erally that which has already been charged at the state level. After considering the quality of the evidence and the additional considerations, prosecutors concluded that the state charge was insufficient. In early summer 2007, the prosecutors and agents in this case met with Mr. Epstein's attorney, Roy Black. Mr. Black is perhaps best known for his successful defense of William 207 JAMES PATTERSON FI1 Kennedy Smith. The prosecutors presented Epstein a choice: plead to more serious state felony charges (that would result in 2 years' imprisonment, registration as a sexual offender, and restitution for the victims) or else prepare for a federal felony trial. What followed was a year-long assault on the prose- cution and the prosecutors. I use the word assault inten- tionally, as the defense in this case was more aggressive than any which I, or the prosecutors in my office, had previously encountered. Mr. Epstein hired an army of legal superstars: Harvard Professor Alan Dershowitz, for- mer Judge and then Pepperdine Law Dean Kenneth Starr, former Deputy Assistant to the President and then Kirk- land & Ellis Partner Jay Lefkowitz, and several others, including prosecutors who had formerly worked in the U.S. Attorney's Office and in the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Justice Department. Defense attorneys next requested a meeting with me to challenge the prosecution and the terms previously presented by the prosecutors in their meeting with Mr. Black. The prosecution team and I met with defense counsel in Fall 2007, and I reaffirmed the office's position: two years, registration and restitution, or trial. Over the next several months, the defense team pre- sented argument after argument claiming that felony criminal proceedings against Epstein were unsupported by the evidence and lacked a basis in law, and that the office's insistence on jail-time was motivated by a zeal to overcharge a man merely because he is wealthy. They bolstered their arguments with legal opinions from 208 well-known legal expert team warned me that thE good man to serve time• book if we continued tc office systematically con! ment, and when we di appealed to Washington.. The defense strategy Defense counsel investiga their families, looking for provide a basis for disqual ecutor is an effective (th. eliminating the individua and thus most qualified to lihood for success. Defens. least two prosecutors. I rejected, these arguments. Despite the army of att the terms first presented meeting. On June 30, 2008 appeal to Washington D.( guilty in state court. He Av onment, register as a sexua restitution to the victims. Some may feel that the] tougher. Evidence that has encourage that view. Mary; out, filing detailed statemen ages. Physical evidence has these additional statements 2, kTTERSON .cutors presented Epstein a ,us state felony charges (that prisonment, registration as a ition for the victims) or else trial. ar-long assault on the prose- . I use the word assault inten- his case was more aggressive 3rosecutors in my office, had Ir. Epstein hired an army of rofessor Alan Dershowitz, for- dine Law Dean Kenneth Starr, ) the President and then Kirk- _efkowitz, and several others, 3 had formerly worked in the in the Child Exploitation and Justice Department. Defense meeting with me to challenge terms previously presented by meeting with Mr. Black. The .et with defense counsel in Fall ae office's position: two years, n, or trial. months, the defense team pre- .rgument claiming that felony tinst Epstein were unsupported :ed a basis in law, and that the time was motivated by a zeal to .y because he is wealthy. They nts with legal opinions from 208 FILTHY RICH well-known legal experts. One member of the defense team warned me that the office's excess zeal in forcing a good man to serve time in jail might be the subject of a book if we continued to proceed with the matter. My office systematically considered and rejected each argu- ment, and when we did, my office's decisions were appealed to Washington. As to the warning, I ignored it. The defense strategy was not limited to legal issues. Defense counsel investigated individual prosecutors and their families, looking for personal peccadilloes that may provide a basis for disqualification. Disqualifying a pros- ecutor is an effective (though rarely used) strategy, as eliminating the individuals most familiar with the facts and thus most qualified to take a case to trial harms like- lihood for success. Defense counsel tried to disqualify at least two prosecutors. I carefully reviewed, and then rejected, these arguments. Despite the army of attorneys, the office held firm to the terms first presented to Mr. Black in the original meeting. On June 30, 2008, after yet another last minute appeal to Washington D.C. was rejected, Epstein pled guilty in state court. He was to serve 18 months impris- onment, register as a sexual offender for life, and provide restitution to the victims. Some may feel that the prosecution should have been tougher. Evidence that has come to light since 2007 may encourage that view. Many victims have since spoken out, filing detailed statements in civil cases seeking dam- ages. Physical evidence has since been discovered. Had these additional statements and evidence been known, 209 JAMES PATTERSON the outcome may have been different. But they were not known to us at the time. A prosecution decision must be based on admissible facts known at the time. In cases of this type, those are unusually difficult because victims are frightened and often decline to testify or if they do speak, they give con- tradictory statements. Our judgment in this case, based on the evidence known at the time, was that it was better to have a billionaire serve time in jail, register as a sex offender, and pay his victims restitution than risk a trial with a reduced likelihood of success. I supported that judgment then, and based on the state law as it then stood and the evidence known at the time, I would support that judgment again. Epstein's treatment, while in state custody, likewise may encourage the view that the office should have been tougher. Although the terms of confinement in a state prison are a matter appropriately left to the State of Flor- ida, and not federal authorities, without doubt, the treat- ment that he received while in state custody undermined the purpose of a jail sentence. Some may also believe that the prosecution should have been tougher in retaliation for the defense's tactics. The defense, arguably, often failed to negotiate in good faith. They would obtain concessions as part of a negotia- tion and agree to proceed, only to change their minds, and appeal the office's position to Washington. The inves- tigations into the family lives of individual prosecutors were, in my opinion, uncalled for, as were the accusations of bias and/or misconduct against individual prosecutors. 210 F. At times, some prosecut trial, and at times I felt t right in the first meetin spective of defense tacti tional right to a defense right should not be puni: sel's exercise of their ri Washington D.C. Proseci frustration and anger wi their judgment. After the plea, I reca One was from the FBI Sp( to offer congratulations. meetings regarding this c of the defense, and he cat holding firm against the 1 itz, Lefkowitz and Starr. received calls or commun itz, Lefkowitz and Starr. I als previously, from my Kirkland & Ellis in the m peace. I agreed to talk am Epstein pled guilty, as I tors battle defense attorne have tried, yet I confess ti: fully in this case. The bottom line is this:• served time in jail and is m He has been required to pa) restitution clearly cannot c )ATTERSON FILTHY RICH n different. But they were not must be based on admissible -1 cases of this type, those are e victims are frightened and they do speak, they give con- • judgment in this case, based [he time, was that it was better time in jail, register as a sex ms restitution than risk a trial I of success. I supported that on the state law as it then stood the time, I would support that •hue in state custody, likewise hat the office should have been rms of confinement in a state Driately left to the State of Flor- rities, without doubt, the treat- le in state custody undermined nce. Te that the prosecution should illation for the defense's tactics. ten failed to negotiate in good zoncessions as part of a negotia- d, only to change their minds, ;Won to Washington. The inves- lives of individual prosecutors filed for, as were the accusations . t against individual prosecutors. 