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JAMES PATTERSON
* * *
Whatever the reasons for his resignation, Epstein still gets his
annual bonus of around $100,000 (roughly $275,000 in today's
dollars). The SEC never brings charges against him or any other
Bear Stearns employee. And so the particulars of Epstein's depar-
ture get folded up into the greater mystery surrounding the man.
Did Epstein crash the rocket ship that Ace Greenberg had given
him to pilot? Or did he take it and fly it out, over the horizon?
Either way, Epstein was out on his own.
For him, the future would only get brighter.
Ana ObregO
Ana Obr
c
and we.
ishe firsi
roles—in the
the star a run
Spanish Playbc
As for forti
Ana's fathe
had serious pr
bond-trading fi
that it was goir
off a subsidiar3
And in May, Di
ed on Treast
ad dragged do
100
'TERSON
signation, Epstein still gets his
)0 (roughly $275,000 in today's
harges against him or any other
ae particulars of Epstein's depar-
:r mystery surrounding the man.
ip that Ace Greenberg had given
Lid fly it out, over the horizon?
on his own.
nly get brighter.
Ana ObregOn: 1982
CHAPTER 24
na ObregOn was one of the world's most beautiful women
and well on her way to becoming famous as such when
she first met Jeffrey Epstein. For her, there would be film
roles—in the 1984 Bo Derek vehicle Bolero, Ana ObregOn gives
the star a run for her money—and appearances on the covers of
Spanish Playboy and Spanish Vanity Fair.
As for fortune, ObregOn had that already.
Ana's father was a very wealthy investor in Spain. But he also
had serious problems. On June 15, 1982, a venerable stock- and
bond-trading firm, the Drysdale Securities Corporation, announced
that it was going out of business. Just that year, Drysdale had spun
off a subsidiary operation called Drysdale Government Securities.
And in May, DGS defaulted on $160 million in interest payments it
owed on Treasury securities that it had borrowed. In doing so, DGS
had dragged down its parent company.
101
100
JAMES PATTERSON
A very well-connected group of Spanish families—including
members of Spain's royal family—had invested with Drysdale.
Those investors stood to lose hundreds of millions of dollars.
And Ana's father was one of those investors.
What Ana wanted from Jeffrey Epstein was help in recover-
ing her father's money.
"My father, he's done something stupid," she told him.
A Spanish accent. A Brooklyn accent. They blended well
together, and Ana was so very lovely.
It turned out that Epstein was willing to help.
"Something stupid, you see, with the money. The family
money. Some—what do you call it? A scheme. He knew some of
the people, but they lied to him. And now the money is gone."
People who knew Jeffrey Epstein recall that he was bad off after
his exit or ouster —whatever it was—from Bear Stearns. Mov-
ing from couch to couch for a while. Sleeping in his lawyer's
offices before settling down in an apartment in the Solow Tower,
on East 66th Street.
It's a bit hard to believe. After all, Epstein left Bear Stearns
with a good deal of money. But Epstein's lifestyle was expensive.
He was a man on the make then, and Ana was still in her twen-
ties, plying her craft at the Actors Studio — the New York City
theater institution that Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, Jack
Nicholson, and Jane Fonda had all been members of.
Epstein told Ana that he'd formed a company, International
Assets Group.
To Ana, this sounded very impressive. In fact, JAG was a
small operation that Epstein was running out of his apartment.
102
But if Ana had
already see till
maintain that
who helped SE
women he'd cu
whole other kir
Ones that n
Andrew Levan(
District of Nem.
Force. He was a
he was build in
of Drysdale ex
Epstein bringir
Epstein came tc
The woman
Levander to
lawyer named F
himself, was as:
hunt for the mo
In effect, IN
deadfalls. And
pany were less
to the US atton
had violated a
investments.
This was w
discretion cat
Ana Obregol
TERSON
)f Spanish families—including
—had invested with Drysdale.
andreds of millions of dollars.
investors.
ey Epstein was help in recover-
ing stupid," she told him.
lyn accent. They blended well
.vely.
Ls willing to help.
e, with the money. The family
Li it? A scheme. He knew some of
. And now the money is gone."
in recall that he was bad off after
it was—from Bear Stearns. Mov-
a while. Sleeping in his lawyer's
an apartment in the Solow Tower,
ifter all, Epstein left Bear Stearns
.t Epstein's lifestyle was expensive.
Len, and Ana was still in her twen-
.ctors Studio — the New York City
on Brando, Robert De Niro, Jack
id all been members of.
3. formed a company, International
:ry impressive. In fact, IAG was a
was running out of his apartment.
102
FILTHY RICH
But if Ana had known that, would she have cared? She could
already see that Epstein was brilliant. And though she would
maintain that their friendship was strictly platonic, it was Ana
who helped set Epstein on his course. Like other beautiful
women he'd cultivate throughout his life, she opened doors to
whole other kingdoms.
Ones that no boys from Brooklyn had even dreamed of.
Andrew Levander was an assistant US attorney in the Southern
District of New York's Securities and Commodities Fraud Task
Force. He was assigned to look into Drysdale's collapse. The case
he was building would result in fraud convictions for a number
of Drysdale executives, and even today, Levander remembers
Epstein bringing "a very attractive woman" to meet him when
Epstein came to him in the course of the investigation.
The woman was Ana ObregOn.
Levander told Ana that he was already working the case. A
lawyer named Robert Gold, who was a former federal prosecutor
himself, was assisting. And now Epstein would join them in the
hunt for the monies.
In effect, DGS had built a series of labyrinths, rabbit holes,
deadfalls. And even investors who'd lost vast sums to the com-
pany were less than forthcoming when it came to speaking
to the US attorney. Several of the investors were foreign. Some
had violated their own countries' laws pertaining to foreign
investments.
This was where Epstein—with his calm, confident air of
discretion_ came in.
Arta Obregin gave Epstein power of attorney over any monies
103
JAMES PATTERSON
that he recovered. And though it took him three years, working
with Robert Gold and the US attorney's office, Epstein finally did
make his way to the center of DGS's maze and recover ObregOn's
Most of it was being held in a bank in the Cayman Islands.
money.
Epstein's agreement with Ana prevents us from knowing
how much he recovered— and how much he kept. But given the
amounts at stake, Epstein likely earned millions— or more—
and to this day Ana ObregOn has nothing but appreciation for
what Epstein accomplished.
"I know he's had some problems," she says. "I don't want any-
thing to do with that."
As for Epstein, he came out of the deal with a new modus
operandi: from now on, he'd only work with the super rich.
104
Eva Andersson:
iss Swed(
zling whi
the stage
winner of this, the
Seoul, South Korea
"And now that
see which five girls
Barker pauses,
tightens. There are 1
even if they're not (
"On this card
received the highe
interview, the swin
Eva feels the c2
standing in betwee.
TERSON
took him three years, working
.rney's office, Epstein finally did
iS's maze and recover ObregOn's
bank in the Cayman Islands.
na prevents us from knowing
Jow much he kept. But given the
y earned millions—or more—
Las nothing but appreciation for
ems," she says. "I don't want any-
t of the deal with a new modus
ly work with the super rich.
CHAPTER 25
Eva Andersson:July 8, 1980
iss Sweden, Eva Birgitta Andersson, is wearing a daz-
zling white gown and sweating, ever so slightly, under
the stage lights. But Bob Barker's about to announce the
winner of this, the twenty-ninth Miss Universe pageant, held in
Seoul, South Korea, and Eva's smile is as wide as the ocean.
"And now that we know what Miss Universe will win, let's
see which five girls are still in the running!"
Barker pauses, like the expert broadcaster he is. Eva's chest
tightens. There are twelve women on stage, all of them beautiful —
even if they're not quite as beautiful as Miss Sweden.
"On this card are the names of five contestants who have
received the highest total score from our judges in the personal
interview, the swimsuit, and the evening gown competition."
Eva feels the camera pan across the stage—pan across her,
standing in between Miss Scotland and Miss Puerto Rico.
104 . 105
JAMES PATTERSON
"As a result, they will be our five finalists. As I call each name,
you will see a figure on your television screen. That is the total
score received by the contestant since she became a semifinalist.
But one thing I would point out to you: the point total is not
necessarily a sign of who our eventual winner will be. Being first
now is no guarantee of being first at the time of our judges' final
ballot."
Oh, get on with it, Miss Sweden thinks. And, as if by her com-
mand, Bob Barker does.
"Now our five finalists. Good luck, girls! The first finalist is:
Miss Sweden!"
Eva's hands fly up to her face. The time it takes her to walk to
the front of the stage is all the time she needs to stop herself from
crying.
For Eva, it's not meant to be. Miss USA, Shawn Weatherly, wins
that year's competition—she'll go on to become a star on Bay-
watch. But Eva's future is secure nonetheless. After the pageant,
she'll spend three years studying in Stockholm, finish med
school at UCLA, and become a doctor of internal medicine.
Along the way, she'll meet Jeffrey Epstein.
People who knew them when they were a couple say that Eva
wanted to marry Epstein. One friend says he considered it seri-
ously. In the end, Eva ended up with a man named Glenn Dubin,
though she and Epstein remained very close. And if Eva was the
proverbial "one who got away," Epstein ended up dating other
impressive women—world-class beauties—as he made his way
in the world.
106
Why didn't any of
always someone more
corner. Perhaps none c
urges. But he did haves
by his side through ft
with them.
When he was thro
say, they graduated up
status of "lover" to "friE
In his estimation, th
The world was ful
friendship seemed to bi
FILTHY RICH
ER SON
.e finalists. As I call each name,
vision screen. That is the total
ince she became a semifinalist.
to you: the point total is not
itual winner will be. Being first
L at the time of our judges' final
n thinks. And, as if by her corn-
I luck, girls! The first finalist is:
. The time it takes her to walk to
tie she needs to stop herself from
Liss USA, Shawn Weatherly, wins
L go on to become a star on Bay-
:e nonetheless. After the pageant,
Lying in Stockholm, finish med
doctor of internal medicine.
leffrey Epstein.
Len they were a couple say that Eva
e. friend says he considered it seri-
p with a man named Glenn Dubin,
ined very close. And if Eva was the
.y," Epstein ended up dating other
lass beauties— as he made his way
Why didn't any of the romances take? Perhaps there was
always someone more fabulous waiting for Epstein around the
corner. Perhaps none of these women satisfied Epstein's deeper
urges. But he did have a knack for keeping the women he'd dated
by his side through thick and thin, long after he'd broken up
with them.
When he was through with his girlfriends, Epstein would
say, they graduated up, not down, the ladder, moving from the
status of "lover" to "friend."
In his estimation, these shifts always constituted a promotion.
The world was full of beautiful women. But for Epstein,
friendship seemed to be a far more precious commodity.
106 107
Pay me fifty million cl(
amount.
At first Epstein did nc
asked that the payment —
escrow. If his strategy we
bounced back to the diem
In the eighties, when
much, much higher than
50 percent, it was an exti
were other ways to make
In 1982, Epstein sold his
relatives, and others on an
Michael Stroll, had run M
company known for the 13]
Stroll put $450,000 int
But in 1984, Michael
repeated demands and r€
Epstein owed him, he got
ment. Eventually he sued
ing 5440,000—the case m
Epstein told the judge tha
ally the payment for a hor
Like many cases invol
of court, the terms of the f
CHAPTER 26
Jeffrey Epstein: 1984
ow did Jeffrey Epstein make all his money?
Epstein would tell stories over the years about mon-
ies recovered from slippery characters. Sometimes, friends
and former associates would say, he'd suggest he had ties to the
governme-nt, giving listeners the impression that he was doing
dangerous, glamorous work.
Others said that what Epstein really did, at this stage in his
career, was much more banal. According to them, Epstein spent
most of his time coming up with creative new ways for the rich
to avoid paying taxes. The commission for tax-avoidance deals
was enormous, although the number of deals Epstein was involved
with is a matter of conjecture, as is his record of successes and
But Epstein's business model was evolving. He'd charge a flat
failures.
fee. No fancy math. No percentages.
108
FILTHY RICH
CHAPTER 26
lake all his money?
tories over the years about mon-
ffy characters. Sometimes, friends
.y, he'd suggest he had ties to the
le impression that he was doing
em n really did, at this stage in his
According to them, Epstein spent
ith creative new ways for the rich
mmission for tax-avoidance deals
mber of deals Epstein was involved
, as is his record of successes and
iel was evolving. He'd charge a flat
itages.
108
Pay me fifty million dollars. Or pay the IRS seven times that
amount.
At first Epstein did not demand his fee up front. Instead he
asked that the payment—often a substantial one—be put into
escrow. If his strategy worked, he'd get paid. If not, the money
bounced back to the client.
In the eighties, when tax rates on the top 1 percent were
much, much higher than they are today, topping out at close to
50 percent, it was an extremely effective pitch. And then there
were other ways to make money.
In 1982, Epstein sold his wealthy friends, his friends' wealthy
relatives, and others on an oil-drilling deal. One of the investors,
Michael Stroll, had run Williams Electronics, an entertainment
company known for the pinball machines it made.
Stroll put $450,000 into the oil deal.
But in 1984, Michael Stroll wanted his money back. Despite
repeated demands and requests for a full accounting of what
Epstein owed him, he got $10,000 back on his $450,000 invest-
ment. Eventually he sued Epstein in federal court for the remain-
ing $440,000—the case went on for a number of years. In court,
Epstein told the judge that the $10,000 he'd returned was actu-
ally the payment for a horse Stroll had sold him.
Like many cases involving Epstein, this one was settled out
of court, the terms of the final agreement kept secret.
109
CHAPTER 27
Steven Hoffenberg: July 10, 1987
Before there was Bernie Madoff, there was Steven Hoffenberg.
In 1987, Hoffenberg was the head of Towers Financial
Corporation, a company that bought debts, such as unpaid
medical bills, at a very steep discount while pressing the debtors
to repay in full. He'd started the company fifteen years earlier
with two thousand dollars and just a handful of employees.
Thanks, in part, to a grueling work ethic, he'd turned that into a
much bigger concern, with twelve hundred employees and stock
that traded over the counter. But Hoffenberg still spent fifteen
hours each day, six days a week, in his office.
He wanted more. Hoffenberg was a Wall Street outsider. A
Brooklyn boy. A college dropout, like Epstein.
One thing Hoffenberg wanted was respect. The other was
someone who was familiar with Wall Street's inner workings. jef-
frey Epstein, who had traded options for Bear Stearns, fit the bill.
110
Hoffenberg began pa!
month for Epstein's exper
The SEC had already
ding with him out of coy
securities. But Hoffenberg
In the 1980s, several n
the greenmailing of pub
mailing means, in practici
investors will start buyin,
vulnerable to takeover att
utives at those companies
It's risky, but very often ti
profit.
Yet another thing Hoi
American World Airways.
its downward trajectory, t
For Hoffenberg; the
huge.
According to Hoffenberg,
over of Pan Am—a deal ti
Steven Hoffenberg stil
listening to him, one mus
guilty to criminal conspir,
million swindle, a famili
Bernie Madoff case.
Like so many others,
Without the necessary u:
spent at the office, he'd als
CHAPTER 27
1987
loff, there was Steven Hoffenberg.
ras the head of Towers Financial
hat bought debts, such as unpaid
scount while pressing the debtors
the company fifteen years earlier
rid just a handful of employees.
work ethic, he'd turned that into a
elve hundred employees and stock
But Hoffenberg still spent fifteen
:k, in his office.
)erg was a Wall Street outsider. A
mt, like Epstein.
anted was respect. The other was
th Wall Street's inner workings. Jef-
pptions for Bear Stearns, fit the bill.
110
FILTHY RICH
Hoffenberg began paying twenty-five thousand dollars per
month for Epstein's expertise as a consultant.
The SEC had already looked into Hoffenberg's affairs, set-
tling with him out of court in a matter relating to unregistered
securities. But Hoffenberg was dangling a very big prize.
In the 1980s, several major financial players were involved in
the greenmailing of publicly traded companies. What green-
mailing means, in practice, is that a brokerage house or group of
investors will start buying shares in companies that seem to be
vulnerable to takeover attempts. To ward off the attempts, exec-
utives at those companies will buy the shares back at a premium.
It's risky, but very often the investors stand to make a handsome
profit.
Yet another thing Hoffenberg wanted was to take over Pan
American World Airways. The iconic airline had already entered
its downward trajectory, but it was still a giant.
For Hoffenberg, the greenmailing profits could have been
huge.
According to Hoffenberg, Epstein handled the attempted take-
over of Pan Am—a deal that went sideways almost immediately.
Steven Hoffenberg still has a lot to say on the subject. But in
listening to him, one must bear in mind that in 1995, he pleaded
guilty to criminal conspiracy and fraud charges involving a $460
million swindle, a familiar scheme to anyone who followed the
Bernie Madoff case.
Like so many others, Hoffenberg had tried to fly very high
Without the necessary updraft. And despite all the hours he
spent at the office, he'd also developed a taste for the high life. He
111
JAMES PATTERSON
bought his own jet, a luxury yacht, and a Long Island mansion
to go with his expensive Manhattan apartment. He'd also briefly
owned a controlling interest in the New York Post.
To cover his tracks, Hoffenberg had been taking money from
investors and using it to pay previous investors. It was a classic
Ponzi scheme—one of the biggest in history—and Hoffenberg
ended up spending nineteen years in a federal prison.
Why was Epstein not implicated in the case? All that Hoffen-
berg will say when asked is: "Ask Robert Gold."
Another source suggests that Gold, the former federal prose-
cutor who had helped Epstein recover Ana ObregOn's money,
kept the US attorney away from Epstein until there were only a
few weeks left before the statute of limitations ran out.
As for Epstein himself, he would always deny any wrong-
doing. Despite his proximity to Hoffenberg, he managed to avoid
the blast radius.
112
Robert Meister: 1985
Robert Meister, the vic(
kerage and consulting
in the mid-eighties,
Palm Beach. Both men were
the other looked familiar. Th
and Meister filed the conven
At that time, Les Wexner, w
of Meister's insurance comp
the people managing his mo
Wexner was a billionaire
were in a tangle. Maybe Epst
would also be grateful for the
there's evidence to suggest th
his last Bear Stearns bonus—
recovered for Ana Obregon—
rERSON
it, and a Long Island mansion
an apartment. He'd also briefly
e New York Post.
-g had been taking money from
Ji0US investors. It was a classic
.st in history—and Hoffenberg
s in a federal prison.
ted in the case? All that Hoffen-
: Robert Gold."
:Gold, the former federal prose-
recover Ana ObregOn's money,
Epstein until there were only a
of limitations ran out.
would always deny any wrong-
Hoffenberg, he managed to avoid
112
CHAPTER 28
Robert Meister: 1985
Robert Meister, the vice chairman of a giant insurance bro-
kerage and consulting firm called Aon, met Jeffrey Epstein
in the mid-eighties, aboard a flight from New York to
Palm Beach. Both men were flying first class. Each one thought
the other looked familiar. They talked in the course of that flight,
and Meister filed the conversation away, only to recall it in 1989.
At that time, Les Wexner, who was Meister's friend and a client
of Meister's insurance company, was complaining to him about
the people managing his money.
Wexner was a billionaire, but for all his wealth, his finances
were in a tangle. Maybe Epstein could help. And perhaps Epstein
would also be grateful for the introduction. Hard as it is to believe,
there's evidence to suggest that Epstein really had spent the last of
, his last Bear Stearns bonus—along with his share of the money he'd
recovered for Ana ObregOn—and was broke, again, at the time.
113
JAMES PATTERSON
One estranged friend says that he had to loan Epstein money
to pay the bill at Epstein's garage, which had seized Epstein's car
for nonpayment.
