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FBI VOL00009
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 5 of 100 Doe" lawsuits presently pending against Epstein, filed by this plaintiffs former lawyer. This case is properly removed to federal court, first, because there is complete diversity among the real parties-in-interest, second, because the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000, and third, because this Notice complies with the requirements of 28 U.S.C. § 1446. Discussion A. This case is properly removable because it falls within the original jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. A state-court case is properly removable when "it could have been brought, originally, in a federal district court." Lincoln Prop. Co. v. Roche, 546 U.S. 81, 83 (2005) (citing 28 U.S.C. § 1441(a)). This case was originally filed in federal district court, and it is the same case today. Even though it was reconfigured to look like a state-court lawsuit, this action falls squarely within the bounds of the diversity-jurisdiction statute. See 28 U.S.C. § 1332(a)(1) (establishing that federal district courts have original jurisdiction over cases where the amount in controversy [is more than $75,000] . . . and [when the controversy] is between citizens of different states"). 5 Lewis 'rein ri 3059GuADAvimist,Sunt 340,Caccour Gtove.ftota 13113 5 d 316 EFTA00232137
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 6 of 100 1. The amount in controversy in this action exceeds $75,000. This case is a duplicate of the First Federal Lawsuit. In that case, Jane Doe pled "damages in excess of $50 million." See Doe v. Epstein, No. 08-80069-ICAM (S.D. Fla. filed Jan. 24, 2008) (Compl. ¶ 6). That allegation is now deleted and the Amended Complaint substitutes a generic prayer for relief.5 It is clear, however, that Jane Doe still seeks more than $75,000 in damages. This case, precisely like the First Federal Action, seeks damages in connection with an alleged assault. (Ant. Compl. ¶¶ 16-19.) The Amended Complaint alleges that Jane Doe "has suffered and will continue to suffer severe and permanent traumatic injuries, including mental, psychological, and emotional damages." (Am. Compl. ¶ 19.) These are the identical injuries Jane Doe asserted in the First Federal Action, and are no less serious simply because pled under a state-court caption. Cf., e.g., Woods v. Southwest Airlines, Co., 523 F. Supp. 2d 812, 820 (N.D. III. 2007) (determining, in the context of diversity jurisdiction, that the $75,000 threshold had been satisfied, and "clearly [surpassed]," based on "the nature of the injuries alleged" in the complaint). 5 The Complaint seeks damages for "[more than] ... $15,000? (Am. Compl. ¶ 6.) This boilerplate is routinely used in Florida pleading practice to trigger application of section 26.012, Florida Statutes, the statute that establishes the jurisdictional amount required for filing in Florida's Circuit Court (as opposed to County Court). 6 Lewis 3059 Gump Art Nut . Sum 341, Comm Giovt. NOM* 33133 Go1316 EFTA00232138
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KANI
Document 1
Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008
Page 7 of 100
To cement this point, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has said that
"[w]hen [a] complaint does not claim a specific amount of damages, removal from
state court is proper if it is facially apparent from the complaint that the amount in
controversy exceeds the jurisdictional requirement." Williams v. Best Buy Co.,
Inc., 269 F.3d 1316, 1319 (11th Cir. 2001). This case meets that standard, and
satisfies the first prong of diversity jurisdiction.
2. There is complete diversity among the real parties to this
controversy.
Diversity jurisdiction requires complete diversity.
Carden v. Arkoma
Assocs., 494 U.S. 185, 187 (1990) ("Since its enactment, we have interpreted the
diversity statute to require 'complete diversity' of citizenship." (citing Strawbridge
v. Curtiss, 7 U.S. (3 Cranch) 267, 267-68 (1806))). See also MacGinnitie v. Hobbs
Group, LLC, 420 F.3d 1234, 1239 (11th Cir. 2005) (stating that "[c]omplete
diversity requires that no defendant in a diversity action be a citizen of the same
state as any plaintiff"). As demonstrated below, this case satisfies the statutory
requirement of complete diversity.
(a) PlaintiffJane Doe is a citizen of Florida. (Am. Compl. 1 1.) 6
6 Jane Doe may, in fact, be a citizen of Georgia, not Florida, as she pled in her Amended
________compiaint.,Se.041184V--Y04-P-084-JuIr4,4008--(-reperting that "On his .vvy into cool t gut
his state-court guilty plea on June 30], Epstein was served with a copy of a lawsuit by
1)oc, who has since moved to another state."); Jane Doe Depo. at 77, 112 (indicating that
7
Lewitt Teinn.