2.10 At times, some prosecutors felt that we should just go to trial, and at times I felt that frustration myself. What was right in the first meeting, however, remained right irre- spective of defense tactics. Individuals have a constitu- tional right to a defense. The aggressive exercise of that right should not be punished, nor should a defense coun- sel's exercise of their right to appeal a U.S Attorney to Washington D.C. Prosecutors must be careful not to allow frustration and anger with defense counsel to influence their judgment. After the plea, I recall receiving several phone calls. One was from the FBI Special Agent-In-Charge. He called to offer congratulations. He had been at many of the meetings regarding this case. He was aware of the tactics of the defense, and he called to praise our prosecutors for holding firm against the likes of Messrs. Black, Dershow- itz, Lefkowitz and Starr. It was a proud moment. I also received calls or communications from Messrs. Dershow- itz, Lefkowitz and Starr. I had known all three individu- als previously, from my time in law school and at Kirkland & Ellis in the mid 90s. They all sought to make peace. I agreed to talk and meet with each of them after Epstein pled guilty, as I think it important that prosecu- tors battle defense attorneys in a case and then move on. I have tried, yet I confess that this has been difficult to do fully in this case. The bottom line is this: Mr. Jeffrey Epstein, a billionaire, served time in jail and is now a registered sexual offender. He has been required to pay his victims restitution, though restitution clearly cannot compensate for the crime. And 211 JAMES PATTERSON we know much more today about his crimes because vic- tims have come forward to speak out. Some may disagree with prosecutorial judgments made in this case, but those individuals are not the ones who at the time reviewed the evidence available for trial and assessed the likelihood of success. Respectfully, R. Alexander Acosta Former U.S. Attorney Southern District of Florida 212 PATTERSON y about his crimes because vic- ) speak out. Some may disagree nents made in this case, but )t the ones who at the time iilable for trial and assessed the • Respectfully, R. Alexander Acosta Former U.S. Attorney Southern District of Florida PART VI Aftermath CHAPTER 56 Jeffrey Epstein: July 2009 effrey Epstein walks out of the Stockade on July 21, 2009, having served less than thirteen months of his eighteen-month sentence. One of the concessions his lawyers have gotten while working out his plea-deal guarantees is that the media not be alerted to the time and day of his departure. But from now on, Epstein, who is fifty-six, will carry the mark of a level 3 sex offender—level 1 being the lowest, and level 3 indicating the highest possible risk of a future criminal act of a sexual nature. Wherever he goes, he will be forced to reg- ister as such. Every ninety days, Epstein will have to check in with the authorities. Every year, the New York City Police Department will take his mug shot. And for a full year, Epstein will be under house arrest in Palm Beach. This last prohibition doesn't stop him from flying, with court 215 JAMES PATTERSON approval, on his own planes to New York and to Little Saint Jeff's, where the locals have taken to referring to Epstein's 727 as the Lolita Express. There are other restrictions, of course, that Epstein is sup- posed to abide by. He has to provide the state of Florida with a list of all the motor vehicles, boats, and airplanes he owns. The full list includes two Escalades, six Suburbans, two Ford F-150s, two Harley-Davidsons, a Land Rover, a Hummer H2, a thirty- four-foot JVC boat, and a thirty-five-foot Donzi powerboat. Three of his five planes turn out to be registered to a com- pany called Air Ghislaine, Inc. As a registered sex offender, Epstein is legally obliged to undergo psychiatric treatment. This is a restriction he'll get around by having his own psychologist submit a report to law enforcement officers. Epstein is also prohibited from accessing pornography on the Internet and using social networking for sexual purposes. For Jeffrey Epstein, there will be no Bangbros, Tinder, or Swingles. com. There will be lawsuits. Six weeks before probation ends, he settles with seven women who sue him in civil court. But Epstein can easily afford the set- tlement payments. He won't be going back to jail, and in regard to further prosecution for any criminal actions, his troubles are behind him. Not everyone who's spent time in his company will be so lucky. 216 Alfredo Rodriguez: Aug E pstein's houseman, Al prison sentence. In a sworn statem maid, Lupita, who had corni up after Epstein's "massagec lic, had cried as she describe Rodriguez was fired by I after seeing a strange car-- As it turned out, the ca masseuses. On his way out of the hc i, of Epstein's papers, which he by Chief Reiter's investigator. For years, Rodriguez trio manager. No one wanted tc TTERSON Few York and to Little Saint Jeff's, referring to Epstein's 727 as the , of course, that Epstein is sup- ovide the state of Florida with a )ats, and airplanes he owns. The six Suburbans, two Ford F-150s, Rover, a Hummer H2, a thirty- Eive-foot Donzi powerboat. .n out to be registered to a corn- er, Epstein is legally obliged to t. This is a restriction he'll get Tchologist submit a report to law from accessing pornography on etworking for sexual purposes. will be no Bangbros, Tinder, or ends, he settles with seven women t Epstein can easily afford the set- e going back to jail, and in regard criminal actions, his troubles are time in his company will be so 216 CHAPTER 57 Alfredo Rodriguez: August 2009 Epstein's houseman, Alfredo Rodriguez, also ends up with a prison sentence. In a sworn statement, Rodriguez talks about Epstein's maid, Lupita, who had complained to him about having to clean up after Epstein's "massages." Lupita, who was a devout Catho- lic, had cried as she described the stained towel and sex toys. Rodriguez was fired by Epstein, he says, when he called 911 after seeing a strange car— a "beater" —in Epstein's driveway. As it turned out, the car had belonged to one of Epstein's masseuses. On his way out of the house on El Brillo Way, he took some of Epstein's papers, which he failed to produce when questioned by Chief Reiter's investigators. For years, Rodriguez tried and failed to find work as a house manager. No one wanted to hire someone who'd worked for JAMES PATTERSON Fr u Jeffrey Epstein. Finally, desperately, he tried to sell the informa- tion he'd stolen. The papers named underage girls and the places where Epstein had taken them. The list included locations in Califor- nia, Paris, New Mexico, New York, and Michigan. The papers also included the names, addresses, and phone numbers of famous individuals—Henry Kissinger, Mick Jagger, Dustin Hoff- man, Ralph Fiennes, David Koch, Ted Kennedy, Donald Trump, Bill Richardson, Bill Clinton, and former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak among them. This was intriguing, if not at all damning. Epstein made a habit of collecting such information for future use. But informa- tion pertaining to the girls would have bolstered the state's case against Jeffrey Epstein, and by withholding it from the Palm Beach PD and the FBI, Rodriguez had committed a crime. In his defense, Rodriguez would say that the papers were an "insurance policy." Without them, he believed, Epstein would have made him "disappear." But now Rodriguez needed the money. And so a few weeks after Epstein's release from the Stockade, he approached a lawyer who was representing some of Epstein's masseuses. He had the "holy grail," he insisted. A ."golden nugget." The names of hun- dreds of girls, he said, who had been abused by Epstein. The lawyer told Rodriguez in no uncertain terms that he was obliged to turn whatever he had over to the authorities. By demanding money for the information, Rodriguez was commit- ting another crime. According to a sworn statement by Christina Pryor, a special, agent with the FBI, Rodriguez "persisted that he would only turn over the information in his possession in exchange for $50,000." 218 Two months later, on Octobe. who insisted once more on 13( lawyer told him that an associ What the lawyer knew one the associate in question was. the FBI. A few days later, on? guez and sets up a meeting, wl "During the meeting, Roc book and several sheets of legs ten notes," Special Agent Pryo continues: Rodriguez explained that he his former employer's resid 2004 to 2005 and that the bo working for his former emp detail the information within ant information to the UCE. I; he had previously lied to the. about the $50,000, took posse counting it. Rodriguez was then detat Proceedings, Title 18, U.S. Co tioned. After Miranda warning Rodriguez waived his rights a those rights. Rodriguez admiti and book in his possession am to local law enforcement or th 21 PATTERSON FILTHY RICH -ately, he tried to sell the informa- rage girls and the places where list included locations in Califor- • York, and Michigan. The papers ldresses, and phone numbers of :issinger, Mick Jagger, Dustin Hoff- Dch, Ted Kennedy, Donald Trump, and former Israeli prime minister A at all damning. Epstein made a nation for future use. But informa- mild have bolstered the state's case by withholding it from the Palm ;uez had committed a crime. would say that the papers were an them, he believed, Epstein would ed the money. And so a few weeks Le Stockade, he approached a lawyer of Epstein's masseuses. He had the golden nugget." The names of hun- ad been abused by Epstein. :z in no uncertain terms that he was Le had over to the authorities. By formation, Rodriguez was commit tement by Christina Pryor, a special :z "persisted that he would only turn ossession in exchange for $50,000." 