This is an FBI investigation document from the Epstein Files collection (FBI VOL00009). Text has been machine-extracted from the original PDF file. Search more documents →
FBI VOL00009
EFTA00190318
446 pages
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How to proceed? Lanna From: Bryce Albu [mallto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 3:52 PM To: Lanna Belohlavek Cc: Martin Reeder Subject: State I. Jeffrey Epstein Ms. Belohlavek, We represent The Palm Beach Daily News. The newspaper recently discovered that a non-prosecution agreement (and an addendum thereto) was filed under seal pursuant to an agreed order entered in the above-referenced case. Because the records are sealed, we cannot assess the propriety of the decision to seal them or even whether the newspaper is interested in the information contained therein. I was hoping you would discuss with me the nature of the agreement and the basis for sealing it so that we can advise our client on whether it should pursue an order unsealing the agreement. Please call me at your earliest convenience. Very truly yours, C. Bryce Albu Reeder & Reeder P.A. 250 S. Central Blvd., Suite 200 Jupiter, FL 33458 Direct Dial: (561) 575-9721 Facsimile: (561) 575-9765 bryceareederandreeder.com 436 EFTA00190698
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Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS) From: Senior, Robert (USAFLS) <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 11:25 AM To: Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS); Acosta, Alex (USAFLS); Sloman, Jeff (USAFLS); Lee, Dexter (USAFLS); Atkinson, Karen (USAFLS) Cc: Garcia, Rolando (USAFLS) Subject: RE: State'. Jeffrey Epstein Given the non-disclosure agreement, aren't we left with telling the SAO that we have agreed to not disclose so it wouldn't be proper for us to now agree that unsealing is appropriate. Ultimately, it's the SAO's call because they will get the Florida Public Records Act request and they were not a signatory to the agreement. We should also notify defense counsel so that they can take whatever actions they believe are appropriate. Wait till others have had a chance to weigh in on this issue. From: Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS) Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 10:50 AM To: Acosta, Alex (USAFLS); Sloman, Jeff (USAFLS); Senior, Robert (USAFLS); Lee, Dexter (USAFLS); Atkinson, Karen (USAFLS) Cc: Garda, Rolando LUSAFLS) Subject: FW: State I. Jeffrey Epstein Will it never end? Barry Krisher sent the e-mail below to Rolando this morning. How would you like to handle this issue? A. Marie Vilkfairia Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone 561 209-1047 Fax 561 820-8777 From: Garcia, Rolando (USAFLS) Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 10:48 AM To: Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS) Subject: FW: State'. Jeffrey Epstein From: Barry Krischer [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 10:46 AM To: Garcia, Rolando ILISAFLS) Subject: FW: State . Jeffrey Epstein Please advise how you would like us to proceed. The agreement referred to is the Federal Non-Prosecution agreement sealed in the file by the judge at the time of the Epstein plea. From: Lanna Belohlavek Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 4:21 PM 437 EFTA00190699
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To: Barry Krischer Subject: FW: State'. Jeffrey Epstein How to proceed? Lanna From: Bryce Albu [mallto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 3:52 PM To: Lanna Belohlavek Cc: Martin Reeder Subject: State Jeffrey Epstein Ms. Belohlavek, We represent The Palm Beach Daily News. The newspaper recently discovered that a non-prosecution agreement (and an addendum thereto) was filed under seal pursuant to an agreed order entered in the above-referenced case. Because the records are sealed, we cannot assess the propriety of the decision to seal them or even whether the newspaper is interested in the information contained therein. I was hoping you would discuss with me the nature of the agreement and the basis for sealing it so that we can advise our client on whether it should pursue an order unsealing the agreement. Please call me at your earliest convenience. Very truly yours, C. Bryce Albu Reeder & Reeder P.A. 250 S. Central Blvd., Suite 200 Jupiter, FL 33458 Direct Dial: (561) 575-9721 Facsimile: (561) 575-9765 bryceereederandreedercom 438 EFTA00190700
