7TERSON I don't see what it adds to the estigation had taken place, that 3ut, at that time, no criminal Lirs had been launched. And in the rumors of Epstein's dealings I. to be just that—rumors. his lawyers, his editors, and his .in.g odd and disturbing happened in Times Square. to the office early. He swiped his the elevator button, and arrived in ion area on the twenty-first floor. ct time to review Ward's story. n's town house—which is said to residence in New York City at the amid the flurry of menservants and pristine white gloves, you feel Leone's private Xa-n.adu," she'd writ- person's home, but a high-walled, that seems to have no boundaries. .ed not with paintings but with row imed eyeballs; these, the owner tells nported from England, where they :Ts. Next comes a marble foyer, which manner of Jean Dubuffet . . . but the fisitors who painted it. In any case, 150 One of the photographs captured on video during the Palm Beach Police Department search warrant walk-through of Epstein's El Brillo Way residence (Palm Beach Police Department) Jeffrey Epstein, Coney Island, circa 1969 (Anonymous) Epstein's Palm Beach property, 358 El Brillo Way (0 Chris Bott / Splash News / Corbis) Jeffrey Epstein's 1969 high school yearbook photo (Lafayette High School, Brooklyn, New York, 1969) Leslie Wexner, photographed at his home in New York City, 1989 (0 Lynn Goldsmith) (L to R) Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Tony Randall, who presided over a November 1991 YIVO Institute event at the Plaza Hotel to honor the late Robert Maxwell (Marina Garnier) (L to R) Deborah Blohm, Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Gwendolyn Beck attend a reception at Mar-a-Lago, 1995. (Davidoff Studios) Jeffrey Epstein, Donald Trump, and (newly signed Trump Model) Ingrid Seynhaeve, attending the Victoria's Secret Angels party at Laura Belle club in New York City on April 8, 1997 (Marina Gamier) txner, photographed ne in New York City, Lynn Goldsmith) (L to R) Deborah Blohm, Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Gwendolyn Beck attend a reception at Mar-a-Lago, 1995. (Davidoff Studios) Virginia Roberts, age fifteen; photo reportedly taken by Jeffrey Epstein in New York City (Virginia Roberts Affidavit, US District Southern Court of Florida) (L to R) Prince Andrew, Virginia Roberts, and Ghislaine Maxwell; photo reportedly taken by Epstein with Roberts's camera in Maxwell's London town house. Roberts was seventeen years old at this time. (Virginia Roberts Affidavit, .US District Southern Court of Florida) Virginia Roberts, age seventeen; photo reportedly taken by Jeffrey Epstein at Zorro Ranch, his New Mexico property, in winter (Virginia Roberts Affidavit, US District Southern Court of Florida) Jeffrey Epstein with Professor Alan Dershowitz in Cambridge, MA, September 8, 2004 (0 Rich Friedman / Corbis) On the day the police investigation began, Epstein was photographed with Ghislaine Maxwell in New York City at the 2005 Wall Street concert series benefiting Wall Street Rising, at Cipriani in New York City, March 15, 2005. (Joe Shildhorn / Patrick McMullen) Jeffrey Epstein, photographed with Adrianna Ross, attend- ing the launch of Radar magazine held at the Hotel QT in New York City, May 2005 (Neil Rasmus / Patrick- McMullan.com / Sipa Press) 2008 Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office booking photo of Jeffrey Epstein (Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office) The Stockade, where Epstein served his sentence, photogra here in 2006, was located at 6/ , Fairgrounds Road in West Palm Beach, Florida. At the time, it used as a minimum- and mediu security facility housing wom . juveniles, as well as male loins on a work-release program. Aerial Photos) igation ,raphed :w York concert Rising, , March 'Patrick Mullen) Jeffrey Epstein, photographed with Adrianna Ross, attend- ing the launch of Radar magazine held at the Hotel QT in New York City, May 2005 (Neil Rasmus / Patrick- McMullan.com / Sipa Press) Ers Office :in (Palm Ts Office) The Stockade, where Epstein I served his sentence, photograph here in 2006, was located at 673 Fairgrounds Road in West Palm Beach, Florida. At the time, it vi used as a minimum- and media I security facility housing women juveniles, as well as male ininat on a work-release program. (s„ likki Aerial Photos) Epstein pleaded guilty to state solicitation charges and served — thirteen months of an eighteen- month sentence, with liberal work-release privileges, in a solitary cell at the Palm Beach County Stockade similar to the one pictured here. (Courtesy CDC Special Management, Palm Beach Sheriffs Office) 'J, Epstein and lawyer at the West Palm Beach courthouse in June 2008 to enter a plea nearly two years after being charged (Uma Sanghvi / The Palm Beach Post / ZUMAPRESS.com) Cr.pleara. of L. Le/rt.,. trn, ',ore eer Jeffrey Epstein's entry in the National Sex Offender Registry (National Sex 11111=1,=====m1Immin Offender Registry) 11.1101.111111.01======= rt. Itnnt VA= /et Othalrer./Ir ani/feet Ovarv.u. nerar. Am err..., erer,-,e. tar.< h /en • ITT/. MYL.V. Can Lae A.. Mr 11 Mee *VArsre/ 41, rLa: Epstein's Little Saint James island, U.S. Virgin Islands: a , privately owned cay (nicknamed .41 Little Saint Jeffs) whose owner locals affectionately refer to as Richie Rich (0 Chris Bott / Splash News / Corbis) Epstein's Gulfstream, photographed on Little Saint James island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, January 2015 (0 Chris Bott / Splash News / Corbis) Epstein's longtime pilot, Larry Visoski was at the controls as Epstein's Gulfstream left Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, January 2016. Jae Donne When Prince Andrew and Epstein were seen strolling together together through New York's Central --,-:-:, —.. Park in 2011, shortly after Epstein's release 7`..- -, from jail, the duke was forced to quit his ."-:::" - role as as the British government's global trade envoy. Uae Donnelly / News of the World) if! Stephen Hawking, photographed in March 2006 aboard an Atlantis submarine that was custom-fitted by Epstein to accommodate his wheelchair. Hawking was attending the conference "Confronting Gra‘iiri "a workshop to explore fundamental questions in physics and cosinoto y. sponsored by the J. Epstein Vi Foundation and the Center for Education and Research in Cosmc) and Astrophysics (CERCA) at C Western Reserve University, al. Carlton, St. Thomas, USVI. CERCA, Case Western University , Taglizt avies Yor Ball. Epstein's longtime pilot, Larry Visoski, was at the controls as Epstein's Gulfstream left Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, January 2016. (fete Donnelly) :e seen 4 ,60 2entral release pit his - L1 trade World) Stephen Hawking, photographed in March 2006 aboard an Atlantis submarine that was custom-fitted by Epstein to accommodate his wheelchair. Hawking was attending the conference "Confronting GravitY: "a workshop to explore fundamental questions in physics and cosmologY. sponsored by the J. Epstein VI Foundation and the Center for Education and Research in Cosmkg and Astrophysics (CERCA) at Case, Western Reserve University, at the A.! - Carlton, St. Thomas, USVI. (Coot CERCA, Case Western Unive1510 A framed photo of Florida governor Charlie Crist and Scott Rothstein in Rothstein's office in Fort Lauderdale, autographed by Charlie Crist: Scott— You are amazing! Charlie Crist (Canine Jean © Sun Sentinel / ZUMA- PRESS . com) Epstein, a longtime benefactor, with an unidentified friend, attended the IN 2014 New York Academy of Art's Tribeca Ball, presented by Van Cleef & Arpels, at the New York Academy of Art on April 7, 2014, in New York City. (Billy Farrell / BFAnyc.com) Epstein's current residence, the storied building formerly known as the Herbert N. Straus Mansion, on East 71st Street just off Central Park, was acquired by Leslie Wexner in 1989. (Laura Hanifin) Nadia Marcinkova, Michele Tagliani, Sarah Kellen, and Teala Davies, photographed at the New York Academy of Art's Tribeca Ball, April 14, 2004 (Rob Rich / SocietyAllure.com) Sarah (formerly Kellen/ Kensington) and husband, NASCAR driver Brian Vickers, arrive on the red carpet at the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. (Jeff Moreland / Icon FZ Sportswire via AP Images) Nadia Marcinkova and Larry Visoski, Epstein's personal pilot, in what appears to be the cockpit of a Gulfstream G-II (YouTube) Michael and Janet Reiter at the Palm Beach Police Foundation Policemen's Ball at Mar-a-Lago, January 2012 (Debbie Schatz / Palm Beach Daily News / ZUMAPRESS.com) Retired Palm Beach police detective Joe Recarey, November 2013 (Meghan McCarthy / Palm Beach Daily News / ZUMAPRESS.com) guests a: ture of a The j Mort Zu Microso: among I several c scientist She'd ha with Var informal to form In th Wha artist, hi swipe hi ter saw a The I It wa his offic( Epstein nal char include when he She'd one of hc On docu nerly Kellen/ :1) and husband, [river Brian Vickers, he red carpet at the 141st the Kentucky Derby 11 Downs in Louisville, (Jeff Moreland / Icon via AP Images) Michael and Janet Reiter at the Palm Beach Police Foundation Policemen's Ball at Mar-a-Lago, January 2012 (Debbie Schatz / Palm Beach Daily News / ZUMAPRESS.com) lice rey, ,han laity om) FILTHY RICH guests are like pygmies next to the nearby twice-life-size sculp- ture of a naked African warrior." The journalist had confirmed that several prominent names— Mort Zuckerman, the famous real estate mogul and publisher; Microsoft executive Nathan Myhrvold; and Donald Trump among them—had dined at the residence. She'd interviewed several of Epstein's friends and ex-friends: Nobel Prize—winning scientists, financiers who worked with Epstein at Bear Stearns. She'd handled Steven Hoffenberg with aplomb. And, working with Vanity Fair's editors, she'd figured out ways to slip even more information between the lines, in ways that would allow readers to form their own questions about Epstein's finances. In that respect, she'd fulfilled her original assignment perfectly. What Carter needed to figure out was what to do with the artist, her sister, and their mother's story. But before he could swipe his key card to let himself into the magazine's offices, Car- ter saw a man standing in the reception area. The man was motionless. He'd been waiting for Carter. It was Jeffrey Epstein. Nonplussed, Carter invited him into his office. Epstein denied the claims involving underage women. No crimi- nal charges had been filed. And so Vanity Fair decided not to include the claims in Ward's article. But, according to Ward, when her editor Doug Stumpf called her, she cried. She'd worked so hard on the piece, gotten so stressed out that one of her twins had begun to grow more slowly than the other. On doctor's orders; she'd been put on bed rest. 151 JAMES PATTERSON "Why?" she asked when she got to speak to Carter directly. "He's sensitive about the young women. And we still get to run most of the piece." In her notebook, Ward wrote down the rest of what Carter had said: "I believe him," he told her. "I'm Canadian." But the piece that came out, in the March issue, still created a sensation. It was called "The Talented Mr. Epstein" in a sly refer- ence to Patricia Highsmith's celebrated suspense novel The Tal- ented Mr. Ripley. The film adaptation, by Anthony Minghella, was still fresh in the minds of Vanity Fair's readers. For Graydon Carter, just posing the question Is Epstein some sort of scam artist, like Ripley? had been question enough. And throughout the piece, there were ironies readers wouldn't miss as they drew their own conclusions about Epstein's life story. It came through clearly in the first line of the last paragraph of Ward's 7,500-word story: "Many people comment there is something innocent, almost childlike about Jeffrey Epstein." In context, the word innocent was rather ironic—so much so that it almost became its own opposite. 