Another estranged friend says that Epstein didn't have two
nickels to rub together.
Diana Crane, a former model, says that Epstein always had
first-class upgrades he would give to his friends so they didn't
have to fly economy class.
"No one knew where or how he got them," Crane recalls.
"Sometimes they worked, and other times they didn't. I remem-
ber he saw a friend of mine wearing a Concorde jacket. He asked
if he could borrow it for a day or so. My friend never got the
jacket back. But Epstein would tell people he always flew on the
Concorde — a total lie."
But even if Epstein were flush, Les Wexner would have been
a big fish to catch.
From the get-go, Meister's wife, Wendy, had her suspicions
about Epstein. About the way he presented himself and the way
he worked himself into their inner circle.
Before long, Wendy was calling Epstein the virus.
But for Epstein, the Meisters weren't the point. Wexner was.
And hard as it is to understand why the billionaire would
associate with a man who'd worked with a Ponzi king like Steven
Hoffenberg, it turned out that Wexner and Epstein would get
along perfectly well.
Ghislaine Maxwell
Robert Meister v
Epstein, the bc
social ladder. T
heiress from the Unite
of the world's most gla:
Maxwell was the
the most famous— ev
Robert Maxwell, was
French Foreign Legioi
had gone on to becon
he'd become a media
birth name was Jan L
died in disgrace in 19
Side of his supersize y
Apoirr The shtetl Solon
114
ERSON
he had to loan Epstein money
which had seized Epstein's car
; that Epstein didn't have two
, says that Epstein always had
.e to his friends so they didn't
v he got them," Crane recalls.
her times they didn't. I remem-
.ng a Concorde jacket. He asked
or so. My friend never got the
cll people he always flew on the
h, Les Wexner would have been
vife, Wendy, had her suspicions
e presented himself and the way
aer circle.
ing Epstein the virus.
; weren't the point. Wexner was.
stand why the billionaire would
-ked with a Ponzi king like Steven
Wexner and Epstein would get
114
CHAPTER 29
Ghislaine Maxwell: 1991
Robert Meister was not the only friend who helped Jeffrey
Epstein, the boy from Coney Island, on his way up the
social ladder. There was also Ghislaine Maxwell, a wealthy
heiress from the United Kingdom who'd retained her ties to some
of the world's most glamorous and scandalous jet-setters.
Maxwell was the youngest and most favored child of one of
the most famous—even infamous—men in Europe. Her father,
Robert Maxwell, was a Czech refugee who had fought in the
French Foreign Legion and with the British in World War II and
had gone on to become a member of Parliament. By the 1960s,
he'd become a media baron. Born into a Hasidic family—his
birth name was Jan Ludvik Hyman Binyamin Hoch—Maxwell
died in disgrace in 1991 after falling or perhaps jumping off the
Side of his supersize yacht, the Lady Ghislaine.
"The shtetl Solotvyno, where I come from, it is no more,"
115
JAMES PATTERSON
Maxwell said a few months before his demise. "It was poor. It
was Orthodox. And it was Jewish. We were very poor. We didn't
have things that other people had. They had shoes, they had
food, and we didn't. At the end of the war, I discovered the fate of
my parents and my sisters and brothers, relatives, and neighbors.
I don't know what went through their minds as they realized
that they'd been tricked into a gas chamber."
Maxwell's own death was followed by an international scan-
dal. It turned out that he'd stolen hundreds of millions of pounds
from his companies' pension funds and used them to prop up his
empire. Two of his so-ns were tried for conspiracy to commit
fraud and ultimately exonerated. But Ghislaine, who had grown
up in luxurious surroundings and counted the Duke of York,
Prince Andrew, among her intimates, could not escape the dark
shadow her father had cast. Looking to start fresh, she took the
Concorde to New York City.
At first, it seems, Maxwell and Epstein were lovers. "She was
madly in love with Jeffrey," says a longtime friend of Ghislaine's.
Then they became something more. Ghislaine took care of
Epstein's travel arrangements. She managed his household and
opened doors that very few Brooklyn-born Jewish boys could
have passed through. According to lawsuits and witness testi-
mony, she also became one of several women who procured
young girls for Epstein.
She was not jealous, according to people who knew her back
then. If anything, Ghislaine seemed to take pleasure in satisfy-
ing Epstein's needs.
Ghislaine introduced Epstein to a fabulous world that the
116
Brooklyn boy knew noi
taught Epstein the differ(
But despite—or was it
Epstein, she, too, gradi
According to Jane Doe
filed in 2009 by a womat
of the services Maxwell
ment of underage worn.
papers, Maxwell has ve
Virginia, with any othe
with, or with any crimim
In a 2016 answer to a c
Maxwell called the alle&
The case of Nadia B.
first noticed by Epstein,
in the eyes of her mothei
Bjorlin's Iranian-bort
years ago about her famil
and Epstein. Bjorlin's fat
music, had died a year
this made the girl a vuln
"She was at school a-
Michigan, when she met
"My daughter was a 5
little girl, not mature for
thought she was nine or
"Epstein was a big dc
her father had died, so 4.
He said, 'Here's my numt
"He kept saying, `Cor
-ERSON
FILTHY RICH
.e his demise. "It was poor. It
We were very poor. We didn't
id. They had shoes, they had
the war, I discovered the fate of
ithers, relatives, and neighbors.
their minds as they realized
; chamber."
owed by an international scan-
hundreds of millions of pounds
Is and used them to prop up his
ried for conspiracy to commit
But Ghislaine, who had grown
md counted the Duke of York,
lates, could not escape the dark
king to start fresh, she took the
I Epstein were lovers. "She was
a longtime friend of Ghislaine's.
, more. Ghislaine took care of
She managed his household and
rooklyn-born Jewish boys could
ag to lawsuits and witness testi-
)f several women who procured
ang to people who knew her back
emed to take pleasure in satisfy-
.ein to a fabulous world that the
116
Brooklyn boy knew nothing about. One friend jokes that she
taught Epstein the difference between a fish fork and a salad fork.
But despite—or was it because of? —Maxwell's devotion to
Epstein, she, too, graduated from girlfriend to friend status.
According to Jane Doe 102 vs. Jeffrey Epstein, a civil complaint
filed in 2009 by a woman later identified as Virginia Roberts, one
of the services Maxwell provided for Epstein was the procure-
ment of underage women. (Through her lawyer and in court
papers, Maxwell has vehemently denied any involvement with
Virginia, with any other young woman Epstein was involved
with, or with any criminal activities committed by Jeffrey Epstein.
In a 2016 answer to a defamation lawsuit brought by Roberts,
Maxwell called the allegations fabricated for financial gain.)
The case of Nadia Bjorlin, who was thirteen when she was
first noticed by Epstein, raises questions in this regard, at least
in the eyes of her mother.
Bjorlin's Iranian-born mother spoke to a British tabloid some
years ago about her family's disturbing experience with Maxwell
and Epstein. Bjorlin's father, a celebrated conductor of classical
music, had died a year earlier, the mother said. She believed that
this made the girl a vulnerable and easy target.
"She was at school at the famed Interlochen Arts Center, in
Michigan, when she met Epstein," the mother said.
"My daughter was a singer. She was a baby. She was a skinny
little girl, not mature for her age. She was thirteen, but everyone
thought she was nine or ten.
"Epstein was a big donor, and he heard about Nadia and that
her father had died, so she was vulnerable, and he contacted her.
lie said, 'Here's my number.'
.
He kept saying, 'Come—will you come?' He said he wanted
117
JAMES PATTERSON
to help mentor her. I wouldn't let her meet him. What sort of a
man approaches a young girl and asks to meet her?"
In the meantime, .Maxwell had become friendly with the
family. "I trusted Ghislaine; she was like a mother," Bjorlin's
mother recalled. "She was always calling my house.
"Ghislaine didn't want me to meet Epstein, but I did anyway,
and I asked what he wanted with Nadia. He said he wanted to
help her singing career. He said, 'I'd like to be like a godfather.' It
felt creepy.
"I had a bad vibe about him and said, 'Stop!' I told him, 'No,
thank you. She doesn't need your help.' I kept Nadia away from
him. She never met him alone. She never went anywhere with him."
Despite her suspicions, it took Epstein's arrest to make Bjor-
lin's mother wonder whether Maxwell and Epstein hadn't been
sizing her daughter up for his stable of underage women.
Leslie Wexner: 19!
Leslie Wexner, ti
erner. Born in
Russian-Jewish
shooter— taciturn ar
For several year-5
was the largest yacht
Wexner's emplo)
fiercely loyal to them
In time, he'd corn
"Everyone was n
says Robert Morosk
taller the Limited,
"Almost everyor
other former emp
t of nowhere."
1TERSON
a her meet him. What sort of a
I asks to meet her?"
had become friendly with the
Le was like a mother," Bjorlin's
s calling my house.
meet Epstein, but I did anyway,
.th Nadia. He said he wanted to
'I'd like to be like a godfather.' It
. and said, 'Stop!' I told him, 'No,
ur help.' I kept Nadia away from
e never went anywhere with him."
,ok Epstein's arrest to make Bjor-
4axwell and Epstein hadn't been
table of underage women.
118
CHAPTER 30
Leslie Wexner: 1993
Leslie Wexner, the richest man in Ohio, is a proud midwest-
erner. Born into the rag trade (Wexner's parents were
Russian-Jewish immigrants), he grew up to be a straight
shooter—taciturn and camera-shy.
For several years running, his 315-foot boat, the Limitless,
was the largest yacht owned by an American. •
Wexner's employees loved him, and he was known to be
fiercely loyal to them.
In time, he'd come to see the same qualities in Jeffrey Epstein.
"Everyone was mystified as to what [Epstein's] appeal was,"
says Robert Morosky, a former vice chairman of the clothing
retailer the Limited, founded by Wexner.
"Almost everyone at the Limited wondered who he was,"
another former employee of Wexner's recalls. lie literally came
out of nowhere."
119
JAMES PATTERSON
Fi
But it seems that Epstein did work hard to untangle Wexner's
finances. And it appears he succeeded. "Jeffrey cleaned that up
right away," a former associate of Epstein's says.
The two men became all but inseparable.
"Very smart, with a combination of excellent judgment and
unusually high standards," Wexner said of Epstein at the time.
"Also, he is always a most loyal friend."
When Wexner wanted to break up with a woman he'd been
dating for several years—a woman who moved to Ohio and con-
verted to Judaism to make him happy—he dispatched Epstein
to do the dirty work.
When Wexner hired a decorator for his Ohio mansion and
wanted someone to verify the authenticity of several expensive
antiques, Epstein flew in his friend Stuart Pivar, the renowned
art collector and author. (According to Pivar, most of the antiques
were cheap imitations.) When Wexner traveled abroad, he'd
bring back trinkets and gifts for Epstein. When Wexner wanted
to see Cats, Epstein arranged to have the cast perform in his
mansion.
In Ohio, Wexner's associates whispered about his relationship
with Jeffrey Epstein. In New York, they wondered about Epstein's
role in Wexner's 1993 marriage to Abigail Koppel.
At thirty-one, Koppel was twenty-four years Wexner's junior.
It was Epstein who negotiated the prenuptial agreement and
orchestrated its very strange signing. Abigail signed the agree-
ment in her law office. Wexner signed it in his office. According -
to an associate of Epstein's who was present, Epstein brought a
Sports Illustrated swimsuit model along to Wexner's office, as if
to make the point that then
world. As a joke, Epstein pl
belly and had Wexner sign it
Epstein asked his friend:
"Yes, Jeffrey," said Wexnc
"It was an uproarious sce
Jeffrey being Jeffrey. That wa
'TERSON
FILTHY RICH
vork hard to untangle Wexner's
eeded. "Jeffrey cleaned that up
Epstein's says.
.nseparable.
ttion of excellent judgment and
ner said of Epstein at the time.
riend."
!.ak up with a woman he'd been
an who moved to Ohio and con-
happy — he dispatched Epstein
rator for his Ohio mansion and
.uthenticity of several expensive
lend Stuart Pivar, the renowned
Ling to Pivar, most of the antiques
L Wexner traveled abroad, he'd
r Epstein. When Wexner wanted
to have the cast perform in his
whispered about his relationship
rk, they wondered about Epstein's
!. to Abigail Koppel.
wenty-four years Wexner's junior.
:d the prenuptial agreement and
Agning. Abigail signed the agree-
r signed it in his office. According
io was present, Epstein brought a
'del along to Wexner's office, as if
120
to make the point that there are other beautiful women in the
world. As a joke, Epstein placed the agreement on the model's
belly and had Wexner sign it right there.
Epstein asked his friend: "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yes, Jeffrey," said Wexner. "Quite sure."
"It was an uproarious scene," Epstein's associate recalls. "Just
Jeffrey being Jeffrey. That was his gestalt."
121
PART_II
The Women
CHAPTER 31
Mc2 Model Management's NYC branch is looking for "highly
motivated and energetic" interns to assist their agents part-time
or full-time. If you're thinking to yourself, who?, it's the agency
founded by Jean-Luc Brunel, the guy who first signed Christy
Turlington when she was just fourteen. Responsibilities include
scanning pictures, answering phones, assisting with updating
models' portfolios, and working in Photoshop, Word and Excel
(so you have to already know what you're doing in those). You
Must: Be interested in the fashion, modeling and photography
industries, outgoing, well spoken, and able to keep cool while
five different people demand Starbucks / copies / phone calls /
etc. This is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience at a
smaller agency, plus they can offer a stipend and a Met rocard
as well as school credit if needed. Send your resume to intern@
mc2mm.com Good luck!
—Julia Hermanns, Fashionista, January 30, 2009
125
JAMES PATTERSON
Jean-Luc Brunel: 2005
IFor Jeffrey Epstein, Leslie Wexner is more than a mentor.
More than the last in a line of older men—father figures—
whom Epstein cultivated while making his way in the
world.
Wexner is also a steady, if indirect, source of beautiful
women.
After all, Wexner is the man in charge of Victoria's Secret,
part of the Limited family of companies and—better yet—in
charge of the Victoria's Secret catalog. What this means for
Epstein is models galore. In fact, like a fox that's gotten hold of
the lease to a henhouse, Epstein, according to evidence collected
in a later lawsuit brought by Epstein victims, eventually pro-
vided financial support for a modeling agency, and provided
support for models employed by that agency, in New York City.
This story begins with a Frenchman— a playboy modeling
agent named Jean-Luc Brunel—who was an owner of the Karin
modeling agency.
Brunel had been working as a modeling agent since the sev-
enties. He claimed to have launched the careers of Monica Bel-
lucci, Estelle, Jerry Hall, Rachel Hunter, Milla Jovovich, Rebecca
Romijn, Kristina Semenovskaya, Sharon Stone, and Estella War-
ren, as well as Christy Turlington and other well-known cover
girls. Brunel had also been a subject of a 60 Minutes investiga-
tion, broadcast in 1988, into sexual exploitation in the modeling
industry. That expose had caused Eileen Ford of the elite Ford
modeling agency to sever her ties with the playboy. (Brunets
activities were also chronicled in a 1995 book about the fashion
126
industry—Model: The
Gross.)
But Brunets reputat
getting involved in his I
According to a sun
Edwards, a Victims' law
Epstein alleging fabrics
Epstein had provided sr
its name, in 2005, from
As a scout for MC2
undiscovered talent, faN
the former Soviet repuE
eling competitions and
eling agents and agenci
But according to th
the information he hac
and Brunel had used tb
eign countries into the
ing contracts. These g
belonging to Epstein.
visa for these girls,"
underage girls rent, pre
the condos."
"I strongly deny I-
indirectly, in the actiol
Brunel would say. "I st
act or any wrongdoing
model agencies manag
tal standard for almosl
According to Brui
•ERSON.
exner is more than a mentor.
if older men— father figures —
vhile making his way in the
indirect, source of beautiful
in charge of Victoria's Secret,
impanies and—better yet— in
catalog. What this means for
, like a fox that's gotten hold of
according to evidence collected
pstein victims, eventually pro-
aodeling agency, and provided
that agency, in New York City.
:nchman— a playboy modeling
who was an owner of the Karin
a modeling agent since the sev-
ched the careers of Monica Bel-
Hunter, Milla Jovovich, Rebecca
., Sharon Stone, and Estella War-
:on and other well-known cover
ubject of a 60 Minutes investiga-
mai exploitation in the modeling
sed Eileen Ford of the elite Ford
ties with the playboy. (Brunel's
in a 1995 book about the fashion
126
FILTHY RICH
industry—Model: The Ugly Business of Beautiful Women, by Michael
Gross.)
But Brunel's reputation did not prevent Jeffrey Epstein from
getting involved in his business.
According to a summary judgment court filing by Bradley
Edwards, a Victims' lawyer defending against a lawsuit by Jeffrey
Epstein alleging fabrication of sexual assault cases against him,
Epstein had provided support for Brunel's agency, which changed
its name, in 2005, from Karin to MC2— as in E = mc2.
As a scout for MC2, Brunel traveled the world in search of
undiscovered talent, favoring Scandinavia, Israel, central Europe,
the former Soviet republics, and South America, setting up mad-
eling competitions and negotiating with other international mod-
eling agents and agencies.
But according to the court filing, in which Edwards detailed
the information he had gathered in support of victims, Epstein
and Brunel had used the agency to bring underage girls from for-
eign countries into the United States by promising them model-
ing contracts. These girls were then housed in condominiums
belonging to Epstein. "Epstein and Brunel would then obtain a
visa for these girls," the document states, "then charge the
underage girls rent, presumably to live as underage prostitutes in
the condos.."
"I strongly deny having participated, neither directly nor
indirectly, in the actions Mr. Jeffrey Epstein is being accused of,"
Brunel would say. "I strongly deny having committed any illicit
act or any wrongdoing in the course of my work as a scouter or
model agencies manager. I have exercised with the utmost
ethi-
cal standard for almost forty years."
;1*. According to Brunel, his association with Jeffrey Epstein
127
JAMES PATTERSON
ended up having a strong negative impact on his reputation and
business. Several photographers refused to work with him. Other
agencies, such as Modilinos Model Management, curtailed their
relationships with Brunel. And in 2015, Brunel filed his own
civil lawsuit against Jeffrey Epstein, denying that he had any role
in Epstein's illegal activities, alleging that Epstein had obstructed
justice by telling him to avoid having his deposition taken in the
criminal case the Palm Beach PD had built against Epstein, and
claiming that false allegations of Brunel's links to Epstein's activ-
ities had harmed his reputation and cost him a great deal of
business.
In his filing, Brunel included several e-mails from industry
contacts who expressed their doubts about placing models with
his agency. "Parents don't want their daughters coming to us
because [when] they google your name and the agency name the
only things they see is 'Sex Trafficking'!!!" one correspondent
had written.
128
Nadia Marcinkova: circ
C2 has offices in I\
motion—flying to
Virgin Islands. 01
Paris. And when he comes
where important people— c
university presidents, Nobe
ex-presidents, and heads of si
Some guests marvel in p1
do they come from?
Nadia Marcinkova com(
model. But Nadia's done very
become another of Epstein's,
According to statements
also served as a willing accc
on underage females.
.RSON
Lmpact on his reputation and
ised to work with him. Other
Management, curtailed their
2015, Brunel filed his own
, denying that he had any role
g that Epstein had obstructed
ag his deposition taken in the
iad built against Epstein, and
.unel's links to Epstein's activ-
md cost him a great deal of
several e-mails from industry
)ts about placing models with
heir daughters coming to us
Lame and the agency name the
icking'!!!" one correspondent
3
CHAPTER 32
Nadia Marcinkova: circa 2000
C2 has offices in New York City. But Jeffrey's always in
motion—flying to his homes in New Mexico and the
Virgin Islands. Often to Palm Beach. Sometimes to
Paris. And when he comes home to New York he hosts parties
where important people—corporate titans, real estate tycoons,
university presidents, Nobel Prize—winning scientists, princes,
ex-presidents, and heads of state—mingle with beautiful women.