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 8 of 100 (b) Defendant Jeffrey Epstein is a citizen of the U.S. Virgin Islands' (c) Defendant is a citizen of New York. (Am. Comp!. ¶ 5.) 3. Defendant was fraudulently joined to defeat diversity. "A non-diverse defendant who is fraudulently joined does not defeat diversity because his citizenship is excluded from the diversity calculus." Shenkar v. Money Warehouse, Inc., No. 07-20634-CIV, 2007 WL 3023531, at *1 (S.D. Fla. her. sister lives with her mother in Georgia); Affidavit of LaVogue at y I (stating, "I am the mother and natural guardian for Jane Doe #1" with jurat executed in Georgia before a Georgia notary), DE 4-2, Jane Doe No. l v. Epstein, Case No. 08- 80069-Civ-Marra (1/29/08); Intervenor's Complaint, at ¶ 2 (filed by "Jane Doe's Mother" and stating that "Jane Doe's Mother is a citizen and resident of the State of Georgia."). DE 5-2, Jane Doe No. I v. Epstein, Case No. 08-80069-Civ-Marra (1/29/08); Petition for Removal of Disability of Non-Age, at ¶¶ I, 2, 7 (filed "on behalf of S.D.G.," alleging that "The mother is Da[w]n Lavogue and her address is .... Ga.," and stating that "S.D.G. is also the unnamed party in a lawsuit filed by her father on her behalf in the 11.5. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Case No. 08-80069, which was filed without the consent of the mother"), In re v. Case No. 50 2008 DR 001141 (Palm Beach Co. Family Ct.) (1/31/08). If this turns out to be the case, there is complete diversity, regardless of citizenship. Although the Eleventh Circuit has recently indicated that a district court may not conduct jurisdictional discovery under such circumstances, another division of this Court has since allowed it. Compare Lowery v. Ala. Power Co., 483 F.3d 1184, 1215-16, 1221 (11th Cir. 2007) (holding that jurisdictional discovery to determine citizenship upon removal is inappropriate), with Calecto v. BASF Constr. Chemicals, LLC, slip op., Case No. 07-60077-CIV-ZLOCH, 2008 WL 1840717, *I (S.D. Fla. Apr. 22, 2008) (ordering that parties "shall engage in jurisdictional discovery for the Court to determine the citizenship of BASF and whether it has subject-matter jurisdiction over this action"). 7 The Amended Complaint erroneously states that Jeffrey Epstein is a citizen of New York. 8 Lewin Teinn. 3010 Maw Ainsen,Sunt 340,Oxormart Coca, Flamm 31113 811319 EFTA00232140
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 9 of 100 Oct. 15, 2007) (Moreno, J.) (citing Riley v. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 292 F.3d 1334, 1337 (11th Cir. 2002)); accord, e.g., Tedder v. F.M.C. Corp., 590 F.2d 115, 117 (5th Cir. 1979) (denying motion to remand where two resident defendants were joined for the fraudulent purpose of defeating federal jurisdiction). In this case, the plaintiff relies on her original allegations to support three causes of action against civil conspiracy (Am. Compl. ¶¶ 20-23); Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (Am. Comp!. ¶¶ 23-28); and civil RICO (Am. Compl. ¶¶ 29-34). These allegations, however, do not support these claims, or any other theory of liability that would allow recovery against Cl Parks v. The New York Times Co., 308 F.2d 474, 477 (5th Cir. 1962) (observing that "determination of fraudulent joinder is to be based on whether there was a real intention on colorable grounds to procure a joint judgment") (emphasis added).8 (a)Nonresident defendants have a right of removal. The removal statute was enacted specifically "to protect defendants." Legg v. Wyeth, 428 F.3d 1317, 1325 (11th Cir. 2005). Cf., e.g., Piquet v. Amoco Prod. Co., 513 F. Supp. 938, 941 (M.D. La. 1.981) (explaining that courts developed the fraudulent-joinder doctrine to protect "the right [of removal] granted to 8 In Bonner v. City of Prichard. 661 F.2d 1206, 1207 (11th Cir. 1981) (en banc), the -----Laieventh-Cifeklit-Goen-of-Appeals-adepted-as-binding-preeedent-all dvcisiuns of tllc former Fifth Circuit rendered prior to October 1, 1981. 9 LeSyjsjFein n. 3059 Gwe Sun 340. [Menu, GOOrt.ItOitrni. 33133 101319 EFTA00232141
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM
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Page 10 of 100
[defendants] by . . . Congress"). In this case, by reconstituting her original federal