752 Todd Meister: June 20_ Harry Cipriani, on tion. The restaura post of Harry's Bar outpost in Venice. Locatei it's a theme restaurant— t hedge-fund manager name wealthy man—Jeffrey Ep father, Epstein's sometime "I've known Jeffrey sir let me tell you what I kr everybody else says. First and here's why—he has ril that for him." Meister knows how to ii the son of a superrich fathe TTERSON got to speak to Carter directly. mg women. And we still get to down the rest of what Carter her. "I'm Canadian." in the March issue, still created a lented Mr. Epstein" in a sly refer- lebrated suspense novel The Tal- lion, by Anthony Minghella, was lity Fair's readers. For Graydon Is Epstein some sort of scam artist, n enough. And throughout the ers wouldn't miss as they drew )stein's life story. It came through ;t paragraph of Ward's 7,500-word It there is something innocent, Ei.pstein." nt was rather ironic—so much so )pposite. 152 CHAPTER 39 Todd Meister: June 2015 Harry Cipriani, on Fifth Avenue, is a New York institu- tion. The restaurant began its life as an American out- post of Harry's Bar—which was itself a famous American outpost in Venice. Located inside the Sherry-Netherland hotel, it's a theme restaurant—the theme being money. And today, a hedge-fund manager named Todd Meister is talking about a very wealthy man—Jeffrey Epstein—whom he knows through his father, Epstein's sometime friend Bob Meister. "I've known Jeffrey since I was nineteen," Meister says. "So let me tell you what I know—whatever everyone knows and everybody else says. First Off, he's no billionaire. Second off— and here's why—he has no clue how to invest. He has people do that for him." Meister knows how to invest. He does it for other people and, as the son of a superrich father, for himself. He also knows about the 153 71- JAMES PATTERSON good life. Parties in Vegas; weekends in the Hamptons; affairs with beautiful women that end up getting splashed all over the tabloids. It makes sense that, once upon a time, he and Epstein would have gotten along. "As for the girls," Meister says, "that was just business. He'd seat them strategically at client dinners. When he went to the movies, he'd take three or four girls with him. They'd take turns massaging his back, arms, and legs." According to Meister, Epstein used to boast that he "liked to go into insane asylums because he liked to fuck crazy women." "Who knows if it's true?" Meister adds. "But I'm telling you, he used to say it." From time to time, Epstein's friends and acquaintances would see sides of Epstein that he'd grown much less shy about sharing. Epstein encouraged Alan Dershowitz to invest with a prominent hedge-fund manager named Orin Kramer. Dershowitz did, and he made a lot of money at first. But in 2008, the fund Dershowitz had invested in lost a substantial amount. Afterward, according to a for- mer associate of Epstein's, Epstein appeared in Kramer's midtown Manhattan office. There, sources say, he told Kramer: "It's very much in your interest to make Alan Dershowitz whole." Epstein's intervention worked, and Dershowitz recovered his money. To people who'd known Epstein back in the 1980s, this kind of behavior was out of character. But the thing about Epstein was that you never could figure him out. One minute he was charming. 154 FILT The most charming man you'd threat, and bluster. Somethini numbers: this many parties, t connection to Victoria's Secret, Throw in the modeling ag you plug in the parties. The SCE But the thing is, Eyes Wide Shi Epstein, getting on that plan moment in Caddyshach — the c out from his hole in the golf Epstein was like the mole in a a matter of time before he'd be to ask yourself was, are peopl als? Or are their morals like shed (along with all the othe) everyday working people have; Eyes Wide Shut world? Todd Meister, who was marri, heiress Samantha Boardman editorial director James Trurru loud: "How does a yutz like Epste At Harry Cipriani, the ques TERSON ds in the Hamptons; affairs with ig splashed all over the tabloids. In a time, he and Epstein would "that was just business. He'd dinners. When he went to the irls with him. They'd take turns n used to boast that he "liked to he liked to fuck crazy women." eister adds. "But I'm telling you, 7iends and acquaintances would )wn much less shy about sharing. showitz to invest with a prominent n Kramer. Dershowitz did, and he in 2008, the fund Dershowitz had punt. Afterward, according to a for- An appeared in Kramer's midtown say, he told Kramer: "It's very much :rshowitz whole." ced, and Dershowitz recovered his :in back in the 1980s, this kind of. But the thing about Epstein was out. One minute he was charming. 154 FILTHY RICH The most charming man you'd ever meet. The next he was snarl, threat, and bluster. Something didn't add up. So you'd run the numbers: this many parties, that many women. Even with the connection to Victoria's Secret, the women didn't add up, either. Throw in the modeling agency, it makes more sense. Then you plug in the parties. The scene brings Eyes Wide Shut to mind. But the thing is, Eyes Wide Shut only works in the shadows. For Epstein, getting on that plane with Clinton was more like a moment in Caddyshack — the one in which the groundhog peeks out from his hole in the golf course. From there on in, Jeffrey Epstein was like the mole in a game of whack-a-mole. It was only a matter of time before he'd be caught. But the question you had to ask yourself was, are people like Epstein born without mor- als? Or are their morals like snakeskin—just something they shed (along with all the other basic, day-to-day concerns that everyday working people have) as they make their way into that Eyes Wide Shut world? Todd Meister, who was married to Nicky Hilton and stole the heiress Samantha Boardman away from Conde Nast's former editorial director James Truman, should know. He wonders out loud: "How does a yutz like Epstein get beautiful women?" At Harry Cipriani, the question lingers in the air. 155 PART IV The Investigation CHAPTER 40 Michael Reiter: January 2006 1 As far as Michael Reiter's concerned, the case that his team has built against Epstein—slowly, meticulously, over the course of an entire year—is airtight. Even now, Detective Recarey's finding new pieces of evidence. And already Reiter's been laying the groundwork with prosecutors. State attorney Barry Krischer has a reputation for toughness. He's known, nationally, for his prosecution of juvenile offenders. And Reiter's been keeping him abreast of the investigation. With Jeffrey Epstein, it's not simply a matter of seeing him punished. It's a matter of getting a sexual predator off the streets of Palm Beach. Krischer assures the chief that he's taking this case very seriously. The state attorney's office will have Reiter's back at every turn. "I told him that we had an investigation that was very serious 159 JAMES PATTERSON Detective Recarey: Feb, IFor months, Joe Reca been brought to Epsi and car-rental records according to a source withi; would identify forty-seven on El Brillo Way. Recarey interviewed or David Rogers, as well as Ep5. He also spoke to a woman v It turned out that Epste actual Swedish deep-tissue] for him and his friends, ti them. Did anything untoward Epstein ever asked the worn; that involved a very noteworthy person and that involved a num- ber of underage females," Reiter would say in his deposition for the suit that was later settled by Epstein. "That it was of a sexual nature. I was concerned that we had not reached all of the vic- tims, and we hadn't, I'm sure, at this point. I told him that I felt like the suspect would probably become aware of the investiga- tion at some point and that we should probably expect some con- tact from.. . Mr. Epstein's lawyers. And I told him that I wanted to keep him very well informed on this and that I hoped that he would do the same. And that we would have to have more con- tact in making sure it was handled responsibly, intelligently, and appropriately as it moved forward." Reiter would say that Epstein's name did not seem to ring a bell with the state attorney. But shortly afterward, the chief became aware that in certain powerful circles his investigation was being looked upon unfavorably. "I had many people-related conversations ... on the cocktail-party circuit that suggested we approach this in a way that wasn't necessary," he would say. Michael Reiter was a good cop. A good man. But he was about to discover that when it came to men with the power and influ- ence Epstein wielded, fairness under the law was a relative, mal- leable concept. 160 A.TTERSON • person and that involved a num- r would say in his deposition for p7 Epstein. "That it was of a sexual ye had not reached all of the vic- at this point. I told him that I felt ly become aware of the investiga- should probably expect some con- Ters. And I told him that I wanted :d on this and that I hoped that he we would have to have more con- idled responsibly, intelligently, and yard." teip's name did not seem to ring a . But shortly afterward, the chief powerful circles his investigation yorably. "I had many people-related tail-party circuit that suggested we yasn't necessary," he would say. J. cop. A good man. But he was about le to men with the power and influ- ss under the law was a relative, ma!- 160 CHAPTER 41 Detective Recarey: February 2006 IFor months, Joe Recarey's been interviewing girls who'd been brought to Epstein's house, subpoenaing telephone and car-rental records, conducting surveillance. Ultimately, according to a source within the Palm Beach PD, the department would identify forty-seven underage girls who'd been molested on El Brillo Way. Recarey interviewed one of Epstein's pilots, a man named David Rogers, as well as Epstein's houseman, Alfredo Rodriguez. He also spoke to a woman who really was a massage therapist. It turned out that Epstein paid just one hundred dollars for actual Swedish deep-tissue massages that the therapist provided for him and his friends, the lawyer Alan Dershowitz among them. Did anything untoward ever happen? Recarey asked. Had pstein ever asked the woman to rub his chest? 