Some guests marvel in public: Who are these women? Where
do they come from?
Nadia Marcinkova comes from Slovakia. She looks like a
model. But Nadia's done very little modeling, if any. Instead she's
become another of Epstein's girlfriends.
According to statements given to the Palm Beach police, she's
also served as a willing accomplice in Epstein's sexual assaults
on underage females.
129
JAMES PATTERSON
Epstein prefers diminutive women, but Nadia is tall. She's
rail-thin and blond like the sun, with glowing skin, a wide smile,
and sky-high cheekbones.
On a good day, she could pass for a Bond girl—a woman
caught up in a web of crime and intrigue. But of course, that's
exactly what she is.
In certain circles, the academics and the women in Epstein's
orbit are almost a joke. In a 2003 profile of him, New York maga-
zine quotes Harvard professors ("He is amazing"), Princeton
professors ("He changed my life"), MIT professors ("If I had acted
upon the investment advice he has given me over the years, I'd
be calling you from my Gulfstream right now"), and other lumi-
naries, up to and including Bill Clinton.
"I've known Jeff for fifteen years," says Donald Trump.
"Terrific guy; he's a lot of fun to be with."
No one knew then that someday Trump would run for presi-
dent. (When he does, he'll attack Hillary Clinton for Bill Clinton's
own entanglements with Epstein.) But Trump's already ahead of
the curve in that he ends up severing his ties to Epstein well
before the police or the media get wind of Epstein's penchant for
underage girls.
He does this because he finds out that in their endless hunt
for "masseuses," Epstein's procurers have been prowling around
Trump's estate in Palm Beach.
130
Virginia Roberts: 1999
Trump's estate, Mar-
ulously wealthy he:
sits on twenty perfi
miles away from Jeffrey E
home to the exclusive Mar-
courts, and a very posh rest
Donald Trump had fou
they blocked all his efforts I
Other clubs on the island-
blacks and Jews— had neve
argued. At one point he seni
ber of the town council: Gu
Sidney Poitier confronts his
tleman's Agreement, in which
in Connecticut and New Yot
7ERSON
Dmen, but Nadia is tall. She's
ith glowing skin, a wide smile,
ss for a Bond girl—a woman
. intrigue. But of course, that's
CHAPTER 33
s and the women in Epstein's
profile of him, New York maga-
("He is amazing"), Princeton
), MIT professors ("If I had acted
las given me over the years, I'd
am right now"), and other lumi-
:linton.
years," says Donald Trump.
be with."
.tday Trump would run for presi-
: Hillary Clinton for Bill Clinton's
n.) But Trump's already ahead of
ievering his ties to Epstein well
et wind of Epstein's penchant for
.ds out that in their endless hunt
urers have been prowling around
130
Virginia Roberts: 1999
Trump's estate, Mar-a-Lago, had once belonged to the fab-
ulously wealthy heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. It
sits on twenty perfectly manicured acres less than two
miles away from Jeffrey Epstein's home on El Brillo Way. It's
home to the exclusive Mar-a-Lago Club, which has a spa, tennis
courts, and a very posh restaurant.
Donald Trump had fought the town council for decades as
they blocked all his efforts to turn the place into a private resort.
Other clubs on the island— those with a history of excluding
blacks and Jews— had never faced such restrictions, Trump had
argued. At one point he sent copies of two movies to every mem-
ber of the town council: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, in which
Sidney Poitier confronts his girlfriend's racist parents, and Gen-
tleman's Agreement, in which a journalist confronts anti-Semitism
In Connecticut and New York City.
131
JAMES PATTERSON
f
"Whether they love me or not, everyone agrees the greatest
and most important place in Palm Beach is Mar-a-Lago," Trump
told the Washington Post after winning his battle. "I took this
ultimate place and made it incredible and opened it, essentially,
to the people of Palm Beach. The fact that I owned it made it a lot
easier to get along with the Palm Beach establishment."
The Breakers hotel, Trump explained, "gets the [island's]
leftovers."
It cost $100,000 to join the club. Members paid $14,000
yearly in dues. And although Epstein had never properly joined
the club, Trump's friendship with Ghislaine Maxwell gave Epstein
unlimited use of the facilities.
This arrangement ended when a member's young daughter
complained to her wealthy father: while relaxing at Mar-a-Lago,
she'd been approached and invited out to Epstein's house.
The girl said that she had gone and that Epstein had tried to
get her to undress.
The girl's father had gone directly to Trump, who—in no
uncertain terms— told Epstein that he was barred from Mar-a-
Lago.
Because no complaint was filed, the police had taken no
action. But years later, a woman named Virginia Roberts would
say that, as a young girl, she'd had an identical encounter at
Mar-a-Lago.
According to a court document Virginia filed in her civil
lawsuit against Epstein, she was a changing-room assistant at
Mar-a-Lago, earning about nine dollars an hour, when Ghislaine
Maxwell approached her. Maxwell asked Virginia if she was
interested in learning to be a massage therapist—which, it
turned out, she was. Like the other girl, Virginia told her father,
who was also employed at
ager. But Virginia's father s
he drove her, later that day
There, according to thc
ia's father that Ms. Maxwel
for his teenage daughter. T
room equipped with a sl
Epstein was lying, naked, c
Virginia was shocked,
experience with massages,
apy protocol. "Ms. Maxwel
on her underwear and
[Jeffrey's] body, impliedly
expected to do," the filing
[Virginia] to take off her c:
sive about doing this, but, in
by removing everything but
to remove her underwear a
escalated, with [Jeffrey] al
battering, exploiting, and al
in various locations, incluc
At the end of this sexua
Ms. Maxwell giddily told [.
and told her she had 'lots c
hundreds of dollars, told h
directed one of her employe
At the time, Virginia wa
FILTHY RICH
ERSON
who was also employed at Mar-a-Lago as a maintenance man-
ager. But Virginia's father saw nothing wrong with the offer, and
he drove her, later that day, to Epstein's house on El Brill° Way.
There, according to the document, Maxwell assured Virgin-
ia's father that Ms. Maxwell would provide transportation home
for his teenage daughter. Then she led Virginia upstairs, to a spa
room equipped with a shower and a massage table. Jeffrey
Epstein was lying, naked, on the table.
Virginia was shocked, she says in the filing, but, with no
experience with massages, thought this could be massage ther-
apy protocol. "Ms. Maxwell then took off her own shirt and left
on her underwear and started rubbing her breasts across
[Jeffrey's] body, impliedly showing [Virginia] what she was
expected to do," the filing continues. "Ms. Maxwell then told
[Virginia] to take off her clothes. The minor girl was apprehen-
sive about doing this, but, in fear, proceeded to follow Ms. Maxwell
by removing everything but her underwear. She was then ordered
to remove her underwear and straddle [Epstein]. The encounter
escalated, with [Jeffrey] and Ms. Maxwell sexually assaulting,
battering, exploiting, and abusing [Virginia] in various ways and
in various locations, including the steam room and the shower.
At the end of this sexually exploitive abuse, [Epstein] and
Ms. Maxwell giddily told [Virginia] to return the following day
and told her she had 'lots of potential.' [Epstein] paid [Virginia]
hundreds of dollars, told her it was for two hours of work, and
directed one of her employees to drive her home."
At the time, Virginia was fifteen years old.
133
, everyone agrees the greatest
Beach is Mar-a-Lago," Trump
nning his battle. "I took this
ible and opened it, essentially,
act that I owned it made it a lot
each establishment."
.-..xplained, "gets the [island's]
club. Members paid $14,000
;tein had never properly joined
Ghislaine Maxwell gave Epstein
m a member's young daughter
c: while relaxing at Mar-a-Lago,
:d out to Epstein's house.
ae and that Epstein had tried to
irectly to Trump, who —in no
that he was barred from Mar-a-
filed, the police had taken no
named Virginia Roberts would
had an identical encounter at
ment Virginia filed in her civil
as a changing-room assistant at
. dollars an hour, when Ghislaine
(well asked Virginia if she was
a massage therapist—which, it
ther girl, Virginia told her father,
132
F L
CHAPTER 34
Declaration of Virginia Roberts Giuffre: January 19,
2015, filed on January 19, 2015 by attorneys
representing Jeffrey Epstein's victims
1. My name is Virginia Giuffre and I was born in August,
1983.
2. I am currently 31 years old.
3. I grew up in Palm Beach, Florida. When I was little, I
loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian. But my life
took a very different turn when adults—including Jeffrey
Epstein and his close friend Alan Dershowitz —began to be
interested in having sex with me.
4. In approximately 1999, when I was 15 years old, I met
Ghislaine Maxwell. She is the daughter of Robert Maxwell,
who had been a wealthy publisher in Britain. Maxwell asked
that I come with her to Jeffrey Epstein's mansion for the pur-
poses of teaching me how to perform "massages" and to train
134
me personally in that area.
home in Palm Beach on El.
5. From the first time.
that day, his motivations c
Maxwell's. My father was]
up some stairs. There was c
in the room. Epstein and
activity with Epstein. I wc
seemed to be in his 40s or 5
home by one of Epstein's em
6. I came back for sevi
same sorts of sexual things j
7. After I did those things
they were going to have me tr
cation for me. They were pro;
travel with Epstein on his pri
fession. Epstein said he wouli
wealthy person so that I woul
8. So I started "working'
me to New York on his big,
sion in New York City. I was
rious room. The mansion wc
got scared because it was si
room with a massage parlor
sexual activities with him thf
9. You can see how you
below [see insert page 3].
10. Epstein took me on a
New York City and there he
approximately 15 or 16 years
FILTHY RICH
CHAPTER 34
ierts Giuffre: January 19,
015 by attorneys
Cs victims
Ire and I was born in August,
old.
:h, Florida. When I was little, I
be a veterinarian. But my life
'hen adults —including Jeffrey
41an Dershowitz —began to be
me.
when I was 15 years old, I met
ie daughter of Robert Maxwell,
tisher in Britain. Maxwell asked
y Epstein's mansion for the pur-
Perform "massages" and to train
134
me personally in that area. Soon after that I went to Epstein's
home in Palm Beach on El Brill° Way.
5. From the first time I was taken to Epstein's mansion
that day, his motivations and actions were sexual, as were
Maxwell's. My father was not allowed inside. I was brought
up some stairs. There was a naked guy, Epstein, on the table
in the room. Epstein and Maxwell forced me into sexual
activity with Epstein. I was 15 years old at the time. He
seemed to be in his 40s or 50s. I was paid $200. I was driven
home by one of Epstein's employees.
6. I came back for several days following and did the
same sorts of sexual things for Epstein.
7. After I did those things for Epstein, he and Maxwell said
they were going to have me travel and were going to get an edu-
cation for me. They were promising me the world, that I would
travel with Epstein on his private jet and have a well-paid pro-
fession. Epstein said he would eventually match me up with a
wealthy person so that I would be "set up" for life.
8. So I started "working" exclusively for Epstein. He took
me to New York on his big, private jet. We went to his man-
sion in New York City. I was shown to my room, a very luxu-
rious room. The mansion was huge. I was very young and I
got scared because it was so big. Epstein brought me to a
room with a massage parlor. Epstein made me engage [in]
sexual activities with him there.
9. You can see how young I looked in the photograph
below [see insert page 3].
10. Epstein took me on a ferry boat on one of the trips to
New York City and there he took the picture above. I was
approximately 15 or 16 years old at the time.
135
JAMES PATTERSON
11. Over the next few weeks, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghis-
laine Maxwell trained me to do what they wanted, including
sexual activities. The training was in New York and Florida,
at Epstein's mansion. It was basically every day and it was
like going to school. I also had to have sex with Epstein many
times.
12. I was trained to be "everything a man wanted me to
be." It wasn't just sexual training—they wanted me to be
able to cater to all the needs of the men they were going to
send me to. They said that they loved that I was very compli-
ant and knew how to keep my mouth shut about what they
expected me to do.
13. Epstein and Maxwell also told me that they wanted
me to produce information for them in addition to perform-
ing sex on the men. They told me to pay attention to the
details about what the men wanted, so I could report back to
them.
14. While I had juvenile hopes of bettering my life, from
very early on I was also afraid of Epstein. Epstein told me he
was a billionaire. I told my mother that I was working for
this rich guy, and she said "go, go far away." Epstein had
promised me a lot, and I knew if I left I would be in big trou-
ble. I was witness to a lot of illegal and bad behavior by
Epstein and his friends. If I left Epstein, he knew all kinds of
powerful people. He could have had me killed or abducted,
and I knew he was capable of that if I did not obey him. He
let me know that he knew many people in high places. Speak-
ing about himself, he said "I can get away" with things. Even
as a teenager, I understood what this meant and it scared me,
as I believe he intended.
FILTE
15. I visited and traveled
through the summer of 2002
with him for sexual activities
sions) in locations including
area of Santa Fe, New Me
island in the U.S. Virgin Islam
with him often in these places
pie he demanded that I have
many of these sexual encounte
my only purposes for Epsteir
was to be used for sex.
16. To illustrate my connel
four photographs taken of me in
for one of the photographs in
museum in Santa Fe, New Mexi,
the day. Epstein took this picture
at the time, judging from the lo(
we returned to Epstein's Zorro
on one of Epstein's horses on 0,
following two are from wintertirr
17. When I was with him, Ei
girls on a daily basis. His inte
obvious to the people around
obvious and bold that anyone sj
at one of Epstein's residences wc
of what was going on.
18. Epstein's code word for s(
was a "massage." At times the
and the girls would start in the r
was always a sexual encounter a
ERSON
FILTHY RICH
s, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghis-
what they wanted, including
as in New York and Florida,
sically every day and it was
) have sex with Epstein many
rything a man wanted me to
ing— they wanted me to be
f the men they were going to
loved that I was very compli-
mouth shut about what they
tlso told me that they wanted
them in addition to perform-
d me to pay attention to the
nted, so I could report back to
Jpes of bettering my life, from
of Epstein. Epstein told me he
wther that I was working for
go, go far away." Epstein had
if I left I would be in big trou-
f illegal and bad behavior by
ft Epstein, he knew all kinds of
we had me killed or abducted,
f that if I did not obey him. He
r-iy people in high places. Speak-
an get away" with things. Even
licit this meant and it scared me,
136
15. I visited and traveled with Jeffrey Epstein from 1999
through the summer of 2002, and during that time I stayed
with him for sexual activities at each of his houses (or man-
sions) in locations including New York City, New York; the
area of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Palm Beach, Florida; an
island in the U.S. Virgin Islands; and Paris, France. I had sex
with him often in these places and also with the various peo-
ple he demanded that I have sex with. Epstein paid me for
many of these sexual encounters. Looking back, I realize that
my only purposes for Epstein, Maxwell, and their friends
was to be used for sex.
16. To illustrate my connection to these places, I include
four photographs taken of me in New Mexico [see insert page 3
for one of the photographs mentioned]. The first one is a
museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We had gone sightseeing for
the day. Epstein took this picture of me. I was approximately 17
at the time, judging from the looks of it. At the end of the day
we returned to Epstein's Zorro Ranch. The second picture is me
on one of Epstein's horses on the ranch in New Mexico. The
following two are from wintertime in New Mexico.
17. When I was with him, Epstein had sex with underage
girls on a daily basis. His interest in this kind of sex was
obvious to the people around him. The activities were so
obvious and bold that anyone spending any significant time
at one of Epstein's residences would have clearly been aware
of what was going on.
18. Epstein's code word for sexual encounters was that it
was a "massage." At times the interaction between Epstein
and the girls would start in the massage room setting, but it
was always a sexual encounter and never just a massage.
137
JAMES PATTERSON
19. In addition to constantly finding underage girls to
satisfy their personal desires, Epstein and Maxwell also got
girls for Epstein's friends and acquaintances. Epstein specifi-
cally told me that the reason for him doing this was so that
they would "owe him," they would "be in his pocket," and he
would "have something on them." I understood that Epstein
thought he could get leniency if he was ever caught doing
anything illegal, or that he could escape trouble altogether.
Roberts submitted her declaration in support of a motion to
be added as a plaintiff in a suit (ongoing, as of this writing) that
sought to overturn a non-prosecution agreement that Jeffrey
Epstein would reach with the government. Roberts was seeking
to join a case brought against the government by two other vic-
tims, but a judge denied her motion in April of 2015, explaining
that the case had already been pending for several years, and it
was unneccesary to add an additional plaintiff.
Roberts's declaration, which goes on for another eight pages, and
makes twenty-four additional points, was stricken from the record—
the judge explained that the "lurid" and "unnecessary details"
involving "non-parties" to the lawsuit against the government, were
"immaterial and impertinent" to the proceedings.
Through a representative, Ghislaine Maxwell called the
allegations against her "obvious lies," after which Roberts filed a
defamation suit against Maxwell. In an answer filed in the suit,
Maxwell elaborated that Roberts's "story of abuse at the hands of
Ms. Maxwell" was "fabricated" for financial gain.
138
Alicia: May 20, 1997
Donald Trump's instin
solid. But if the repc
into Epstein's myster
ther, there's a chance they wc
not just in Palm Beach.
In California, for instan
from the Santa Monica Police
In the spring—almost the
the police. The young woman I
appeared on Baywatch and Gei
ally assaulted at a trendy hotel
The officer who took th
Alicia* — and her voice. A w
* Alicia's name, some identifying
"ERSON
y finding underage girls to
Dstein and Maxwell also got
quaintances. Epstein specifi-
r him doing this was so that
tld "be in his pocket," and he
1." I understood that Epstein
if he was ever caught doing
I escape trouble altogether.
ation in support of a motion to
Ingoing, as of this writing) that
cution agreement that Jeffrey
vernment. Roberts was seeking
e government by two other vic-
ion in April of 2015, explaining
)ending for several years, and it
ional plaintiff.
)es on for another eight pages, and
its, was stricken from the record—
urid" and "unnecessary details"
'suit against the government, were
he proceedings.
Ghislaine Maxwell called the
lies," after which Roberts filed a
11. In an answer filed in the suit,
s's "story of abuse at the hands of
for financial gain.
138
CHAPTER 35
Alicia: May 20, 1997
Donald Trump's instincts regarding Jeffrey Epstein were
solid. But if the reporters who were beginning to look
into Epstein's mysterious background had dug a bit fur-
ther, there's a chance they would have hit pay dirt as well—and
not just in Palm Beach.
In California, for instance, a paper trail already stretched
from the Santa Monica Police Department to Epstein's front door.
In the spring—almost the summer—of 1997, a call came in to
the police. The young woman who placed it—a young actress who'd
appeared on Baywatch and General Hospital—said she'd been sexu-
ally assaulted at a trendy hotel called Shutters on the Beach.
The officer who took the call knew the woman's name —
Alicia*—and her voice. A week earlier, she'd told him about an
* Alicia's name, some identifying details, and dialogue have been changed.
139
JAMES PATTERSON
f
F L-
encounter with Epstein. The woman had not wanted to make a
formal complaint at the time. But she had taken the cop's card,
and now he was happy to hear that she'd changed her mind.
In a shaky voice, Alicia described Epstein as a tallish man—
five feet eleven or six feet in height was her guess—with gray
hair and brown eyes. He was the owner of a large black four-door
Mercedes and was a regular at Shutters on the Beach, which was
the kind of place that cost one thousand dollars a night and was
frequented by actors, agents, and other Hollywood types.
Alicia told the cop that she was a model and actress herself.
She'd known Epstein for about a month. They had a friend in
common, and she'd sent him her head shots.