lawsuit and refiling it in state Court, the plaintiff has clearly sought to avoid the
strictures of the mandatory stay of this case that federal law requires under 18
U.S.C. § 3509(k).9
In federal court, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3509(k), this action must be
automatically stayed pending final disposition of an ongoing parallel criminal
action against Mr. Epstein. See 18 U.S.C. § 3509(k) (providing that a parallel civil
By filing in state court, the plaintiff's attorney has also evidently sought to avoid the
clear command of our local rules forbidding public comment about the merits of a
pending lawsuit. Compare S.D. Fla. Local Rule 77.2(7) ("A lawyer or law firm
associated with a civil action shall not during its investigation or litigation make or
participate in making an extrajudicial statement, other than a quotation from or reference
to public records, which a reasonable person would expect to be disseminated by means
of public communication if there is a reasonable likelihood that such dissemination will
interfere with a fair trial and which relates to (a) Evidence regarding the occurrence or
transaction involved. (b) The character . . . of a party .. . . (d) The lawyer's opinion as to
the merits of the claims . . . ."), with Ricci—Leopold Home Page, http://
www.riccilaw.com (click on "Breaking News," then access the hyperlink entitled,
03/13/08 - Consumer Justice Attorney Ted Leopold Files Case to aid Jane Doe in seeking
justice against sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. ) (describing character
of party defendant Epstein as a "sexual predator" (a term defined by Florida criminal
statutes) and quoting the plaintiff's attorney "Ted Leopold, managing partner" as
characterizing Epstein as "an extremely powerful and wealthy man," with "vast
resources," who acted "in the vilest way" at his "lavish mansion" with "lurid fantasies"
and inflicting "untold damage," and opining that he should "be held accountable;" also
quoting the plaintiff's attorney as opining that "[t)his case is both about justice and
making sure that a wealthy and powerful man knows that he is not above the law;" also
quoting the plaintiff's attorney's view of the evidence that plaintiff "continues to endure
emotional trauma daily") (Web site last visited July 17, 2008).
10
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 11 of 100 action arising from an alleged sexual assault of a minor "shall be stayed until the end of all phases of [any] criminal action") (emphasis added). In this case, there is a parallel federal criminal grand jury action pending in the Southern District of Florida, In re Grand Jury, No. (WPB) (S.D. Fla.), which arises out of the same allegations pled here. Thus, in resorting to fraudulent joinder, the plaintiff has sought to avoid any application of this otherwise controlling statute. Cf. Doe v. Francis, No. 5:03 CV 260 Mat/WCS, 2005 WL 517847, at *1-2 (N.D. Fla. Feb. 10, 2005) (staying civil diversity action over plaintiffs' objections on grounds that "the language of 18 U.S.C. § 3509(k) is clear that a stay is required in a case . . . where a parallel criminal action is pending which arises from the same occurrence involving minor victims") (emphasis added). Even outside the context of a mandatory federal statute, "the Supreme Court [has] admonished [that] `the Federal courts should not sanction devices intended to prevent a removal to a Federal court where one has that right, and should be equally vigilant to protect the right to proceed in the Federal court." Legg, 428 F.3d at 1325 (citing Wecker v. Nat'! Enameling & Stamping Co., 204 U.S. 176, 186 (1907)). See also id. (observing that "Congress `did not extend [to defendants a right of removal] with one hand, and with the other give plaintiffs a bag of tricks 11 Lewis Tein PI 1059 GOADAvow Sun r 340. COCON-7 04:74. hum.. 13133 1101311 EFTA00232143