161 JAMES PATTERSON No, she told him. She wasn't Epstein's type. The girls she'd seen at his house were very thin and beautiful and did not have tattoos. This massage therapist had several tattoos that were vis- ible, and on quite a few occasions Epstein and Ghislaine Max- well had made negative comments about them. According to a Palm Beach Police Department Incident Report filed by Recarey on July 25, 2006, the detective had also heard from Mary's father, who said that a private eye had been to his house, photographing his family and chasing visitors away. Mary's dad had gotten the license plate—Florida E79-4EG. Recarey traced it back to one Ivan Robles of West Palm Beach. Robles turned out to be a licensed private investigator. Recarey informed the state's attorney's office. Alison also contacted Recarey and told him that she'd been approached by someone who was in touch with Epstein. Alison had been told that she'd receive money if she would refuse to cooperate with the police. Those who help him will be compensated, she was told, according to Detective Recarey's incident report. "And those who hurt him will be dealt with." Recarey reassured the girl and told her that tampering with a witness in a case like this was a serious, arrestable offense. Then he told an assistant state attorney. The detective was leaving no i undotted and no t uncrossed. But he did wonder if the state attorney's office itself had become part of the problem. Barry Krischer: April State attorney Barry l before taking his post in and around Palm 1992 and 1996, he had run and 2004. During the coil 1970 with a three-year sti Brooklyn, he received a m from the Legal Aid Society with the juvenile justice s) protection team; the Peace nor Jeb Bush, for his work' time achievement award fi member of the National D: was not necessarily averse In 2003, he launched an in TERSON Epstein's type. The girls she'd and beautiful and did not have ad several tattoos that were vis- -is Epstein and Ghislaine Max- :s about them. rice Department Incident Report 6, the detective had also heard a a private eye had been to his and chasing visitors away. ense plate —Florida E79-4EG. [van Robles of West Palm Beach. d private investigator. attorney's office. and told him that she'd been ts in touch with Epstein. Alison .-. money if she would refuse to be compensated, she was told, incident report. "And those who id told her that tampering with a serious, arrestable offense. le attorney. )i undotted and no t uncrossed. state attorney's office itself had 162 CHAPTER 42 Barry Krischer: April 2006 State attorney Barry Krischer was an elected official, but before taking his post, he'd been a lawyer in private practice in and around Palm Beach. Elected twice to his office, in 1992 and 1996, he had run unopposed for state attorney in 2000 and 2004. During the course of his long career, which began in 1970 with a three-year stint in the district attorney's office in Brooklyn, he received a number of awards: the pro bono award from the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County for his service with the juvenile justice system and for his work with the child protection team; the Peace at Home award, presented by Gover- nor jeb Bush, for his work with victims of family violence; a life- time achievement award from the Florida Bar. He was a board member of the National District Attorneys Association. And he was not necessarily averse to going after the rich and powerful. In 2003, he launched an investigation into Rush Limbaugh's use 163 JAMES PATTERSON of, and means of obtaining, oxycodone and hydrocodone. (A few years after Limbaugh's arrest, which coincided with Chief Reit- er's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, the talk-show host settled with prosecutors, agreed to submit to random drug testing, and gave up his firearms permit.) Krischer himself, however, had been accused of sexual misconduct. In October of 1992, Jodi Bergeron, a legal secretary who'd worked for Krischer, filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him in the Palm Beach County circuit court. That suit was dismissed, but a few months later, the woman took Krischer to federal court, accusing him of making unwanted advances and demanding recompense for battery, negligence, invasion of privacy, and emotional distress. Krischer had placed his hands, violently, inside her blouse, the woman said. He'd forcibly fondled her breasts, forcibly kissed her, and rubbed her shoulders while brushing her buttocks with his hands and knees, all while accompanying the gestures with verbal advances. When she declined those advances, the woman claimed, Krischer fired her. Krischer denied the allegations. At the time, he was making his first run for the state attorney's office. The charges were politically motivated, he said. Members of a local chapter of NOW—the National Organization for Women—had stood by the lawyer, cit- ing his efforts to stop domestic violence, among his other virtues. "I am here to support Barry Krischer for the work his office did in my daughter's case," one woman said during a rally that took place in front of the courthouse. "Her murderer received the maximum sentence, a life sentence." The second lawsuit had also been dismissed— after Krischer's 164 former law firm agreed sand dollars in legal fees Now Chief Reiter and D( their own questions abc wanted to charge Epsteil behavior and four cour minor—felony charges behind bars in the case c Kellen would be charged This was not, the plai for Jeffrey Epstein. In cases involving tl. attorneys tend to have s But instead of granting I the police that he would asked to consider a broad In a case such as Epst€ ing in and of itself. But v only required in capital cas may also be called in ci involving crimes committ wasn't a public official, an cerned, the only controvet that Epstein was rich an B.B. vs. Epstein, Chief Reit( ecutor had to make sure t able doubt. And Krischer of the young women who'c 1TERSON FILTHY RICH odone and hydrocodone. (A few hich coincided with Chief Reit- 3tein, the talk-show host settled nit to random drug testing, and had been accused of sexual :on, a legal secretary who'd worked sment lawsuit against him in the That suit was dismissed, but a few :rischer to federal court, accusing es and demanding recompense for ivacy, and emotional distress. nds, violently, inside her blouse, Indled her breasts, forcibly kissed mhile brushing her buttocks with accompanying the gestures with advances, the woman claimed, )fls. At the time, he was making his office. The charges were politically of a local chapter of NOW—the ten—had stood by the lawyer, cit- Tiolence, among his other virtues. -y Krischer for the work his office ie woman said during a rally that irthouse. "Her murderer received sentence." o been dismissed—after Krischer's 164 former law firm agreed to pay Bergeron's attorney seven thou- sand dollars in legal fees. Now Chief Reiter and Detective Recarey were beginning to have their own questions about Barry Krischer. The Palm Beach PD wanted to charge Epstein with one count of lewd and lascivious behavior and four counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor—felony charges that would have amounted to years behind bars in the case of a conviction. Wendy Dobbs and Sarah Kellen would be charged as accomplices. This was not the plan that Krischer seemed to have in mind for Jeffrey Epstein. In cases involving the sexual abuse of minors, prosecuting attorneys tend to have suspects arrested, then push for a trial. But instead of granting his approval for an arrest, Krischer told the police that he would convene a grand jury, which would be asked to consider a broad range of charges. In a case such as Epstein's, this was highly unusual. Not damn- ing in and of itself. But very strange. In Florida, grand juries are only required in capital cases. At the state attorney's discretion, they may also be called in controversial cases—for instance, cases involving crimes committed by public officials. But Jeffrey Epstein wasn't a public official, and as far as the Palm Beach PD was con- cerned, the only controversial thing about the case they'd built was that Epstein was rich and well connected. In his deposition for B.B. vs. Epstein, Chief Reiter rel ayed Krischer's concerns: the pros- ecutor had to make sure that his case was solid, beyond a reason- able doubt. And Krischer did have his doubts about the credibility of the young women who'd be called to testify against Epstein. 165 JAMES PATTERSON Even so, Reiter was beginning to wonder if Krischer was stacking the deck in Epstein's favor—if, thanks to the sway prosecutors have over grand juries, assembling such a jury wasn't an excellent way to let Epstein off with the lightest pun- ishment possible. Another unusual thing: the way Barry Krischer and the law- yers working for him ignored Chief Reiter's multiple phone calls as well as Detective Recarey's— even though the police had been hearing from Epstein's own lawyers. "[Krischer] and I had an excellent relationship," Chief Reiter said in his deposition. "I was the speaker at his swearing-in cere- mony. And that he wouldn't return my phone calls—I mean, it was clear to me by his actions that he could not objectively look at this case." In the incident report he ended up writing, Detective Recarey remembered a phone call that he received from Guy Fronstin, one of the lawyers representing Epstein. It was a message Epstein wanted to send, something central to the case that demanded explanation. The whole shit show swirling around him was just a misunderstanding—a misrepresentation— of Epstein's actual interests and intentions. Fronstin says Mr. Epstein is very passionate about massages, Detective Recarey would write. And: Mr. Epstein had donated over $100,000 to the Ballet o Florida for massages. And: The massages are therapeutic and spiritually sound for him. That is why he has had so many massages. 166 Palm Beach Police Delia?. by Detective Joseph Reca On April 13 and April 14, ; eral occasions with ASA Weiss and ASA ILanna_I B victims needed to report for were left on their voicemai hours of 9:00 am and 11:30 Weiss and ASA Belohlavek call as I had not heard from the time and date of the Gra At approximately 12:3( ney's Office and Located their offices. I entered ASA. me that she was going to rei an offer was made to the I CTERSON mg to wonder if Krischer was favor —if, thanks to the sway uries, assembling such a jury )stein off with the lightest pun- vay Barry Krischer and the law- lief Reiter's multiple phone calls even though the police had been mrs. ellent relationship," Chief Reiter : speaker at his swearing-in cere- urn my phone calls—I mean, it hat he could not objectively look d up writing, Detective Recarey he received from Guy Fronstin, Epstein. n.ted to send, something central to Lion. The whole shit show swirling :standing—a misrepresentationitentions. ; very passionate about massages, ted over $100,000 to the Ballet of rapeutic and spiritually sound for nany massages. 