218 * * * Two months later, on October 28, the lawyer called Rodriguez, who insisted once more on being paid for the information. The lawyer told him that an associate would be in touch. What the lawyer knew and Rodriguez did not know was that the associate in question was an undercover employee (UCE) of the FBI. A few days later, on November 2, the UCE calls Rodri- guez and sets up a meeting, which takes place the following day. "During the meeting, Rodriguez produced a small bound book and several sheets of legal pad paper containing handwrit- ten notes," Special Agent Pryor would say in her statement. She continues: Rodriguez explained that he had taken the bound book from his former employer's residence while employed there in 2004 to 2005 and that the book had been created by persons working for his former employer. Rodriguez discussed in detail the information within the book and identified import- ant information to the UCE. In addition, Rodriguez admitted he had previously lied to the FBI. Rodriguez asked the UCE about the $50,000, took possession of the money, and began counting it. Rodriguez was then detained for Obstruction of Official Proceedings, Title 18, US. Code, Section 1512(c), and ques- tioned. After Miranda warnings were administered by agents, Rodriguez waived his rights and signed a written waiver of those rights. Rodriguez admitted that he had the documents and book in his possession and had never turned them over to local law enforcement or the FBI. In addition, Rodriguez 219 JAMES PATTERSON advised he had witnessed nude girls whom he believed were underage at the pool area of his former employer's home, knew that his former employer was engaging in sexual con- tact with underage girls, and had viewed pornographic images of underage girls on computers in his employer's home. Rodriguez was then released from custody for further investigation. The items that Rodriguez had attempted to sell to the UCE for $50,000.00 were reviewed by an agent familiar with the underlying criminal investigation. As Rodriguez had described, the items contained information material to the underlying investigation that would have been extremely use- ful in investigatang] and prosecuting the case, including the names and contact information of material witnesses and additional victims. Had those items been produced in response to the inquiries of the state law enforcement officers or the FBI Special Agents, their contents would have been presented to the federal grand jury. Following his release, Alfredo Rodriguez was arrested again. He appeared in court on June 1.8, 2010, facing charges of cor- ruptly concealing records and documents. Dressed in a blue jumpsuit and shackles, he apologized for his crimes and asked the court to be merciful. He received a sentence of eighteen months. It was the same punishment that Jeffrey Epstein had gotten for his crimes. But unlike Epstein, Alfredo Rodriguez served his time in a federal prison and did not ask for, or receive, permis- sion to go on work release. 220 Prince Andrew: 2011 p rince Andrew also fares imprisonment. The two men are old I Ghislaine Maxwell introducedi time in the 1990s. In 2000, Ep5 Castle to celebrate the queen's h flew to Sandringham, the queei a party Prince Andrew threw for The prince had also visited Palm Beach as well as in New Roberts made in her 2015 decla asked her to give the prince wi back with the details. According to the Guardian, tied together at Windsor Castle, 2; 'ATTERSON de girls whom he believed were If his former employer's home, ,er was engaging in sexual con- lnd had viewed pornographic n computers in his employer's _4eased from custody for further ez had attempted to sell to the viewed by an agent familiar with .vestigation. As Rodriguez had led information material to the t would have been extremely use- -osecuting the case, including the ltion of material witnesses and those items been produced in he state law enforcement officers their contents would have been rid jury. redo Rodriguez was arrested again. le 18, 2010, facing charges of cor- nd documents. Dressed in a blue )ologized for his crimes and asked eighteen months. lent that Jeffrey Epstein had gotten istein, Alfredo Rodriguez served his did not ask for, or receive, permis- 220 CHAPTER 58 Prince Andrew: 2011 p rince Andrew also fares poorly in the wake of Epstein's imprisonment. The two men are old friends. They have been ever since Ghislaine Maxwell introduced the prince to her then-beau, some- time in the 1990s. In 2000, Epstein had been invited to Windsor Castle to celebrate the queen's birthday. Six months later, Epstein flew to Sandringham, the queen's estate in Norfolk, England, for a party Prince Andrew threw for Ghislaine's thirty-ninth birthday. The prince had also visited Epstein on several occasions, in Palm Beach as well as in New York. And if allegations Virginia Roberts made in her 2015 declaration are to be believed, Epstein asked her to give the prince whatever he required, then report back with the details. According to the Guardian, Epstein and the prince had par- tied together at Windsor Castle, in Saint-Tropez, and in Thailand, 221 JAMES PATTERSON Fi L where "Andrew was pictured on a yacht surrounded by topless women." According to Roberts's lawsuit, Epstein had forced her into the prince's bed on Little Saint Jeff's. After Epstein's conviction, the British press were using another name for Little Saint Jeff's: Sex Island. The Guardian reported that the manager of two Virgin Islands—based corporations owned by Epstein happened to be the wife of the governor of the Virgin Islands. There were allegations involving a million-dollar dona- tion that Epstein had made to the governor's reelection cam- paign. And then there was Roberts's claim that she had been forced to have sex with the prince on the island as well as in New York and in London. Invariably, the photograph of Prince Andrew with his arm around the bare midriff of a very young-looking Virginia Rob- erts ran with stories that appeared in the tabloids. "It is emphatically denied that the Duke of York had any form of sexual contact or relationship" with Roberts, Buckingham Palace spokespersons would say. "The allegations made are false and without any foundation." The prince's ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, while on a skiing trip with the prince and their daughter Euge- nie in Switzerland, told reporters, "He is the greatest man there is. It was the finest moment of my life in 1986 when I married him. He is a great man, the best in the world." "I won't stand by—because I know what it feels like to have salacious lies made up about you—and not support him so pub- licly because they are just shockingly accusatory allegations, 222 which I don't think is right," .5 viewed by Today host Matt La and as a great father and a h- work he does for Britain I w( character defamed to this leve But at the same time, a c( good man's fall from grace, a out of the woodwork to dish t( "I've seen him treat his st said a former aide to the princ( personal protection officers, ground and demanding they ' graces at all. Sure, if you're a la then I bet he's utterly charminl Despite all this, the prince had a photo, frequently trotted out l strolling in Central Park. Some few months before it businessman had secretly tap( five hundred thousand pounds "If you want to meet him ir "look after me, and he'll look aft "Once again," she said aft Pounded and rebounded and als most in the world: the Duke." Prince Andrew had had hi5 real estate deals, sticky roman. ment dumps (courtesy of Julia' 2. 1/4TTERSON FILTHY RICH n a yacht surrounded by topless mit, Epstein had forced her into eff's. British press were using another x Island. The Guardian reported slands—based corporations owned wife of the governor of the Virgin ; involving a million-dollar dona- o the governor's reelection cam- Dberts's claim that she had been rince on the island as well as in of Prince Andrew with his arm very young-looking Virginia Rob- ired in the tabloids. hat the Duke of York had any form ship" with Roberts, Buckingham ay. "The allegations made are false h Ferguson, the Duchess of York, e prince and their daughter Euge- ters, "He is the greatest man there )f my life in 1986 when I married st in the world." se I know what it feels like to have 70U-and not support him so pub- thockingly accusatory allegations, 222 which I don't think is right," she said a few days later when inter- viewed by Today host Matt Lauer. "It's a defamation of character, and as a great father and a humongously good man and all the work he does for Britain I won't stand by and let him have his character defamed to this level." But at the same time, a certain schadenfreude attended the good man's fall from grace, and former associates kept coming out of the woodwork to dish to the press. "I've seen him treat his staff in a shocking, appalling way," said a former aide to the prince. "He's been incredibly rude to his personal protection officers, literally throwing things on the ground and demanding they 'fucking pick them up.' No social graces at all. Sure, if you're a lady with blond hair and big boobs, then I bet he's utterly charming." Despite all this, the prince had stuck by Epstein. There was even a photo, frequently trotted out by the tabloids, of the two of them strolling in Central Park. Some few months before it was taken, a reporter posing as a businessman had secretly taped Sarah Ferguson's demand for five hundred thousand pounds in return for access to the prince. "If you want to meet him in your business," she'd said then, "look after me, and he'll look after you. You'll get it back tenfold." "Once again," she said afterward, "my errors have com- pounded and rebounded and also impacted on the man I admire inost in the world: the Duke." Prince Andrew had had his troubles already—with shady real estate deals, sticky romances, highly embarrassing docu- ment dumps (courtesy of Julian Assange and WikiLeaks), and 223 JAMES PATTERSON i*t questionable ties to Tunisian oligarchs, corrupt presidents of former Soviet republics, and Mu'ammar Gadhafi, among other entanglements, many of which were explored in a Vanity Fair article headlined THE TROUBLE WITH ANDREW. "The duke has a record of being loyal to his friends," a "royal source" told Vanity Fair's Edward Klein. "Take his feelings for Sarah Ferguson. If you are a prince and you bring a woman into the royal