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 12 of 100 to overcome it"' (quoting McKinney v. Bd. of Trustees of Maryland Cray. Colt, 955 F.2d 924, 928 (4th Cir. 1992))). To protect a nonresident defendant's right of removal, a federal court will "determine the matter of jurisdiction" by examining "the true situation both as to parties and causes of action." Bernblum v, Travelers' Inc. Co., 9 F. Supp. 34, 35 (W.D. Mo. 1934) (emphasis added). See also id. (observing that "[Ole federal courts will . . . strike out the fiction injected into a case by a party to prevent removal"). In accordance with these principles, a plaintiff cannot destroy diversity jurisdiction simply by conjuring up a nondiverse defendant; there must be at least some "possibility that the state law might impose liability on [the nondiverse] defendant under the circumstances alleged in the complaint." Florence v. Crescent Res., LLC, 484 F.3d 1293, 1299 (11th Cir. 2007) (citations omitted). See also, Holloway v. Morrow, No. 07-0839-WS-M, 2008 WL 401305, at *5 (S.D. Ala. Feb. 11, 2008) (emphasizing that "'Mlle potential for legal liability. must be reasonable, not merely theoretical" (quoting Legg v. Wyeth, 428 F.3d 1317, 1325 n.5 (11th Cir. 2005))) (emphasis added). In this case, the plaintiffs have tried to whip Jane Doe's original, one- defendant complaint into a froth that looks non-federal. Cf. Owens v. Swan, 962 F. Supp. 1436, 1439 (D. Utah 1997) (noting that "although plaintiffs' amended 12 n 3059 MIAS° Amkut.$44ti 340. CoccoanGtovi,404443433133 12 dile EFTA00232144
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 13 of 100 complaint contains four claims for relief, the first and second claims state only one cause of action") (emphasis added). Using her original allegations and adding nothing, Jane Doe has tried to add claims against for civil conspiracy (Am. Compl. ¶¶ 20-23), Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (Am. Compl. ¶¶ 24-28), and civil RICO (Compl. ¶¶ 29-34) in order to append a nondiverse defendant to her Complaint. These claims, however, are untenable under Jane Doe's own allegations, and therefore cannot be used to destroy diversity jurisdiction. (b) There is no possibility that the plaintiff can establish a cause of action against under Florida law. (i) The conspiracy claim against must fail. As a general rule, "[a]n actionable conspiracy [under Florida law] requires an actionable underlying tort or wrong." Wright v. Yurko, 446 So. 2d 1162, 1165 (Ha. 5th DCA 1984) (citations omitted) (emphasis added).1° 10 This case is governed by the general rule. CI Churruca v. Miami Jai-Alai, Inc., 353 So. 2d 547, 550 (Fla. 1977) (noting that while there is "ordinarily ... no independent tort for conspiracy," there is a narrow exception to this rule when "the plaintiff can show some peculiar power of coercion possessed by the conspirators by virtue of their combination") (emphasis added). See generally Liappas v. Augoustis, 47 So. 2d 582, 583 (Fla. 1950) (observing that "'instances of conspiracy which is in itself an independent tort are rare and should be added to with caution" (quoting Fleming v. Dane, 22 N.E.2d _609,41-1-,-(Mass,1939-M-(emphaffis-added). Plainlyithis-ctbe involvcb die geucral rule, not the narrow exception, because only one person could have caused Jane Doe's injuries. CI Martin v. Marlin, 529 So. 2d 1174, 1179 (Fla. 3d DCA 1988) (upholding 13 Lewis 30$9GweAvoug, Sun( 340.03conta Griot CiaiuoA 33133 11.1311 EFTA00232145
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 14 of 100 Here, Jane Doe cannot assert a cause of action for "violation of Chapter 800, Florida Statutes" (Am. Compl. ¶ 18) because there is no private right of action under that Chapter. See generally Am. Home Assurance Co. v. Plaza Materials Corp., 908 So. 2d 360, 374 (Fla. 2005) (observing that "not every statutory violation carries a civil remedy" (citing Villazon v. Prudential Health Care Plan, Inc. 843 So. 2d 842, 852 (Fla. 2003))). See also, e.g., Miami Herald Publ'g Co. v. Ferre, 636 F. Stipp. 970 (S.D. Fla. 1985) (King, C.J.) (holding that violation of Florida's criminal extortion statute does not give rise to a civil cause of action for damages); Mantooth v. Richards, 557 So. 2d 646, 646 (Ha. 4th DCA 1990) (per curiam) (affirming dismissal of plaintiffs claim for parental kidnapping where "the mentioned statutes concern only criminal violations and do not afford a civil remedy") (citation omitted) (emphasis added); Wright v. Yurko, 446 So. 2d 1162, 1 165 (Ha. 5th DCA 1984) (holding that "[a]n act which does not constitute a basis for a cause of action against one person cannot be made the basis for a civil action for conspiracy"). In this case, Jane Doe's claim under Count H (civil conspiracy) fails because it derives exclusively from Count I (violation of Chapter 800, Florida Statutes). Cf grant of summary judgment against claim for independent conspiracy, noting that "lwihen the concerted acts of the defendants do not create a greater harm than if the acts v‘ ere committed by one person alone. then there can be no recovery"). 14 Lewis "rein it 3059 GuNoAvmvt,Suirt 340.,Cccaivr Grow. FLORIDA 33133 14 of 31$ EFTA00232146
