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
EFTA00227071
154 pages
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USAFLS) From: Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 1:20 PM To: Jack Goldberger Subject: RE: Letter concerning Epstein and the Palm Beach Daily News Thank you, Jack. ssis 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone Fax 561 820-8777 From: Jack Goldberger Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 12:59 PM To: Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS) Cc: Jay Lefkowitz; [email protected]; Barry Krischer; Sloman, Jeff Subject: Re: Letter concerning Epstein and the Palm Beach Daily News We will deal with the state. To answer your? The addendum has been filed Jack Goldberger Sent from my iPhone On Sep 17, 2008, at 12:15 PM, wrote: Gentlemen: Please review the attached letter. Thank you. «Lefkowitz 080917.pdf» Assistant VS. Attorney <Lefkowitz 080917.pdfl 49 EFTA00227151
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From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: USAFLS) Jack Goldberger gimplumpimegm. Wednesday, September 17, 2008 12:59 PM Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS) Sloman, Re: Letter concerning Epstein and the Palm Beach Daily News We will deal with the state. To answer your? The addendum has been filed Jack Goldberger Sent from my iPhone On Sep 17, 2008, at 12:15 PM, wrote: Gentlemen: Please review the attached letter. Thank you. «Lefkowitz 080917 pdf» • Assistant V.S. Attorney <Lefkowitz 080917.pdf> EFTA00227152
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(ILSAFLS) From: Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 12:04 PM To: Jay Lefkowitz; Jack Alan Goldberger (jgoldberger@agwpa com), [email protected] Cc: Barry Krischer: Sloman. Jeff (USAFLS), Atkinson, Karen (USAFLS); Garcia, Rolando (USAFLS) Subject: Letter concerning Epstein and the Palm Beach Daily News Gentlemen: Please review the attached letter. Thank you. Leflsowi z 08091/.pdf Assistant . Attorney 561209-1047 51 EFTA00227153
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(USAFLS) From: Sent: Wednesday, September 17. 2008 12:00 PM To: Barry Krischer Cc: Lanna Belohlavek (lbelohla@sa15 state fl us), Subject: Your inquiry regarding the Epstein case Hi Barry — The Non-Prosecution Agreement contains a confidentiality provision that requires us to inform Mr. Epstein's counsel before making any disclosure — even a compulsory disclosure. I am cc'ing you on a letter to Jay Leflcowitz, Roy Black, and Jack Goldberger informing them of the request and asking them, as parties to the criminal case, to contact you regarding a possible suit by the Shiny Sheet. On another note, I also will be informing them that I believe that they still have not filed the complete agreement with the Court, as required by the Judge at the hearing. Thank you very much for reaching out to us when you received this request, and if you need any help from us, please let us know. Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone 561 209-1047 Fax 561 820-8777 52 EFTA00227154
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(USAFLS) From: Sent: _Thursday, May 22, 2008 3:38 AM To: Subject: Fw confidential communication Original Message From: Sloman, Jeff (USAFLS) To: Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS) Sent: Mon May 19 15:37:30 2008 Subject: RE: confidential communication Original Message From: Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS) Sent: Monday, May 19, 2008 3:37 PM To: Acosta, Alex (USAFLS); Garcia, Rolando (USAFLS); Sloman, Jeff (USAFLS) Subject: Re: confidential communication Original Message From: Acosta, Alex (USAFLS) To: Sloman, Jeff (USAFLS); Campos, Cyndee (USAFLS); (USAFLS) Sent: Mon May 19 12:40:32 2008 Subject: FW: confidential communication For your records. From: Jay Lefkowitz [mailto: Sent: Monday, May 19, 2008 10:54 AM To: Acosta, Alex (USAFLS) Subject: confidential communication Dear Alex: I am writing to you because I have just received the attached letter from Drew Oosterbaan. In light of that letter, and given the critical new evidence discussed below, I would like to request a meeting with you, mindful of our July 1026 EFTA00227155
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8 deadline, at your earliest opportunity. Given your personal involvement in this matter to date, and the fact that at this juncture it is clear that CEOS has referred the matter back to you, I respectfully request that you not shunt me off to one of your staff. You and I have both spent a great deal of time on this matter, and I know that we both would like to resolve this matter in a way that bestows integrity both on the Department and the process. In our prior discussions, you expressed that you were "not unsympathetic" to our various federalism concerns, but stated that because you serve within the "unitary Executive," you believed your hands were tied by Main Justice. You were also extremely gracious in stating that you did not want the United States to be "unfair". Although CEOS limited its assessment to the federal statutes your Office had brought forth and to the application of those laws to the facts as presented, it is abundantly clear from Drew's letter that Main Justice is not directing this prosecution. In fact, CEOS plainly acknowledged that a federal prosecution of Mr. Epstein would involve a "novel application" of federal statutes and that our arguments against federal involvement are "compelling." Moreover, the language used by Drew in his concluding paragraph, that he cannot conclude that a prosecution by you in this case "would be an abuse of discretion" is hardly an endorsement that you move forward. Moreover, as you know, Drew made clear that the scope of his review did not extend to the other significant issues we have raised with you, such as the undo interest by some