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Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS) From: Senior, Robert (USAFLS) <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 11:26 AM To: Sloman, Jeff (USAFLS); Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS); Acosta, Alex (USAFLS); Lee, Dexter (USAFLS); Atkinson, Karen (USAFLS) Cc: Garcia, Rolando (USAFLS) Subject: RE: State'. Jeffrey Epstein Nothing like emails that cross in the wind. From: Sloman, Jeff (USAFLS) Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 11:22 AM To: Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS); Acosta, Alex (USAFLS); Senior, Robert (USAFLS); Lee, Dexter (USAFLS); Atkinson, Karen (USAFLS) Cc: Garcia, RolandolUSAFLS) Subject: RE: State I. Jeffrey Epstein I have reviewed the Agreement. We have no obligation to seek its continued sealing. Per my conversation with Marie, she is going to notify Jack Goldberger that he has yet to file the remainder of the Agreement and that the unsealing issue is between him/Epstein and the SAO's office. From: Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS) Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 10:50 AM To: Acosta, Alex (USAFLS); Sloman, Jeff (USAFLS); Senior, Robert (USAFLS); Lee, Dexter (USAFLS); Atkinson, Karen (USAFLS) Cc: Garcia, Rolando {USAFLS) Subject: FW: State I. Jeffrey Epstein Will it never end? Barry Krishcr sent the e-mail below to Rolando this morning. How would you like to handle this issue? A. Marie Villafana Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone 561 209-1047 Fax 561 820-8777 From: Garcia, Rolando (USAFLS) Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 10:48 AM To: Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS) Subject: FW: State'. Jeffrey Epstein From: Barry Krischer (mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 10:46 AM To: Garcia, Rolando USAFLS) Subject: FW: State I. Jeffrey Epstein 439 EFTA00190701
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Please advise how you would like us to proceed. The agreement referred to is the Federal Non-Prosecution agreement sealed in the file by the judge at the time of the Epstein plea. From: Lanna Belohlavek Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 4:21 PM To: Barry Krischer Subject: FW: State'. Jeffrey Epstein How to proceed? Lanna From: Bryce Albu [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 3:52 PM To: Lanna Belohlavek Cc: Martin Reeder Subject: State'. Jeffrey Epstein Ms. Belohlavek, We represent The Palm Beach Daily News. The newspaper recently discovered that a non-prosecution agreement (and an addendum thereto) was filed under seal pursuant to an agreed order entered in the above-referenced case. Because the records are sealed, we cannot assess the propriety of the decision to seal them or even whether the newspaper is interested in the information contained therein. I was hoping you would discuss with me the nature of the agreement and the basis for sealing it so that we can advise our client on whether it should pursue an order unsealing the agreement. Please call me at your earliest convenience. Very truly yours, C. Bryce Albu Reeder & Reeder P.A. 250 S. Central Blvd., Suite 200 Jupiter, FL 33458 Direct Dial: (561) 575-9721 Facsimile: (561) 575-9765 bryceareederandreeder.com 440 EFTA00190702
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Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS) From: Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS) <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 200810:43 AM To: Acosta, Alex (USAFLS); Sloman, Jeff (USAFIS); Senior, Robert (USAFLS); Lee, Dexter (USAFLS); Atkinson, Karen (USAFLS) Subject: Communications from Jeff Herman re Epstein matter Attachments: 080916 Ltr from Herman to Josefsberg.pdf; 080915 Ltr from Herman to Villafana.pdf 111 III all - Today, Jeff and Dexter should receive hard copies of a letter I received from Jeff Herman yesterday. (Karen received her copy yesterday.) I had not intended to do much with it, but today I received a fax from Bob Josefsberg attaching a letter that he had received from Herman. I have scanned and attached both of the letters to this e-mail. In light of the two letters, I would like to get permission to contact the Florida Bar for a written staff opinion on the issue. I could only ask them to address the issue of my contacting the victims, but I recommend that we ask Bob if he wants to submit a written request at the same time regarding whether he can contact the victims. I will note that, for those girls who we knew were represented, all communications were directed to their attorneys, and Bob J. knows that he cannot contact those girls directly. Can you let me know if you have any objection to this? And, Dexter, are you willing to review my written request before it goes out? Thank you. «080916 Ltr from Herman to Josefsberg.pdf>> «080915 Ltr from Herman to Villafana.pdf>> A. Marie Villafana Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone 561 209-1047 Fax 561 820-8777 432 EFTA00190703