166 CHAPTER 43 Palm Beach Police Department Incident Report Filed by Detective Joseph Recarey: July 25, 2006 On April 13 and April 14, 2006, I attempted contact on sev- eral occasions with ASA [assistant state attorney Daliah] Weiss and ASA [Latina] Belohlavek to ascertain when the victims needed to report for Grand Jury testimony. Messages were left on their voicemail. On April 17, 2006, during the hours of 9:00 am and 11:30 am I again left messages for ASA Weiss and ASA Belohlavek for either of them to return my call as I had not heard from the State Attorney's Office as to the time and date of the Grand Jury. At approximately 12:30 pm, I went to the State Attor- ney's Office and Located ASA Weiss and ASA Belohlavek in their offices. I entered ASA Belohlavek's office who informed me that she was going to return my call. She explained that an offer was made to the Defense, Atty Guy Fronstin and 167 JAMES PATTERSON Atty Alan Dershowitz. The offer is 1 count of Agg Assault with intent to commit a felony, five years probation, with adjudication withheld. Epstein would have to submit to psy- chiatric/sexual evaluation and no unsupervised visits with minors. When asked about all the other victims, ASA Belohlavek stated that was the only offer made as to one vic- tim, [Mary]. ASA Belohlaveles] cell phone rang and went to voice mail. She checked her voice mail and played the mes- sage on speaker. The caller identified himself as Atty Guy Fronstin and acknowledged the deal made between them. Fronstin stated in the message, he spoke with his client, Jef- frey Epstein, and would agree to this deal. Fronstin asked to call off the grand jury as they would accept this deal. Belohlavek stated a probable cause would be needed to book Epstein in the county Jail and would let me know as to when it was needed. I explained my disapproval of the deal and not being consulted prior to the deal being offered. However I expressed that was only my opinion and the final approval would come from the Chief of Police. She explained to have Chief Reiter call Barry Krischer about the deal. I left the area and returned to the police station where I briefed the Chief about the deal offered. I checked my voice mail messages and discovered a mes- sage from [the] stepmother for the victim [Mary]. She was calling because the State Attorney's Office still had not returned any of her calls as to when they are needed for this case. I then called ASA Belohlavek's office and left messages for her to call the victims on this case and explain to them what the State Attorney's Office had done. 168 Michael Reiter: May 2( A plea offer? Chief Reiter is o sands of hours of wc evidence. But instead of gob see Epstein get off with a a and a psych exam. Why? Alan Dershowitz has pre pieces of evidence — printot In her "About Me" colu Mary has written "Ass and e Under "Ever drank" an "Yeah." Under "Ever shoplifted": Under "Ever skinny dipp, TERSON er is 1 count of Agg Assault v, five years probation, with would have to submit to psy- no unsupervised visits with all the other victims, ASA only offer made as to one vic- .1 cell phone rang and went to ,ice mail and played the mes- lentified himself as Atty Guy le deal made between them. , he spoke with his client, Jef- to this deal. Fronstin asked to hey would accept this deal. ause would be needed to book would let me know as to when iisapproval of the deal and not deal being offered. However I !pinion and the final approval Police. She explained to have :her about the deal. I left the .ce station where I briefed the tessages and discovered a mes- )r the victim [Mary]. She was ttorney's Office still had not ) when they are needed for this lavek's office and left messages this case and explain to them ce had done. 168 CHAPTER 44 Michael Reiter: May 2006 A plea offer? Chief Reiter is outraged. His team has logged thou- sands of hours of work. They've assembled mountains of evidence. But instead of going to trial, the state attorney wants to see Epstein get off with a misdemeanor, five years of probation, and a psych exam. Why? Alan Dershowitz has presented the prosecutors with his own pieces of evidence—printouts from the victims' Myspace pages. In her "About Me" column, under "Best physical feature," Mary has written "Ass and eyes." Under "Ever drank" and "Ever smoked pot," she's written "Yeah." Under "Ever shoplifted": "Lots." Under "Ever skinny dipped": "Yeah." 69 JAMES PATTERSON Under "[Do] you wanna lose your virginity": "I already lost it." One of the victims has been caught with drugs and arrested. She's also been caught stealing from Victoria's Secret. From the state attorney's perspective, these girls look like compromised women. And if what they say about Epstein is true, wouldn't that make them prostitutes? As witnesses, they would be weak, while the lawyers on Epstein's side were exceptionally strong. Alan Dershowitz had represented Claus von Billow, the Brit- ish socialite who was acquitted of the murder of his wife, Sunny. Dershowitz had been on 0. J. Simpson's team when the former football star was acquitted of the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson and Nicole's friend Ronald Lyle Goldman. And rich as von Billow and Simpson had been, neither one had had the resources that Epstein was willing and able to deploy in his own defense. Neither of them had been intimate friends with his lawyer. As far as Reiter was concerned, none of that mattered. Even if Epstein thought that the girls he'd molested were eighteen years old—even if they had lied to him—it didn't matter under Flor- ida law. The chief grew worried that in Epstein's case exceptions were being made, and he grew even more concerned with each unreturned call that he made to the state attorney's office. On May 1, the Palm Beach PD asked the state attorney's office to issue an arrest warrant for Jeffrey Epstein. That same day, Chief Reiter took the extraordinary step of writing Barry Krischer a letter all but demanding that he recuse himself from the case. 170 TOWN OF POLICE 13 A NATiONAL STMT. ACC1 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL 10, Barry E Krischer, State Attorney Office of the State Attorney ;itteentit Judicial Circuit 401 North Dime Highway West Patrn Beach. FL 33401 Dear Mr. Krischer. Please find enclosed the probable cause resulting from the Patm Beach PoLce Depa Kellen and Haley Robson The. submissio Assistam State Attoiney Latina ee!ohtdvef Beach Police Department's presentation fc I know That you agree that it •5 Our shared oJtlic interest ay clis,:harg,ng cur outies er odor observation to you that I coot:nue to he II,t-, regreltob!e the! fOrce0 recent telephone calls to you and those of have Peen unanswered and messages red A'ter giv,ng th., much thought and consider course that your office's handling of thin sufhcient isason evistn tu rez,J.ro your Oa :ases Sir Mit Ch MSR•nt 50,03.C.a.my RIO • Pas,•1 Reath. Fr.,* '00440 • t TERSON TOWN OF PALM BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT A NATIONAL AM) STAT ACCREZrTE0 LAN,. ENFORaMENT ACZNCv MaN. 4, 2006 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL Mr Barry E Krischer, State Attorney Office of the State Attorney Fifteenth Judicial Circu,t 401 North Dixie 0-iighway West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Dear Mr Krischer, Prease find erclosed the probable cause attidavits and case filing packages thus far resulting f,orn !he Palm Beach PoPce Department's in. estigaton of Jeffrey Epstem, Sarah Kellen and Haley Robson The submission of these document:. are both in response to Ast,stam State Attorney Lwzna 6e.oh.dv,k's re;quest fur triem anti to serve as the Palm Beach Police Deoartrnent's presentation for prosecution I know that you agree that it is OW shared responsibility to seek justice and to serve the pittic trterest by dis,harging our outies r,th fairness ano accouritablity must rene,.... my prior Observation to you that I ontrnve to find your office's treatment of these cases highly urn.:-.uot 1 5 regrettable that! an forcao to communicate n this rranner tut my most recent telephone calls to you and those of the lead detective to your assigned attorneys have been uransi.vered and messages remain unreturned .Mier giv.ng this much treJght and consideration I rrJst urge you to examine the unusual course that your office's handling of this matter haS taken and consider 4 good and suffcient Teaser, er.!stt, to reciJ,re your air cwrificat'on fro", tno prosecution of these :ases. Sincerely, ',U(AtaS 2f1,,Ta Michel S. Reiter Chef of Police MSR-n: 4SSevtloCoamyRtio4 • P1•nfie.0F. 334104443 • 051111184W • FsiuSit; $3.-g,t'O• Yur virginity": "I already lost it." aught with drugs and arrested. .om Victoria's Secret. From the e girls look like compromised at Epstein is true, wouldn't that e weak, while the lawyers on strong. nted Claus von Billow, the Brit- f the murder of his wife, Sunny. mpson's team when the former murders of his ex-wife, Nicole !.nd Ronald Lyle Goldman. And had been, neither one had had villing and able to deploy in his :imate friends with his lawyer. :d, none of that mattered. Even if molested were eighteen years m— it didn't matter under Flor- that in Epstein's case exceptions even more concerned with each the state attorney's office. D asked the state attorney's office ffrey Epstein. / took the extraordinary step of all but demanding that he recuse 170 F 1 L CHAPTER 45 Videotaped Deposition of Michael Reiter in B.B. vs. Epstein, a civil lawsuit against Jeffrey Epstein: November 23, 2009 Q: At some point you sent a letter to state attorney Barry Krischer. Let me show you what we'll mark as exhibit 3. Let me give you a chance to read through this letter again to help refresh your recollection. A: I've read it. Q: At this point, in May of 2006, I'm assuming based on what you told us before that you had had some conversations with Barry Krischer directly. ...by phone—correct? —prior to this letter. A: I had conversations in person and by phone. Q: Okay. But nonetheless in May—May 1, 2006—you felt the need to write this letter; is that correct? A: Yes. 172 Q: Can you tell us why? A: Well, I felt the handling-.. way the state attorney's ofi unusual. I knew that M about this case. I felt tha felt that the appropriate governed the assignment that his action met the st from the statute in here. .A wouldn't return my phone The detective attempt state attorney's office, Lai nounce that ... and she \Ai( the letter in hope that he m realize that his objectivit) case and ask the governor like that was necessary fen had been submitted to hin Could you tell us, explain tivity may be lacking in r other words, what eviden( you felt made it potentially A: Well ... when I first told h that it was a serious case, I [and] that the suspect was it. And we were—it was i meeting that he and I w( known him to be a victim of children. Well, I know tl statute that addresses tho Q: FILTHY RICH Q: A: Q: Can you tell us why? Well, I felt the handling—and just continued to feel that the way the state attorney's office handled this case was extremely unusual. I knew that Mr. Krischer was making decisions about this case. I felt that his objectivity was lacking, and I felt that the appropriate way, after reading the statute that governed the assignment of cases to other circuits—I felt that his action met the standard. I used some of the words from the statute in here. And I attempted to call him, and he wouldn't return my phone calls. The detective attempted to contact—his contact in the state attorney's office, Lanna Belohlavek, however you pro- nounce that ... and she wouldn't return his calls. So I wrote the letter in hope that he would think about his situation and realize that his objectivity was insufficient to prosecute the case and ask the governor to appoint someone else. And I felt like that was necessary for a fair prosecution of our case that had been submitted to him. Could you tell us, explain to us, why you felt that his objec- tivity may be lacking in regards to this prosecution ... ? In other words, what evidence did you see here, uncover, that you felt made it potentially nonobjective? A: Well ... when I first told him about the case, and I realized that it was a serious case, [that] there were multiple victims, [and] that the suspect was very well known, I told him about it. And we were—it was in person. I talked to him after a meeting that he and I were both involved in. And I had known him to be a victim advocate and to protect the rights of children. Well, I know that he even wrote a portion of the statute that addresses those issues. And when I told him 173 CHAPTER 45 Michael Reiter in B.B. vs. ainst Jeffrey Epstein: a letter to state attorney Barry a what we'll mark as exhibit 3. Let ad through this letter again to help 1006, I'm assuming based on what u had had some conversations with by phone —correct? —prior to this rson and by phone. i May—May 1, 2006—y0u felt the is that correct? 