members of your staff with the financial and civil aspects of this matter, or with the inappropriate discussion one member of your Office had with alSenior reporter at the New York Times. (In fact, I have met with that reporter and have reviewed copious notes of his conversation with Mr. Weinstein). At this stage, we have no alternative but to raise our serious concerns regarding the issues Drew refused to address with the Deputy or, if necessary, the Attorney General, because we believe those issues have significantly impacted the investigation and any recommendation by your staff to proceed with an indictment. That being said, it would obviously be much more constructive and efficient if we could resolve this matter directly with you in the advance of further proceedings in Washington. Because it is clear that national policy, as determined by Main Justice, is not driving this case, the resolution of this matter is squarely, and solely, your responsibility. I know you want to do the right thing, and it is because you have made clear to me on several occasions that you will always look at all of the relevant and material facts that I call the following to your attention. New information that has come to light strongly suggests that the facts of this case cannot possibly implicate a federal prosecutorial priority. Due to established state procedures and following the initiation of multiple civil lawsuits, Mr. Epstein's counsel was able to take limited discovery of certain women in this matter. The sworn statements provided by these women all confirm that federal prosecution is not appropriate in this case. The consistent repr ' witnesses such as and and the civil complainants and their attorneys, confirm t e o owing key points: First, there was no telephonic 1027 EFTA00227156
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communication that met the requirements of § 2422(b). For example, as many other witnesses have stated, Ms. Beale testified in no unclear terms that there was never any discussion over the phone about her coming over to Mr. Epstein's home to engage in sexual activity• "The only thing that ever occurred on any of these phone calls [with r another assistant] was, 'Are you willing to come over,' or, 'Wou you I' e to come over and give a massage.'" Beale Tr. A at 15. Second, the underage women who visited Mr. Epstein have testified that they lied about their age in order to gain admittance into his home and women who brought their underage friends to Mr. Epstein counseled them to lie about their ages as well. Ms. stated the following: "I would tell my girlfriends just like approached me. Make sure you tell him you're 18. Well, these girls that I brought, I know that they were 18 or 19 or 20. And the girls that I didn't know and I don't know if they were lying or not, I would say make sure that you tell him you're 18." Tr. at 22. Third, there was no routine or habit suggesting an intent to transform a massage into an illegal sexual act. For instance, Ms. stated that Mr. Epstein "never touched [her] physically" and that all she did was "massage[ ] his back, his chest and his thighs and that was it." Laduke Tr. at 12-13. Finally, as you are well aware, there was no force, coercion, fraud, violence, drugs, or even alcohol present in connection with Mr. Epstein's encounters with these women. The civil suits confirm that the plaintiffs did not discuss engaging in sexually- related activities with anyone prior to arriving at Mr. Epstein's residence. This reinforces the fact that no telephonic or Internet persuasion, inducement, enticement or coercion of any kind occurred. Furthermore, Mr. Herman, the attorney for most of the civil complainants, was quoted in the Palm Beach Post as saying that "it doesn't matter" that his clients lied about their ages and told Mr. Epstein that they were 18 or 19. In short, the new evidence establishing that the women deliberately lied about their age because they knew Mr. Epstein did not want anyone under 18 in his house directly undercuts the claim that Mr. Epstein willfully blinded himself as to their ages. Willful blindness is not a substitute for evidence of knowledge nor is it a negligence standard. It requires proof beyond reasonable doubt of deliberate intent and specific action to hide one's knowledge. There is absolutely no such evidence of that here, so it is not even a jury issue. Furthermore, willful ignorance cannot constitute the required mens rea for a crime of conspiracy or aiding and abetting. Through the recent witness statements, we have also discovered another serious issue that implicates the integrity of the federal investigation. We have learned that FBI Special Agent attempted to convince these adult women, now in their twenties, t re in fact "victims" even though the women themselves strongly disagreed with this characterization. This conduct, once again, goes to the heart of the integrity of the investigation. In a sworn statement, Ms. Beale was highly critical of the overreaching by federal law enforcement officers in this case. She testified—in no uncertain terms—that she does not, and never did, feel like a "victim," despite the fact that the FBI repeatedly tried to convince her otherwise. I am mindful of the fact that we have a state court date of July 8 on which either to enter a plea or to commence trial. As I review the trial options with 1028 EFTA00227157