Then, through an assistant, Epstein had invited her to meet
in his room at the hotel.
Alicia said she was having reservations, the officer wrote in his
report, because generally interviews are not conducted in hotel
rooms.
According to her, things turned frightening quickly.
She was unsure she was safe because although she wanted to
land the job as a 'Victoria's Secret' catalog model she felt as
though Epstein was attempting to get her to act in an unpro-
fessional manner for a model.
Epstein wore navy blue sweatpants and a white T-shirt, she
recalled. The T-shirt had the letters USA printed on it in patriotic
red, white, and blue.
Epstein told her to undress and actually assisted her to do so
while saying let me manhandle you for a second.'
1
Then, Alicia told the cop,
her will while acting as thoue,
had stopped Epstein, and left
incident.
At the top of his crime
Battery." But Epstein was ne.
Santa Monica Police Departme
allegations of improper condu
no action on this 1997 comp
attorney, Jack Goldberger, told
"The cops said it'd be my
paper. "And since he had a
thought much about it since, I
now, I want everybody to kno.
been."
TERSON
FILTHY RICH
aan had not wanted to make a
t she had taken the cop's card,
at she'd changed her mind.
bed Epstein as a tallish man—
ght was her guess—with gray
)wner of a large black four-door
utters on the Beach, which was
.ousand dollars a night and was
other Hollywood types.
ias a model and actress herself.
a month. They had a friend in
head shots.
Epstein had invited her to meet
:rvations, the officer wrote in his
iews are not conducted in hotel
aed frightening quickly.
wcause although she wanted to
ecret' catalog model she felt as
.g to get her to act in an unpro-
ntpants and a white T-shirt, she
ters USA printed on it in patriotic
id actually assisted her to do so
Ile you for a second.'
140
Then, Alicia told the cop, Epstein groped her buttocks against
her will while acting as though he was evaluating her body. Alicia
had stopped Epstein, and left the room, but couldn't get over the
incident.
At the top of his crime report, the officer wrote "Sexual
Battery." But Epstein was never charged in the incident. "The
Santa Monica Police Department discounted every one of [Alicia's]
allegations of improper conduct by Jeffrey Epstein and they took
no action on this 1997 complaint," Epstein's West Palm Beach
attorney, Jack Goldberger, told the Palm Beach Post in 2010.
"The cops said it'd be my word against his," Alicia told the
paper. "And since he had a lot of money, I let it go. I hadn't
thought much about it since, until I saw his picture online. And
now, I want everybody to know how much of a creep he's always
been."
141
CHAPTER 36
Graydon Carter: December 2002
Graydon Carter, the legendary editor of Vanity Fair, likes to
get to his office early, well before the rest of his staff
files in.
Most monthly magazines operate at a leisurely pace— three
weeks of coming up with ideas, assigning articles, and shooting
the shit in the corporate kitchen followed by one frantic week
when all the actual editing gets done. But this isn't the case at
Vanity Fair, which runs hard-hitting investigative pieces along-
side its glitzy celebrity profiles. There are also parties to plan
and host—incredibly glamorous parties, including the annual
Oscar-night bash, which is more fun and far more exclusive than
the Academy Awards ceremony itself. Vanity Fair is an old,
famous brand. But Carter is its public face, just as Anna Wintour
is the face of Conde Nast's iconic fashion magazine, Vogue.
142
One cover of Vanity
superstar. And a single tl
down a corporate overlorC
Carter's easy to recogr
a lion's mane. The Santa (
tailored bespoke suit. He N
be more serious about hi!
heavily on him this mond
to Vicky Ward, an English
ity Fair. He'd meant for it
pregnant with twins. She
story right on her doorster
Who was he, really? Cal
attended by academics, billi
he'd flown Bill Clinton tc
how he had made his fort
tor of F. Scott Fitzgerald's
Carter himself could h
his case, the author would
dropout who'd worked as
York in his late twenties a]
rise up the social and med
and outgoing, Epstein real
him was known. Maybe,
What did Epstein do, exact
Why were so many brillh.
And where did those beaut
Almost immediately, E
Ward. He prevailed upon
FILTHY RICH
CHAPTER 36
2002
ary editor of Vanity Fair, likes to
yell before the rest of his staff
)erate at a leisurely pace—three
assigning articles, and shooting
tn followed by one frantic week
s done. But this isn't the case at
itting investigative pieces along-
;. There are also parties to plan
us parties, including the annual
e fun and far more exclusive than
fly itself. Vanity Fair is an old,
public face, just as Anna Wintour
ic fashion magazine, Vogue.
142
One cover of Vanity Fair can turn a minor celebrity into a
superstar. And a single thoroughly researched story can bring
down a corporate overlord.
Carter's easy to recognize: the pompadour of white hair, like
a lion's mane. The Santa Claus body stuffed into an impeccably
tailored bespoke suit. He wears his fame lightly. But he could not
be more serious about his responsibilities, which are weighing
heavily on him this month. Months earlier, he'd assigned a piece
to Vicky Ward, an Englishwoman who wrote frequently for Van-
ity Fair. He'd meant for it to be an easy assignment: Ward was
pregnant with twins. She wasn't allowed to fly. But here was a
story right on her doorstep. A nice, easy profile of Jeffrey Epstein.
Who was he, really? Carter knew he threw fabulous parties
attended by academics, billionaires, and beautiful women. Recently
he'd flown Bill Clinton to Africa. But no one seemed to know
how he had made his fortune. Epstein's story reminded the edi-
tor of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
Carter himself could have stepped out of a novel—though in
his case, the author would be Horatio Alger. A Canadian college
dropout who'd worked as a railroad lineman, he arrived in New
York in his late twenties and commenced an astonishingly quick
rise up the social and media ladders. But where Carter was open
and outgoing, Epstein really was Gatsby-like— very little about
him was known. Maybe, Carter thought, Ward could find out.
What did Epstein do, exactly, for money? Why was he so secretive?
Why were so many brilliant and powerful men drawn to him?
And where did those beautiful women come from?
Almost immediately, Epstein began a campaign to discredit
Ward. He prevailed upon Conrad Black, the press baron and
143
JAMES PATTERSON
Epstein's Palm Beach neighbor —who was also a step-uncle of
Vicky Ward's husband— to ask Ward to drop the story. But Ward
was tenacious, and what she came back with was dynamite.
More interesting and much more salacious than anything Carter
had imagined.
Now Carter's staff was putting in the hours it would take to
confirm all the things she'd uncovered, picking the ones they
could publish and laying them all out in a narrative that would
be no less explosive than the facts it contained.
Vicky Ward: October
Epstein went out of 1
his own ends, and s
Ward's phone bega
Greenberg and Jimmy Q
from Les Wexner; from.
shakers who counted Eps
Then there were the c
go on the record, but di
Ward's back, he was hap
tour of his Manhattan m;
dined out on for years.
extremely charming—el
him which forks to use
Vicky Ward. But she was
to have a keen eye for Ep5
144
TTERSON
—who was also a step-uncle of
Ward to drop the story. But Ward
:ame back with was dynamite.
e salacious than anything Carter
ing in the hours it would take to
ricovered, picking the ones they
all out in a narrative that would
cts it contained.
144
CHAPTER 37
Vicky Ward: October 2002
pstein went out of his way to spin the Vanity Fair story to
his own ends, and soon after she got the assignment, Vicky
Ward's phone began to ring off the hook: calls from Ace
Greenberg and Jimmy Cayne, the current head of Bear Stearns;
from Les Wexner; from academics, scientists, and movers and
shakers who counted Epstein among their friends.
Then there were the calls from Epstein himself. He wouldn't
go on the record, but despite the rumors he'd spread behind
Ward's back, he was happy to talk informally, even give her a
tour of his Manhattan mansion and trot out stories that he had
dined out on for years. By most accounts, Epstein could be
extremely charming—even if it had taken Ghislaine to teach
him which forks to use when—and he did his best to charm
Vicky Ward. But she was not easily seduced, and she turned out
to have a keen eye for Epstein's missteps.
145
JAMES PATTERSON
Over tea in his town house, she noticed, Epstein ate all the
finger food that had been put out for both of them. She found it
odd that the only book this supposedly brilliant man had left for
her to see was a paperback by the Marquis de Sade. And then
there was the call afterward from one of Epstein's assistants— a
woman Ward did not know—who told her, "Jeffrey wanted me
to tell you that you looked so pretty."
Ward is pretty, with fine English features and flowing blond
hair. She was also very pregnant then, with a bad case of morn-
ing sickness. She threw up often, sometimes in public, and these
clumsy advances on Epstein's part only added to her ever-present
nausea. For a man who was supposedly brilliant, he'd struck her,
oddly, as not very smart.
"Epstein is charming, but he doesn't let the charm slip into
his eyes," she wrote. "They are steely and calculating, giving
some hint at the steady whir of machinery running behind them.
'Let's play chess,' he said to me, after refusing to give an inter-
view for this article. 'You be white. You get the first move.' It was
an appropriate metaphor for a man who seems to feel he can win
no matter what the advantage of the other side. His advantage is
that no one really seems to know him or his history completely
or what his arsenal actually consists of. He has carefully engi-
neered it so that he remains one of the few truly baffling myster-
ies among New York's moneyed world. People know snippets,
but few know the whole."
The testimonials Epstein's friends gave were glowing: "I
think we both possess the skill of seeing patterns," Les Wexner
told her. "Jeffrey sees patterns in politics and financial markets,
and I see patterns in lifestyle and fashion trends. My skills are
146
not in investment strateg
knows, his are not in fast
world trends as each of u:
"I'm on my 20th boc
Epstein in 1997. "The ont
ily that I send drafts to is
But Ward also talked
questions and qualms abc
in lawsuits against him. C
with him. One who had
board of Rockefeller UniN
One powerful investn
conspicuous absence froi
ing desks don't seem to
animals that big to not le;
Ward uncovered lega
view with the SEC, given
Stearns. She visited a fed.
at length with Steven Ho.
made a major mistake in
told him to stay below th(
accusations, about Epste
denied—and Ward kne
mastermind, was not to b
throughout the reporting
concerned with what sh
with what she'd uncovere
Time and again, he
have on the girls?"
TERSON
• FILTHY RICH
she noticed, Epstein ate all the
t for both of them. She found it
3sedly brilliant man had left for
he Marquis de Sade. And then
one of Epstein's assistants— a
ho told her, "Jeffrey wanted me
Ity."
;lish features and flowing blond
. then, with a bad case of morn-
sometimes in public, and these
rt only added to her ever-present
)osedly brilliant, he'd struck her,
.e doesn't let the charm slip into
e steely and calculating, giving
nachinery running behind them.
after refusing to give an inter-
bite. You get the first move.' It was
nan who seems to feel he can win
3f the other side. His advantage is
OW him or his history completely
Dnsists of. He has carefully engi-
Le of the few truly baffling myster-
ed world. People know snippets,
s friends gave were glowing: "I
11 of seeing patterns," Les Wexner
in politics and financial markets,
and fashion trends. My skills are
146
not in investment strategy, and, as everyone who knows Jeffrey
knows, his are not in fashion and design. We frequently discuss
world trends as each of us sees them."
"I'm on my 20th book," said Alan Dershowitz, who'd met
Epstein in 1997. "The only person outside of my immediate fam-
ily that I send drafts to is Jeffrey."
But Ward also talked to other sources, who had their own
questions and qualms about Jeffrey Epstein. Some were involved
in lawsuits against him. Others had served on prestigious boards
with him. One who had witnessed Epstein's aborted stint on the
board of Rockefeller University called him arrogant.
One powerful investment manager wondered about Epstein's
conspicuous absence from New York's trading floors. "The trad-
ing desks don't seem to know him," he says. "It's unusual for
animals that big to not leave any footprints in the snow."
Ward uncovered legal documents, including Epstein's inter-
view with the SEC, given in the wake of his departure from Bear
Stearns. She visited a federal prison in Massachusetts and spoke
at length with Steven Hoffenberg, who told her that Epstein had
made a major mistake in taking Bill Clinton to Africa. "I always
told him to stay below the radar," Hoffenberg said. He made other
accusations, about Epstein's financial practices, which Epstein
denied—and Ward knew that Hoffenberg, the Ponzi-scheme
mastermind, was not to be trusted. But she did find it strange that
throughout the reporting process Epstein was much less openly
concerned with what she'd found out about his finances than
with what she'd uncovered about his dealings with women.
Time and again, he would call and ask her: "What do you
have on the girls?"
147
JAMES PATTERSON
* * *
One young woman Ward talked to had been invited by Ghis-
laine Maxwell to attend a party at Epstein's town house. There,
the woman had noticed, female guests far outnumbered the male
guests. "These were not women you'd see at Upper East Side din-
ners," the woman had said. "Many seemed foreign and dressed a
little bizarrely."
"This same guest also attended a cocktail party thrown by
Maxwell that Prince Andrew attended, which was filled, she
says, with young Russian models," Ward wrote. "'Some of the
guests were horrified,' the woman says."
Another source, one who had worked with Epstein, said,
"He's reckless, and he's gotten more so. Money does that to you.
He's breaking the oath he made to himself—that he would never
do anything that would expose him in the media. Right now, in
the wake of the publicity following his trip with Clinton, he
must be in a very difficult place."
148
Vicky Ward: Novembe 1
Ivhat I had 'on ti
Beast article pu
some remarkab.
on-the-record stories from
who came from Phoenix. '
character was vouchsafed
the artist Eric Fischl, had I
ing room, of how Epstein h
separately, her younger sist
Ward had written it all
the t's, dotted the i's.
But when she called El
the allegations completely.
"Just the mention of 2
CTERSON
to had been invited by Ghis-
at Epstein's town house. There,
;uests far outnumbered the male
you'd see at Upper East Side din-
ay seemed foreign and dressed a
ded a cocktail party thrown by
attended, which was filled, she
.1s," Ward wrote. "'Some of the
an says."
had worked with Epstein, said,
nore so. Money does that to you.
to himself— that he would never
him in the media. Right now, in
)wing his trip with Clinton, he
148
CHAPTER 38
Vicky Ward: November 2002
What I had 'on the girls," Ward explained in a Daily
Beast article published after Epstein's arrest, "were
some remarkably brave first-person accounts. Three
on-the-record stories from a family: a mother and her daughters
who came from Phoenix. The oldest daughter, an artist whose
character was vouchsafed to me by several sources, including
the artist Eric Fischl, had told me, weeping as she sat in my liv-
ing room, of how Epstein had attempted to seduce both her and,
separately, her younger sister, then only 16."
Ward had written it all down in her notes. She had crossed
the ifs, dotted the i's.
But when she called Epstein to get his response, he denied
the allegations completely.
"Just the mention of a 16-year-old girl," Epstein told her,
149
JAMES PATTERSON
"carries the wrong impression. I don't see what it adds to the
piece. And that makes me unhappy."
If some sort of criminal investigation had taken place, that
would have been one thing. But, at that time, no criminal
investigation into Epstein's affairs had been launched. And in
the absence of an investigation, the rumors of Epstein's dealings
with very young women seemed to be just that—rumors.
Graydon Carter consulted his lawyers, his editors, and his
fact-checkers. And then something odd and disturbing happened
at the Conde Nast building, then in Times Square.
As usual, Carter had come into the office early. He swiped his
key card in the lobby, pressed the elevator button, and arrived in
the hallway outside the reception area on the twenty-first floor.
It would have been a perfect time to review Ward's story.
Her description of Epstein's town house—which is said to
have been the largest private residence in New York City at the
time—was priceless: "Inside, amid the flurry of menservants
attired in sober black suits and pristine white gloves, you feel
you have stumbled into someone's private Xanadu," she'd writ-
ten. "This is no mere rich person's home, but a high-walled,
eclectic, imperious fantasy that seems to have no boundaries.
The entrance hall is decorated not with paintings but with row
upon row of individually framed eyeballs; these, the owner tells
people with relish, were imported from England, where they
were made for injured soldiers. Next comes a marble foyer, which
does have a painting, in the manner of Jean Dubuffet ... but the
host coyly refuses to tell visitors who painted it. In any case,
150
dr
One of the photogra-
captured on video during
Palm Beach Police Departm
search warrant walk-throi
of Epstein's El Brillo N
residence (Palm Beach Pc
Departin
Jeffrey Epstein, Coney Isl
circa 1969 (Anonym
CHAPTER 52
Jeffrey Epstein: June 30, 2008
The Palm Beach County Main Detention Center is on the
west side of Lake Worth Lagoon, which separates West
Palm Beach from the island of Palm Beach. Epstein's
home on El Brillo Way is five miles to the east. Mary's high
school is several miles to the west.
It's fitting, somehow, that this jail—which is the jail Epstein
ends up in, after turning himself in to the local sheriff—lies in
between the two points.
The detention center's inmates, their families, and their law-
yers call it the Gun Club, a reference not only to the jail's address,
on Gun Club Road, but also to its population of hustlers, bur-
glars, drug dealers, rapists, and murderers. There's the occa-
sional hooker as well. And, from time to time, Haitian refugees
are lodged there.
There are three thousand inmates in all.
199
JAMES PATTERSON
Some wait a year before making their way to the courthouse,
their date with the public defender, and an appearance before
the judge. Some get out much sooner, if only they can make bail.
But there's no bail without money—or at least collateral—and,
of course, being without money is often what lands people in jail
in the first place.
Jeffrey Epstein could have posted bail for every single inmate
in the Gun Club.
But that's just one of the ways in which Epstein is unlike his
fellow inmates. He's an admitted pedophile now. Even a famous one.
And, famously, pedophiles tend to fare poorly in jail.
Luckily for Epstein, Ric Bradshaw, the sheriff in charge of
local jails, transfers Epstein to the infirmary, where he spends
exactly one night before being transferred seven miles up the
road to a much smaller, safer location: the Palm Beach County
Central Detention Center—or, as it's known, the Stockade.
"It's not somewhere we'd put a serial killer," Ric Bradshaw says.
Most of the residents here are addicts who take part in drug
education programs, prostitutes, petty criminals, and drunks.
It's a far safer place for Epstein to be, and, unlike other inmates
(except, of course, those being held in solitary), he'll end up with
his own cell, even his own wing, which he has to himself.
Epstein's allowed to pay for a security guard, who sits outside the
cell and keeps watch. And he's allowed any number of visitors.
For a convicted felon, it's an extraordinary benefits package.
But according to Sheriff Bradshaw, who also oversees the Stock-
ade, Epstein is incredulous over the treatment he is receiving.
"He was astonished that he had to go to prison at all," Brad-
shaw remembers.
"Let's just say he didn't think he belonged there."
200
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw: Jun(
ur job," says Ric Brads]
killed him."
Sheriff Bradshaw co
Western. Imposingly tall, witl-
mustache, and slow, southern
old-school law officer-- the kil
patrolling the streets of Tombst
He's been a lawman for forty-fi
been spent as the head of the co
talk to the media, and today, as
he's clearly uncomfortable, fidgei
But here in his wood-panele
Gun Club, Bradshaw remembers
"We have a thousand sexua
says. "When he arrived here, he
20,
ATTERSON
King their way to the courthouse,
mder, and an appearance before
ooner, if only they can make bail.
Rey— or at least collateral—and,
is often what lands people in jail
posted bail for every single inmate
ays in which Epstein is unlike his
[ pedophile now. Even a famous one.
tend to fare poorly in jail.
radshaw, the sheriff in charge of
.o the infirmary, where he spends
transferred seven miles up the
location: the Palm Beach County
r, as it's known, the Stockade.
it a serial killer," Ric Bradshaw says.
are addicts who take part in drug
ates, petty criminals, and drunks.
in to be, and, unlike other inmates
,g held in solitary), he'll end up with
wing, which he has to himself.
security guard, who sits outside the
•.'s allowed any number of visitors.
an extraordinary benefits package.
radshaw, who also oversees the Stockrer the treatment he is receiving.
he had to go to prison at all," Brad-
hink he belonged there."