life and, for whatever reasons, she's spit out, you might have feelings of debt toward her. The duke feels that she's been spattered and rejected. His close relationship with the Duchess of York is problematic, and there have been many problems over the last 5 to 10 years, all of which stem from the duchess. Some of the behavior of the duchess is inconsistent with being mar- ried to, or an ex-wife of, the duke. There's no question but that Sarah's been a financially self-destructive element in the• duke's life." "The same kind of loyalty manifested itself last December, when the duke visited Epstein at his home in New York," said a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace. "Epstein was a friend of the duke's for the best part of 20 years. It was the first time in four years that he'd seen Epstein. He now recognizes that the meeting in December was unwise." "Don't expect to see a photo of the two of them together," 4. another "royal source" would say. But one more story about the prince's dealings with Jeffrey Epstein had already emerged. At a dinner party at Epstein's town house, the prince dished about the wedding of his nephew Prince William to Kate Middleton. "He was amused that his dinner companions were so inter 224 ested in every detail," a g gossip columnist. "Whe Queen wear, would his e; Other guests in atten( dler, George Stephanopo Woody Allen. At around the same t Post, "I'm not a sexual pi ence between a murderer Was it so remarkable that in Epstein's company? Ar fodder for years. Randy A the circles that Jeffrey E seen as a vice. Epstein cal lation took hold on Wall were charging ten thousal you'd see things that woi that would make Nero hi guisher. When the urge didn't have to swap wives. They could simply swe By the same token, wa: like the prince would ha. insofar as reality is even a odd that he thought it wa5 raphers strolling through offender—when at the tin ing, and trading industri LTTERSON FILTHY RICH pligarchs, corrupt presidents of Eu'ammar Gadhafi, among other were explored in a Vanity Fair TH ANDREW. eing loyal to his friends," a "royal ard Klein. "Take his feelings for ince and you bring a woman into reasons, she's spit out, you might er. The duke feels that she's been se relationship with the Duchess re have been many problems over tich stem from the duchess. Some s is inconsistent with being mar- Luke. There's no question but that -destructive element in the .duke's r manifested itself last December, 1. at his home in New York," said a n Palace. "Epstein was a friend of f 20 years. It was the first time in ;tein. He now recognizes that the Arise." Low of the two of them together," say. t the prince's dealings with Jeffrey town house, the prince dish nephew Prince William to Ka ; dinner companions were so in 224 ested in every detail," a guest in attendance told a New York Post gossip columnist. "What would Kate wear, what would the Queen wear, would his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson be invited?" Other guests in attendance that night included Chelsea Han- dler, George Stephanopoulos,. Charlie Rose, Katie Couric, and Woody Allen. At around the same time, Jeffrey Epstein told the New York Post, "I'm not a sexual predator, I'm an 'offender.' It's the differ- ence between a murderer and a person who steals a bagel." Was it so remarkable that Prince Andrew would have been seen in Epstein's company? Andrew's philandering had been tabloid fodder for years. Randy Andy, they called him in the UK. And in the circles that Jeffrey Epstein moved in, philandering wasn't seen as a vice. Epstein came of age just as industrywide deregu- lation took hold on Wall Street. Junk bonds were king. Call girls were charging ten thousand dollars a night. And in the shadows, you'd see things that would have made Caligula blush. Sights that would make Nero himself reach for the nearest fire extin- guisher. When the urge presented itself, the new super rich didn't have to swap wives. They could simply swap harems. By the same token, was it so very strange to think that a man like the prince would have grown so detached from reality— insofar as reality is even a word that applies to a prince? Was it odd that he thought it was absolutely fine to be seen by photog- raphers strolling through Central Park with a registered sex offender— when at the time large swaths of the financial, bank- ing, and trading industries were characterized by their very 225 JAMES PATTERSON detachment from day-to-day concerns such as morality, ethics, and appearances? As for Jeffrey Epstein, one question that might be worth ask- ing is, if he's in fact a narcissist and megalomaniac, could he actually believe that he's innocent? Then again, that might be the wrong question. Epstein did plead guilty, after all. But what if he simply doesn't see what he pleaded to as a crime? What if he's proud of his lifestyle? And if that's the case, why wouldn't Prince Andrew be proud to be seen in public with his dear friend Jeffrey Epstein? What if, for people like Epstein and the prince, it's just ser- vants and masters, the way of the world? They're natural winners — aristocrats, after all— and if life were fair, well, how would we know who the real winners are? 11 226 Anna Salter: Novembf hy do powerful and Prince And Dr. Anna Si sionally. Educated at Harv; psychology, she spoke, wit] Epstein and others like him "Consider a car," says are brakes. We all have se, be a good idea to act on. /‘ behavior. We have good br. "Sexual offenses and in. times the result of a bad r prepubescent children or e children as opposed to po! always the result of bad bra 'ATTERSON oncerns such as morality, ethics, luestion that might be worth ask- >ist and megalomaniac, could he nt? Then again, that might be the ead guilty, after all. But what if he .aded to as a crime? What if he's rat's the case, why wouldn't Prince public with his dear friend Jeffrey )stein and the prince, it's just ser- e world? They're natural winners — lie were fair, well, how would we 226 CHAPTER 59 Anna Salter: November 2015 hy do powerful men do the things that Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew have been accused of doing? Dr. Anna Salter studies child sex offenders profes- sionally. Educated at Harvard, with a graduate degree in clinical psychology, she spoke, with the benefit of hindsight, about Jeffrey Epstein and others like him from her office in Madison, Wisconsin. "Consider a car," says Dr. Salter. "There's a motor, and there are brakes. We all have sexual impulses we don't think it would be a good idea to act on. Most of us have good control over our behavior. We have good brakes. "Sexual offenses and inappropriate sexual behavior are some- times the result of a bad motor—for example, an attraction to Prepubescent children or eleven-to-fourteen-year-old pubescent children as opposed to postpubescent individuals. But they are always the result of bad brakes. 227 on young girls delude then will not harm the child. TI medicated it with thinking pathic and simply don't caz can't say anything about Ei but narcissism and psychop look at concerning anyone N4 bescent individuals but wh teens. "Psychopaths are often seekers who are bored if not manipulate. They do not estE "They are callous and r( don't feel bad about harming "Rules don't apply to th They are sure they won't get JAMES PATTERSON "Antisocial psychopaths don't have brakes at all." Dr. Salter has never met Epstein, but she's followed his case closely and finds him a familiar type. She's especially struck by the singular nature of the relationship between powerful, wealthy men and vulnerable, underage women. "[The men] are more impressive to a fourteen-year-old [girl] than to, say, an adult young woman who is self-supporting and feels more sure of herself," she explains. "They are attracted to what they call freshness—barely bud- ding sexuality and lack of sexual experience. The difference between them and their victims feeds their ego. "Great wealth and access are generally factors that make men feel they are entitled to whomever and whatever they want. Some have narcissistic personalities with inflated self-images. And of course, great wealth and status make such men think they can get away with it. Too often, they're right." On the other hand, Dr. Salter believes that certain condi- tions, such as the ones exhibited by Jeffrey Epstein, might be an inborn character trait. Personality can be influenced, sometimes quite heavily, by genetics. "Virtually no one believes anymore that humans are born a totally blank slate," she explains. "We arrive with temperamental and personality variations that, of course, the environment can often, but not always, influ- ence. We arrive with baggage." Is Epstein a born psychopath, then? "Psychopathy is the umbrella term for individuals who do not have a conscience. Pyschopaths are often narcissistic, but nar- cissists are often not psychopathic. Some individuals who prey 228 TTERSON ft have brakes at all." stein, but she's followed his case r type. She's especially struck by mship between powerful, wealthy women. :ssive to a fourteen-year-old [girl oman who is self-supporting and explains. they call freshness—barely bud- exual experience. The difference Is feeds their ego. re generally factors that make men .ver and whatever they want. Some 5 with inflated self-images. And of us make such men think they can Ley're right." Salter believes that certain condi- ited by Jeffrey Epstein, might be an nced, sometimes quite heavily, by anymore that humans are born a ains. •amental and personality variatio nent can often, but not always, i )path, then? rella term for individuals who do,_ paths are often narcissistic, but Lopathic. Some individuals who 228 FILTHY RICH on young girls delude themselves into thinking that the abuse will not harm the child. They have a conscience, but they have medicated it with thinking errors. Others are flat-out psycho- pathic and simply don't care if it hurts the young girl or not. I can't say anything about Epstein, as I have not evaluated him, but narcissism and psychopathy are concepts an evaluator would look at concerning anyone who was sexually attracted to postpu- bescent individuals but who then began to focus on younger teens. "Psychopaths are often superficially charming, high-stimulus seekers who are bored if not doing something. They lie, con, and manipulate. They do not establish deep affective ties. "They are callous and remorseless individuals who simply don't feel bad about harming someone. "Rules don't apply to them because they are exceptional. They are sure they won't get caught." 