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Herman Wermelsteln, P 10:48:06 a.m. 16-09-2008 1/3 ERMAN & M ERMELSTEIN PA Ai l'ORNEYS AT LAW FAX TRANSMITTAL Jeffrey M. Herman Tel 305.931.2200 Fax 305-931-0877 jherman€hermanlaw.com 18205 Biscayne Boulevard Suite 2216 Miami, Florida 33180 yovw.hermanlaw.cOrn FROM DATE NO. OF PAGES Jeffrey M. Herman September 16, 2008 3 TO COMPANY FAX NUMBER A. Marie Villafana, Esq. U.S. Attorney's Office (561)820-8777 MESSAGE RE: Jane Does 2-5 I Jeffrey Epstein Please see enclosed correspondence. THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN_ INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. IF THE READER OF THIS MESSAGE IS NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT OR THE EMPLOYEE OR AGENT RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING THE MESSAGE TO THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT ANY DISSEMINATION, DISTRIBUTION OR COPYING OF 7MS COMMUNICATION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY BY TELEPHONE, AND RETURN THE ORIGINAL MESSAGE TO US AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS VIA THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE. THANK YOU. EFTA00190704
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305-9312200 Herman 8Mermelsteln,P 10:48.28 a.m. 16-09-2008 1/3 HERMAN 6. MERMELSTEIN PA ATTORNEYS AT LAW September 16, 2008 Via Fax and Regular Mail A. Marie Villafafia, Esq. Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 Australian Ave., Fourth Floor West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Re: Jeffrey Epstein Dear Ms. Villafafia: Jeffrey M. Herman Tel 305.931.2200 Fax 305.931.0877 jherman©hermanlaw.com 18205 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 2218 Miami. Florida 33160 vninv.hermanlaw.com This concerns your letters to us and to sexual assault victims of Mr. Epstein dated September 2, 2008. Please be advised that we strenuously object to your letters on various grounds, and believe that they are in violation of the Florida Bar Rules. First, your letters attempt to steer the victims to a particular attorney, Mr. Josefsberg, and advise them that Mr. Josefsberg will be making an unsolicited contact to them in the next two weeks. This contact with prospective clients and solicitation reflected in your letters is contrary to Ma. Bar. Rule 4-7.4. Additionally, your letters are misleading in the following respects: (1) the action advocated to the victims in paragraph 2 refers generally to the victims' waiver o f "any other claim for damages", failing to advise them that this waiver may include a valuable claim to punitive damages against an alleged billionaire; and (2) the letters imply in paragraph 3 that Mr. Epstein's agreement to pay attorney fees is a significant concession, when in fact a victim is entitled to reasonable attorneys' fees under the Statute upon proof of a violation, irrespective of Mr. Epstein's agreement. We accordingly demand that the U.S. Attorneys' office immediately cease and desist from directing unrepresented victims into unsolicited attorney contacts and misleading them about their rights in claims against Mr. Epstein. We demand that you instruct Mr. Josefsberg not to solicit victims, and to send letters to unrepresented victims correcting the misleading statements contained in your September 2, 2008 letters. EFTA00190705
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305- 9312200 Herman &Mermelstein, P 10:48:58 a.m. 16-09-2008 3/3 A. Marie Villafafia, Esq. September 16, 2008 Page 2 Finally, we demand that you make no contact with our clients diredy,kt_nd contact th i er ionl through our office. Our clients include Garcia, Faith Pentek and Alvarez. Sincerely, effrey M. Herman EFTA00190706
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09/16/2088 17:18 PODHURST.ORSECK NO.269 D831 PQDHURST ORSECK, P.A. City National Bank Building, Suite 800 25 West Flagler Street Miami, FL 33130 Please deliver the following page(s) to: AUSA A. Maria Villafana (561) 820-8777 Michael R. Tein, Esq. (305) 442-6744 Roy Black, Esq. (305) 358-2006 From: Robert C. Josefsberg, Esq. Number of page(s): (Including cover page) Our Fax Number: (305) 358-2382 MESSAGE: File No. Epstein Date: 9/16/08 If you do not receive all pages, please contact us immediately at: (305) 358-2800 - Extension 3241 THIS IS A PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION. IF YOU ARE NOT AN INTENDED RECIPIENT, YOU SHOULD: (1) REPLY TO SENDER; (2) DESTROY THIS COMMUNICATION ENTIRELY, INCLUDING DELETION OF ALL ASSOCIATED TEXT FILES FROM ALL INDIVIDUAL AND NETWORK STORAGE DEVICES; AND (3) REFRAIN FROM COPYING OR DISSEMINATING THIS COMMUNICATION BY ANY MEANS WHATSOEVER. THANK YOU. EFTA00190707
