RE: Epstein

Hi Jeff— I am writing to get your blessing on having a meeting with Barry Krrsher at the State Attorney's Office. The FBI has been trying to set up a meeting with Lanna, the ASA assigned to the case. She canceled once, then put them off, and is very reluctant to meet with them. Barry and Lanna should be able to clear up the issue regarding sex offender registration/work release and also should be able to tell us whether a plea and sentencing can be scheduled this month. Karen has agreed to go with me and, of course, the meeting will be very friendly.

Do you have any objection?

A. Marie Villafafia
Assistant U.S. Attorney
500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone 561 209-1047
Fax 561 820-8777

Rolando informs me that Krischer said that the plea & sentencing will take place on the same day (December 16th ) in order to reduce the media frenzy. Krischer said that Epstein will be treated as a sex offender regardless of whether he registers or not. He said that "registration" takes place after Epstein completes his sentence. Therefore, he will be treated like any other sex offender. The problem is that just like any other sex offender, he can petition the court for work release. When Rolando asked Krischer whether he was going to oppose such a petition, Krischer responded that he will if it is in the agreement.

I spoke to Lefkowitz. Lefkowitz confirmed the above understanding. We did not, however, discuss anything about work release - just that Epstein will be a sex offender and he'll be treated like any other sex offender.

Lefkowitz confirmed that they will not contact any other victims. He also asked Jack Goldberger to provide him with any copies of agreements etc. he has with the State. Jay will forward them to me as soon as he receives them.

Finally, Lefkowitz said that the statement in his letter that he "reserves [the] right to object to certain aspects of the §2255 provisions of the Agreement" refers to their belief that a lawyer who files a lawsuit.for some of the class may have a direct conflict that may disqualify him/his firm if he's accepting fees to negotiate the settlement of the other members of the class. Lefkowitz point out the potential conflict to whoever is selected. My view is that those issues are between Epstein's lawyers and the victims' lawyers.

Hi all - The FBI had their meeting with the ASA this morning. She wasn't aware of the December 16th date, and she said that she could include something in their plea agreement about not being eligible for work release. When the FBI asked her if she would do that, she said she would have to talk to Barry. She also wouldn't say whether they would oppose such a petition, if one were filed. Lanna said that because Epstein is going to be housed at the jail, the Sheriff's Office will determine whether Epstein is eligible for work release, not the Florida Department of Corrections. I have asked FBI to find out,whether "sexual predators" (which will be Epstein's legal designation) are eligible to participate in work release. I am still reviewing all of the statutes to see whether there is anything that would bar the judge from granting a petition for work release. As soon as I find an answer, I will let you know.

Lanna would still like us to do the victim notifications: The State does not have a procedure (like we do federally) where the Court has to provide a separate room for victims who want to attend judicial proceedings, so I do not know how many victims will actually want to be present.

Jeff - As soon as you hear from Judge can you let me know? It is going to take us a while to track down everyone, especially with the holiday, and I want to make sure they have been provided adequate notice.

Thank you.

A. Marie Villafaha

Assistant U.S. Attorney

500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Phone 561 209-1047

Fax 561 820-8777

According to the jail supervisor Epstein would not qualify for work release as a sex offender, however the work release could still be ordered by the judge. The catch is... that rule applies to county time--sentences of 1 year or less. The supervisor said sentences over 1 year are handled by the state. He will provide me with a state contact on Monday so I'll give you an update as I learn more. Have a good weekend!

Thanks, Jason. I will pass along the info. I think he fs serving two sentences of less than 1 year, so the county will be in charge, but let me know what the state says, too.

Any word on our search warrant?

A. Marie Villafaha
Assistant U.S. Attorney
500 S. Australian Ave, Suite 400
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone 561 209-1047
Fax 561 820-8777

Original Message
From: Richards, Jason R.
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 9:38 PM
To: Villafana, Ann Marie C. (USAFLS)
Subject: Re: Epstein

According to the jail supervisor Epstein would not qualify for work release as a sex offender, however the work release could still be ordered by the judge. The catch is... that rule applies to county time--sentences of 1 year or less. The supervisor said sentences over 1 year are handled by the state. He will provide me with a state contact on Monday so I'll give you an update as I learn more. Have a good weekend!