hear your last final argument on how Count IT the appropriate defendants are the clerk and the state attorney Even assuming arguendo they have the records we know they dont you were to get a judgment against them how would you expect them to perform MS BOYAGIAN Two points your Honor One is that again the clerk did not assert in her papers that she does not have control That is a position that the State Attorneys Office has asserted It is Our allegation and as your Honor noted allegations must be accepted as true as true at this stage of he pro eedi ngs Second it is also our understanding that the state attorney and the clerk intend to block access to these records So our allegation is that they do have possession custody or control which the clerk has not denied and second that they are trying to block access to the records THE COURT What do you mean What do you mean Theyre not trying to block it Theyre saying that despite the fact lets just talk about CA/Aronberg-00.1094 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM iO li lJ get to yo,,.fr records Th way 9et confidential records But it isnt by suing the state attorney and the clerk So I jui:it want hear your la finc;:ll argument on how Count II the 267cl.ppropriate d_ef endant are the clerk and the state attorney Even assuming arguendo they have the records we know they dont you to get a judgmE nt agc:1,inst thE::T h,ow would you expect them to perform MS BOYAGIAN Two points_ your Honor One is thqt a,gaiD t;:he clerk did not ssert in her pap rs that she does not have control That a position that the State Attorneys Office has asserted It is our alle 3ation anci a your Honor noted allegation mus:t be acce,pted as true as true at this stag.e of the proceedings Second it is also our unde-rstanding that the state attorney and the clerk intend to block access to the-se records So our allegation is that they do hc:1.v p9ss ssion cu:3fody or control which the c.lerk ha not niecl seoond that they arE trying to block access to the records THE COURT What do S,bu tnean What do you Tlley re riot trying to block it saying that despite the fact lets us,t taik about CA/Aronberg-00.1094 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM the clerk because we all know the state attorney doesnt have it So the clerk is the custodian of records Thats her main job Theres no doubt about it We all know that But we also know unequivocally unequivocally only the court can make the determination of whether the moving party has satisfied that there is an exception that these should be released So again I ask you she is in fact the custodian of the records is it your opinion that if you got a judgment saying clerk and comptroller gets a judgment against them that she can release the records without the court without the court weighing in without the court making that determination as required by law MS BOYAGIAN No your Honor We are asking your Honor to order the clerk to do that under your discretion THE COURT All right Mr Ms Fingerhut you wish to be heard on that MS FINGERHUT Your Honor our position is that were hot trying to block access to the records CA/Aronberg-00.1095 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM to i7 the cleYk becq,use we all know 267the state attc:irney does.n have it So the clerk is the custodian of records Thats her tnain job Theres no doubt about it We know tllc3.t But we als:o know unequivocal;J_y 267unequivoca:lly only the court can make the 267determination of whether the moving party has sc3.t:isfie4 that there is an e:x:ception thc3.t 1,ese should be released So again I ask you she is in fact the cust9dia:n o.f the records is it your opinion that if you got a j:udgment s:aying c.lerk and comptroller gets a judgment against themi that she can release the records without the co1,1:tt without the court weighing in without the court making that determination as required by law BOYAGIAN No your Honor we ire asking your Honor to order the cierk to do that under your d1.scretion Mr Fingerhut you wis_h to hearcl o:ri that MS FINGERHUT Your Hoho:t position is tJ:ic:;1:t we re not trying to block acces t:.o tl1 records CA Aronberg-00.1095 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM li Spe ak i ng simultaneously THE COURT Can you hear Can the attorneys hear MS FINGERHUT custodian the records and that he cannot release the records without court THE COURT Exactly Okay All right Anything further Mr Wyler MR WYLER No your Honor I concur with the attorneys for the clerks office that its impossible for us to release these records Theres no intent to hide them or block anything from the Plaintiff THE COURT Okay Anything further Ms Fingerhut MS FINGERHUT No your Honor THE COURT And Ms Boyagian anything further Maam MS BQYAGIAN Nothing further your Honor THE COURT Okay I will get an order out quickly Thank you folks so much And Ill see you On the next round Thanks a lot MS BOYAGIAN Thank you your Honor MR WYLER Thank you your Honor The proceedings concluded at a.m Of PO CA/Aronberg-00.1096 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM li Speaking imulta.nec5usly THE COURT Can you hear Can the attorneys hear MS FINGERHUT custodian the records ahd that he cannot release t:he records without ourt THE COURT Exactly Okay All ri9.ht Anything further Mr Wyler MR WYLER No your Honor I 9QilCUr with the attorneys for the clerks office that it"s impossible for us to release these records Theres no intent to hJpe them or block anytb.ing fror:n the PlaJnt;if THE COURT Okay Anything further Ms Fingerhut MS FINGERHUT No your Honor THE COURT And Ms Boyagian anything further Maam BQYAGIAN Nothing further your Honor THE COURT Okay I wfll get an ortjer out qu1ckly Thank you folks so much And Ill see you on the next round Th nk a lot MS BOYAGIA:t-J Thank yo your I:Ionor MR WYLER Thank you your Honor The proceedings c:ortcluded at a trt CA/Aronberg-0O1096 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CERTIFICATE OF REPORTER I Sonja Reed Court Reporter certify that I was authorized to and did stenographically report the foregoing proceedings and that the transcript pages through is a true and complete record of my stenographic notes Dated this 3rd day of June Sonja Reed Court Reporter CA/Aronberg-00.1097 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM CERTIFICATE OF RKPORTER i2 Sonja Reed Court ReportE certify that was auth0rize to and d"id sbenog:ua:phically report the foregoing pro.edings and that t:he transcript pages thr011gh is true and c;:om lete recc rd of my stenographi pqtes Da_ted this 3rd ly oJ Tune Sonja Reed Court Reporter CA Aronberg-001097 FILED PALM BEACH COUNTY FL JOSEPH ABRUZZO CLERK PM