172 JAMES PATTERSON originally, he said, "Let's go for it; this is an adult male in his fifties who's had sexual contact with children of the ages of the victims." He said this is somebody who we have to stop. And whatever we need, he said, in the state attorney's office, we have a unit that's equipped to investigate and prosecute these kinds of cases. And I didn't have too many facts early on when I talked with him, but I knew that there were multi-. pie victims and to our detectives they were believable. So when time went on and Mr. Epstein became aware of the investigation and his lawyers contacted the state attorney's office, they told me that. And from that point on, and I believe it was Mr. Dershow- itz initially, the tone and tenor of the discussions of this case with Mr. Krischer changed completely. [At] one point he sug- gested that we write [Epstein] a notice to appear, which would be for a misdemeanor. He just completely changed from not only our first conversation about this( —when] he didn't know the name Jeffrey Epstein— till when he had been informed on Mr. Epstein's reputation and his wealth, and I just thought that very unusual. I feel like I know him or knew him very well, the state attorney, and I just felt like he could not objectively make decisions about this case: that is why I wrote it. 174 Detective Recarey: May Chief Reiter's letter to ti effect. Krischer did not arrest warrant was issued. At tive Recarey received a telep ney Daliah Weiss, who advis the Epstein case. Weiss had been the perfe. member of the special victir and crimes against children, p ing rape, aggravated child al added another lawyer, a man Goldberger his attorney of rei . Goldberger was friendly A ciate of Goldberger's was mar TTERSON ...or it; this is an adult male in his :act with children of the ages of somebody who we have to stop. aid, in the state attorney's office, )ed to investigate and prosecute didn't have too many facts early Nit I knew that there were multi- ..ctives they were believable. So r. Epstein became aware of the Ts contacted the state attorney's and I believe it was Mr. Dershow- ior of the discussions of this case :ompletely. [At] one point he sug- tein] a notice to appear, which ior. He just completely changed versation about this] —when] he Frey Epstein— till when he had tein's reputation and his wealth, • unusual. or knew him very well, the state :e he could not objectively make hat is why I wrote it. 174 CHAPTER 46 Detective Recarey: May 2006 Chief Reiter's letter to the state attorney had no perceptible effect. Krischer did not recuse himself from the case. No arrest warrant was issued. And on the afternoon of May 3, Detec- tive Recarey received a telephone call from assistant state attor- .ney Daliah Weiss, who advised him that she had been taken off the Epstein case. Weiss had been the perfect person to prosecute Epstein. As a member of the special victims unit, she focused on sex crimes and crimes against children, prosecuting high-profile cases involv- ing rape, aggravated child abuse, and neglect. But Epstein had added another lawyer, a man named Jack Goldberger, and made Goldberger his attorney of record. Goldberger was friendly with Barry Krischer— and an asso- ciate of Goldberger's was married to Daliah Weiss. 175 JAMES PATTERSON FILTI If Epstein's legal team had wanted to remove Weiss from the case, this would have been a good way to do it. Nine days later, Detective Recarey met with ASA Lanna Belohlavek, who told him that her boss, Barry Krischer, had asked her again to take the case to the grand jury. Recarey told Belohlavek that he had already requested arrest warrants for Epstein, Sarah Kel- len, and Wendy Dobbs. The Palm Beach PD had finished its investi- gation months earlier, he said, and had been waiting since then for the case to move forward. He asked her once more to issue the war- rants. Once again Belohlavek declined, saying that the original offer her office had made to Epstein's old lawyer had been resubmitted to the new lawyer. When Epstein's reply came, she would call. While waiting for that call, Recarey received several calls from Mary's father, who told him that he was being followed by a green Chevrolet Monte Carlo— tailed so aggressively that other vehicles were being run off the road. Recarey ran the plates and found that the Chevy was registered to one Zachary Bechard of Jupiter, Florida. Bechard was a licensed private eye. "A funny thing happened in Palm Beach," says Tim Malloy, who was working as a TV newscaster in South Florida at the time. "This would have been right around the time that Michael Reiter sent his letter asking Barry Krischer to recuse himself from the case. I didn't even know what Epstein looked like, really, at the time. We had pictures taken by the British tabloids, where the link to Prince Andrew first broke. But we didn't have too many of them. What we did have was a contact in the hangar where Epstein kept his 727. 176 "I don't know how much y national Airport. It's the kind valet parking, and waiting loin you'll see in Manhattan. It's Saudi princes, heads of state. I' vacy. You can bring limousine: out Epstein was very secretive want anyone to know the tail n "But our contact didn't like how young the girls around EF had the 727's tail number, an someone I won't say too mucl flight plan for a certain trip hi going to land at the airport. A] the station's traffic helicopter a hundred feet a quarter mile sou "Our cameraman had a tele tight shot, on video, of Epstein did get the shot: Epstein, with flipped up over his neck, about that was waiting for him. "Then he saw our helicopter "I was doing a live voice-ov( first video anyone had on him I run back onto the plane. The: break, my producer told me Epstein wants us to stop taking talk to you.' "The cameraman kept rolli: out, got into a car with tinted w- TTERSON FILTHY RICH inted to remove Weiss from the d way to do it. Recarey met with ASA Lanna r boss, Barry Krischer, had asked sand jury. Recarey told Belohlavek st warrants for Epstein, Sarah Kel- Beach PD had finished its investi- d had been waiting since then for td her once more to issue the war- ined, saying that the original offer Id lawyer had been resubmitted to tply came, she would call. , Recarey received several calls n that he was being followed by a - tailed so aggressively that other road. Recarey ran the plates and tered to one Zachary Bechard of ate eye. lm Beach," says Tim Malloy, who :r in South Florida at the time. ht around the time that Michael ;arry Krischer to recuse himself know what Epstein looked like, tires taken by the British tabloids, first broke. But we didn't have have was a contact in the hangar 176 "I don't know how much you know about Palm Beach Inter- national Airport. It's the kind of place that has private hangars, valet parking, and waiting lounges that look as chic as anything you'll see in Manhattan. It's an airport for the rich, basically. Saudi princes, heads of state. Powerful men who value their pri- vacy. You can bring limousines onto the tarmac. And we found out Epstein was very secretive about his dealings there. He didn't want anyone to know the tail numbers on his planes. "But our contact didn't like Epstein. And he was horrified by how young the girls around Epstein were. So thanks to him, we had the 727's tail number, and thanks to one other source— someone I won't say too much about here—we had Epstein's flight plan for a certain trip he was making. We knew he was going to land at the airport. And so our producer climbed into the station's traffic helicopter and told the pilot to hover at five hundred feet a quarter mile south of the field. "Our cameraman had a telephoto lens. The idea was to get a tight shot, on video, of Epstein deplaning. And for a moment we did get the shot: Epstein, with the collar of his cashmere coat flipped up over his neck, about to run down the steps into a cart that was waiting for him. "Then he saw our helicopter, with the station's markings. "I was doing a live voice-over on Epstein's arrival. It was the first video anyone had on him up to that point. But Epstein had run back onto the plane. Then, during the next commercial break, my producer told me through my headpiece: 'Jeffrey Epstein wants us to stop taking his picture. In fact, he wants to talk to you.' "The cameraman kept rolling. And eventually Epstein got _out, got into a car with tinted windows, and was driven over the 177 JAMES PATTERSON bridge to his home in Palm Beach. So in a sense we failed to get the story. But the fact that Epstein would call a news program from his plane and command them to order the program's traffic helicopter away—that says something about the man's arro- gance. And maybe his temper." Mary: July 2006 0 n June 29, assistant s Detective Recarey th; would be going to a convened for July 19. On July 12, Recarey spok that she still hadn't heard fr too, was odd, since Recarey upon to testify. She was back in Palm Be2 out-of-state relatives. All in all, it had been a ve "What has happened to father would say. Mary had been sent to her it was the wrong place at .