Re: Jeffrey Epstein island search
Following up on our discussion yesterday. As noted, we are working to secure PC on a search warrant for Jeffrey Epstein's island near St. Thomas. We are still in discussions with the AUSAs but we believe it's likely to happen in the next 30 days. Our position is obviously the sooner the better. I'll detail a general plan below but please understand everything will be contingent upon the warrant timing and named items to be seized. Also, we recognize this is your AOR and Doug has final say on the plan so we look forward to working with you to finalize it. I expect this to be a substantial op for the Bu but also don't want to negatively impact your normal operations.
EFTA01656964
FYSA, the warrant we had for Epstein's residence in NYC was just for pictures and proof of residency but when we cleared the location we immediately observed things that gave us PC to conduct a complete search. We took 845 pictures and spent 13 hours to execute the search.
Re the island search warrant: We feel confident our warrant will be for a full search and are planning
accordingly. Everything about this case is such a circus so I'm hoping to get in and out as quickly as
possible. Based on a Google image of the island, it appears as though there are between 15 -20 buildings
on the island. I discussed the following plan with ASC | who concurred with the framework.
• Search teams: Once we start our search we'll have control of the whole island so instead of shutting down for the night and trying to secure it, I'm thinking two search teams (approximately 15 people per team) alternating 12 hour shifts. (this will include multiple photographers)
• Interviews: There are an undetermined number of people we'd like to interview (staff, people who have worked on the island, etc.). My thought is to have 4-6 people just to focus on interviews on St. Thomas and JE's island.
• Logistics support: Due to the isolated nature, we're thinking 2-4 people focused on water/food for the teams throughout.
• EM: In addition to the SSA, we think it's appropriate to send an ASAC to oversee the operation.
• Travel: Based on conversations with ASC we're going to check with CIRG on availability of the Q400 (46 seat capacity). I assume we would land on St. Thomas and then travel by boat to the search location.
• The footprint is 40-45 people for the operation.
- Housing is an unknown
• Boat transportation between St. Thomas and his island is an unknown (on the map it looks like a 3 mile boat ride)
• Food - I think we'd just have logistical support coordinate bringing food/water from St. Thomas to the island as needed.
• IMO any Drash tent option is a bad one as we will undoubtedly have plane/boat traffic monitoring our work. We'll just set up the administrative center inside one of the buildings.
SDNY has preferred to isolate this case from the previous investigation 12 years ago. Did S.I have any involvement with that case (covering leads)?
With your pending travel, just let us know who we should use as the main POC. As always, we appreciate the support and assistance.
Best,
ASAC
New York Field Office
Criminal Branch C
EFTA01656965
Sorry, one alibi.
An ASC (presumably from CID) has briefed others, and they concur with continued planning.
Cost estimates are being worked on, and input regarding housing and local transportation (car/boat) is requested.
The sender is identified as ASAC, New York Field Office, Criminal - Branch C.
Wow!!!
This is an email chain discussing the Jeffrey Epstein island search.
Key entities and details:
- Date: July 27, 2019
- Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein island search
- Sender (initial email): FBI New York
- Recipient (initial email): Unspecified, but the sender expresses a desire to be removed from the job.
- Forwarded Message Details:
- From: Unspecified (NY) (FBI)
- Date: July 27, 2019, 5:20 PM
- To: Unspecified (SJ) (FBI)
- Cc: Unspecified (NY) (FBI), Unspecified (CID) (FBI)
- Body of Forwarded Message:
- "Sorry, one alibi."
- An ASC (presumably from CID) has briefed others, and they concur with continued planning.
- Cost estimates are being worked on, and input regarding housing and local transportation (car/boat) is requested.
- The sender is identified as ASAC, New York Field Office, Criminal - Branch C.
- Second Email (forwarded):
- From: Unspecified (NY) (FBI)
- Sent: Saturday, July 27, 2019, 5:16:21 PM
- To: Unspecified (SJ) (FBI)
- Cc: Unspecified (NY) (FBI), Unspecified (CID) (FBI)
- Subject: Jeffrey Epstein island search