229 CHAPTER 60 Jeffrey Epstein: July 2010 I. effrey Epstein was done with jail, but he wasn't done settling suits brought by his victims. Under the conditions of his non-prosecution agreement, he's even paid for the victims' lawyers. Still, Epstein's NPA seemed to ensure that he would not be prosecuted again for his crimes. Double jeopardy was work- ing in Epstein's favor. But in July of 2010, reports began to appear in the press: federal investigators were following other leads— leads that could result in child-trafficking charges and a twenty-year sentence. The Florida attorney general's office refused to comment. It was against policy to confirm or deny the existence of an ongo- ing investigation. One of Epstein's lawyers told the Daily Beast that he had no knowledge of such an investigation. "Jeffrey Epstein has fully complied with all state and federal require-,, ments that arise from the prior proceedings in Palm Beach," Jack 230 Goldberger said. "There; not and should not be Epstein's complete fulfillm agreement with the feder If there was an invest the moment, Epstein was to intellectual pursuits. 1 Science.com, that featun with Jeffrey Epstein," "TI Jeffrey Epstein," "Why Epstein," and "An Under Jeffrey Epstein." The latt. Epstein takes you to the knowledge to explore an the subtle, simple, and hic universe." "Jeffrey doesn't know shit art collector who has know "Does he like to act like he these academic scientists— have any money." Other friends of Epstei liant mind for science. AnC than sponsor individual sc ences on Little Saint Jeff's. ference called Mindshift at theoretical physicist Murra geon.s, engineers, and futi CHAPTER 60 th jail, but he wasn't done settling ms. Under the conditions of his a, he's even paid for the victims' emed to ensure that he would not Imes. Double jeopardy was work- Ely of 2010, reports began to appear tors were following other leads — child-trafficking charges and a raPs office refused to comment. It or deny the existence of an ongo- stein's lawyers told the Daily Beast of such an investigation. "Jeffrey with all state and federal require - or proceedings in Palm Beach," Jack 230 FILTHY RICH Goldberger said. "There are no pending civil lawsuits. There are not and should not be any pending investigations, given Mr. Epstein's complete fulfillment of all the terms of his non-prosecution agreement with the federal government." If there was an investigation, nothing had come of it yet. For the moment, Epstein was free— free to turn his attention, again, to intellectual pursuits. He launched a website, JeffreyEpstein- Science.com, that featured blog posts such as "Conversations with Jeffrey Epstein," "The Value of Quantum Computation to Jeffrey Epstein," "Why Evolutionary Biology Intrigues Jeffrey Epstein," and "An Understanding of Theoretical Physics from Jeffrey Epstein." The latter post began: "This is where Jeffrey Epstein takes you to the very cutting edge of the frontiers of knowledge to explore and discuss our basic understanding of the subtle, simple, and hidden [qualities] that lie beneath ... our universe." "Jeffrey doesn't know shit about science," says Stuart Pivar, the art collector who has known Epstein for more than three decades. "Does he like to act like he does? Yes. But he doesn't. But as far as these academic scientists—without people like him they wouldn't have any money." Other friends of Epstein's say that he truly did have a b . liant mind for science. And in any case, Epstein had done more than sponsor individual scientists. He'd also sponsored confer- ences on Little Saint Jeff's. On his website, he announced a con- ference called Mindshift at which Nobel laureates, such as the theoretical physicist Murray Gell-Mann, would mix with sur- geons, engineers, and futurists and where professors would 231 JAMES PATTERSON discuss cognitive neuroscience, artificial intelligence, systems of encryption and decryption, and other topics. Epstein had been hosting get-togethers like this for years. Toward the end of Chief Reiter's investigation, in March of 2006, Epstein had hosted twenty top physicists—including three Nobel Prize winners as well as the celebrity physicist Stephen Hawking— at a Saint Thomas symposium called "Confronting Gravity," which was advertised as "a workshop to explore fundamental questions in physics and cosmology." "This is a remarkable group," one of the Nobel Prize winners told a reporter for the St. Thomas Source. "There is no agenda except fun and physics, and that's fun with a capital F," Epstein said. Epstein had been especially interested in Stephen Hawking. Someday, Hawking had theorized, the universe would stop expanding and collapse, at which point time would begin to run backwards. Hawking believed that computer viruses were living things. He thought that given the size of the universe, alien life forms existed. He did not believe in God. But he had a vast appre- ciation for the inner workings of the universe, and this is why Epstein gave Hawking a tremendous gift. He paid to have a sub- marine modified so that it could fit Hawking and his wheelchair and give the scientist his first glimpse of an actual alien world— the one that lies under the waves of the ocean. It was one of the most romantic, generous gestures that Jef- frey Epstein had ever made. 232 Al Seckel: January 20E Epstein's partner in the Al Seckel, was know] were said to have incl cian James "the Amazing" : founder Elon Musk, as we: Epstein would court in the c ladder. In certain Los Angeles ci) to know. But, like Jeffrey Eps According to Mark Oppenhe and followed his career for fi by selling rare books and ix academic connections. "A number of these trans. lawsuits," Oppenheimer wol )ATTERSON artificial intelligence, systems of d other topics. get-togethers like this for years. .'s investigation, in March of 2006, physicists—including three Nobel brity physicist Stephen Hawking — tm called "Confronting Gravity," vorkshop to explore fundamental tology." one of the Nobel Prize winners las Source. Pt fun and physics, and that's fun interested in Stephen Hawking. orized, the universe would stop aich point time would begin to run I that computer viruses were living a the size of the universe, alien life eve in God. But he had a vast appre- p of the universe, and this is why Lendous gift. He paid to have a sub- uld fit Hawking and his wheelchair : glimpse of an actual alien world— ayes of the ocean. mantic, generous gestures that Jef- 232 CHAPTER 61 Al Seckel: January 2012 Epstein's partner in the Mindshift conference, a man named Al Seckel, was known for throwing fabulous parties that were said to have included the actor Dudley Moore, magi- cian James "the Amazing" Randi, and future Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk, as well as many of the scientists Jeffrey Epstein would court in the course of his own climb up the social ladder. •-.4i. In certain Los Angeles circles, Al Seckel was a very good man -to know. But, like Jeffrey Epstein, Seckel was a sort of illusionist. According to Mark Oppenheimer, a journalist who knew Seckel and followed his career for fifteen years, Seckel made his money by selling rare books and papers, often through his social and academic connections. "A number of these transactions resulted in accusations and lawsuits," Oppenheimer would write. "In speaking to former 233 JAMES PATTERSON It was an odd thing, Epste: PhD who, on closer inspec But the Mindshift confer in the Virgin Islands dic Mann was there, along wit coauthored books with St expert on artificial intelli attended the conference, about it. "We had scientific disci he said vaguely. When Mark Oppenheir Seckel, Sussman "got testy" "I have had some dealir want to say what it's aboi it, okay?" Today, Epstein's websites — JeffreyEpsteinScience.corn— long since expired. Several r. tribut ions, including New lk Palm Beach, announced tha gifts. "The further I can keep better," said Ballet Palm Beac But in 2012, Epstein held Jeff's. Once again, three Nob€ Stephen Hawking was also th tvventy-one physicists—from . Seckel acquaintances, I kept hearing variations on a scheme Mrs. Pearce Williams believed he perpetrated against her late hus- band, the man Seckel said was his mentor. Seckel took books and promised money, or he took money and promised a book; but somehow, the promised party lost money." "He was charming, erudite, humorous," one of Seckel's marks told the reporter. "I lent him $75,000. When the time came to pay it back he didn't want to do it." Oppenheimer found several people whom Seckel had stiffed and uncovered dozens of lawsuits he'd been involved in. In 2007, Seckel