200
CHAPTER 53
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw: June 2015
ur job," says Ric Bradshaw, "was to make sure nobody
killed him."
Sheriff Bradshaw could have stepped off the set of a
Western. Imposingly tall, with his cowboy hat, Kurt Russell
mustache, and slow, southern drawl, he looks exactly like an
old-school law officer—the kind you once would have found
patrolling the streets of Tombstone, Deadwood, or Dodge City.
He's been a lawman for forty-four years, eleven of which have
been spent as the head of the county's jails. As a rule, he doesn't
talk to the media, and today, as he talks about Jeffrey Epstein,
he's clearly uncomfortable, fidgety, and ill disposed.
But here in his wood-paneled office on the first floor of the
Gun Club, Bradshaw remembers Epstein quite well.
"We have a thousand sexual predators in the county," he
says. "When he arrived here, he was one of them. He definitely
201
JAMES PATTERSON
fit the category we have to ensure the general population is not
going to take their anger out on."
Although he understands that Epstein is a sex offender
and has a sense of the scope of his alleged crimes, Bradshaw's
also aware that the actual conviction was for a "low-level felony."
At the request of Epstein's attorneys—a request that is con-
firmed by a court order—Epstein is quickly granted "work
release."
What it means in practice is that six days a week, for up to
sixteen—sixteen! —hours each day, Epstein is allowed to leave
the Stockade to be driven by a designated driver in a car ear-
marked especially for him to any one of three places: his lawyer
Jack Goldberger's office in downtown West Palm Beach, the
Palm Beach office of a science foundation that he's established,
and his house on El Brillo Way.
Despite the ankle bracelet he wears, it could be argued that
as a fabulously rich prisoner with two of his own jets parked
nearby, at the Palm Beach International Airport, Epstein might
have posed a flight risk.
Instead, every day of the week save one, he's allowed to go to
his lawyer's, to go to his office, or simply to go home.
Did the deputy in charge of Epstein go to the house on El
Brillo Way?
Ric Bradshaw considers the question.
"Yes," he says, "he did." .
Did the deputy go inside the house?
"Yes, he did."
If so, the deputy might have encountered Nadia Marcinkova,
who was staying on El Brillo Way at the time. He may also have
202
Eli
met a suave short-haired gei
French accent.
That would be Jean-Luc E
For the duration of Jeffre
the Stockade, Brunel's taken
Brillo Way.
'ATTERSON
FILTHY RICH
ure the general population is not
1.
that Epstein is a sex offender
of his alleged crimes, Bradshaw's
riction was for a "low-level felony."
ttorneys —a request that is con-
pstein is quickly granted "work
is that six days a week, for up to
ch day, Epstein is allowed to leave
a designated driver in a car ear-
any one of three places: his lawyer
lowntown West Palm Beach, the
e foundation that he's established,
.y.
t he wears, it could be argued that
with two of his own jets parked
.ternational Airport, Epstein might
week save one, he's allowed to go to
e, or simply to go home.
e of Epstein go to the house on El
he question.
the house?
ave encountered Nadia Marcinkova,
) Way at the time. He may also have
202
met a suave short-haired gentleman who spoke with a distinct
French accent.
That would be Jean-Luc Brunel.
For the duration of Jeffrey Epstein's stay— or half stay—in
the Stockade, Brunel's taken up residence in the house on El
Brillo Way.
203
FT
fraudster named Arnold Pr
had been commuted by Bill
left office.
Sheriff Bradshaw wants
conjugal.
But even US attorney Aco:
agreement with the governmi
ment was highly irregular.
"Epstein appears to have
while in jail," Acosta would
eral public. "Although the tel
are a matter appropriately lei
eral authorities, without dm
while in state custody underrr
And, of course, Epstein's:
by taxpayers.
CHAPTER 54
Jeffrey Epstein: June 30, 2008—July 21, 2009
ccording to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, the treatment Jeffrey
Epstein received in the Stockade was not preferential. By
some measures, he isn't wrong.
In 2010, millionaire polo mogul John Goodman killed a
young man while driving drunk. He was convicted but was
allowed to spend two years under house arrest while his appeal
was being tried.
Like Epstein, Goodman was allowed visitors. But Goodman's
visitor list was nothing like Jeffrey Epstein's.
Nadia Marcinkova is said to have visited Epstein in jail more
than seventy times.
Epstein's assistant Sarah Kellen also visited Epstein in the
Stockade.
A Russian mixed martial artist named Igor "Houdini" Zinoviev was another visitor, as was a disbarred lawyer and financial
204
FILTHY RICH
CHAPTER 54
W08-July 21, 2009
Lc Bradshaw, the treatment Jeffrey
e Stockade was not preferential. By
't wrong.
o mogul John Goodman killed a
lrunk. He was convicted but Was
inder house arrest while his appeal
vas allowed visitors. But Goodman's
seffrey Epstein's.
to have visited Epstein in jail more
Kellen also visited Epstein in the
11 artist named Igor "Houdini" Zino
-
was a disbarred lawyer and financial
204
fraudster named Arnold Prosperi, whose own prison sentence
had been commuted by Bill Clinton on the day before Clinton
left office.
Sheriff Bradshaw wants to be clear: none of these visits was
conjugal.
But even US attorney Acosta, who negotiated Epstein's unusual
agreement with the government, would say that Epstein's arrange-
ment was highly irregular.
"Epstein appears to have received highly unusual treatment
while in jail," Acosta would say in a letter addressed to the gen-
eral public. "Although the terms of confinement in a state prison
are a matter appropriately left to the state of Florida and not fed-
eral authorities, without doubt, the treatment that he received
while in state custody undermined the purpose of a jail sentence."
And, of course, Epstein's stay at the Stockade was subsidized
by taxpayers.
205
CHAPTER SS
R. Alexander Acosta's letter to the general public,
March 20, 2011
To whom it may concern:
I served as U. S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida
from 2005 through 2009. Over the past weeks, I have read
much regarding Mr. Jeffrey Epstein. Some appears true,
some appears distorted. I thought it appropriate to provide
some background, with two caveats: (i) under Justice Depart-
ment guidelines, I cannot discuss privileged internal com-
munications among department attorneys and (ii) I no longer
have access to the original documents, and as the matter is
now nearly 4 years old, the precision of memory is reduced.
The Epstein matter was originally presented to the
Palm Beach County State Attorney. Palm Beach Police
alleged that Epstein unlawfully hired underage high
206
Fi
school females to provic
massages. Police sought
resulted in a term of im
reports, however, in 200
to concerns regarding the
to charge Epstein only
assault with no intent tc
would have resulted in
register as a sexual offei
underage victims.
Local police were di!
ney's conclusions, and re.
Federal authorities recei
engaged in additional inv(
the quality of the evidence
at trial. With a federal ci
considerations. First, a
requires that the crime b€
an interstate nexus. Seco]
charged by the state, the fe
extent, to back-stop state
is no miscarriage of justice
erally that which has alre
level.
After considering the q
additional considerations,
the state charge was insufi
the prosecutors and age
Mr. Epstein's attorney, Ro
best known for his sue
CHAPTER SS
fl,
to the general public,
r the Southern District of Florida
)ver the past weeks, I have read
Epstein. Some appears true,
Ihought it appropriate to provide
) caveats: (i) under Justice Depart-
discuss privileged internal com-
.ment attorneys and (ii) I no longer
I documents, and as the matter is
precision of memory is reduced.
was originally presented to the
.te Attorney. Palm Beach Police
'lawfully hired underage high-
206
FILTHY RICH
school females to provide him sexually lewd and erotic
massages. Police sought felony charges that would have
resulted in a term of imprisonment. According to press
reports, however, in 2006 the State Attorney, in part due
to concerns regarding the quality of the evidence, agreed
to charge Epstein only with one count of aggravated
assault with no intent to commit a felony. That charge
would have resulted in no jail time, no requirement to
register as a sexual offender and no restitution for the
underage victims.
Local police were dissatisfied with the State Attor-
ney's conclusions, and requested a federal investigation.
Federal authorities received the State's evidence and
engaged in additional investigation. Prosecutors weighed
the quality of the evidence and the likelihood for success
at trial. With a federal case, there were two additional
considerations. First, a federal criminal prosecution
requires that the crime be more than local; it must have
an interstate nexus. Second, as the matter was initially
charged by the state, the federal responsibility is, to some
extent, to back-stop state authorities to ensure that there
is no miscarriage of justice, and not to also prosecute fed-
erally that which has already been charged at the state
level.
After considering the quality of the evidence and the
additional considerations, prosecutors concluded that
the state charge was insufficient. In early summer 2007,
the prosecutors and agents in this case met with
Mr. Epstein's attorney, Roy Black. Mr. Black is perhaps
best known for his successful defense of William
207
JAMES PATTERSON
FI1
Kennedy Smith. The prosecutors presented Epstein a
choice: plead to more serious state felony charges (that
would result in 2 years' imprisonment, registration as a
sexual offender, and restitution for the victims) or else
prepare for a federal felony trial.
What followed was a year-long assault on the prose-
cution and the prosecutors. I use the word assault inten-
tionally, as the defense in this case was more aggressive
than any which I, or the prosecutors in my office, had
previously encountered. Mr. Epstein hired an army of
legal superstars: Harvard Professor Alan Dershowitz, for-
mer Judge and then Pepperdine Law Dean Kenneth Starr,
former Deputy Assistant to the President and then Kirk-
land & Ellis Partner Jay Lefkowitz, and several others,
including prosecutors who had formerly worked in the
U.S. Attorney's Office and in the Child Exploitation and
Obscenity Section of the Justice Department. Defense
attorneys next requested a meeting with me to challenge
the prosecution and the terms previously presented by
the prosecutors in their meeting with Mr. Black. The
prosecution team and I met with defense counsel in Fall
2007, and I reaffirmed the office's position: two years,
registration and restitution, or trial.
Over the next several months, the defense team pre-
sented argument after argument claiming that felony
criminal proceedings against Epstein were unsupported
by the evidence and lacked a basis in law, and that the
office's insistence on jail-time was motivated by a zeal to
overcharge a man merely because he is wealthy. They
bolstered their arguments with legal opinions from
208
well-known legal expert
team warned me that thE
good man to serve time•
book if we continued tc
office systematically con!
ment, and when we di
appealed to Washington..
The defense strategy
Defense counsel investiga
their families, looking for
provide a basis for disqual
ecutor is an effective (th.
eliminating the individua
and thus most qualified to
lihood for success. Defens.
least two prosecutors. I
rejected, these arguments.
Despite the army of att
the terms first presented
meeting. On June 30, 2008
appeal to Washington D.(
guilty in state court. He Av
onment, register as a sexua
restitution to the victims.
Some may feel that the]
tougher. Evidence that has
encourage that view. Mary;
out, filing detailed statemen
ages. Physical evidence has
these additional statements
2,
kTTERSON
.cutors presented Epstein a
,us state felony charges (that
prisonment, registration as a
ition for the victims) or else
trial.
ar-long assault on the prose-
. I use the word assault inten-
his case was more aggressive
3rosecutors in my office, had
Ir. Epstein hired an army of
rofessor Alan Dershowitz, for-
dine Law Dean Kenneth Starr,
) the President and then Kirk-
_efkowitz, and several others,
3 had formerly worked in the
in the Child Exploitation and
Justice Department. Defense
meeting with me to challenge
terms previously presented by
meeting with Mr. Black. The
.et with defense counsel in Fall
ae office's position: two years,
n, or trial.
months, the defense team pre-
.rgument claiming that felony
tinst Epstein were unsupported
:ed a basis in law, and that the
time was motivated by a zeal to
.y because he is wealthy. They
nts with legal opinions from
208
FILTHY RICH
well-known legal experts. One member of the defense
team warned me that the office's excess zeal in forcing a
good man to serve time in jail might be the subject of a
book if we continued to proceed with the matter. My
office systematically considered and rejected each argu-
ment, and when we did, my office's decisions were
appealed to Washington. As to the warning, I ignored it.
The defense strategy was not limited to legal issues.
Defense counsel investigated individual prosecutors and
their families, looking for personal peccadilloes that may
provide a basis for disqualification. Disqualifying a pros-
ecutor is an effective (though rarely used) strategy, as
eliminating the individuals most familiar with the facts
and thus most qualified to take a case to trial harms like-
lihood for success. Defense counsel tried to disqualify at
least two prosecutors. I carefully reviewed, and then
rejected, these arguments.
Despite the army of attorneys, the office held firm to
the terms first presented to Mr. Black in the original
meeting. On June 30, 2008, after yet another last minute
appeal to Washington D.C. was rejected, Epstein pled
guilty in state court. He was to serve 18 months impris-
onment, register as a sexual offender for life, and provide
restitution to the victims.
Some may feel that the prosecution should have been
tougher. Evidence that has come to light since 2007 may
encourage that view. Many victims have since spoken
out, filing detailed statements in civil cases seeking dam-
ages. Physical evidence has since been discovered. Had
these additional statements and evidence been known,
209
JAMES PATTERSON
the outcome may have been different. But they were not
known to us at the time.
A prosecution decision must be based on admissible
facts known at the time. In cases of this type, those are
unusually difficult because victims are frightened and
often decline to testify or if they do speak, they give con-
tradictory statements. Our judgment in this case, based
on the evidence known at the time, was that it was better
to have a billionaire serve time in jail, register as a sex
offender, and pay his victims restitution than risk a trial
with a reduced likelihood of success. I supported that
judgment then, and based on the state law as it then stood
and the evidence known at the time, I would support that
judgment again.
Epstein's treatment, while in state custody, likewise
may encourage the view that the office should have been
tougher. Although the terms of confinement in a state
prison are a matter appropriately left to the State of Flor-
ida, and not federal authorities, without doubt, the treat-
ment that he received while in state custody undermined
the purpose of a jail sentence.
Some may also believe that the prosecution should
have been tougher in retaliation for the defense's tactics.
The defense, arguably, often failed to negotiate in good
faith. They would obtain concessions as part of a negotia-
tion and agree to proceed, only to change their minds,
and appeal the office's position to Washington. The inves-
tigations into the family lives of individual prosecutors
were, in my opinion, uncalled for, as were the accusations
of bias and/or misconduct against individual prosecutors.
210
F.
At times, some prosecut
trial, and at times I felt t
right in the first meetin
spective of defense tacti
tional right to a defense
right should not be puni:
sel's exercise of their ri
Washington D.C. Proseci
frustration and anger wi
their judgment.
After the plea, I reca
One was from the FBI Sp(
to offer congratulations.
meetings regarding this c
of the defense, and he cat
holding firm against the 1
itz, Lefkowitz and Starr.
received calls or commun
itz, Lefkowitz and Starr. I
als previously, from my
Kirkland & Ellis in the m
peace. I agreed to talk am
Epstein pled guilty, as I
tors battle defense attorne
have tried, yet I confess ti:
fully in this case.
The bottom line is this:•
served time in jail and is m
He has been required to pa)
restitution clearly cannot c
)ATTERSON
FILTHY RICH
n different. But they were not
must be based on admissible
-1 cases of this type, those are
e victims are frightened and
they do speak, they give con-
• judgment in this case, based
[he time, was that it was better
time in jail, register as a sex
ms restitution than risk a trial
I of success. I supported that
on the state law as it then stood
the time, I would support that
•hue in state custody, likewise
hat the office should have been
rms of confinement in a state
Driately left to the State of Flor-
rities, without doubt, the treat-
le in state custody undermined
nce.
Te that the prosecution should
illation for the defense's tactics.
ten failed to negotiate in good
zoncessions as part of a negotia-
d, only to change their minds,
;Won to Washington. The inves-
lives of individual prosecutors
filed for, as were the accusations .
t against individual prosecutors.
2.10
At times, some prosecutors felt that we should just go to
trial, and at times I felt that frustration myself. What was
right in the first meeting, however, remained right irre-
spective of defense tactics. Individuals have a constitu-
tional right to a defense. The aggressive exercise of that
right should not be punished, nor should a defense coun-
sel's exercise of their right to appeal a U.S Attorney to
Washington D.C. Prosecutors must be careful not to allow
frustration and anger with defense counsel to influence
their judgment.
After the plea, I recall receiving several phone calls.
One was from the FBI Special Agent-In-Charge. He called
to offer congratulations. He had been at many of the
meetings regarding this case. He was aware of the tactics
of the defense, and he called to praise our prosecutors for
holding firm against the likes of Messrs. Black, Dershow-
itz, Lefkowitz and Starr. It was a proud moment. I also
received calls or communications from Messrs. Dershow-
itz, Lefkowitz and Starr. I had known all three individu-
als previously, from my time in law school and at
Kirkland & Ellis in the mid 90s. They all sought to make
peace. I agreed to talk and meet with each of them after
Epstein pled guilty, as I think it important that prosecu-
tors battle defense attorneys in a case and then move on. I
have tried, yet I confess that this has been difficult to do
fully in this case.
The bottom line is this: Mr. Jeffrey Epstein, a billionaire,
served time in jail and is now a registered sexual offender.
He has been required to pay his victims restitution, though
restitution clearly cannot compensate for the crime. And
211
JAMES PATTERSON
we know much more today about his crimes because vic-
tims have come forward to speak out. Some may disagree
with prosecutorial judgments made in this case, but
those individuals are not the ones who at the time
reviewed the evidence available for trial and assessed the
likelihood of success.
Respectfully,
R. Alexander Acosta
Former U.S. Attorney
Southern District of Florida
212
PATTERSON
y about his crimes because vic-
) speak out. Some may disagree
nents made in this case, but
)t the ones who at the time
iilable for trial and assessed the
• Respectfully,
R. Alexander Acosta
Former U.S. Attorney
Southern District of Florida
PART VI
Aftermath
CHAPTER 56
Jeffrey Epstein: July 2009
effrey Epstein walks out of the Stockade on July 21, 2009,
having served less than thirteen months of his eighteen-month
sentence. One of the concessions his lawyers have gotten
while working out his plea-deal guarantees is that the media not
be alerted to the time and day of his departure.
But from now on, Epstein, who is fifty-six, will carry the
mark of a level 3 sex offender—level 1 being the lowest, and
level 3 indicating the highest possible risk of a future criminal
act of a sexual nature. Wherever he goes, he will be forced to reg-
ister as such.
Every ninety days, Epstein will have to check in with the
authorities. Every year, the New York City Police Department
will take his mug shot. And for a full year, Epstein will be under
house arrest in Palm Beach.
This last prohibition doesn't stop him from flying, with court
215
JAMES PATTERSON
approval, on his own planes to New York and to Little Saint Jeff's,
where the locals have taken to referring to Epstein's 727 as the
Lolita Express.
There are other restrictions, of course, that Epstein is sup-
posed to abide by. He has to provide the state of Florida with a
list of all the motor vehicles, boats, and airplanes he owns. The
full list includes two Escalades, six Suburbans, two Ford F-150s,
two Harley-Davidsons, a Land Rover, a Hummer H2, a thirty-
four-foot JVC boat, and a thirty-five-foot Donzi powerboat.
Three of his five planes turn out to be registered to a com-
pany called Air Ghislaine, Inc.
As a registered sex offender, Epstein is legally obliged to
undergo psychiatric treatment. This is a restriction he'll get
around by having his own psychologist submit a report to law
enforcement officers.
Epstein is also prohibited from accessing pornography on
the Internet and using social networking for sexual purposes.
For Jeffrey Epstein, there will be no Bangbros, Tinder, or
Swingles. com.