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Mr. Epstein, I certainly want to make sure I do everything within my power to obviate a need for trial through a reasonable alternative resolution. Although it is clear that CEOS is not directing a prosecution here, and has stated only that you have the authority to commence such a prosecution, I am well aware that the decision whether to proceed, subject to any further process in Washington, is now within your discretion. I think the new facts should greatly influence your decision and accordingly, I hope you will agree to meet with me, both to discuss the new evidence and to discuss a resolution to this matter once and for all. I am available to meet with you at your earliest convenience subject to our mutual availability. Respectfully, Jay **************###44#*##*######################*#*44******** The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney- client privileged, may constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Kirkland & Ellis LLP or Kirkland & Ellis International LLP. Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail or by e- mail to [email protected], and destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. ******44####*##*###*####*********************************** 1029 EFTA00227158
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From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Dear Jay and Roy: Thursday, August 14, 2008 4:21 PM Roy BLACK' We just finished our hearing with Judge Marra. He has ordered us to make the Agreement available to the plaintiffs in this case pursuant to a protective order limiting the disclosure to the victims and their counsel only. He further has ordered that we have to make the agreement available to any other identified victim and her attorney, so long as they also agree to be bound by the protective order. Judge Marra stated that the plaintiffs can litigate the issue of further disclosure directly with Mr. Epstein in the context of their civil suits. When I receive the Court's order and a signed protective order, I will provide them to you. Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Bcach, FL 33401 Phone Fax 561 820-8777 Tracking: 234 EFTA00227159
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From: Sent: To: Cc: ;'Roy BLACK' Subject: RE: Follow-up point Dear Jay: The modification contained in the December letter is clear and simple, that is why we were not surprised by Mr. Epstein's and his attorneys' actions affirming acceptance of the modification. Mr. Epstein's acceptance of the modification by pleading guilty was equally clear and simple -- it followed written communications from Mr. Sloman and myself that read: "Mr. Epstein has until the close of business on Monday, June 30, 2008, to comply with the terms and conditions of the agreement between the United States and Mr. Epstein (as modified by the U.S. Attorney's December 19'h letter to Ms. Sanchez), including entry of a guilty plea, sentencing, and surrendering to begin his sentence of imprisonment." As clearly stated in the December letter, only those "individuals whom [the United States] was prepared to name in an Indictment as victims of an enumerated offense" are the beneficiaries of the agreement. That is the list of names that I provided to Messrs. Goldberger and Tein following the change of plea. Under the September/October agreement, all "individuals whom [the United States] has identified as victims" are the beneficiaries, so I would prepare a supplement to the earlier list to include identified victims whom we were not yet prepared to name in an indictment. Again, as stated in the letter, the modification replaces paragraphs 7 and 8 of the Agreement, including paragraphs 7A through 7C that are included in the October Addendum. This means that Mr. Epstein's waiver of "his right to contest damages up to an amount as agreed to between the identified individual and Epstein" will no longer exist, nor will Mr. Epstein's obligation to pay for the victims' counsel. Paragraphs 9 and 10 are still in effect. This includes the statement that there is no admission of civil or criminal liability, and that, "[e]xcept as to those individuals who elect to proceed EXCLUSIVELY under 18 USC § 2255, ... Epstein's signature [cannot] be construed as admissions or evidence of civil or criminal liability." This addresses your question regarding exclusivity. I don't think that Mr. Epstein has to make any constructive admissions of conviction. He only needs to admit that the 32 girls whose names I have provided to Mr. Goldberger are "victims" of an offense listed in 18 U.S.C. 2255. Please let me know if you have any additional questions. Thank you. Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach FL 33401 Phone Fax 561 820-8777 From: Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2008 2:39 PM To: Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS) 236 EFTA00227160
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Cc: Atkinson, Karen (USAFLS); Subject: Re: Follow-up point Marie - In reviewing your December proposal, there are a couple of things I don't understand. What limits are placed upon individuals who proceed under 2255 as if "Mr. Epstein had been tried federally and convicted of an enumerated offense." In other words, what individuals would have this right? And would these individual only have this right if they proceeded exclusively under 2255? Also, to what enumerated offenses do you think would Mr. Epstein have to make constructive admissions of conviction? and how many such offenses? And against whom? Remember that while you may have investigated various offenses, he only plead guilty to certain state crimes. Finally, would paragraphs 8-10 of the September Agreement still be operative? I am trying hard to understand what you have intended by the December letter. Alex has says he thinks it benefits Jeffrey, and I am open to understanding it that way. But I would like some clarity on these issues. Thanks — Jay 08/142008 12'44 PM To Subject Follow-up pont Hi Jay — I forgot to mention that I can no longer argue that the Court shouldn't force us to produce the agreement because we have already provided the victims with the relevant portion when I now understand from you that I have NOT provided them with the relevant portion. Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone Fax 561 820-8777 The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged, may constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Kirkland & Ellis LLP or Kirkland & Ellis International LLP. unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail or by e-mail to postmasterekirkland.com, and 237 EFTA00227161