settled a libel lawsuit against a man who'd edited his Wiki- pedia page. Years later, Oppenheimer spoke with Seckel's lawyer, Nicholas Hornberger. "Hornberger confirmed that he'd reached a settlement for the case, a favorable one," the journalist wrote. "Hornberger added that Seckel has still not paid him for his services." He also interviewed Seckel's wife, Isabel Maxwell. Al and Isabel met on a blind date and married in Malibu in or "around" 2007 ("I don't keep the dates in my head," Seckel explained). A few years later, they moved to the South of France, where Seckel continued to trade in rare books and papers. While living in France, he was sued by a Virgin Islands company that accused him and Isabel of fraudulently attempting to sell rare books and a seventeenth-century portrait of Isaac Newton. Seckel had also been trying to sell papers belonging to Isa- bel's father. Isabel is Ghislaine Maxwell's sister and the daughter of Rob- ert Maxwell. * * * 234 )ATTERSON FILTHY RICH aring variations on a scheme Mrs. perpetrated against her late hus- Ls his mentor. Seckel took books )ok money and promised a book; rty lost money." , humorous," one of Seckel's marks $75,000. When the time came to D it." al people whom Seckel had stiffed Lifts he'd been involved in. In 2007, ;ainst a man who'd edited his Wiki- heimer spoke with SeckePs lawyer, at he'd reached a settlement for the trnalist wrote. "Hornberger added Lim for his services." l's wife, Isabel Maxwell. Ld date and married in Malibu in or :p the dates in my head," Seckel they moved to the South of France, de in rare books and papers. While by a Virgin Islands company that 7audulently attempting to sell rare :Airy portrait of Isaac Newton. .ng to sell papers belonging to ell's sister and the daughter of Rob- * * 234 It was an odd thing, Epstein's association with this self-professed PhD who, on closer inspection, turned out to be a bit of a grifter. But the Mindshift conference that Epstein and Seckel hosted in the Virgin Islands did take place, in 2010. Murray Gel!- Mann was there, along with Leonard Mlodinow, a physicist who coauthored books with Stephen Hawking. Gerald Sussman, an expert on artificial intelligence who taught at MIT and also attended the conference, said that he didn't remember too much about it. "We had scientific discussions, talked about various things," he said vaguely. When Mark Oppenheimer asked him if he'd given money to Seckel, Sussman "got testy" with the reporter. "I have had some dealings with him," Sussman said. "I don't want to say what it's about, because I don't feel good about it, okay?" Today, Epstein's websites—JeffreyEpsteinFoundation.com and JeffreyEpsteinScience.com—are down. Their domain names have long since expired. Several recipients of Epstein's charitable con- tributions, including New York's Mount Sinai Hospital and Ballet Palm Beach, announced that they would not be accepting new gifts. "The further I can keep myself from anything like that the better," said Ballet Palm Beach founder Colleen Smith. But in 2012, Epstein held one more conference on Little Saint Jeff's. Once again, three Nobel Prize winners were in attendance. Stephen Hawking was also there. All in all, Epstein had gathered twenty-one physicists—from Princeton, Harvard, MIT, and CERN 235 JAMES PATTERSON (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) — to "deter- mine what the consensus is, if any, for defining gravity." According to a press release issued by Epstein's foundation, the consensus that did emerge was that space is "not quite empty." Jeffrey Epstein: Februar It's Groundhog Day, and c ting the peak of his fame sode of Law & Order: SV own legal history. The setup for this episodi girl. One who's been flown tc vate jet, then flown back—cc On the plane, she has a fn guy sitting next to her is try police get involved. "It was just a birthday ix cops via videoconference fron The cops ask: Whose pres "The billionaire. The one i Does the French girl knom 236 kTTERSON r Nuclear Research) — to "deter- ny, for defining gravity." issued by Epstein's foundation, r,e was that space is "not quite CHAPTER 62 Jeffrey Epstein: February 2, 2011 1 t's Groundhog Day, and once-reclusive Jeffrey Epstein is hit- ting the peak of his fame in a ripped-from-the-headlines epi- sode of Law & Order: SVU that tracks, eerily well, with his own legal history. The setup for this episode is the rape of a very young French girl. One who's been flown to New York on a very rich man's pri- vate jet, then flown back—coach class—to Paris. On the plane, she has a freak-out. She thinks the middle-aged guy sitting next to her is trying to rape her. In Paris, the local police get involved. "It was just a birthday party," the tearful girl tells the SVU cops via videoconference from France. "We were his present." The cops ask: Whose present? "The billionaire. The one who owns the jet." Does the French girl know his name? 236 237 JAMES PATTERSON "Jordan. He wanted a massage. But I had to take off my clothes. He climbed on top of me. It hurt. I started to bleed, and it wouldn't stop. The doctor came." "Dominique," the cops say. "We're going to arrest this man. But we need you to return to New York so you can testify." "Non," says the girl. "Non! Jamais! Jamais!" For Epstein, there are other embarrassments, many of which have to do with his royal friends. The wedding of Prince Wil- liam and Kate Middleton is approaching, and the ongoing trou- bles of Prince William's uncle Prince Andrew keep threatening to derail the festivities. On March 6, a spokesperson for Sarah Ferguson confirms that Epstein paid off part of the seventy-eight thousand pounds that the duchess borrowed from a man who was once her personal assistant. The next day, headlines appear in the Telegraph and other British papers: DUKE OF YORK "APPEALED TO JEFFREY EPSTEIN TO HELP DUCHESS PAY DEBT." "I personally, on behalf of myself, deeply regret that Jeffrey Epstein became involved in any way with me," Prince Andrew's ex-wife tells journalists. "I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf. "I am just so contrite I cannot say. Whenever I can I will repay the money and will have nothing ever to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again." That week, as part of the ongoing civil lawsuits against Epstein, Sarah Kellen and Nadia Marcinkova are both asked about Prince Andrew's relations with Epstein. 238 F1 "Would you agree with Epstein used to share under; len is asked. "On the instructions of invoke my Fifth Amendment "Have you ever been m; Andrew?" lawyers ask Marci. "Fifth" is Nadia's simple, That same week, the gover role as Great Britain's royal t tenacious, and in the Telegr stories appear on a daily basi: • The Duke, His Paedophi Use of an RAF Base • Andrew's Secret Love Lifi • Royal Connections: Princ Suddenly the Talk of Nev • Time to Show This Right • An Odd Trio: The Royal seuse and the Fixer • No. 10 Struggles to Conto • From Royal Asset to Nati, • Royal Blush • Duke Could Be Called to • It's the Company You Keep. • Nothing Grand About Thi • The Royal Family Has Choice of Friends For Yea • Our Less-Than-Grand Olc 'ATTERSON FILTHY RICH ssage. But I had to take off my lie. It hurt. I started to bleed, and Tie." • "We're going to arrest this man. ew York so you can testify." ramais! Jamais!" embarrassments, many of which :nds. The wedding of Prince Wil- )proaching, and the ongoing trou- : Prince Andrew keep threatening [arch 6, a spokesperson for Sarah .n paid off part of the seventy-eight 'chess borrowed from a man who at. ippear in the Telegraph and other 'APPEALED TO JEFFREY EPSTEIN TO HELP f myself, deeply regret that Jeffrey ny way with me," Prince Andrew's ibhor paedophilia and any sexual • that this was a gigantic error of :annot say. Whenever I can I will we nothing ever to do with Jeffrey he ongoing civil lawsuits against Marcinkova are both asked )ns with Epstein. 238 "Would you agree with me that Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein used to share underaged girls for sexual relations?" Kel- len is asked. "On the instructions of my lawyer," Kellen replies, "I must invoke my Fifth Amendment privilege." "Have you ever been made to perform sexually on Prince Andrew?" lawyers ask Marcinkova. "Fifth" is Nadia's simple, succinct reply. That same week, the government downgrades Prince Andrew's role as Great Britain's royal trade envoy. But the British press is tenacious, and in the Telegraph, the Guardian, and elsewhere, stories appear on a daily basis: • The Duke, His Paedophile Guest, and the Most Unusual Use of an RAF Base • Andrew's Secret Love Life Revealed • Royal Connections: Prince Andrew and the Paedophile Are Suddenly the Talk of New York • Time to Show This Right Royal Clown the Door • An Odd Trio: The Royal Trade Envoy, the Teenage Mas- seuse and the Fixer • No. 10 Struggles to Contain Row Over Prince • From Royal Asset to National Liability • Royal Blush • Duke Could Be Called to Two Epstein Trials • It's the Company You Keep... The Duke's Dangerous Liaisons • Nothing Grand About This Old Duke of York • The Royal Family Has Feared a Blow-Up Over Duke's Choice of Friends For Years • Our Less-Than-Grand Old Duke of York 239 JAMES PATTERSON On March 11, a devastating undersea earthquake and tsu- nami move Japan's main island by several feet, shifting the earth on its axis. The destruction is horrific and unprecedented. But on March 13, the Daily Mail devotes four pages and seven sepa- rate articles to Prince Andrew. That same day, the Telegraph runs three pieces, and the Sunday Times runs a two-page spread head- lined GUN SMUGGLER BOASTS OF SWAY