There will be lawsuits.
Six weeks before probation ends, he settles with seven women
who sue him in civil court. But Epstein can easily afford the set-
tlement payments. He won't be going back to jail, and in regard
to further prosecution for any criminal actions, his troubles are
behind him.
Not everyone who's spent time in his company will be so
lucky.
216
Alfredo Rodriguez: Aug
E pstein's houseman, Al
prison sentence.
In a sworn statem
maid, Lupita, who had corni
up after Epstein's "massagec
lic, had cried as she describe
Rodriguez was fired by I
after seeing a strange car--
As it turned out, the ca
masseuses.
On his way out of the hc
i, of Epstein's papers, which he
by Chief Reiter's investigator.
For years, Rodriguez trio
manager. No one wanted tc
TTERSON
Few York and to Little Saint Jeff's,
referring to Epstein's 727 as the
, of course, that Epstein is sup-
ovide the state of Florida with a
)ats, and airplanes he owns. The
six Suburbans, two Ford F-150s,
Rover, a Hummer H2, a thirty-
Eive-foot Donzi powerboat.
.n out to be registered to a corn-
er, Epstein is legally obliged to
t. This is a restriction he'll get
Tchologist submit a report to law
from accessing pornography on
etworking for sexual purposes.
will be no Bangbros, Tinder, or
ends, he settles with seven women
t Epstein can easily afford the set-
e going back to jail, and in regard
criminal actions, his troubles are
time in his company will be so
216
CHAPTER 57
Alfredo Rodriguez: August 2009
Epstein's houseman, Alfredo Rodriguez, also ends up with a
prison sentence.
In a sworn statement, Rodriguez talks about Epstein's
maid, Lupita, who had complained to him about having to clean
up after Epstein's "massages." Lupita, who was a devout Catho-
lic, had cried as she described the stained towel and sex toys.
Rodriguez was fired by Epstein, he says, when he called 911
after seeing a strange car— a "beater" —in Epstein's driveway.
As it turned out, the car had belonged to one of Epstein's
masseuses.
On his way out of the house on El Brillo Way, he took some
of Epstein's papers, which he failed to produce when questioned
by Chief Reiter's investigators.
For years, Rodriguez tried and failed to find work as a house
manager. No one wanted to hire someone who'd worked for
JAMES PATTERSON
Fr u
Jeffrey Epstein. Finally, desperately, he tried to sell the informa-
tion he'd stolen.
The papers named underage girls and the places where
Epstein had taken them. The list included locations in Califor-
nia, Paris, New Mexico, New York, and Michigan. The papers
also included the names, addresses, and phone numbers of
famous individuals—Henry Kissinger, Mick Jagger, Dustin Hoff-
man, Ralph Fiennes, David Koch, Ted Kennedy, Donald Trump,
Bill Richardson, Bill Clinton, and former Israeli prime minister
Ehud Barak among them.
This was intriguing, if not at all damning. Epstein made a
habit of collecting such information for future use. But informa-
tion pertaining to the girls would have bolstered the state's case
against Jeffrey Epstein, and by withholding it from the Palm
Beach PD and the FBI, Rodriguez had committed a crime.
In his defense, Rodriguez would say that the papers were an
"insurance policy." Without them, he believed, Epstein would
have made him "disappear."
But now Rodriguez needed the money. And so a few weeks
after Epstein's release from the Stockade, he approached a lawyer
who was representing some of Epstein's masseuses. He had the
"holy grail," he insisted. A ."golden nugget." The names of hun-
dreds of girls, he said, who had been abused by Epstein.
The lawyer told Rodriguez in no uncertain terms that he was
obliged to turn whatever he had over to the authorities. By
demanding money for the information, Rodriguez was commit-
ting another crime.
According to a sworn statement by Christina Pryor, a special,
agent with the FBI, Rodriguez "persisted that he would only turn
over the information in his possession in exchange for $50,000."
218
Two months later, on Octobe.
who insisted once more on 13(
lawyer told him that an associ
What the lawyer knew one
the associate in question was.
the FBI. A few days later, on?
guez and sets up a meeting, wl
"During the meeting, Roc
book and several sheets of legs
ten notes," Special Agent Pryo
continues:
Rodriguez explained that he
his former employer's resid
2004 to 2005 and that the bo
working for his former emp
detail the information within
ant information to the UCE. I;
he had previously lied to the.
about the $50,000, took posse
counting it.
Rodriguez was then detat
Proceedings, Title 18, U.S. Co
tioned. After Miranda warning
Rodriguez waived his rights a
those rights. Rodriguez admiti
and book in his possession am
to local law enforcement or th
21
PATTERSON
FILTHY RICH
-ately, he tried to sell the informa-
rage girls and the places where
list included locations in Califor-
• York, and Michigan. The papers
ldresses, and phone numbers of
:issinger, Mick Jagger, Dustin Hoff-
Dch, Ted Kennedy, Donald Trump,
and former Israeli prime minister
A at all damning. Epstein made a
nation for future use. But informa-
mild have bolstered the state's case
by withholding it from the Palm
;uez had committed a crime.
would say that the papers were an
them, he believed, Epstein would
ed the money. And so a few weeks
Le Stockade, he approached a lawyer
of Epstein's masseuses. He had the
golden nugget." The names of hun-
ad been abused by Epstein.
:z in no uncertain terms that he was
Le had over to the authorities. By
formation, Rodriguez was commit
tement by Christina Pryor, a special
:z "persisted that he would only turn
ossession in exchange for $50,000."
218
* * *
Two months later, on October 28, the lawyer called Rodriguez,
who insisted once more on being paid for the information. The
lawyer told him that an associate would be in touch.
What the lawyer knew and Rodriguez did not know was that
the associate in question was an undercover employee (UCE) of
the FBI. A few days later, on November 2, the UCE calls Rodri-
guez and sets up a meeting, which takes place the following day.
"During the meeting, Rodriguez produced a small bound
book and several sheets of legal pad paper containing handwrit-
ten notes," Special Agent Pryor would say in her statement. She
continues:
Rodriguez explained that he had taken the bound book from
his former employer's residence while employed there in
2004 to 2005 and that the book had been created by persons
working for his former employer. Rodriguez discussed in
detail the information within the book and identified import-
ant information to the UCE. In addition, Rodriguez admitted
he had previously lied to the FBI. Rodriguez asked the UCE
about the $50,000, took possession of the money, and began
counting it.
Rodriguez was then detained for Obstruction of Official
Proceedings, Title 18, US. Code, Section 1512(c), and ques-
tioned. After Miranda warnings were administered by agents,
Rodriguez waived his rights and signed a written waiver of
those rights. Rodriguez admitted that he had the documents
and book in his possession and had never turned them over
to local law enforcement or the FBI. In addition, Rodriguez
219
JAMES PATTERSON
advised he had witnessed nude girls whom he believed were
underage at the pool area of his former employer's home,
knew that his former employer was engaging in sexual con-
tact with underage girls, and had viewed pornographic
images of underage girls on computers in his employer's
home. Rodriguez was then released from custody for further
investigation.
The items that Rodriguez had attempted to sell to the
UCE for $50,000.00 were reviewed by an agent familiar with
the underlying criminal investigation. As Rodriguez had
described, the items contained information material to the
underlying investigation that would have been extremely use-
ful in investigatang] and prosecuting the case, including the
names and contact information of material witnesses and
additional victims. Had those items been produced in
response to the inquiries of the state law enforcement officers
or the FBI Special Agents, their contents would have been
presented to the federal grand jury.
Following his release, Alfredo Rodriguez was arrested again.
He appeared in court on June 1.8, 2010, facing charges of cor-
ruptly concealing records and documents. Dressed in a blue
jumpsuit and shackles, he apologized for his crimes and asked
the court to be merciful.
He received a sentence of eighteen months.
It was the same punishment that Jeffrey Epstein had gotten
for his crimes. But unlike Epstein, Alfredo Rodriguez served his
time in a federal prison and did not ask for, or receive, permis-
sion to go on work release.
220
Prince Andrew: 2011
p rince Andrew also fares
imprisonment.
The two men are old I
Ghislaine Maxwell introducedi
time in the 1990s. In 2000, Ep5
Castle to celebrate the queen's h
flew to Sandringham, the queei
a party Prince Andrew threw for
The prince had also visited
Palm Beach as well as in New
Roberts made in her 2015 decla
asked her to give the prince wi
back with the details.
According to the Guardian,
tied together at Windsor Castle,
2;
'ATTERSON
de girls whom he believed were
If his former employer's home,
,er was engaging in sexual con-
lnd had viewed pornographic
n computers in his employer's
_4eased from custody for further
ez had attempted to sell to the
viewed by an agent familiar with
.vestigation. As Rodriguez had
led information material to the
t would have been extremely use-
-osecuting the case, including the
ltion of material witnesses and
those items been produced in
he state law enforcement officers
their contents would have been
rid jury.
redo Rodriguez was arrested again.
le 18, 2010, facing charges of cor-
nd documents. Dressed in a blue
)ologized for his crimes and asked
eighteen months.
lent that Jeffrey Epstein had gotten
istein, Alfredo Rodriguez served his
did not ask for, or receive, permis-
220
CHAPTER 58
Prince Andrew: 2011
p rince Andrew also fares poorly in the wake of Epstein's
imprisonment.
The two men are old friends. They have been ever since
Ghislaine Maxwell introduced the prince to her then-beau, some-
time in the 1990s. In 2000, Epstein had been invited to Windsor
Castle to celebrate the queen's birthday. Six months later, Epstein
flew to Sandringham, the queen's estate in Norfolk, England, for
a party Prince Andrew threw for Ghislaine's thirty-ninth birthday.
The prince had also visited Epstein on several occasions, in
Palm Beach as well as in New York. And if allegations Virginia
Roberts made in her 2015 declaration are to be believed, Epstein
asked her to give the prince whatever he required, then report
back with the details.
According to the Guardian, Epstein and the prince had par-
tied together at Windsor Castle, in Saint-Tropez, and in Thailand,
221
JAMES PATTERSON
Fi L
where "Andrew was pictured on a yacht surrounded by topless
women."
According to Roberts's lawsuit, Epstein had forced her into
the prince's bed on Little Saint Jeff's.
After Epstein's conviction, the British press were using another
name for Little Saint Jeff's: Sex Island. The Guardian reported
that the manager of two Virgin Islands—based corporations owned
by Epstein happened to be the wife of the governor of the Virgin
Islands. There were allegations involving a million-dollar dona-
tion that Epstein had made to the governor's reelection cam-
paign. And then there was Roberts's claim that she had been
forced to have sex with the prince on the island as well as in
New York and in London.
Invariably, the photograph of Prince Andrew with his arm
around the bare midriff of a very young-looking Virginia Rob-
erts ran with stories that appeared in the tabloids.
"It is emphatically denied that the Duke of York had any form
of sexual contact or relationship" with Roberts, Buckingham
Palace spokespersons would say. "The allegations made are false
and without any foundation."
The prince's ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York,
while on a skiing trip with the prince and their daughter Euge-
nie in Switzerland, told reporters, "He is the greatest man there
is. It was the finest moment of my life in 1986 when I married
him. He is a great man, the best in the world."
"I won't stand by—because I know what it feels like to have
salacious lies made up about you—and not support him so pub-
licly because they are just shockingly accusatory allegations,
222
which I don't think is right," .5
viewed by Today host Matt La
and as a great father and a h-
work he does for Britain I w(
character defamed to this leve
But at the same time, a c(
good man's fall from grace, a
out of the woodwork to dish t(
"I've seen him treat his st
said a former aide to the princ(
personal protection officers,
ground and demanding they '
graces at all. Sure, if you're a la
then I bet he's utterly charminl
Despite all this, the prince had
a photo, frequently trotted out l
strolling in Central Park.
Some few months before it
businessman had secretly tap(
five hundred thousand pounds
"If you want to meet him ir
"look after me, and he'll look aft
"Once again," she said aft
Pounded and rebounded and als
most in the world: the Duke."
Prince Andrew had had hi5
real estate deals, sticky roman.
ment dumps (courtesy of Julia'
2.
1/4TTERSON
FILTHY RICH
n a yacht surrounded by topless
mit, Epstein had forced her into
eff's.
British press were using another
x Island. The Guardian reported
slands—based corporations owned
wife of the governor of the Virgin
; involving a million-dollar dona-
o the governor's reelection cam-
Dberts's claim that she had been
rince on the island as well as in
of Prince Andrew with his arm
very young-looking Virginia Rob-
ired in the tabloids.
hat the Duke of York had any form
ship" with Roberts, Buckingham
ay. "The allegations made are false
h Ferguson, the Duchess of York,
e prince and their daughter Euge-
ters, "He is the greatest man there
)f my life in 1986 when I married
st in the world."
se I know what it feels like to have
70U-and not support him so pub-
thockingly accusatory allegations,
222
which I don't think is right," she said a few days later when inter-
viewed by Today host Matt Lauer. "It's a defamation of character,
and as a great father and a humongously good man and all the
work he does for Britain I won't stand by and let him have his
character defamed to this level."
But at the same time, a certain schadenfreude attended the
good man's fall from grace, and former associates kept coming
out of the woodwork to dish to the press.
"I've seen him treat his staff in a shocking, appalling way,"
said a former aide to the prince. "He's been incredibly rude to his
personal protection officers, literally throwing things on the
ground and demanding they 'fucking pick them up.' No social
graces at all. Sure, if you're a lady with blond hair and big boobs,
then I bet he's utterly charming."
Despite all this, the prince had stuck by Epstein. There was even
a photo, frequently trotted out by the tabloids, of the two of them
strolling in Central Park.
Some few months before it was taken, a reporter posing as a
businessman had secretly taped Sarah Ferguson's demand for
five hundred thousand pounds in return for access to the prince.
"If you want to meet him in your business," she'd said then,
"look after me, and he'll look after you. You'll get it back tenfold."
"Once again," she said afterward, "my errors have com-
pounded and rebounded and also impacted on the man I admire
inost in the world: the Duke."
Prince Andrew had had his troubles already—with shady
real estate deals, sticky romances, highly embarrassing docu-
ment dumps (courtesy of Julian Assange and WikiLeaks), and
223
JAMES PATTERSON
i*t
questionable ties to Tunisian oligarchs, corrupt presidents of
former Soviet republics, and Mu'ammar Gadhafi, among other
entanglements, many of which were explored in a Vanity Fair
article headlined THE TROUBLE WITH ANDREW.
"The duke has a record of being loyal to his friends," a "royal
source" told Vanity Fair's Edward Klein. "Take his feelings for
Sarah Ferguson. If you are a prince and you bring a woman into
the royal life and, for whatever reasons, she's spit out, you might
have feelings of debt toward her. The duke feels that she's been
spattered and rejected. His close relationship with the Duchess
of York is problematic, and there have been many problems over
the last 5 to 10 years, all of which stem from the duchess. Some
of the behavior of the duchess is inconsistent with being mar-
ried to, or an ex-wife of, the duke. There's no question but that
Sarah's been a financially self-destructive element in the• duke's
life."
"The same kind of loyalty manifested itself last December,
when the duke visited Epstein at his home in New York," said a
spokesperson for Buckingham Palace. "Epstein was a friend of
the duke's for the best part of 20 years. It was the first time in
four years that he'd seen Epstein. He now recognizes that the
meeting in December was unwise."
"Don't expect to see a photo of the two of them together," 4.
another "royal source" would say.
But one more story about the prince's dealings with Jeffrey
Epstein had already emerged.
At a dinner party at Epstein's town house, the prince dished
about the wedding of his nephew Prince William to Kate
Middleton.
"He was amused that his dinner companions were so inter
224
ested in every detail," a g
gossip columnist. "Whe
Queen wear, would his e;
Other guests in atten(
dler, George Stephanopo
Woody Allen.
At around the same t
Post, "I'm not a sexual pi
ence between a murderer
Was it so remarkable that
in Epstein's company? Ar
fodder for years. Randy A
the circles that Jeffrey E
seen as a vice. Epstein cal
lation took hold on Wall
were charging ten thousal
you'd see things that woi
that would make Nero hi
guisher. When the urge
didn't have to swap wives.
They could simply swe
By the same token, wa:
like the prince would ha.
insofar as reality is even a
odd that he thought it wa5
raphers strolling through
offender—when at the tin
ing, and trading industri
LTTERSON
FILTHY RICH
pligarchs, corrupt presidents of
Eu'ammar Gadhafi, among other
were explored in a Vanity Fair
TH ANDREW.
eing loyal to his friends," a "royal
ard Klein. "Take his feelings for
ince and you bring a woman into
reasons, she's spit out, you might
er. The duke feels that she's been
se relationship with the Duchess
re have been many problems over
tich stem from the duchess. Some
s is inconsistent with being mar-
Luke. There's no question but that
-destructive element in the .duke's
r manifested itself last December,
1. at his home in New York," said a
n Palace. "Epstein was a friend of
f 20 years. It was the first time in
;tein. He now recognizes that the
Arise."
Low of the two of them together,"
say.
t the prince's dealings with Jeffrey
town house, the prince dish
nephew Prince William to Ka
; dinner companions were so in
224
ested in every detail," a guest in attendance told a New York Post
gossip columnist. "What would Kate wear, what would the
Queen wear, would his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson be invited?"
Other guests in attendance that night included Chelsea Han-
dler, George Stephanopoulos,. Charlie Rose, Katie Couric, and
Woody Allen.
At around the same time, Jeffrey Epstein told the New York
Post, "I'm not a sexual predator, I'm an 'offender.' It's the differ-
ence between a murderer and a person who steals a bagel."
Was it so remarkable that Prince Andrew would have been seen
in Epstein's company? Andrew's philandering had been tabloid
fodder for years. Randy Andy, they called him in the UK. And in
the circles that Jeffrey Epstein moved in, philandering wasn't
seen as a vice. Epstein came of age just as industrywide deregu-
lation took hold on Wall Street. Junk bonds were king. Call girls
were charging ten thousand dollars a night. And in the shadows,
you'd see things that would have made Caligula blush. Sights
that would make Nero himself reach for the nearest fire extin-
guisher. When the urge presented itself, the new super rich
didn't have to swap wives.
They could simply swap harems.
By the same token, was it so very strange to think that a man
like the prince would have grown so detached from reality—
insofar as reality is even a word that applies to a prince? Was it
odd that he thought it was absolutely fine to be seen by photog-
raphers strolling through Central Park with a registered sex
offender— when at the time large swaths of the financial, bank-
ing, and trading industries were characterized by their very
225
JAMES PATTERSON
detachment from day-to-day concerns such as morality, ethics,
and appearances?
As for Jeffrey Epstein, one question that might be worth ask-
ing is, if he's in fact a narcissist and megalomaniac, could he
actually believe that he's innocent? Then again, that might be the
wrong question. Epstein did plead guilty, after all. But what if he
simply doesn't see what he pleaded to as a crime? What if he's
proud of his lifestyle? And if that's the case, why wouldn't Prince
Andrew be proud to be seen in public with his dear friend Jeffrey
Epstein?
What if, for people like Epstein and the prince, it's just ser-
vants and masters, the way of the world? They're natural winners —
aristocrats, after all— and if life were fair, well, how would we
know who the real winners are?
11
226
Anna Salter: Novembf
hy do powerful
and Prince And
Dr. Anna Si
sionally. Educated at Harv;
psychology, she spoke, wit]
Epstein and others like him
"Consider a car," says
are brakes. We all have se,
be a good idea to act on. /‘
behavior. We have good br.