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 15 01 100 Buchanan v. Miami Herald Publg Co., 230 So. 2d 9, 12 (Fla. 1969) (holding that where Count I of the complaint had failed to state a cause of action for malicious prosecution, there could be no civil-conspiracy claim in Count II "based on the allegations of Count I"). Because the statute she expressly pleads as the basis for Count 1, Chapter 800, Florida Statutes, provides no civil remedy, Jane Doe cannot prevail on Count I. Therefore, she cannot prevail on her claim for conspiracy (Count II) to violate Chapter 800, Florida Statutes (Count I). (ii) The plaintiff cannot prevail against nondiverse defendant on her claim for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED). Even if the plaintiff, for the sake of argument, can assert an IIED claim against Jeffrey Epstein, the plaintiff still does not have a cause of action for IIED against First, the plaintiff cannot recover damages in connection with her own illegal conduct; and second, the plaintiff's purported IIED claim fails as a matter of law. 15 I e.s r8 Tein ri. 3059 Gum/A.44K Sum 340.CocordurGtovtitomm 13133 IS al 314 EFTA00232147
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 16 of 100 1. The plaintiff seeks damages in connection with her own illegal conduct. The plaintiff concedes that she went to Jeffrey Epstein's house "to give Epstein a massage for monetary compensation." (Am. Compl. ¶ 13.) The plaintiff also concedes, in the guise of an allegation, that "brought Jane Doe to Epstein's mansion in Palm Beach" to help the plaintiff execute her own plan. (Am. Compl. ¶ 13.) Yet, the plaintiff's plan was illegal: under Florida law, it is a crime "to practice massage" without a license. § 480.047, Fla. Stat. (1997). To say it another way, the plaintiff admits that she went to Mr. Epstein's house to commit a crime. Based on these allegations, it is clear that the plaintiff seeks damages in connection with her own illegal conduct, this is enough to support a finding of fraudulent joinder. See Florence v. Crescent Resources, LLC, 484 F.3d 1293, 1298 n.3 ( I I th Cir. 2007) (acknowledging that "under some circumstances, application of an affirmative defense can support a finding of fraudulent joinder). This conclusion is supported by well-established principles. Under Florida law, a plaintiff cannot recover damages flowing from her own illegal conduct. See v. 93 Fla. 709, 112 So. 622, 628 (1927) (referring to "the universal rule of our law that one in a court of justice cannot complain . . . of another's wrong whereof he was a partaker") (internal quotation marks and citation 16 Lets Tein n. 3059 Goma Aviout. Soot 340, Craw' Gion, Co w13133 II of ills EFTA00232148
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM
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omitted) (emphasis added); Turner v. Anderson, 704 So. 2d 748, (Fla. 4th DCA
1998) ("[N]o public policy should allow appellant to recover damages as a result of
engaging in criminal conduct such as occurred in this case."). Cf. Ewe!! v. Daggs,
108 U.S. 143, 149 (1883) (stating that "Injo court will lend its aid to a [plaintiff]
who founds [a) cause of action upon an immoral or an illegal act'") (quoting
Holman v. Johnson, 98 Eng. Rep. 1120 (K.B. 1775)); see also id. (explaining that
this policy is "not for the sake of the defendant, but because [the courts] will not
lend their aid to such a plaintiff" (quoting Holman, 98 Eng. Rep. 1120))
(emphasis added); Balas v. Ruzzo, 703 So. 2d 1076, 1082 (Fla. 5th DCA 1997)
(Harris, J., concurring) (remarking in the context of an action brought against an
alleged prostitution house that "the court should continue its tradition of not
interceding in civil conflicts involving transactions that are either illegal or are
against public policy").