OVER ANDREW. On March 14, the Guardian runs one more piece about Andrew's troubles. PRINCE ANDREW DOMINATES HEADLINES DESPITE THE EARTHQUAKE, the headline reads. Alan Dershowitz: Septen If the ongoing lawsuits ar millions left to spare. Mea whether Epstein trafficked seems to be going nowhere. A fling to look as if Epstein is flu But for Epstein's friend an itz, things are about to get ver At the start of 2008, Brad lawyer, had filed a motion in 2 of two unnamed women accu: showitz of participating direct Prince Andrew had had nc itz had objected to the accu. terms. "There's absolutely no kern 240 ATTERSON g undersea earthquake and tsu- by several feet, shifting the earth horrific and unprecedented. But :votes four pages and seven sepa- That same day, the Telegraph runs rnes runs a two-page spread head- 4:1' OVER ANDREW. ian runs one more piece about lEADLINES DESPITE THE EARTHQUAKE, 240 CHAPTER 63 Alan Dershowitz: September 2014 If the ongoing lawsuits are costing Epstein millions, he has millions left to spare. Meanwhile, the FBI's investigation into whether Epstein trafficked underage women across state lines seems to be going nowhere. As 2014 draws to a close, it's begin- ning to look as if Epstein is finally free and clear of the case. But for Epstein's friend and sometime lawyer Alan Dershow- i z, things are about to get very unpleasant. At the start of 2008, Bradley Edwards, the Fort Lauderdale lawyer, had filed a motion in a West Palm Beach court on behalf of two unnamed women accusing Prince Andrew and Alan Der- showitz of participating directly in Epstein's illegal activities. Prince Andrew had had no comment to make, and Dershow- ltz had objected to the accusations in the strongest' possible rms. "There's absolutely no kernel of truth to this story," he'd said. 241 JAMES PATTERSON "I don't know this woman. I've never been in the same place with her. She's made the whole story up out of whole cloth." Bradley Edwards had already become involved in lawsuits against Epstein. In 2007, working with a former federal judge and University of Utah law professor named Paul Cassell, he had filed a lawsuit on behalf of another unnamed woman. Six years later, that case is still pending, and now, Edwards and Cassell petition to have the two suits combined. All in all, four Jane Does take part in the lawsuit. Jane Doe 3 is Virginia Roberts, the girl who says that Ghis- laine Maxwell recruited her for Epstein at Trump's resort, Mar-a-Lago. Epstein had "lent" her and other young girls to prominent businessmen, important politicians, world leaders, and other powerful men in order "to ingratiate himself with them for busi- ness, personal, political, and financial gain, as well as to obtain blackmail information," Roberts claims. She says that Epstein forced her and other underage girls to take part in an orgy in the Virgin Islands. She names Prince Andrew and Alan Dershowitz as two of the men she'd been forced to have sex with and claims that Der- showitz had been "an eyewitness to the sexual abuse of many other minors by Epstein and several of Epstein's co-conspirators." This time, Prince Andrew does respond to the allegations. "This relates to longstanding and ongoing civil proceedings in the United States, to which the Duke of York is not a party," Buckingham Palace says in a short statement. "As such we would not comment on the detail. However, for the avoidance of doubt, any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors is categori- cally untrue." 242 Alan Dershowitz also are part of a plot to extol Edwards and Cassell have he's ever seen. "They manipulated a y interested in money," Ders offense, and they will be d: ever made this false charge But then, the allegations m 15, 2015, in a declaration attempt to overturn Jeffrey are highly disturbing. PATTERSON FILTHY RICH never been in the same place with y up out of whole cloth." :ady become involved in lawsuits •king with a former federal judge )fessor named Paul Cassell, he had Lother unnamed woman. Six years .g, and now, Edwards and Cassell combined. ake part in the lawsuit. berts, the girl who says that Ghis- r for Epstein at Trump's resort, id other young girls to prominent iticians, world leaders, and other ;ratiate himself with them for busi- financial gain, as well as to obtain rts claims. :ed her and other underage girls to rgin Islands. v and Alan Dershowitz as two of the ave sex with and claims that Der- Iness to the sexual abuse of many 3everal of Epstein's co-conspirators." v does respond to the allegations. ding and ongoing civil proceedings :h the Duke of York is not a party," short statement. "As such we would iowever, for the avoidance of doubt, ty with underage minors is categori- 242 Alan Dershowitz also goes on the attack. Virginia's claims are part of a plot to extort him, he claims. The motion that Edwards and Cassell have filed is "the sleaziest legal document" he's ever seen. "They manipulated a young, suggestible woman who was interested in money," Dershowitz says. "This is a disbarrable offense, and they will be disbarred. They will rue the day they ever made this false charge against me." It's a vehement denial. But then, the allegations made by Virginia Roberts, on January 15, 2015, in a declaration filed against the government in an attempt to overturn Jeffrey Epstein's non-prosecution agreement, are highly disturbing. 243 CHAPTER 64 Declaration of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, filed on January 19, 2015 by attorneys representing Jeffrey Epstein's victims (continued) 20. Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz was around Epstein frequently. Dershowitz was so comfortable with the sex [that] was going on that on one occasion he observed me in sexual activity with Epstein. 21. I had sexual intercourse with Dershowitz at least six times. The first time was when I was about 16, early on in my servitude to Epstein, and it continued until I was 19. 22. The first time we had sex took place in New York in Epstein's home. It was in Epstein's room (not the massage room). I was approximately sixteen years old at the time. I called Dershowitz "Alan." I knew he was a famous professor. 23. The second time that I had sex with Dershowitz was at Epstein's house in Palm Beach. 244 24. I also had sex Ranch in New Mexico i pool area, which was St 25. We also had se U.S. Virgin Islands. 26. Another sexual itz happened on Epstein on the plane with us. 27. I have recently calling me a "liar." He with me. The man I've .s( mer law professor, is th, least six times. Dershow with other underage girl but he is lying and denyii 28. After years of ab look for a way to escape. hold because I wanted to) taken me into his clutches some time I believed him. trol, regardless of my doul 29. I kept asking Epsi education. Epstein finally to go to Chiang Mai to h like my chance to escape. bags for good. I knew this break away. 30. On September 27, 2 to Chiang Mai, Thailand. I my training. But Epstein vs FILTHY RICH CHAPTER 64 9berts Giuffre, filed on -neys representing Jeffrey ed) - Alan Dershowitz was around vitz was so comfortable with the on one occasion he observed me em. urse with Dershowitz at least six then I was about 16, early on in d it continued until I was 19. 2d sex took place in New York in Epstein's room (not the massage y sixteen years old at the time. I knew he was a famous professor. it I had sex with Dershowitz was 3each. 244 24. I also had sex with Dershowitz at Epstein's Zorro Ranch in New Mexico in the massage room off of the indoor pool area, which was still being painted. 25. We also had sex at Little Saint James Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 26. Another sexual encounter between me and Dershow- itz happened on Epstein's airplane. Another girl was present on the plane with us. 27. I have recently seen Alan Dershowitz on television calling me a "liar" He is lying by denying that he had sex with me. The man I've seen on television, described as a for- mer law professor, is the same man that I had sex with at least six times. Dershowitz also knows that Epstein had sex with other underage girls and lent me out to other people, but he is lying and denying that. . . . 28. After years of abuse and being lent out, I began to look for a way to escape. I had first gone into Epstein's house- hold because I wanted to be a massage therapist. Epstein had taken me into his clutches through promises and talk and for some time I believed him. But once he had me under his con- trol, regardless of my doubts and fears, I felt trapped. 29. I kept asking Epstein for my promised training and education. Epstein finally got me a plane ticket to Thailand to go to Chiang Mai to learn Thai massage. This sounded like my chance to escape. In September 2002, I packed my bags for good. I knew this would be my only opportunity to break away. 30. On September 27, 2002, I flew from JFK in New York to Chiang Mai, Thailand. I arrived around September 29 for my training. But Epstein was going to get something out of 245 JAMES PATTERSON this trip as well. I was supposed to interview a girl and bring her back to the United States for Epstein. 31. [Left blank in the original] 32. I did the massage training in Chiang Mai. While I was there, I met a great and special guy and told him hon- estly what I was being forced to do. He told me I should get out of it. I told him that the people I was working for were very powerful and that I could not walk away or disobey them without risking serious punishment, including my life. He told me he would protect me. I had confidence [in] him and I saw his love and help as my opportunity to escape and to be with someone who truly loved me and would protect me. I married him and flew to Australia. 