"Sexual offenses and in.
times the result of a bad r
prepubescent children or e
children as opposed to po!
always the result of bad bra
'ATTERSON
oncerns such as morality, ethics,
luestion that might be worth ask-
>ist and megalomaniac, could he
nt? Then again, that might be the
ead guilty, after all. But what if he
.aded to as a crime? What if he's
rat's the case, why wouldn't Prince
public with his dear friend Jeffrey
)stein and the prince, it's just ser-
e world? They're natural winners —
lie were fair, well, how would we
226
CHAPTER 59
Anna Salter: November 2015
hy do powerful men do the things that Jeffrey Epstein
and Prince Andrew have been accused of doing?
Dr. Anna Salter studies child sex offenders profes-
sionally. Educated at Harvard, with a graduate degree in clinical
psychology, she spoke, with the benefit of hindsight, about Jeffrey
Epstein and others like him from her office in Madison, Wisconsin.
"Consider a car," says Dr. Salter. "There's a motor, and there
are brakes. We all have sexual impulses we don't think it would
be a good idea to act on. Most of us have good control over our
behavior. We have good brakes.
"Sexual offenses and inappropriate sexual behavior are some-
times the result of a bad motor—for example, an attraction to
Prepubescent children or eleven-to-fourteen-year-old pubescent
children as opposed to postpubescent individuals. But they are
always the result of bad brakes.
227
on young girls delude then
will not harm the child. TI
medicated it with thinking
pathic and simply don't caz
can't say anything about Ei
but narcissism and psychop
look at concerning anyone N4
bescent individuals but wh
teens.
"Psychopaths are often
seekers who are bored if not
manipulate. They do not estE
"They are callous and r(
don't feel bad about harming
"Rules don't apply to th
They are sure they won't get
JAMES PATTERSON
"Antisocial psychopaths don't have brakes at all."
Dr. Salter has never met Epstein, but she's followed his case
closely and finds him a familiar type. She's especially struck by
the singular nature of the relationship between powerful, wealthy
men and vulnerable, underage women.
"[The men] are more impressive to a fourteen-year-old [girl]
than to, say, an adult young woman who is self-supporting and
feels more sure of herself," she explains.
"They are attracted to what they call freshness—barely bud-
ding sexuality and lack of sexual experience. The difference
between them and their victims feeds their ego.
"Great wealth and access are generally factors that make men
feel they are entitled to whomever and whatever they want. Some
have narcissistic personalities with inflated self-images. And of
course, great wealth and status make such men think they can
get away with it. Too often, they're right."
On the other hand, Dr. Salter believes that certain condi-
tions, such as the ones exhibited by Jeffrey Epstein, might be an
inborn character trait.
Personality can be influenced, sometimes quite heavily, by
genetics.
"Virtually no one believes anymore that humans are born a
totally blank slate," she explains.
"We arrive with temperamental and personality variations
that, of course, the environment can often, but not always, influ-
ence. We arrive with baggage."
Is Epstein a born psychopath, then?
"Psychopathy is the umbrella term for individuals who do not
have a conscience. Pyschopaths are often narcissistic, but nar-
cissists are often not psychopathic. Some individuals who prey
228
TTERSON
ft have brakes at all."
stein, but she's followed his case
r type. She's especially struck by
mship between powerful, wealthy
women.
:ssive to a fourteen-year-old [girl
oman who is self-supporting and
explains.
they call freshness—barely bud-
exual experience. The difference
Is feeds their ego.
re generally factors that make men
.ver and whatever they want. Some
5 with inflated self-images. And of
us make such men think they can
Ley're right."
Salter believes that certain condi-
ited by Jeffrey Epstein, might be an
nced, sometimes quite heavily, by
anymore that humans are born a
ains.
•amental and personality variatio
nent can often, but not always, i
)path, then?
rella term for individuals who do,_
paths are often narcissistic, but
Lopathic. Some individuals who
228
FILTHY RICH
on young girls delude themselves into thinking that the abuse
will not harm the child. They have a conscience, but they have
medicated it with thinking errors. Others are flat-out psycho-
pathic and simply don't care if it hurts the young girl or not. I
can't say anything about Epstein, as I have not evaluated him,
but narcissism and psychopathy are concepts an evaluator would
look at concerning anyone who was sexually attracted to postpu-
bescent individuals but who then began to focus on younger
teens.
"Psychopaths are often superficially charming, high-stimulus
seekers who are bored if not doing something. They lie, con, and
manipulate. They do not establish deep affective ties.
"They are callous and remorseless individuals who simply
don't feel bad about harming someone.
"Rules don't apply to them because they are exceptional.
They are sure they won't get caught."
229
CHAPTER 60
Jeffrey Epstein: July 2010
I. effrey Epstein was done with jail, but he wasn't done settling
suits brought by his victims. Under the conditions of his
non-prosecution agreement, he's even paid for the victims'
lawyers. Still, Epstein's NPA seemed to ensure that he would not
be prosecuted again for his crimes. Double jeopardy was work-
ing in Epstein's favor. But in July of 2010, reports began to appear
in the press: federal investigators were following other leads—
leads that could result in child-trafficking charges and a
twenty-year sentence.
The Florida attorney general's office refused to comment. It
was against policy to confirm or deny the existence of an ongo-
ing investigation. One of Epstein's lawyers told the Daily Beast
that he had no knowledge of such an investigation. "Jeffrey
Epstein has fully complied with all state and federal require-,,
ments that arise from the prior proceedings in Palm Beach," Jack
230
Goldberger said. "There;
not and should not be
Epstein's complete fulfillm
agreement with the feder
If there was an invest
the moment, Epstein was
to intellectual pursuits. 1
Science.com, that featun
with Jeffrey Epstein," "TI
Jeffrey Epstein," "Why
Epstein," and "An Under
Jeffrey Epstein." The latt.
Epstein takes you to the
knowledge to explore an
the subtle, simple, and hic
universe."
"Jeffrey doesn't know shit
art collector who has know
"Does he like to act like he
these academic scientists—
have any money."
Other friends of Epstei
liant mind for science. AnC
than sponsor individual sc
ences on Little Saint Jeff's.
ference called Mindshift at
theoretical physicist Murra
geon.s, engineers, and futi
CHAPTER 60
th jail, but he wasn't done settling
ms. Under the conditions of his
a, he's even paid for the victims'
emed to ensure that he would not
Imes. Double jeopardy was work-
Ely of 2010, reports began to appear
tors were following other leads —
child-trafficking charges and a
raPs office refused to comment. It
or deny the existence of an ongo-
stein's lawyers told the Daily Beast
of such an investigation. "Jeffrey
with all state and federal require
-
or proceedings in Palm Beach," Jack
230
FILTHY RICH
Goldberger said. "There are no pending civil lawsuits. There are
not and should not be any pending investigations, given Mr.
Epstein's complete fulfillment of all the terms of his non-prosecution
agreement with the federal government."
If there was an investigation, nothing had come of it yet. For
the moment, Epstein was free— free to turn his attention, again,
to intellectual pursuits. He launched a website, JeffreyEpstein-
Science.com, that featured blog posts such as "Conversations
with Jeffrey Epstein," "The Value of Quantum Computation to
Jeffrey Epstein," "Why Evolutionary Biology Intrigues Jeffrey
Epstein," and "An Understanding of Theoretical Physics from
Jeffrey Epstein." The latter post began: "This is where Jeffrey
Epstein takes you to the very cutting edge of the frontiers of
knowledge to explore and discuss our basic understanding of
the subtle, simple, and hidden [qualities] that lie beneath ... our
universe."
"Jeffrey doesn't know shit about science," says Stuart Pivar, the
art collector who has known Epstein for more than three decades.
"Does he like to act like he does? Yes. But he doesn't. But as far as
these academic scientists—without people like him they wouldn't
have any money."
Other friends of Epstein's say that he truly did have a b
.
liant mind for science. And in any case, Epstein had done more
than sponsor individual scientists. He'd also sponsored confer-
ences on Little Saint Jeff's. On his website, he announced a con-
ference called Mindshift at which Nobel laureates, such as the
theoretical physicist Murray Gell-Mann, would mix with sur-
geons, engineers, and futurists and where professors would
231
JAMES PATTERSON
discuss cognitive neuroscience, artificial intelligence, systems of
encryption and decryption, and other topics.
Epstein had been hosting get-togethers like this for years.
Toward the end of Chief Reiter's investigation, in March of 2006,
Epstein had hosted twenty top physicists—including three Nobel
Prize winners as well as the celebrity physicist Stephen Hawking—
at a Saint Thomas symposium called "Confronting Gravity,"
which was advertised as "a workshop to explore fundamental
questions in physics and cosmology."
"This is a remarkable group," one of the Nobel Prize winners
told a reporter for the St. Thomas Source.
"There is no agenda except fun and physics, and that's fun
with a capital F," Epstein said.
Epstein had been especially interested in Stephen Hawking.
Someday, Hawking had theorized, the universe would stop
expanding and collapse, at which point time would begin to run
backwards. Hawking believed that computer viruses were living
things. He thought that given the size of the universe, alien life
forms existed. He did not believe in God. But he had a vast appre-
ciation for the inner workings of the universe, and this is why
Epstein gave Hawking a tremendous gift. He paid to have a sub-
marine modified so that it could fit Hawking and his wheelchair
and give the scientist his first glimpse of an actual alien world—
the one that lies under the waves of the ocean.
It was one of the most romantic, generous gestures that Jef-
frey Epstein had ever made.
232
Al Seckel: January 20E
Epstein's partner in the
Al Seckel, was know]
were said to have incl
cian James "the Amazing" :
founder Elon Musk, as we:
Epstein would court in the c
ladder.
In certain Los Angeles ci)
to know. But, like Jeffrey Eps
According to Mark Oppenhe
and followed his career for fi
by selling rare books and ix
academic connections.
"A number of these trans.
lawsuits," Oppenheimer wol
)ATTERSON
artificial intelligence, systems of
d other topics.
get-togethers like this for years.
.'s investigation, in March of 2006,
physicists—including three Nobel
brity physicist Stephen Hawking —
tm called "Confronting Gravity,"
vorkshop to explore fundamental
tology."
one of the Nobel Prize winners
las Source.
Pt fun and physics, and that's fun
interested in Stephen Hawking.
orized, the universe would stop
aich point time would begin to run
I that computer viruses were living
a the size of the universe, alien life
eve in God. But he had a vast appre-
p of the universe, and this is why
Lendous gift. He paid to have a sub-
uld fit Hawking and his wheelchair
: glimpse of an actual alien world—
ayes of the ocean.
mantic, generous gestures that Jef-
232
CHAPTER 61
Al Seckel: January 2012
Epstein's partner in the Mindshift conference, a man named
Al Seckel, was known for throwing fabulous parties that
were said to have included the actor Dudley Moore, magi-
cian James "the Amazing" Randi, and future Tesla and SpaceX
founder Elon Musk, as well as many of the scientists Jeffrey
Epstein would court in the course of his own climb up the social
ladder.
•-.4i. In certain Los Angeles circles, Al Seckel was a very good man
-to know. But, like Jeffrey Epstein, Seckel was a sort of illusionist.
According to Mark Oppenheimer, a journalist who knew Seckel
and followed his career for fifteen years, Seckel made his money
by selling rare books and papers, often through his social and
academic connections.
"A number of these transactions resulted in accusations and
lawsuits," Oppenheimer would write. "In speaking to former
233
JAMES PATTERSON
It was an odd thing, Epste:
PhD who, on closer inspec
But the Mindshift confer
in the Virgin Islands dic
Mann was there, along wit
coauthored books with St
expert on artificial intelli
attended the conference,
about it.
"We had scientific disci
he said vaguely.
When Mark Oppenheir
Seckel, Sussman "got testy"
"I have had some dealir
want to say what it's aboi
it, okay?"
Today, Epstein's websites —
JeffreyEpsteinScience.corn—
long since expired. Several r.
tribut ions, including New lk
Palm Beach, announced tha
gifts.
"The further I can keep
better," said Ballet Palm Beac
But in 2012, Epstein held
Jeff's. Once again, three Nob€
Stephen Hawking was also th
tvventy-one physicists—from .
Seckel acquaintances, I kept hearing variations on a scheme Mrs.
Pearce Williams believed he perpetrated against her late hus-
band, the man Seckel said was his mentor. Seckel took books
and promised money, or he took money and promised a book;
but somehow, the promised party lost money."
"He was charming, erudite, humorous," one of Seckel's marks
told the reporter. "I lent him $75,000. When the time came to
pay it back he didn't want to do it."
Oppenheimer found several people whom Seckel had stiffed
and uncovered dozens of lawsuits he'd been involved in. In 2007,
Seckel settled a libel lawsuit against a man who'd edited his Wiki-
pedia page. Years later, Oppenheimer spoke with Seckel's lawyer,
Nicholas Hornberger.
"Hornberger confirmed that he'd reached a settlement for the
case, a favorable one," the journalist wrote. "Hornberger added
that Seckel has still not paid him for his services."
He also interviewed Seckel's wife, Isabel Maxwell.
Al and Isabel met on a blind date and married in Malibu in or
"around" 2007 ("I don't keep the dates in my head," Seckel
explained). A few years later, they moved to the South of France,
where Seckel continued to trade in rare books and papers. While
living in France, he was sued by a Virgin Islands company that
accused him and Isabel of fraudulently attempting to sell rare
books and a seventeenth-century portrait of Isaac Newton.
Seckel had also been trying to sell papers belonging to Isa-
bel's father.
Isabel is Ghislaine Maxwell's sister and the daughter of Rob-
ert Maxwell.
* * *
234
)ATTERSON
FILTHY RICH
aring variations on a scheme Mrs.
perpetrated against her late hus-
Ls his mentor. Seckel took books
)ok money and promised a book;
rty lost money."
, humorous," one of Seckel's marks
$75,000. When the time came to
D it."
al people whom Seckel had stiffed
Lifts he'd been involved in. In 2007,
;ainst a man who'd edited his Wiki-
heimer spoke with SeckePs lawyer,
at he'd reached a settlement for the
trnalist wrote. "Hornberger added
Lim for his services."
l's wife, Isabel Maxwell.
Ld date and married in Malibu in or
:p the dates in my head," Seckel
they moved to the South of France,
de in rare books and papers. While
by a Virgin Islands company that
7audulently attempting to sell rare
:Airy portrait of Isaac Newton.
.ng to sell papers belonging to
ell's sister and the daughter of Rob-
* *
234
It was an odd thing, Epstein's association with this self-professed
PhD who, on closer inspection, turned out to be a bit of a grifter.
But the Mindshift conference that Epstein and Seckel hosted
in the Virgin Islands did take place, in 2010. Murray Gel!-
Mann was there, along with Leonard Mlodinow, a physicist who
coauthored books with Stephen Hawking. Gerald Sussman, an
expert on artificial intelligence who taught at MIT and also
attended the conference, said that he didn't remember too much
about it.
"We had scientific discussions, talked about various things,"
he said vaguely.
When Mark Oppenheimer asked him if he'd given money to
Seckel, Sussman "got testy" with the reporter.
"I have had some dealings with him," Sussman said. "I don't
want to say what it's about, because I don't feel good about
it, okay?"
Today, Epstein's websites—JeffreyEpsteinFoundation.com and
JeffreyEpsteinScience.com—are down. Their domain names have
long since expired. Several recipients of Epstein's charitable con-
tributions, including New York's Mount Sinai Hospital and Ballet
Palm Beach, announced that they would not be accepting new
gifts.
"The further I can keep myself from anything like that the
better," said Ballet Palm Beach founder Colleen Smith.
But in 2012, Epstein held one more conference on Little Saint
Jeff's. Once again, three Nobel Prize winners were in attendance.
Stephen Hawking was also there. All in all, Epstein had gathered
twenty-one physicists—from Princeton, Harvard, MIT, and CERN
235
JAMES PATTERSON
(the European Organization for Nuclear Research) — to "deter-
mine what the consensus is, if any, for defining gravity."
According to a press release issued by Epstein's foundation,
the consensus that did emerge was that space is "not quite
empty."
Jeffrey Epstein: Februar
It's Groundhog Day, and c
ting the peak of his fame
sode of Law & Order: SV
own legal history.
The setup for this episodi
girl. One who's been flown tc
vate jet, then flown back—cc
On the plane, she has a fn
guy sitting next to her is try
police get involved.
"It was just a birthday ix
cops via videoconference fron
The cops ask: Whose pres
"The billionaire. The one i
Does the French girl knom
236
kTTERSON
r Nuclear Research) — to "deter-
ny, for defining gravity."
issued by Epstein's foundation,
r,e was that space is "not quite
CHAPTER 62
Jeffrey Epstein: February 2, 2011
1 t's Groundhog Day, and once-reclusive Jeffrey Epstein is hit-
ting the peak of his fame in a ripped-from-the-headlines epi-
sode of Law & Order: SVU that tracks, eerily well, with his
own legal history.
The setup for this episode is the rape of a very young French
girl. One who's been flown to New York on a very rich man's pri-
vate jet, then flown back—coach class—to Paris.
On the plane, she has a freak-out. She thinks the middle-aged
guy sitting next to her is trying to rape her. In Paris, the local
police get involved.
"It was just a birthday party," the tearful girl tells the SVU
cops via videoconference from France. "We were his present."
The cops ask: Whose present?
"The billionaire. The one who owns the jet."
Does the French girl know his name?
236
237
JAMES PATTERSON
"Jordan. He wanted a massage. But I had to take off my
clothes. He climbed on top of me. It hurt. I started to bleed, and
it wouldn't stop. The doctor came."
"Dominique," the cops say. "We're going to arrest this man.
But we need you to return to New York so you can testify."
"Non," says the girl. "Non! Jamais! Jamais!"
For Epstein, there are other embarrassments, many of which
have to do with his royal friends. The wedding of Prince Wil-
liam and Kate Middleton is approaching, and the ongoing trou-
bles of Prince William's uncle Prince Andrew keep threatening
to derail the festivities. On March 6, a spokesperson for Sarah
Ferguson confirms that Epstein paid off part of the seventy-eight
thousand pounds that the duchess borrowed from a man who
was once her personal assistant.
The next day, headlines appear in the Telegraph and other
British papers: DUKE OF YORK "APPEALED TO JEFFREY EPSTEIN TO HELP
DUCHESS PAY DEBT."
"I personally, on behalf of myself, deeply regret that Jeffrey
Epstein became involved in any way with me," Prince Andrew's
ex-wife tells journalists. "I abhor paedophilia and any sexual
abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of
judgment on my behalf.
"I am just so contrite I cannot say. Whenever I can I will
repay the money and will have nothing ever to do with Jeffrey
Epstein ever again."
That week, as part of the ongoing civil lawsuits against
Epstein, Sarah Kellen and Nadia Marcinkova are both asked
about Prince Andrew's relations with Epstein.
238
F1
"Would you agree with
Epstein used to share under;
len is asked.
"On the instructions of
invoke my Fifth Amendment
"Have you ever been m;
Andrew?" lawyers ask Marci.
"Fifth" is Nadia's simple,
That same week, the gover
role as Great Britain's royal t
tenacious, and in the Telegr
stories appear on a daily basi:
• The Duke, His Paedophi
Use of an RAF Base
• Andrew's Secret Love Lifi
• Royal Connections: Princ
Suddenly the Talk of Nev
• Time to Show This Right
• An Odd Trio: The Royal
seuse and the Fixer
• No. 10 Struggles to Conto
• From Royal Asset to Nati,
• Royal Blush
• Duke Could Be Called to
• It's the Company You Keep.
• Nothing Grand About Thi
• The Royal Family Has
Choice of Friends For Yea
• Our Less-Than-Grand Olc
'ATTERSON
FILTHY RICH
ssage. But I had to take off my
lie. It hurt. I started to bleed, and
Tie."