• 178 rTERSON h. So in a sense we failed to get em n would call a news program nn to order the program's traffic :nething about the man's arro- CHAPTER 47 Mary: July 2006 0 n June 29, assistant state attorney Lanna Belohlavek told Detective Recarey that despite his protestations, the case would be going to a grand jury after all. One had been convened for July 19. On July 12, Recarey spoke with Mary's stepmother, who said that she still hadn't heard from the state attorney's office. This, too, was odd, since Recarey knew that Mary would be called upon to testify. She was back in Palm Beach now, after months of living with out-of-state relatives. All in all, it had been a very tough year for Mary. "What has happened to my daughter's life is criminal," her father would say. Mary had been sent to a school for troubled children. For her it was the wrong place at the worst time in her life. She had 179 178 JAMES PATTERSON gotten into more fights there, growing depressed and withdrawn from her sister and parents. Helplessly, her parents watched her spiral out of control. As they neared the end of their rope, they sent her out of state. But after the move, Mary had fallen apart completely. She used drugs, fell in with a bad crowd, ran away from her relatives, and shacked up with a gang of drug dealers. When the gang was busted by local police, the dealers blamed Mary for snitching and put out the word that they wanted her dead. "We had to move her again," Mary's father explained. "We finally got her into therapy—she's still seeing the therapist. And worst of all, she developed HPV. She's already had to have a seri- ous operation." Mary's troubles didn't end there. On June 28, she was brought in front of the grand jury. She hadn't been briefed by the state attorney—she hadn't even met the prosecutors—and she had no idea what she would be asked. Almost immediately, she found that she was being treated more like a criminal than like a witness or victim. "The prosecutor produced a printout of our daughter's Myspace page," Mary's father recalls. "Mary was stunned. She began to cry. The prosecutor accused her of all sort of things; it was like she was working for Epstein. "All this time, we knew that we were being watched. Creepy guys. Private investigators from Miami. They would follow us, scaring the hell out of my wife and Mary's sister. My car was van- dalized. It was like living in hell." By this point, Epstein's defense dream team included Jack Goldberger, Alan Dershowitz, and Gerald Lefcourt. All of them had excellent track records. Dershowitz and Lefcourt were two 180 of America's most famous celebrity lawyer—Ken Sta had had Bill Clinton impeac team. As far as Mary's parents walked into an ambush. EVE playing defense on the side ond girl—Alison, who cla: never testified in court at al TERSON FILTHY RICH wing depressed and withdrawn ,lessly, her parents watched her tred the end of their rope, they le move, Mary had fallen apart in with a bad crowd, ran away ip with a gang of drug dealers. rlocal police, the dealers blamed the word that they wanted her ," Mary's father explained. "We e's still seeing the therapist. And She's already had to have a seri- .ere. On June 28, she was brought hadn't been briefed by the state : the prosecutors—and she had d. mud that she was being treated t witness or victim. a printout of our daughter's recalls. "Mary was stunned. She ccused her of all sort of things; it )stein. it we were being watched. Creepy m Miami. They would follow us, and Mary's sister. My car was van- :11." Jense dream team included Jack and Gerald Lefcourt. All of them )ershowitz and Lefcourt were tWO. 180 of America's most famous lawyers, and before long, another celebrity lawyer —Ken Starr, the former solicitor general who had had Bill Clinton impeached for perjury—would join Epstein's team. As far as Mary's parents were concerned, their daughter had walked into an ambush. Everyone in the courtroom seemed to be playing defense on the side of Jeffrey Epstein. And as for the sec- ond girl—Alison, who claimed that she had been raped—she never testified in court at all. 181 CHAPTER 48 Michael Reiter: July 2006 0 n July 28, the grand jury reached a verdict that floored the Palm Beach PD. The original plea deal that Krischer had offered to Epstein had been bad enough. Now the grand jury was recom- mending that Epstein be charged with just one felony count of solicitation of prostitution. There was no mention of underage girls. The original accusation— four felony counts of unlawful sex acts with minors and one felony count of lewd and lascivious molestation—had simply evaporated. It wasn't enough to send Epstein to prison. Epstein was allowed to surrender on a Sunday, when no one would know he'd been arraigned. A few hours later, he was released on three thousand dollars bail. The Palm Beach PD was not even notified. 182 Once again, Chief Reite took the extraordinary stej prosecutor's office. At the time, the federal Florida was a Republican Reiter recalls being presen and remembers Acosta's de( be the prosecution, to the who takes advantage of th sex crimes. Disgusted with recalls thinking he'd found 1 In Acosta, the chief saw from confronting a man vc connections. But it turned out that Ac Starr's high-powered multir And while Acosta had a stei clerking for future Supreme only argued two cases befor( At the time, Reiter did not one had to look much more se Reiter's actions did not nece not in every corner of the coi "I had individuals sugge1 the investigation and my ref was more horsepower than had other individuals suggc probably fits," Reiter said in 1 FILTHY RICH CHAPTER 48 ry reached a verdict that floored Leal that Krischer had offered to Now the grand jury was recom- ged with just one felony count of pf underage girls. The original s of unlawful sex acts with minors and lascivious molestation—had )stein to prison. -render on a Sunday, when no one gned. A few hours later, he was llars bail. )t even notified. 182 Once again, Chief Reiter was outraged. So much so that he took the extraordinary step of calling the FBI and the federal prosecutor's office. At the time, the federal prosecutor of the Southern District of Florida was a Republican named R. Alexander Acosta. Chief Reiter recalls being present at Acosta's swearing-in ceremony and remembers Acosta's declaration that one of his goals would be the prosecution, to the fullest extent of the law, of anyone who takes advantage of the weak—especially perpetrators of sex crimes. Disgusted with Krischer's laissez-faire attitude, Reiter recalls thinking he'd found his man. In Acosta, the chief saw a prosecutor who wouldn't shy away from confronting a man with Jeffrey Epstein's resources and connections. But it turned out that Acosta had worked under Ken Starr at Starr's high-powered multinational law firm, Kirkland & Ellis. And while Acosta had a sterling resume, which included a stint clerking for future Supreme Court justice Samuel Alito, he had only argued two cases before a judge. At the time, Reiter did not know this. All he knew was that some- one had to look much more seriously into Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. Reiter's actions did not necessarily make him a hero—at least, not in every corner of the community he served. "I had individuals suggest that the department's approach to the investigation and my referral of the investigation to the FBI was more horsepower than the investigation deserved. And I had other individuals suggest that—yeah, the term 'back off' Probably fits," Reiter said in his deposition for B.B. vs. Epstein. 183 JAMES PATTERSON "My responsibility was to Beach and preserve their con: department for all," Reiter sai particularly under the crimin the nature of our system, be ti But along with handing t attorney, Reiter took another letters—on Palm Beach PD I victims in the case. He delivered the letters by "I had people in the community in Palm Beach who either made comments directly to me or to others who relayed them to me that I didn't need to take the tack in the investigation that we did, which is [to] completely investigate it and then refer it to • the FBI after the state case was resolved," Reiter said in the deposition. "I had one individual who came to see me a couple of times about this." According to the chief, the individual in question was a prominent Palm Beach politician. "He said this wasn't necessary; this was a case that was really very minor," Reiter recalled. "The victims had lifestyles that don't make them—shouldn't make them believable to the police department." "I told him that those kinds of suggestions to me were improper and he should stop," said Reiter. "That he had taken a couple of steps down the road toward something that could eventually constitute a crime. We talked several times. Early on it didn't end favorably. You know, this is an individual [whom] I had to interact with in my official capacity and in his official capacity as well." The Palm Beach politician wasn't the only one to pressure the police chief. "I received comments from a variety of different viewpoints ... in some cases I had people tell me, hey, he's a Palm Beacher, why are you investigating a Palm Beacher?" Reiter would say when deposed. "I had people that said it was an unfa- vorable career move for me to ask the state attorney to remove himself from the case and to refer it to the FBI.... I had plenty of people that told me that that was a mistake." Reiter didn't back off. To have done so would have been a betrayal—not only of the victims but also of his vocation and the community he had sworn he would serve. 184 TTERSON FILTHY RICH y in Palm Beach who either made ers who relayed them to me that I nvestigation that we did, which is then refer it to. the FBI after the aid in the deposition. "I had one :ouple of times about this." : individual in question was a 1. y; this was a case that was really The victims had lifestyles that ike them believable to the police ids of suggestions to me were ;aid Reiter. "That he had taken a I toward something that could Ve talked several times. Early on Ar, this is an individual [whom] I icial capacity and in his official wasn't the only one to pressure iments from a variety of different id people tell me, hey, he's a Palm gating a Palm Beacher?" Reiter d people that said it was an unfa- ask the state attorney to remove fer it to the FBI.... I had plenty of is a mistake." lave done so would have been a ims but also of his vocation and te would serve. 184 "My responsibility was to protect everyone that lives in Palm Beach and preserve their constitutional rights and be the police department for all," Reiter said. "And I think that under the law, particularly under the criminal laws, that all people have to, by the nature of our system, be treated exactly alike." But along with handing the case off to the FBI and the US attorney, Reiter took another unusual step. He wrote personal letters—on Palm Beach PD letterhead— to the parents of the victims in the case. He delivered the letters by hand. 185 TOWN OF PALM BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT A NixitcNixt. AND STA1E ACCMITED LAW NPORCEMENT AC:ENCV kPOLICE.li July 24. 2006 HAND DELIVERED BMA, Dear mripm Your claughterlanwas the victim of a crime which nas been investigated by the Palm Beach Police Department and subsequently referred for prosecution to the Pdtm Beach County State Attorneys Office. You may be aware that Jeffrey Epstein was indicted on charges of solicitation for orovitution by a Stele of Florida grand ply last week and turned himself in at the Palm Beach County jail on Ju!iy 23. 