33. I called Epstein and told him I was not coming back. He asked why? I said "I've fallen in love." Epstein basically said "good luck and have a good life." I could tell he was not happy. I was afraid of what he was going to do to me. I thought he or one of his powerful friends might send some- one to hurt me or have me killed. 34. From that point onward, out of concern for my safety and general well-being, I stayed in Australia with my hus- band. I was in Australia from late 2002 to October 2013. To be clear, I was never in the United States during these years, not even for a short trip to visit my mother. And my absence from the United States was not voluntary—I was hiding from Epstein out of fear of what he would do to me if I returned to the United States. 35. In around 2007, after not hearing from anyone for years, out of the blue I was contacted by someone who identi- fied himself with a plain sounding name and claimed he was 246 FT with the FBI. It seemed vc cial criminal investigatiot that. I hadn't heard Epste who this person was and I tell what was going on. 36. This man said he The man asked if I had be instinct was to say nothii really with the FBI or any c questions, telling him that met him at a young age. Bu This man never offered to c Instead, he asked me right practices. I thought it woulc ment officer to behave tha uncomfortable and suspicit ing me. 37. I told the man nothi versation probably didn't immediately triggered all oj erful friends that had caust If the call accomplished an: state of fear and told me tl' and had nobody officially pt 38. I suspected that the; for Epstein or one of Epstein': if this was really an agent 14 would have known who I wa ual crimes in many differet viewed me in a way that woul PATTERSON FILTHY RICH osed to interview a girl and bring for Epstein. riginall training in Chiang Mai. While I id special guy and told him hon- :ed to do. He told me I should get ie people I was working for were could not walk away or disobey us punishment, including my life. ct me. I had confidence [in] him ) as my opportunity to escape and ruly loved me and would protect to Australia. told him I was not coming back. • fallen in love." Epstein basically good life." I could tell he was not hat he was going to do to me. I 9werfu1 friends might send some- killed. ward, out of concern for my safety stayed in Australia with my hus- pm late 2002 to October 2013. To • United States during these years, visit my mother. And my absence as not voluntary —I was hiding of what he would do to me if I tes. fter not hearing from anyone for contacted by someone who identi- )unding name and claimed he was 246 with the FBI. It seemed very odd for someone doing an offi- cial criminal investigation to just call up on the phone like that. I hadn't heard Epstein's name for years. I didn't know who this person was and what it was really about. I couldn't tell what was going on. 36. This man said he was looking into Jeffrey Epstein. The man asked if I had been involved with Epstein. My first instinct was to say nothing because I wasn't sure he was really with the FBI or any authorities. I answered a few basic questions, telling him that I knew Jeffrey Epstein and had met him at a young age. But the conversation didn't feel right. This man never offered to come and meet with me in person. Instead, he asked me right off the bat about Epstein's sexual practices. I thought it would be strange for a true law enforce- ment officer to behave that way, so I became increasingly uncomfortable and suspicious about who was actually call- ing me. 37. I told the man nothing more about Epstein. The con- versation probably didn't even last three minutes, but it immediately triggered all of the fears of Epstein and his pow- erful friends that had caused me to escape in the first place. If the call accomplished anything, it only put me back in a state of fear and told me that I could be found quite easily and had nobody officially protecting me. 38. I suspected that the man who called me was working for Epstein or one of Epstein's powerful friends. I believed that if this was really an agent who was investigating Epstein, he would have known who I was and how I fit into Epstein's sex- ual crimes in many different places. He would have inter- viewed me in a way that would have established his credentials 247 JAMES PATTERSON and would have shown how he could provide potential protec- tion from Epstein. That never happened. 39. Getting a call from this supposed FBI agent made me scared all over again. I had left the old life of sexual slavery behind me and started a new life in a new country in hopes that the powerful people whose illegal activities I knew all about would never find me. 40. Shortly after this purported FBI call, I was contacted by telephone by someone who appeared clearly to be working for Epstein. The caller told me about an investigation into Epstein and said that some of the girls being questioned were saying that Epstein had had sexual contact with them. After they made these allegations, the man said they were being discredited as drug addicts and prostitutes, but in my case, if I were to keep quiet, I would "be looked after." The fact that this call was made shortly after the supposed FBI call rein- for[c]ed my concern that the man I had talked to earlier was not really working for the FBI but for Epstein. I didn't think that the FBI and Epstein would both be working together and would both get my phone number at almost exactly the same time. I played along and told this person that I had gotten a call from the "FBI" but that I didn't tell him anything. The person on the phone was pleased to hear [that]. 41. A short time later, one of Epstein's lawyers (not Alan Dershowitz) called me, and then got Epstein on the line at the same time. Epstein and his lawyer basically asked again if I was going to say anything. The clear implication was that I should not. The way they were talking to me, I was afraid of what would happen if I didn't keep quiet. My thought was 248 that f I didn't say what I might get hurt. 42. I promised Epste quiet. They seemed hap to [be the] way to keep what Epstein and his lrn This declaration, strick victims' lawsuit against t events that led to Dershow involved in spectacular la' Dershowitz that these alle him, and a complaint by Ei against him were false and TTERSON FILTHY RICH could provide potential protec- tappened. s supposed FBI agent made me ft the old life of sexual slavery life in a new country in hopes 'se illegal activities I knew all >orted FBI call, I was contacted appeared clearly to be working ne about an investigation into the girls being questioned were ;exual contact with them. After the man said they were being id prostitutes, but in my case, if "be looked after." The fact that fter the supposed FBI call rein- man I had talked to earlier was 3I but for Epstein. I didn't think id both be working together and nber at almost exactly the same 1 this person that I had gotten a I didn't tell him anything. The Ised to hear [that]. Le of Epstein's lawyers (not Alan then got Epstein on the line at us lawyer basically asked again g. The clear implication was that ,ere talking to me, I was afraid of ln't keep quiet. My thought was that if I didn't say what they wanted me to say, or not to say, I might get hurt. 42. I promised Epstein and his lawyer that I would keep quiet. They seemed happy with that and that seemed to me to [be the] way to keep me and my family safe. And I did what Epstein and his lawyer told me. I kept quiet. This declaration, stricken from the record by the judge in the victims' lawsuit against the government, also set in motion events that led to Dershowitz's and Roberts's lawyers becoming involved in spectacular lawsuits, which included a complaint by Dershowitz that these allegations were false and had defamed him, and a complaint by Edwards that Dershowitz's accusations against him were false and defamatory. 248 249 CHAPTER 65 Alan Dershowitz: October 2015 About fifteen minutes into the ripped-from-the-headlines episode of Law & Order: SVU that was inspired by the Jef- frey Epstein saga, the plot takes an interesting turn: before officers have a chance to arrest him, Jordan, the character mod- eled on Epstein, shows up at SVU headquarters. The twelve-year-old French girl raped him, Jordan says. Wearing a monogrammed fleece pullover like the ones favored by Jeffrey Epstein, he describes an evening at home. "The party was in full swing," he explains. "A friend said she wanted to give me a special present. Told me to wait in my mas- sage room—" An SVU guy interrupts: "Guy has a massage room?" "I suffer from chronic back pain," Jordan says. "While I was waiting, I fell asleep. Now, at first I thought I must be dreaming. I was aroused. I felt myself being manually' 250 manipulated. Then I reme: enjoy myself. But then it gc eyes." "What did you see?" "A woman. A woman Ic "A woman? Dominique "It was dark. I just wan. "But the twelve-year-olc "No. She threatened me. she was going to scream `R "And there was nothini years and a hundred pound "The party was going on: was going to look. I was nake It was a brilliant plot tw- dan to get off scot-free. But the plot twist that / on the day of Alan Dershow Florida, courthouse was eve "There was a criminal extort Edwards and Paul Cassell's I 2015. "Your clients were involv Bradley and Cassell had s for defamation—payback fo law professor had made in th Dershowitz had counters and he had come armed for b