Based on the foregoing, the plaintiff cannot blame someone else (=
for the consequences of her own criminal conduct. CI Feld & Sons, Inc.
v. Pechner, Dorfman, Wolfe, Rounick and Cabot, 458 A.2d 545, 552 (Pa. Super.
Ct. 1983) (holding that law-firm clients could not recover damages flowing from
their own criminal acts, even though clients' lawyers had suggested the unlawful
conduct to begin with). See also Turner v. Anderson, 704 So. 2d 748, 751 (Fla. 4th
17
LevSTsin
n
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IT of 310
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 18 of 100 DCA 1998) (approving reasoning in Feld (Cr Sons, holding that "no public policy should allow [a plaintiff] to recover damages as a result of engaging in criminal conduct" where the plaintiff had provided false testimony at an arbitration proceeding). 2. The plaintiffs LIED claim fails as a matter of law. To state a cause of action for LIED, a complaint must allege four elements: I I ) deliberate or reckless infliction of mental suffering; (2) outrageous conduct; (3) the conduct caused the emotional distress; and (4) the distress was severe. Metro. Life Ins. Co. v. McCarson, 467 So. 2d 277, 278 (Fla. 1985). Whether conduct is outrageous enough to support a claim of intentional infliction of emotional distress is a question of law, not a question of fact. Liberty Mut. Ins. Co. v. Steadman, 968 So. 2d 592, 595 (Fla. 2d DCA 2007) (citations omitted). In this case, without reaching the question of "outrage," the plaintiff has failed to show that conduct - - allegedly arranging an illegal sexual massage that the plaintiff herself agreed to perform - - itself caused the plaintiff to suffer any emotional distress. Even if the alleged agreement was fraudulently induced, the plaintiff's TIED claim flows from Epstein's alleged conduct, not the joint conduct of and Doe in planning the massage. 18 Lewis 'rein a 3059 Gine° Avinia, Sint 340, (=Mr Glen, 1IOMM 33133 11 o1318 EFTA00232150
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(iii) The plaintiff cannot prevail on her claim for civil remedies
for criminal practices or racketeering ("civil RICO") pled in
Count IV.
A cause of action under section 772.104, Florida Statutes ("Civil Remedies
for Criminal Practices") requires a showing of direct injury. Even assuming for
the sake of argument that Jane Doe can establish that the defendants engaged in a
"pattern of criminal activity," she cannot establish that she was directly injured by
those activities.
Section 772.104 allows someone to bring a civil RICO claim only if "he or
she has been injured by reason of any RICO violation. § 772.104, Fla. Stat.
(2007). Here, the allegations in Count IV, even if they are true, do not add up to a
civil RICO claim because there is no proximate cause between the purported
"pattern of criminal activity" and Jane Doe's alleged injuries.
In a doomed attempt to satisfy the extremely high burden of pleading civil
RICO under Florida law, the Amended Complaint lists a series of violations rooted
in Florida's prostitution statutes. (Am. Compl. ¶ 31.) According to the Amended
Complaint, the defendants participated in a criminal enterprise . . . or conspir[acy]"
(Am. Compl. ¶ 30) over an unspecified length of time "to repeatedly find and
bring [Jeffrey Epstein] underage girls . . . in order for Epstein to solicit, coerce,
entice, compel, or force such girls in acts of prostitution and/or lewdness" (Am.