• "We're going to arrest this man.
ew York so you can testify."
ramais! Jamais!"
embarrassments, many of which
:nds. The wedding of Prince Wil-
)proaching, and the ongoing trou-
: Prince Andrew keep threatening
[arch 6, a spokesperson for Sarah
.n paid off part of the seventy-eight
'chess borrowed from a man who
at.
ippear in the Telegraph and other
'APPEALED TO JEFFREY EPSTEIN TO HELP
f myself, deeply regret that Jeffrey
ny way with me," Prince Andrew's
ibhor paedophilia and any sexual
• that this was a gigantic error of
:annot say. Whenever I can I will
we nothing ever to do with Jeffrey
he ongoing civil lawsuits against
Marcinkova are both asked
)ns with Epstein.
238
"Would you agree with me that Prince Andrew and Jeffrey
Epstein used to share underaged girls for sexual relations?" Kel-
len is asked.
"On the instructions of my lawyer," Kellen replies, "I must
invoke my Fifth Amendment privilege."
"Have you ever been made to perform sexually on Prince
Andrew?" lawyers ask Marcinkova.
"Fifth" is Nadia's simple, succinct reply.
That same week, the government downgrades Prince Andrew's
role as Great Britain's royal trade envoy. But the British press is
tenacious, and in the Telegraph, the Guardian, and elsewhere,
stories appear on a daily basis:
• The Duke, His Paedophile Guest, and the Most Unusual
Use of an RAF Base
• Andrew's Secret Love Life Revealed
• Royal Connections: Prince Andrew and the Paedophile Are
Suddenly the Talk of New York
• Time to Show This Right Royal Clown the Door
• An Odd Trio: The Royal Trade Envoy, the Teenage Mas-
seuse and the Fixer
• No. 10 Struggles to Contain Row Over Prince
• From Royal Asset to National Liability
• Royal Blush
• Duke Could Be Called to Two Epstein Trials
• It's the Company You Keep... The Duke's Dangerous Liaisons
• Nothing Grand About This Old Duke of York
• The Royal Family Has Feared a Blow-Up Over Duke's
Choice of Friends For Years
• Our Less-Than-Grand Old Duke of York
239
JAMES PATTERSON
On March 11, a devastating undersea earthquake and tsu-
nami move Japan's main island by several feet, shifting the earth
on its axis. The destruction is horrific and unprecedented. But
on March 13, the Daily Mail devotes four pages and seven sepa-
rate articles to Prince Andrew. That same day, the Telegraph runs
three pieces, and the Sunday Times runs a two-page spread head-
lined GUN SMUGGLER BOASTS OF SWAY OVER ANDREW.
On March 14, the Guardian runs one more piece about
Andrew's troubles.
PRINCE ANDREW DOMINATES HEADLINES DESPITE THE EARTHQUAKE,
the headline reads.
Alan Dershowitz: Septen
If the ongoing lawsuits ar
millions left to spare. Mea
whether Epstein trafficked
seems to be going nowhere. A
fling to look as if Epstein is flu
But for Epstein's friend an
itz, things are about to get ver
At the start of 2008, Brad
lawyer, had filed a motion in 2
of two unnamed women accu:
showitz of participating direct
Prince Andrew had had nc
itz had objected to the accu.
terms.
"There's absolutely no kern
240
ATTERSON
g undersea earthquake and tsu-
by several feet, shifting the earth
horrific and unprecedented. But
:votes four pages and seven sepa-
That same day, the Telegraph runs
rnes runs a two-page spread head-
4:1' OVER ANDREW.
ian runs one more piece about
lEADLINES DESPITE THE EARTHQUAKE,
240
CHAPTER 63
Alan Dershowitz: September 2014
If the ongoing lawsuits are costing Epstein millions, he has
millions left to spare. Meanwhile, the FBI's investigation into
whether Epstein trafficked underage women across state lines
seems to be going nowhere. As 2014 draws to a close, it's begin-
ning to look as if Epstein is finally free and clear of the case.
But for Epstein's friend and sometime lawyer Alan Dershow-
i z, things are about to get very unpleasant.
At the start of 2008, Bradley Edwards, the Fort Lauderdale
lawyer, had filed a motion in a West Palm Beach court on behalf
of two unnamed women accusing Prince Andrew and Alan Der-
showitz of participating directly in Epstein's illegal activities.
Prince Andrew had had no comment to make, and Dershow-
ltz had objected to the accusations in the strongest' possible
rms.
"There's absolutely no kernel of truth to this story," he'd said.
241
JAMES PATTERSON
"I don't know this woman. I've never been in the same place with
her. She's made the whole story up out of whole cloth."
Bradley Edwards had already become involved in lawsuits
against Epstein. In 2007, working with a former federal judge
and University of Utah law professor named Paul Cassell, he had
filed a lawsuit on behalf of another unnamed woman. Six years
later, that case is still pending, and now, Edwards and Cassell
petition to have the two suits combined.
All in all, four Jane Does take part in the lawsuit.
Jane Doe 3 is Virginia Roberts, the girl who says that Ghis-
laine Maxwell recruited her for Epstein at Trump's resort,
Mar-a-Lago.
Epstein had "lent" her and other young girls to prominent
businessmen, important politicians, world leaders, and other
powerful men in order "to ingratiate himself with them for busi-
ness, personal, political, and financial gain, as well as to obtain
blackmail information," Roberts claims.
She says that Epstein forced her and other underage girls to
take part in an orgy in the Virgin Islands.
She names Prince Andrew and Alan Dershowitz as two of the
men she'd been forced to have sex with and claims that Der-
showitz had been "an eyewitness to the sexual abuse of many
other minors by Epstein and several of Epstein's co-conspirators."
This time, Prince Andrew does respond to the allegations.
"This relates to longstanding and ongoing civil proceedings
in the United States, to which the Duke of York is not a party,"
Buckingham Palace says in a short statement. "As such we would
not comment on the detail. However, for the avoidance of doubt,
any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors is categori-
cally untrue."
242
Alan Dershowitz also
are part of a plot to extol
Edwards and Cassell have
he's ever seen.
"They manipulated a y
interested in money," Ders
offense, and they will be d:
ever made this false charge
But then, the allegations m
15, 2015, in a declaration
attempt to overturn Jeffrey
are highly disturbing.
PATTERSON
FILTHY RICH
never been in the same place with
y up out of whole cloth."
:ady become involved in lawsuits
•king with a former federal judge
)fessor named Paul Cassell, he had
Lother unnamed woman. Six years
.g, and now, Edwards and Cassell
combined.
ake part in the lawsuit.
berts, the girl who says that Ghis-
r for Epstein at Trump's resort,
id other young girls to prominent
iticians, world leaders, and other
;ratiate himself with them for busi-
financial gain, as well as to obtain
rts claims.
:ed her and other underage girls to
rgin Islands.
v and Alan Dershowitz as two of the
ave sex with and claims that Der-
Iness to the sexual abuse of many
3everal of Epstein's co-conspirators."
v does respond to the allegations.
ding and ongoing civil proceedings
:h the Duke of York is not a party,"
short statement. "As such we would
iowever, for the avoidance of doubt,
ty with underage minors is categori-
242
Alan Dershowitz also goes on the attack. Virginia's claims
are part of a plot to extort him, he claims. The motion that
Edwards and Cassell have filed is "the sleaziest legal document"
he's ever seen.
"They manipulated a young, suggestible woman who was
interested in money," Dershowitz says. "This is a disbarrable
offense, and they will be disbarred. They will rue the day they
ever made this false charge against me." It's a vehement denial.
But then, the allegations made by Virginia Roberts, on January
15, 2015, in a declaration filed against the government in an
attempt to overturn Jeffrey Epstein's non-prosecution agreement,
are highly disturbing.
243
CHAPTER 64
Declaration of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, filed on
January 19, 2015 by attorneys representing Jeffrey
Epstein's victims (continued)
20. Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz was around
Epstein frequently. Dershowitz was so comfortable with the
sex [that] was going on that on one occasion he observed me
in sexual activity with Epstein.
21. I had sexual intercourse with Dershowitz at least six
times. The first time was when I was about 16, early on in
my servitude to Epstein, and it continued until I was 19.
22. The first time we had sex took place in New York in
Epstein's home. It was in Epstein's room (not the massage
room). I was approximately sixteen years old at the time. I
called Dershowitz "Alan." I knew he was a famous professor.
23. The second time that I had sex with Dershowitz was
at Epstein's house in Palm Beach.
244
24. I also had sex
Ranch in New Mexico i
pool area, which was St
25. We also had se
U.S. Virgin Islands.
26. Another sexual
itz happened on Epstein
on the plane with us.
27. I have recently
calling me a "liar." He
with me. The man I've .s(
mer law professor, is th,
least six times. Dershow
with other underage girl
but he is lying and denyii
28. After years of ab
look for a way to escape.
hold because I wanted to)
taken me into his clutches
some time I believed him.
trol, regardless of my doul
29. I kept asking Epsi
education. Epstein finally
to go to Chiang Mai to h
like my chance to escape.
bags for good. I knew this
break away.
30. On September 27, 2
to Chiang Mai, Thailand. I
my training. But Epstein vs
FILTHY RICH
CHAPTER 64
9berts Giuffre, filed on
-neys representing Jeffrey
ed)
- Alan Dershowitz was around
vitz was so comfortable with the
on one occasion he observed me
em.
urse with Dershowitz at least six
then I was about 16, early on in
d it continued until I was 19.
2d sex took place in New York in
Epstein's room (not the massage
y sixteen years old at the time. I
knew he was a famous professor.
it I had sex with Dershowitz was
3each.
244
24. I also had sex with Dershowitz at Epstein's Zorro
Ranch in New Mexico in the massage room off of the indoor
pool area, which was still being painted.
25. We also had sex at Little Saint James Island in the
U.S. Virgin Islands.
26. Another sexual encounter between me and Dershow-
itz happened on Epstein's airplane. Another girl was present
on the plane with us.
27. I have recently seen Alan Dershowitz on television
calling me a "liar" He is lying by denying that he had sex
with me. The man I've seen on television, described as a for-
mer law professor, is the same man that I had sex with at
least six times. Dershowitz also knows that Epstein had sex
with other underage girls and lent me out to other people,
but he is lying and denying that. . . .
28. After years of abuse and being lent out, I began to
look for a way to escape. I had first gone into Epstein's house-
hold because I wanted to be a massage therapist. Epstein had
taken me into his clutches through promises and talk and for
some time I believed him. But once he had me under his con-
trol, regardless of my doubts and fears, I felt trapped.
29. I kept asking Epstein for my promised training and
education. Epstein finally got me a plane ticket to Thailand
to go to Chiang Mai to learn Thai massage. This sounded
like my chance to escape. In September 2002, I packed my
bags for good. I knew this would be my only opportunity to
break away.
30. On September 27, 2002, I flew from JFK in New York
to Chiang Mai, Thailand. I arrived around September 29 for
my training. But Epstein was going to get something out of
245
JAMES PATTERSON
this trip as well. I was supposed to interview a girl and bring
her back to the United States for Epstein.
31. [Left blank in the original]
32. I did the massage training in Chiang Mai. While I
was there, I met a great and special guy and told him hon-
estly what I was being forced to do. He told me I should get
out of it. I told him that the people I was working for were
very powerful and that I could not walk away or disobey
them without risking serious punishment, including my life.
He told me he would protect me. I had confidence [in] him
and I saw his love and help as my opportunity to escape and
to be with someone who truly loved me and would protect
me. I married him and flew to Australia.
33. I called Epstein and told him I was not coming back.
He asked why? I said "I've fallen in love." Epstein basically
said "good luck and have a good life." I could tell he was not
happy. I was afraid of what he was going to do to me. I
thought he or one of his powerful friends might send some-
one to hurt me or have me killed.
34. From that point onward, out of concern for my safety
and general well-being, I stayed in Australia with my hus-
band. I was in Australia from late 2002 to October 2013. To
be clear, I was never in the United States during these years,
not even for a short trip to visit my mother. And my absence
from the United States was not voluntary—I was hiding
from Epstein out of fear of what he would do to me if I
returned to the United States.
35. In around 2007, after not hearing from anyone for
years, out of the blue I was contacted by someone who identi-
fied himself with a plain sounding name and claimed he was
246
FT
with the FBI. It seemed vc
cial criminal investigatiot
that. I hadn't heard Epste
who this person was and I
tell what was going on.
36. This man said he
The man asked if I had be
instinct was to say nothii
really with the FBI or any c
questions, telling him that
met him at a young age. Bu
This man never offered to c
Instead, he asked me right
practices. I thought it woulc
ment officer to behave tha
uncomfortable and suspicit
ing me.
37. I told the man nothi
versation probably didn't
immediately triggered all oj
erful friends that had caust
If the call accomplished an:
state of fear and told me tl'
and had nobody officially pt
38. I suspected that the;
for Epstein or one of Epstein':
if this was really an agent 14
would have known who I wa
ual crimes in many differet
viewed me in a way that woul
PATTERSON
FILTHY RICH
osed to interview a girl and bring
for Epstein.
riginall
training in Chiang Mai. While I
id special guy and told him hon-
:ed to do. He told me I should get
ie people I was working for were
could not walk away or disobey
us punishment, including my life.
ct me. I had confidence [in] him
) as my opportunity to escape and
ruly loved me and would protect
to Australia.
told him I was not coming back.
• fallen in love." Epstein basically
good life." I could tell he was not
hat he was going to do to me. I
9werfu1 friends might send some-
killed.
ward, out of concern for my safety
stayed in Australia with my hus-
pm late 2002 to October 2013. To
• United States during these years,
visit my mother. And my absence
as not voluntary —I was hiding
of what he would do to me if I
tes.
fter not hearing from anyone for
contacted by someone who identi-
)unding name and claimed he was
246
with the FBI. It seemed very odd for someone doing an offi-
cial criminal investigation to just call up on the phone like
that. I hadn't heard Epstein's name for years. I didn't know
who this person was and what it was really about. I couldn't
tell what was going on.
36. This man said he was looking into Jeffrey Epstein.
The man asked if I had been involved with Epstein. My first
instinct was to say nothing because I wasn't sure he was
really with the FBI or any authorities. I answered a few basic
questions, telling him that I knew Jeffrey Epstein and had
met him at a young age. But the conversation didn't feel right.
This man never offered to come and meet with me in person.
Instead, he asked me right off the bat about Epstein's sexual
practices. I thought it would be strange for a true law enforce-
ment officer to behave that way, so I became increasingly
uncomfortable and suspicious about who was actually call-
ing me.
37. I told the man nothing more about Epstein. The con-
versation probably didn't even last three minutes, but it
immediately triggered all of the fears of Epstein and his pow-
erful friends that had caused me to escape in the first place.
If the call accomplished anything, it only put me back in a
state of fear and told me that I could be found quite easily
and had nobody officially protecting me.
38. I suspected that the man who called me was working
for Epstein or one of Epstein's powerful friends. I believed that
if this was really an agent who was investigating Epstein, he
would have known who I was and how I fit into Epstein's sex-
ual crimes in many different places. He would have inter-
viewed me in a way that would have established his credentials
247
JAMES PATTERSON
and would have shown how he could provide potential protec-
tion from Epstein. That never happened.
39. Getting a call from this supposed FBI agent made me
scared all over again. I had left the old life of sexual slavery
behind me and started a new life in a new country in hopes
that the powerful people whose illegal activities I knew all
about would never find me.
40. Shortly after this purported FBI call, I was contacted
by telephone by someone who appeared clearly to be working
for Epstein. The caller told me about an investigation into
Epstein and said that some of the girls being questioned were
saying that Epstein had had sexual contact with them. After
they made these allegations, the man said they were being
discredited as drug addicts and prostitutes, but in my case, if
I were to keep quiet, I would "be looked after." The fact that
this call was made shortly after the supposed FBI call rein-
for[c]ed my concern that the man I had talked to earlier was
not really working for the FBI but for Epstein. I didn't think
that the FBI and Epstein would both be working together and
would both get my phone number at almost exactly the same
time. I played along and told this person that I had gotten a
call from the "FBI" but that I didn't tell him anything. The
person on the phone was pleased to hear [that].
41. A short time later, one of Epstein's lawyers (not Alan
Dershowitz) called me, and then got Epstein on the line at
the same time. Epstein and his lawyer basically asked again
if I was going to say anything. The clear implication was that
I should not. The way they were talking to me, I was afraid of
what would happen if I didn't keep quiet. My thought was
248
that f I didn't say what
I might get hurt.
42. I promised Epste
quiet. They seemed hap
to [be the] way to keep
what Epstein and his lrn
This declaration, strick
victims' lawsuit against t
events that led to Dershow
involved in spectacular la'
Dershowitz that these alle
him, and a complaint by Ei
against him were false and
TTERSON
FILTHY RICH
could provide potential protec-
tappened.
s supposed FBI agent made me
ft the old life of sexual slavery
life in a new country in hopes
'se illegal activities I knew all
>orted FBI call, I was contacted
appeared clearly to be working
ne about an investigation into
the girls being questioned were
;exual contact with them. After
the man said they were being
id prostitutes, but in my case, if
"be looked after." The fact that
fter the supposed FBI call rein-
man I had talked to earlier was
3I but for Epstein. I didn't think
id both be working together and
nber at almost exactly the same
1 this person that I had gotten a
I didn't tell him anything. The
Ised to hear [that].
Le of Epstein's lawyers (not Alan
then got Epstein on the line at
us lawyer basically asked again
g. The clear implication was that
,ere talking to me, I was afraid of
ln't keep quiet. My thought was
that if I didn't say what they wanted me to say, or not to say,
I might get hurt.
42. I promised Epstein and his lawyer that I would keep
quiet. They seemed happy with that and that seemed to me
to [be the] way to keep me and my family safe. And I did
what Epstein and his lawyer told me. I kept quiet.
This declaration, stricken from the record by the judge in the
victims' lawsuit against the government, also set in motion
events that led to Dershowitz's and Roberts's lawyers becoming
involved in spectacular lawsuits, which included a complaint by
Dershowitz that these allegations were false and had defamed
him, and a complaint by Edwards that Dershowitz's accusations
against him were false and defamatory.
248 249
CHAPTER 65
Alan Dershowitz: October 2015
About fifteen minutes into the ripped-from-the-headlines
episode of Law & Order: SVU that was inspired by the Jef-
frey Epstein saga, the plot takes an interesting turn: before
officers have a chance to arrest him, Jordan, the character mod-
eled on Epstein, shows up at SVU headquarters.
The twelve-year-old French girl raped him, Jordan says.
Wearing a monogrammed fleece pullover like the ones favored
by Jeffrey Epstein, he describes an evening at home.
"The party was in full swing," he explains. "A friend said she
wanted to give me a special present. Told me to wait in my mas-
sage room—"
An SVU guy interrupts: "Guy has a massage room?"
"I suffer from chronic back pain," Jordan says.
"While I was waiting, I fell asleep. Now, at first I thought I
must be dreaming. I was aroused. I felt myself being manually'
250
manipulated. Then I reme:
enjoy myself. But then it gc
eyes."
"What did you see?"
"A woman. A woman Ic
"A woman? Dominique
"It was dark. I just wan.
"But the twelve-year-olc
"No. She threatened me.
she was going to scream `R
"And there was nothini
years and a hundred pound
"The party was going on:
was going to look. I was nake
It was a brilliant plot tw-
dan to get off scot-free.
But the plot twist that /
on the day of Alan Dershow
Florida, courthouse was eve
"There was a criminal extort
Edwards and Paul Cassell's I
2015.
"Your clients were involv
Bradley and Cassell had s
for defamation—payback fo
law professor had made in th
Dershowitz had counters
and he had come armed for b