2006.. Wntle I do not speak for them, it is my understanding that is the full context in which the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office intends to address the chrges that invowed tne crime in which your daughter was victim. Please know tnat it is the role and responsibility of law enforcement to investigate Crime and to refer ap3ropriate charges to the prosecutor for consideration. I believe that the Palm Beach Police Department has acted competently and responsibly in carrying out Ins :ole. Should you haverany questions concemlng the state prosecution of this matter, they are best addressed by the Palm Beach Count State Attorneys Office do not feel that Justice has been sufficiently served by the indictment that has been issued. Therefore, please Imo?. that his matter has been referreo to the Federal Bureau e Investigation to determine if violations of federal law have occurred. In the ehent that the FBI should choose to pursue this matter, tne Palm Beach Police Department will assist tnern in their investigation Of potential violations of federal law. Please feel free to contact rne at (561) 838-5460 should you have any questions Sincerely, 1W40.J.0 as2,1t, r.richael S Reitr Chief of Police 14SR.nt I4S S., Co.... PoE• • Poll, Reset Fen as 3'AP0-403 • r$ii) fta sit": • F.:z 1,75..*: • • —• • ••••••,.. Jeffrey Epstein: Septemi In the winter of 2013, Scc die school principal from be sentenced to the m years in prison, with ten ye ing guilty to one charge of sc Blake's crime? He sent SE ton Beach police officer who N boy. But in a sense, Blake v tenced to life. The case was a treatment regular Florida fol.] with a minor. But nothing a and the plea deal he mana extraordinary. Epstein had bought himse assembled. His connections LM BEACH ARTMPNT LAW ENIFORCVENT ArZENCY 4.2006 which has been investigated by the Palm tarred for prosect:tion to the Palm Beach .vare that Jeffrey Epstein was indicted on of Florida grand jury last week and turned 23. 2006. While I do not speak tor them, in which the Palm Beach County State es that invoNed tne crime in which your "Of law enforcement to investigate crime Jlor for consideration. I beleve that the etentiy and responsibly in carrying out this the state prosecution of this matter, they State Attame/5 Office served by the Indictment that has been has been referred to the Federal Bureau era i law have occurred. In the event that Palm Beach Police Deoartmeit will assist of federal law. 0 should you have any questons sly, S Reiter 4 Patice s3.5,g.• pa, !w;1;5.erre• CHAPTER 49 Jeffrey Epstein: September 2007 1 n the winter of 2013, Scott Blake, a forty-seven-year-old mid- dle school principal from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, would be sentenced to the minimum mandatory sentence— ten years in prison, with ten years of probation on top—for plead- ing guilty to one charge of soliciting sex with a minor. Blake's crime? He sent sexually charged messages to a Boyn- ton Beach police officer who was pretending to be a fifteen-year-old boy. But in a sense, Blake was lucky: he could have been sen- tenced to life. The case was an interesting example of the kind of treatment regular Florida folks could expect just for soliciting sex with a minor. But nothing about Jeffrey Epstein was regular-- - and the plea deal he managed to strike in 2007 was simply extraordinary. Epstein had bought himself one of the best defense teams ever assembled. His connections and contributions to Democratic 187 JAMES PATTERSON FILT causes had made him a player on that side of the political aisle. He had a famous Republican, Bill Clinton's nemesis, Ken Starr, work- ing the other side. And just to make sure they'd covered the bases, Epstein's team also recruited Roy Black— the lawyer who'd cleared William Kennedy Smith of rape and kept Rush Limbaugh out of prison for his alleged illegal drug use—and Jay Lefkowitz, a defense attorney who'd worked with US attorney R. Alexander Acosta at Ken Starr's law firm. And so in September, the US attorney's office reached a for- mal agreement with Epstein's team: the United States would defer federal prosecution in favor of prosecution by the state of Florida. A non-prosecution agreement (NPA) was drafted; among other things, it assured Epstein that he would not be prosecuted in the Southern District of Florida for felony offenses involving the sexual abuse of underage girls. (By that point, thirty known victims had been discovered.) Instead it allowed him to plead guilty to state felony offenses for solicitation of prostitution and the procurement of minors for prostitution. The NPA established a procedure that allowed Epstein's victims to sue him in civil court and took the extraordinary step of ensuring that "any potential co-conspirators" of Epstein's would be immune from prosecution. "In consideration of Epstein's agreement to plead guilty and to provide compensation in the manner described above, if Epstein successfully fulfills all of the terms and conditions of this agreement, the United States also agrees that it will not institute any criminal charges against any potential co-conspira- tors of Epstein," the agreement stated, mentioning Sarah Kellen and Nadia Marcinkova by name. 188 "The parties anticipate tha part of any public record," I United States receives a Freed any compulsory process comm ment, it will provide notice disclosure." Remarkably, despite assur feds, none of the victims was ( this NPA. If Epstein did not sign the count indictment and a decade team of lawyers had gotten him ted all the teeth in South Florid; For all his protestations of it in the world to agree to an NPA. On September 24, 2007, Eps. Once again, none of the I notified. 189 'TERSON FILTHY RICH that side of the political aisle. He nton's nemesis, Ken Starr, work- ke sure they'd covered the bases, Zoy Black—the lawyer who'd )f rape and kept Rush Limbaugh LI drug use—and Jay Lefkowitz, . with US attorney R. Alexander 3 attorney's office reached a for- team: the United States would n. of prosecution by the state of nt (NPA) was drafted; among that he would not be prosecuted ida for felony offenses involving rls. (By that point, thirty known Instead it allowed him to plead )r solicitation of prostitution and )rostitution. The NPA established em's victims to sue him in civil lary step of ensuring that "any pstein's would be immune from ri's agreement to plead guilty and the manner described above, if 1 of the terms and conditions of lates also agrees that it will not against any potential co-conspira- t stated, mentioning Sarah Kellen Le. 188 "The parties anticipate that this agreement will not be made part of any public record," the document concludes. "If the United States receives a Freedom of Information Act request or any compulsory process commanding the disclosure of the agree- ment, it will provide notice to Epstein before making that disclosure." Remarkably, despite assurances they'd received from the feds, none of the victims was consulted prior to the drafting of this NPA. If Epstein did not sign the agreement, he faced a fifty-seven- count indictment and a decade or more in prison. But Epstein's team of lawyers had gotten him a deal so sweet it could have rot- ted all the teeth in South Florida. For all his protestations of innocence, there was every reason in the world to agree to an NPA. On September 24, 2007, Epstein did sign it. Once again, none of the victims had been consulted or notified. 189 1 CHAPTER SO Jane Doe: February 2008 As a result of the non-prosecution agreement, a fifty-three- count indictment that federal prosecutors had prepared against Jeffrey Epstein—one that claimed he'd abused dozens of underage women—never was filed. But as far as lawyers representing Epstein's victims were con- cerned, the fact that those victims were not consulted about the non-prosecution agreement was inexcusable. The "government deliberately kept crime victims 'in the dark' so that it could enter into a plea arrangement designed to prevent the victims from raising any objections," they would argue, in documents filed on February 10, 2016. For nine months, the lawyers claimed, from the time that the NPA was signed, on September 24, 2007, Krischer's office, "doing Epstein's bidding, [had] concealed the NPA's existence from victim[s]" and continued to do so until the 190 moment that Epstein had finally did June 30, 2008. In the interim, accordi were only told, "This case i A lawsuit that Bradley I Fort Lauderdale, filed in ji Rights Act, or CVRA (tith which states that "victims ing the right to be heard ii be precluded from court pr fairly." According to him, pros( of the victims. Edwards, N knew that this suit against monetary recovery of any also knew that if the goveri entered into a contract thal rights of Epstein's victims, have been improper in an( remedy would have been tc while it is difficult to knoiA contract is overturned, on€ could prosecute Epstein fo statute of limitations on tho At the time of this wr: through the courts. It has Bleak House— the Charles is so massive and so compl€ everyone involved into the n FILTHY RICH CHAPTER 50 ;ecution agreement, a fifty-three- N:leral prosecutors had prepared — one that claimed he'd abused Lever was filed. :nting Epstein's victims were con- ims were not consulted about the Is inexcusable. The "government 'in the dark' so that it could enter ned to prevent the victims from ould argue, in documents filed on ,onths, the lawyers claimed, from signed, on September 24, 2007, In's bidding, [had] concealed the "and continued to do so until the 190 moment that Epstein had to plead guilty in court, which he finally did June 30, 2008. In the interim, according to their lawyers, Epstein's victims were only told, "This case is currently under investigation." A lawsuit that Bradley Edwards, a victims' rights attorney in Fort Lauderdale, filed in July of 2008 cited the Crime Victims' Rights Act, or CVRA (title 18, section 3771, of the US Code), which states that "victims of federal crimes have rights, includ- ing the right to be heard in court, and most particularly, not to be precluded from court proceedings, and the right to be treated fairly." According to him, prosecutors had violated the CVRA rights of the victims. Edwards, who said he was working pro bono, knew that this suit against the government would not allow for monetary recovery of any sort (including lawyers' fees). But he also knew that if the government, urged by Jeffrey Epstein, had entered into a contract that improperly or illegally violated the rights of Epstein's victims, then that contract, by nature, would have been improper in and of itself—in which case, the only remedy would have been to have the contract invalidated. And while it is difficult to know what, exactly, would happen if the contract is overturned, one possibility is that the government could prosecute Epstein for crimes against his victims, if the statute of limitations on those crimes has not expired. At the time of this writing, that case is winding its way through the courts. It has all the earmarks of a modern-day Bleak House........ the Charles Dickens novel about a legal case that is so massive and so complex that it drags on forever and drags everyone involved into the mire. 191 JAMES PATTERSON * * * In the meantime, Epstein began to settle out of court with his victims. In February of 2008, a Virginia woman who went by the alias Jane Doe #2 brought a fifty-million-dollar lawsuit against Epstein. At the time of their meeting, she claimed, Epstein was fifty-two years old. She was a teenager, and her complaint, which was made public, gave the rest of the world an early glimpse of what Epstein, and the inner workings of his secret world, looked like from a victim's perspective. "Epstein is a financier and money manager with a secret cli- entele limited exclusively to billionaires," the lawsuit alleged. "He is himself a man of tremendous wealth, power and influ- ence. He maintains his principal home in New York and also owns residences in New Mexico, St. Thomas and Palm Beach, FL. The allegations herein concern Epstein's conduct while at his lavish estate in Palm Beach." The complaint continued: Upon information and belief, Epstein has a sexual preference and obsession for underage minor girls. He engaged in a plan and scheme in which he gained access to primarily economi- cally disadvantaged minor girls in his home, sexually assaulted these girls, and then gave them money. In or about 2004-2005, Jane Doe, then approximately 16 years old, fell into Epstein's trap and became one of his victims. Upon information and belief, Jeffrey Epstein carried out his schemes and assaulted girls in Florida, New York, and on his private Island, known as Little St. James, in St. Thomas. Epstein's scheme involved the use of young girls to recruit 192 underage girls. (Upon inj who brought Jane Doe to of Epstein, and will ther plaint.) Under Epstein's r ostensibly to give a weal compensation in his Pal would be contacted when Palm Beach residence or Epstein or someone on hi. to bring one or more um recruiter, upon informatic economically disadvantag Palm Beach County who being offered— generally session—and who were p to authorities or have cre conduct were made. Thi Epstein's plan. Epstein's plan reflected Upon arrival at Epstein's would be introduced to Sar gathered the girl's persona and telephone number. Ms up a flight of stairs to a b( table in addition to other graphs of nude women lin bedroom. The girl would ti with Epstein, who would b, then remove his towel and and direct the girl to remol FILTHY RICH TER SON to settle out of court with his a woman who went by the alias 1-dollar lawsuit against Epstein. Le claimed, Epstein was fifty-two ind her complaint, which was world an early glimpse of what of his secret world, looked like Loney manager with a secret cli- llionaires," the lawsuit alleged. lclous wealth, power and influ- al home in New York and also o, St. Thomas and Palm Beach, :rn Epstein's conduct while at his e complaint continued: Epstein has a sexual preference inor girls. He engaged in a plan :d access to primarily economi- girls in his home, sexually gave them money. In or about tpproximately 16 years old, fell one of his victims. Jeffrey Epstein carried out rls in Florida, New York, and on Little St. James, in St. Thomas. the use of young girls to recruit 192 underage girls. (Upon information and belief, the young girl who brought Jane Doe to Epstein was herself a minor victim of Epstein, and will therefore not be named in this Com- plaint.) Under Epstein's plan, underage girls were recruited ostensibly to give a wealthy man a massage for monetary compensation in his Palm Beach mansion. The recruiter would be contacted when Epstein was planning to be at his Palm Beach residence or soon after he had arrived there. Epstein or someone on his behalf would direct the recruiter to bring one or more underage girls to the residence. The recruiter, upon information and belief, generally sought out economically disadvantaged underaged girls from western Palm Beach County who would be enticed by the money being offered—generally $200 to $300 per "massage" session—and who were perceived as less likely to complain to authorities or have credibility if allegations of improper conduct were made. This was an important element of Epstein's plan. Epstein's plan reflected a particular pattern and method. Upon arrival at Epstein's mansion, the underaged victim would be introduced to Sarah Kellen, Epstein's assistant, who gathered the girl's personal information, including her name and telephone number. Ms. Kellen would then bring the girl up a flight of stairs to a bedroom that contained a massage table in addition to other furnishings. There were photo- graphs of nude women lining the stairway hall and in the bedroom. The girl would then find herself alone in the room with Epstein, who would be wearing only a towel. He would then remove his towel and lie naked on the massage table, and direct the girl to remove her clothes. Epstein would then 193 JAMES PATTERSON perform one or more lewd, lascivious and sexual acts, including masturbation and touching the girl's vagina. Consistent with the foregoing plan and scheme, Jane Doe was recruited to give Epstein a massage for monetary com- pensation. Jane was brought to Epstein's mansion in Palm Beach. Once at the mansion, Jane was introduced to Sarah Kellen, who led her up the flight of stairs to the room with the massage table. In this room, Epstein told Jane to take off her clothes and give him a massage. Jane kept her panties and bra on and complied with Epstein's instructions. Epstein wore only a towel around his waste [sic]. After a short period of time, Epstein removed the towel and rolled over exposing his penis. Epstein began to masturbate and he sexually assaulted Jane. • After Epstein had completed the assault, Jane was then able to get dressed, leave the room and go back down the stairs. Jane was paid $200 by Epstein. The young girl who recruited Jane was paid $100 by Epstein for bringing Jane to him. As a result of this encounter with Epstein, Jane experi- enced confusion, shame, humiliation and embarrassment, and has suffered severe psychological and emotional injuries. 194 Jeffrey Epstein: June 30, 2 n June 30, 2008, more Officer Pagan's investig; age girls, Jeffrey Epsti County jail. A few days earlier, Epstein New York Times. At the time, I. (the line having long since blu Saint Jeff's. "I respect the legal process by this." He'd spent years fighting then the federal government, in would have seen him emerge battle had aged him. Mellowed 1- all but boasted to a journalist fr 1 TERSON lascivious and sexual acts, aching the girl's vagina. rig plan and scheme, Jane Doe massage for monetary com- !o Epstein's mansion in Palm fane was introduced to Sarah t of stairs to the room with the ostein told Jane to take off her ge. Jane kept her panties and pstein's instructions. Epstein laste [sic]. After a short period owel and rolled over exposing masturbate and he sexually ted the assault, Jane was then room and go back down the Epstein. The young girl who by Epstein for bringing Jane to 'ter with Epstein, Jane experi- iation and embarrassment, and :al and emotional injuries. 194 CHAPTER SI Jeffrey Epstein: June 30, 2008 0 n June 30, 2008, more than three years after the start of Officer Pagan's investigation into his dealings with under- age girls, Jeffrey Epstein reported to the Palm Beach County jail. A few days earlier, Epstein had taken a phone call from the New York Times. At the time, he'd been working, or vacationing (the line having long since blurred), at his compound on Little Saint Jeff's. "I respect the legal process," Epstein had said. "I will abide by this." He'd spent years fighting the charges—fighting the state, then the federal government, in an effort to avoid a sentence that would have seen him emerge from prison an old man. But the battle had aged him. Mellowed him, even. Months earlier, he had all but boasted to a journalist from New York magazine. 195 JAMES PATTERSON "It's the Icarus story, someone who flies too close to the sun," that journalist said in reference to "the agony" of Epstein's legal "ordeal." "Did Icarus like massages?" Epstein responded. But after Epstein's indictment, there were no more boasts. For the most part, he kept silent in public and retreated into his Eyes Wide Shut world. And when the New York Times did manage to get him to speak on the record, he spoke like a chastened man. Sitting on his patio down on Little St. James, Epstein likened himself to the shipwrecked Gulliver after he washes ashore on Lilliput. "Gulliver's playfulness had unintended consequences," he said. On the eve of his departure, he had a few more things to say: "That is what happens with wealth. There are unexpected burdens as well as benefits...." "Your body can be confined, but not your mind...." "I am not blameless...." Outside of the agreement he'd signed with the prosecutor's office, this was the closest Epstein had come to admitting his guilt. But strange details were sprinkled throughout the story. He had formed a "board of directors of friends" who would coun- sel him on his behavior. And, seemingly for the first time, he'd hired a full-time masseur—a man. Readers of the New York Times might have wondered: Epstein was going to jail for eighteen months. What need would he have for a full-time masseur? The story's last line hinted at the answer: in preparation for incarceration, Epstein had set up an e-mail alert. From then on, his automatic reply would read "On vacation." 196 TERSON PART V Incarceration who flies too close to the sun," o "the agony" of Epstein's legal pstein responded. it, there were no more boasts. in public and retreated into his the New York Times did manage , he spoke like a chastened man. Little St. James, Epstein likened liver after he washes ashore on intended consequences," he said. le had a few more things to say: wealth. There are unexpected but not your mind...." signed with the prosecutor's Lein had come to admitting his sprinkled throughout the story. :ors of friends" who would coun- eemingly for the first time, he'd an. es might have wondered: Epstein mths. What need would he have at the answer: in preparation for p an e-mail alert. reply would read "On vacation." 96 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 *et Sheriff Ric Bradshaw: June 0 ur job," says Ric Bradsl killed him." Sheriff Bradshaw co Western. Imposingly tall, witt mustache, and slow, southern old-school law officer— the ki] 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, fidget But here in his wood-panele Gun Club, Bradshaw remembers ,' "We have a thousand sexua says. When he arrived here, he i 20 LTTERSON :ing their way to the courthouse, .nder, and an appearance before )oner, if only they can make bail. fey—or at least collateral—and, is often what lands people in jail )osted 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 ig transferred seven miles up the location: the Palm Beach County r, as it's known, the Stockade. a a serial killer," Ric Bradshaw says. are addicts who take part in drug ltes, petty criminals, and drunks. in to be, and, unlike other inmates g held in solitary), he'll end up with 1 wing, which he has to himself. security guard, who sits outside the allowed any number of visitors. an extraordinary benefits package. radshaw, who also oversees the Stock- rer 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 FIJ 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 met a suave short-haired ge) French accent. That would be Jean-Luc For the duration of Jeffre the Stockade, Brunel's taken Brillo Way. 2( 'ATTERSON FILTHY RICH Jure the general population is not 1. that Epstein is a sex offender of his alleged crimes, Bradshaw's liction was for a "low-level felony." ttorneys— a request that is con- pstein is quickly granted "work