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destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. Tracking: 238 EFTA00227162
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SA FLS) From: Jay Lefkowitz Sent: Th rsda Au ust 14 2 2. PM To: Cc: Subject: Re: Follow-up point In reviewing your December proposal, there are a couple of things I don't understand. What limits are placed upon individuals who proceed under 2255 as if "Mr. Epstein had been tried federally and convicted of an enumerated offense." In other words, what individuals would have this right? And would these individual only have this right if they proceeded exclusively under 2255? Also, to what enumerated offenses do you think would Mr. Epstein have to make constructive admissions of conviction? and how many such offenses? And against whom? Remember that while you may have investigated various offenses, he only plead guilty to certain state crimes. Finally, would paragraphs 8-10 of the September Agreement still be operative? I am trying hard to understand what you have intended by the December letter. Alex has says he thinks it benefits Jeffrey, and I am open to understanding it that way. But I would like some clarity on these issues. Thanks -- Jay TCEMIIMIIM 08/14/2008 12.44 PM Subject Fe:on-up pcci Hi Jay — I forgot to mention that I can no longer argue that the Court shouldn't force us to produce the agreement because we have already provided the victims with the relevant portion when I now understand from you that I have NOT provided them with the relevant portion. Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FI, 33401 Phon Fax 561 820-8777 The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged, may 246 EFTA00227163
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constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Kirkland & Ellis LLP or Kirkland & Ellis International LLP. Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail or by e-mail to [email protected], and destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. 247 EFTA00227164
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(USAFLS) From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Thursday, August 14, 2008 12.43 PM Follow-up point Ili Jay — I forgot to mention that I can no longer argue that the Court shouldn't force us to produce the agreement because we have already provided the victims with the relevant portion when I now understand from you that I have NOT provided them with the relevant portion. Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone SIMS Fax 561 820-8777 250 EFTA00227165
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USAFLS) From: Sent: liursday, ugL IM .•11R2 12•M To: Jay Lefkowitz Subject: RE: Telephone Call Fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone 561 209-1047 Fax 561 820-8777 From: Jay Lefkowltz Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2008 12:26 PM To Cc Subject: Re: Telephone Call How about 10 minutes? From: "Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS)" [Ann.Marie.C.Villafana@usdojjgosl Sent: 08/14/2008 12:19 PM AST To: Jay Letkowitz Cc: "Atkinson, Karen (USAFLS)" <Karen.Atkinson@usdolgov> Subject: Telephone Call Hi Jay — Can you give me a specific time for the call so that 1 can conference call you and Karen? Thank you. Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone Fax 561 820-8777 251 EFTA00227166
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The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged, may constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Kirkland & Ellis LLP or Kirkland & Ellis International LLP. Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail or by e-mail to oostmasterekirkland.com, and destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. 252 EFTA00227167
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USAFLS) From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Ina Telephone Call III Jay —Can you give me a specific time for the call so that I can conference call you and Karen? Thank you. A. Marie Villafaila Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach. FL 33401 Phone Fax 561 820-8777 253 EFTA00227168
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From: Sent: hursday, August 14, 2008 11:33 AM To: Roy BLACK Subject: Call with Jay Lefkowitz Hi Roy — Sony to bother you early in the morning. Jay Lefkowitz is supposed to call soon to discuss the agreement. We would prefer to have you on the call as well. Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach FL 33401 Phone Fax 561 820-8777 254 EFTA00227169
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From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Jay Lefkowitz Wednesday. August 13. 2008 10 00 PM Roy BLACK Re: Electronic Copy of my Fax Thx Marie - speak tomorrow. I will call you around 1130-1200. Jay From: Sent: 0 To: Jay Leflcowitz Cc: "Roy BLACK" <RBLACK®royblack.com> Subject: Electronic Copy of my Fax Jay — Here is a scanned version of the fax, in case you have already left. «Lefkowitz 080813008.pcff>> Assistant U.S. Attorney 500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phones Fax 561 820-8777 The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged, may constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Kirkland & Ellis LLP or Kirkland & Ellis International LLP. Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail or by e-mail to postmasterakirkland.com, and destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. 258 EFTA00227170