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09/ 1G/2008 17:18 MDFURSLORSECK N0.269 f1002 Podhurs T 2.: A_, Sr A21?7-7-1-A77.71 WYi33S t • •••'4. r% r" , r: „..- r%..- Aaron S. Podhunt Robert il i coefsberg Joel D. Steven ks Victor M. Diar, Jr. Katherine W. Ezell Stephen F. Rosenthal Ricardo h.f.: Martfnet-Ctd Ramon A Rasco Alexander T. Rundlet John Gravante, lit AUSA A. Marie Villafana U.S. Attorney's Office Southern District of Florida 500 S. Australian Avenue, Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Roy Black, Esq. Black, Srebnick, et al. 201 S. Biscayne Blvd., Suite 1300 Miami, FL 33131 Re: Jeffrey Epstein Dear Ms. Villafana and Gentlemen: September 15, 2008 VIA FACSIMILE Robert Orseck (19M-1978) welter li Beckham. Jr. [Caren Podhurst Dan Of Counsel Michael R. Tan, Esq. Lewis Tein, 3059 Grand Avenue, Suite 340 Coconut Grove, FL 33133-5166 Enclosed please find a letter received today from Jeffrey Herman. Before I start wasting my time and Mr. Epstein's money researching the ethical issues, I would like to know if any of you looked into Rule 4-7.4. Until I am advised to the contrary, I shall assume Mr. Herman is incorrect, but I would like this issue resolved as soon as possible. Very truly yours, 770 - 7.2 Robert C. Josefibcrg RCJ/bp Enclosure cc: Katherine W. Ezell, Esq. Amy Ederi, Esq. Podhurst OrSick• P.A. 25 West }Leer Street Suitt 00). Mont It 33130 Mlatrd 3053382300 Fax Vinci; rdo • Fort Laucludak 954.461.4346 vnew.podhonecorn EFTA00190708
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09/16/2008 17:18 P0DHLIRST,0RSECK H0.269 DOM :carman &Nlermelstein, P HERMAN & MERMELSTEIN PA ATTORNEYS AT LAW September 16, 2008 Via Fax and Regular Mall Robert Josefsberg, Esq. podhurst Orseck P A 25 W Plaster St Ste 800 Miami, Florida 331301720 Re: Jay Epstein Dear Mr. Josefsberg: 1050:14 a.m. 16-09-2008 212 KEL. RC: -- Cc A-7E' — Jeffrey M. Herman Tel 305.9312200 Fax 305.031.0877 Thermanehennanlaw com 18205 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 2218 Miami, Florida 33160 swe.hennenlaw.corn We are in receipt of letters dated September 2, 2008 from Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Marie Villafaha that were sent to sexual assault victims of Jeffrey Epstein. That letter advises victims that you will be contacting them regarding civil claims against Epstein. Please be advised that we strenuously object to these letters and the contemplated unsolicited contacts with victims. Please be further advised that we represent the following victims in claims against Jeffrey Esptein and direct Malibu make no contact with an af them, except through our office: Michele Garcia, Faith Pentek and Alvarez. We further believe that Mr. Epstein's plan for you to represent victims, and for the Assistant U.S. Attorney to assist you in soliciting them, is in violation of the Florida Bar Rules, particularly Rule 4-7.4. We urge you not to participate in these activities. EFTA00190709
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Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS) From: Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS) <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 12:05 PM To: Ethics Opinions Subject: FW: Request for Written Staff Opinion ATTN Elizabeth Clark Tarbert Attachments: Florida Bar Ltr re Ethics Opinion.pdf; Final Victim Notification -- Sample.pdf; Final Victim Notification Represented Sample.pdf Dear Ms. Tarbert — Here is my earlier e-mail. Thank you. A. Marie Villafaila Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone 561 209-1047 Fax 561 820-8777 From: Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS) Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2008 7:21 PM To: eto@)flabar.orq Cc: Atkinson, Karen (USAFLS); Lee, Dexter (USAFLS) Subject: Request for Written Staff Opinion Dear Sir or Madam: Please see the attached correspondence. Thank you for your assistance. «Florida Bar Ltr re Ethics Opinion.pdf» <<Final Victim Notification — Sample.pdf» «Final Victim Notification Represented Sample.pdf>> A. Marie Villafalla Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone 561 209-1047 13 EFTA00190710
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Fax 561 820-8777 14 EFTA00190711
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U.S. Department of Justice
Uni►ed States Attorney
Sou►hern District of Florida
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
Ethics Counsel
The Florida Bar
651 East Jefferson Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2300
500 South Australian .4vc. Suite 400
West Palm Reach. Ft 33401
(561) 820-8711
Facsimile: (561) 820-8777
September 18, 2008
CONFIDENTIAL'
Re:
Request for Written Staff Opinion
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am an Assistant United States Attorney and a member in good standing of the
Florida Bar. I am writing to request a written staff opinion on an issue related to contact with
unrepresented parties.