19
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 20 of 100 Comp!. ¶ 32). The alleged "pattern of criminal activity" comprises violations of Chapter 796, Florida Statutes—the chapter that proscribes various crimes of prostitution:3 These allegations do not tie directly into Jane Doe's alleged psychic injuries. In contrast to a cognizable RICO claim, this action concerns only an isolated occurrence. More important, the alleged injuries in this case are pled to have resulted from an alleged sexual assault, an assault "in violation of Chapter 800 of the Florida Statutes" (Am. Compl. 1 18)—not anything having to do with the facilitation of prostitution, or more succinctly, the violation of Florida's prostitution law. Civil RICO claims are extraordinarily difficult to plead successfully. There are examples in the case law of RICO claims stemming from a prostitution enterprise, but they are vastly different from what plaintiff pleads here. They involve, for example, prostitutes who sued a house of prostitution (as an "enterprise") for inflicting systematic and repetitive abuse on them, over time. See Balas v. Ruzzo, 703 So. 2d 1076, 1077 (Fla. 5th DCA 1997) (offering an example of a civil RICO claim against the operators of an alleged "house of prostitution," 13 The Amended Complaint alleges a "pattern of criminal activity" comprising the following criminal violations: §§ 796.03, 796.07(2Xf), 796.07(2Xh), 796.045, and 796.04, Fla. Stat. (Am. Comp!. ¶ 31.) 20 Lewis 'rein it 1059 G Pao A‘INW, Sun13n0,CucnwrGAM, itIMOA 33133 30 at Mil EFTA00232152
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 21 of 100 where petitioners alleged that they had "suffered emotional pain, anguish, humiliation, insult, indignity, loss of self-esteem, inconvenience, hurt and emotional distress" as a result of being forced repeatedly, over time, to "perform sexual acts to retain their employment"). Here, even if the Amended Complaint can be read to plead that the defendants schemed to solicit other massages from other people (see, e.g., Am. Compl. 111 9, 11, 12, 32), those activities are not alleged in any way to have impacted Jane Doe. Cf., e.g., Palmas YBambu, S.A. v. F..I. Dupont De Nemours & Co., Inc., 881 So. 2d 565, 570 (Fla. 3d DCA 2004) (holding that "'indirect injuries, that is injuries sustained not as a direct result of predicate acts . . wit! not allow recovery under Florida RICO."' (quoting O'Malley v. St. Univ., Inc., 599 So. 2d 999, 1000 (Fla. 3d DCA 1992))) (emphasis added). Because the Amended Complaint does not satisfy the direct-injury requirement under Florida's RICO law, Jane Doe has failed to allege a cause of action against for violation of section 772.103, Florida Statutes. B. This Notice satisfies the procedural requirements of 28 U.S.C. § 1446. 1. This notice of removal is timely. In accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 1446, this notice of removal is timely. Only defendant Epstein has been served with process. Defendants and 21 LeAxika !!!!!! 1059G...two Avom.Sum 140,Cof own Gnow,hotsm 33131 21 of 311 EFTA00232153
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 22 of 100 have not yet been served. In a multi-defendant lawsuit, removal is timely when effected within 30 days after the last defendant is served. See Hill Dermaceuticals, Inc. v. RX Solutions, United Health Group, Inc., No. 6:08-cv-330-Or1-31KRS, 2008 WL 1744794, at *3 (M.D. Ha. Apr. 11, 2008) (concluding that removal petition was timely where it was filed within 30 days after the last defendant was served). 2. Notice has been given, and state-court papers have been filed. In accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 1446(d), defendants have served this Notice of Removal on July 18, 2008. All papers filed in State Court are attached to this Removal Petition. 3. There is unanimity among the defendants. In accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 1446(b) the undersigned are authorized to represent that all of the defendants join this Petition and consent to removal. Conclusion Because this is a civil action between citizens of different states, excluding any fraudulently joined parties, and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000, exclusive of interests and costs, this Court has original jurisdiction over this action pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332(a)(1). 22 L.evyjp: in rs. 3029 Goma Avow.. Soot 340, (Mow, Wore, Rosa 33133 22 of 316 EFTA00232154
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 23 of 100 WHEREFORE, the Defendants, Jeffrey Epstein, and remove this case from Palm Beach Circuit Court to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Respectfully submitted, LEWIS TEIN, P.L. 3059 Grand Avenue, Suite 340 Coconut Grove. Florida 33133 Tel: Fax: By: GUY A. LEWIS Fla. Bar No. MICHAEL R. TEIN Fla. Bar No. ATTERBURY, GOLDBERGER & WEISS, P.A. 250 Australian Avenue South, Suite 1400 West Palm Beach. Florida 33401 Tel. Fax. By: Jack A. Goldbet.• Fla. Bar No Attorneys for Defendant Jeffrey Epstein 23 Leayip ysiri 3039 Gw.o Avow', Sum 340. Cocosul Geod. FICIOSOA 33133 23 o1316 EFTA00232155
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Case 9:08-cv-80804-KAM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 24 of 100 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing document is being served this day, July 18, 2008, on counsel of record identified on the service list by U.S. Mail. re: Michael R. Tein 24 Lewis rein.. 3059GuaoAvinue, 5u0e 340,Coccom GAOVI.FLORW 33113 x40311 EFTA00232156