As part of my employment, I have investigated and presented for prosecution a case
involving the sexual abuse of several young women who were teenagers at the time of the
abuse. There is a federal statute, 18 U.S.C. § 2255, that provides a civil cause of action for
victims of the federal crimes that I investigated, which sets a minimum of $150,000 in
damages.
At the request of counsel for the putative defendant, the U.S. Attorney's Office
entered into pre-indictment plea negotiations that resulted in the signing of a Non-
Prosecution Agreement ("Agreement"). The Agreement called for the putative defendant to
plead guilty to state criminal offenses that would result in the defendant's designation as a
sex offender. The Agreement also sought to place the victims in the same position where
they would have been if the defendant had been convicted of the federal offenses.
Accordingly, the Agreement required the defendant to agree to waive challenges to liability
and damages related to claims brought pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 2255. In light of the large
'In addition to the general rules regarding confidentiality, this letter relates to a confidential
Non-Prosecution Agreement, and, accordingly, I would ask that the information contained herein
remain confidential.
EFTA00190712
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ETI IICS COUNSEL FLORIDA BAR SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 PAGE 2 number of young, vulnerable, and unsophisticated victims, the U.S. Attorney's Office also included agreement terms requiring the defendant to pay for the services of an independent attorney-representative, whose services would be offered (without obligation) to the victims free of charge. The U.S. Attorney's Office asked the former Chief United States District Judge to serve pro bono as a Special Master for the selection of the attorney-representative. The Special Master selected Robert Josefsberg and his firm, Podhurst Orseck, to serve as the attorney-representative. Under federal law, I have several obligations related to victims, including an obligation to confer with them and advise them of resolution of their matters. See, e.g., 18 U.S.C. § 3771. Accordingly, 1 have prepared a letter informing the victims of how the matter was resolved, including the appointment of Mr. Josefsberg. The letter advises the victims that Mr. Josefsberg will be in contact with them shortly and invites the victims to contact Mr. Josefsberg directly if they so choose. A copy of the letter, with some identifying information redacted, is attached. This letter was reviewed by attorneys for the defendant before it was sent. During the pendency of the investigation, some of the victims retained civil attorneys to represent them in civil suits against the defendant. For those victims whom I knew to be represented, I sent a modified version of the letter to the attorney, rather than to the victim, and asked the attorney to convey the substance of the letter to the victim. In that letter, the discussion of contact with Mr. Josefsberg made clear that Mr. Josefsberg's contact would be with the attorney only, not directly with the victim. A copy of the letter for those victims already represented by counsel also is attached. I understand that you do not opine on past events, and some of these letters already have been distributed, but several victims have yet to be notified, and I need guidance on how to proceed. Unbeknownst to me, one victim had obtained counsel prior to receiving my letter. I have received a letter from that attorney asserting that my contact with the victims violates Florida Bar Rule 4-7.4. 1 have reviewed the rule and do not understand how it would apply to me because: (1) I am not soliciting employment from a prospective client; (2) I am not seeking pecuniary gain; (3) none of the victims has expressed a desire not to receive communications from me; (4) the letter does not involve coercion, duress, fraud, overreaching, harassment, intimidation, or undue influence; (5) the letter is not false, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive; and (6) there is nothing about the mental or physical EFTA00190713
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ETHICS COUNSEL FLORIDA BAR SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 PAGE 3 states of the victims that leads me to believe that they cannot review and understand the information that is included in the letter. Can you provide me with a written opinion on this issue so that I may revise the letters that have not yet been distributed if you deem it necessary? I understand that the same attorney has made contact with Mr. Josefsberg, also accusing him of violating the same rule. Since the benefit to these victims will be lost if Mr. Josefsberg cannot advise them in detail of their rights under the Agreement, I understand that his firm will be contacting your Office for similar guidance. Please let me know if you need any additional information, and thank you for your kind assistance with this matter. Sincerely, R. Alexander Acosta United States Attorney By: s/A. Marie Villafana A. Marie Villafaila Assistant United States Attorney cc: Dexter Lee, AUSA and Professional Responsibility Officer Karen Atkinson, AUSA EFTA00190714
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U.S. Department of Justice United States Attorney Southern District of Florida 500 South Australian Ave., Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 ($61) 820-8711 Facsimile: (50)8204777 [DATE] [Victim name and address] Re: IDefendantl/IVictim I: NOTIFICATION OF IDENTIFIED VICTIM Dear Ms. [Victim]: By virtue of this letter, the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida provides you with the following notice because you are an identified victim of a federal offense. On June 30, 2008, [Defendant] entered a plea of guilty to violations of Florida Statutes Sections [insert case information] and was sentenced to a term of twelve months' imprisonment to be followed by an additional six months' imprisonment, followed by twelve months of Community Control 1, with conditions of community confinement imposed by the Court. In light of the entry of the guilty plea and sentence, the United States has agreed to defer federal prosecution in favor of this state plea and sentence, subject to certain conditions, including the following: 1. An independent Special Master was assigned the task of selecting an attorney representative to represent the victims, including you, in connection with civil actions between the victims and [Defendant.] The Special Master selected Robert Josefsberg, Esq. of the firm Podhurst Orseck, P.A., a highly-respected and experienced attorney. You are not obligated to use Mr. Josefsberg as your civil attorney, but, as explained in greater detail below, Mr. Josefsberg's services wi II be provided at no cost to you because [Defendant] is obligated to pay the costs and fees of the attorney-representative. Also, [Defendant] and his attorneys can only contact you via Mr. Josefsberg, assuming that you would like Mr. Josefsberg to serve as your attorney. EFTA00190715
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[VICTIM'S NAME] NOTIFICATION OF IDENTIFIED VICTIM [DATE] PAGE 2 or 3 2. If you elect to file suit against [Defendant] pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 2255, [Defendant] will not contest the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida over his person and/or the subject matter, and [Defendant] waives his right to contest liability and also waives his right to contest damages up to an amount as agreed to between you and [Defendant], so long as you elect to proceed exclusively under 18 U.S.C. § 2255, and you waive any other claim for damages, whether pursuant to state, federal, or common law. Notwithstanding this waiver, [Defendant's] agreement with the United States, his waivers and failure to contest liability and such damages in any suit are not to be construed as an admission of any criminal or civil liability. 3. As stated above, [Defendant] has agreed to pay the fees of the attorney representative selected by the independent third party. This provision, however, shall not obligate [Defendant] to pay the fees and costs of contested litigation filed against him. Thus, if after consideration of potential settlements, you and Mr. Josefsberg elect to file a contested lawsuit pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 2255 or you elect to pursue any other contested remedy, the obligation to pay the costs of the attorney representative, as opposed to any statutory or other obligations to pay reasonable attorneys fees and costs such as those contained in Section 2255, shall cease. Mr. Josefsberg will be contacting you within the next two weeks to explain these terms. If you would like to contact Mr. Josefsberg directly, he can be reached at 305 358- 2800. If you have already selected other counsel to represent you, or if you do so in the future, and you decide to file a claim against [Defendant], [Defendant's] attorney, [attorney name], asks that you have your attorney contact him at [firm name and address]. In addition, there has been litigation between the United States and two other victims regarding the disclosure of the entire agreement between the United States and [defendant]. Mr. Josefsberg can provide further guidance on this issue, or if you select another attorney to represent you, that attorney can review the Court's order in the matter of In re Jane Does I and 2, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida Court File No. 08- EFTA00190716
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[VICTIM'S NAME] NO OF IDENTIFIED VICTIM [DATE] PAGE 3 OF 3 80736-CIV-MARRA. Please understand that neither the U.S. Attorney's Office nor the Federal Bureau of Investigation can take part in or otherwise assist in civil litigation. Thank you for all of your assistance during the course of the federal and state investigations and please accept the heartfelt regards of myself and Special Agents Kuyrkendall, Slater, and Richards for your health and well-being. Sincerely, R. Alexander Acosta United States Attorney By: A. Marie Villafafia Assistant United States Attorney cc: Robert Josefsberg, Esq. [Defendant's attorney] EFTA00190717