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FBI VOL00009
EFTA00184224
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,se 9:08-cv-80736-KAM Document 362-16 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 3 of 8 d 4 District Court for the Southern District of Florida over his person and/or the subject matter,' and Epstein waives his right to contest liability and also waives his right to contest damages up to an amount as agreed to between the identified victim and Epstein, so long as the identified victim elects to proceed exclusively under 18 U.S.C. § 2255, and agrees to waive any other claim for damages, whether pursuant to state, federal, or common law. Notwithstanding this waiver, as to those individuals whose names appear on the list provided by the United States, Epstein's signature on this agreement is not to be construed as an admission of any criminal or civil liability other than that contained in 18 U.S.C. § 2255. Although these two sentences are far from simple, they appear to incorporate our intent to narrowly tailor the Agreement to place the identified victims in the same position as they would have been had Mr. Epstein been convicted at trial. I would note that I have conferred with our prosecutors and have been told that Paragraph 8 was vigorously negotiated and that the final language was suggested largely by defense counsel. The concerns raised in your letter with respect to Paragraph 8 fall within several general categories. First, you raise concerns regarding the nature of Section 2255. As you note, Section 2255 is a civil statute implanted in the criminal code; in contrast to other criminal statutes, Section 2255 fails to correlate payments to specific injuries or losses. Instead the statute presumes that victims have sustained damages of at least a minimum lump sum without regard to whether the complainants suffered actual medical, physiological or other forms of individualized harm. These concerns were, I would expect, aired when Congress adopted this statute. Even if they were not, this provision is now law. Rule of law requires now requires this District to consider the victims' rights under this statute in negotiating this Agreement. Second, you raise concerns regarding the identity-of-the-victims issue. Your concerns appear based on the belief that Paragraph 8 is a blanket waiver of liability with respect to any number of unnamed and undisclosed victims. I would invite you to confer with your co-counsel regarding this matter. Although the language of Paragraph 8 could be so construed, our First Assistant informed Mr. Lefkowitz some weeks ago that this was not our position. As Mr. Lefkowitz has noted, were Mr. Epstein convicted at trial, the plaintiff-victims in a subsequent Section 2255 suit would still have had some burden to prove that they were "victims." It is also the case, however, that were Mr. Epstein convicted at trial, the plaintiff-victims would not have to show that a violation of an enumerated section of Title 18 took place. Accordingly, our First Assistant informed Mr. Lefkowitz some weeks ago that we understood that if a victim-plaintiff elects to proceed to trial, Mr. Epstein's Although not identified as an issue by defense counsel, having reviewed this language, 1 note that Paragraph 8 raises the question of what is meant by "subject matter." 1 have conferred with the AUSA who negotiated this language, and have been informed that parties intended this to address issues of venue. This Office will not interpret this paragraph as any waiver of subject matter jurisdiction. Please inform me if defense counsel disagrees. -2- RFP MIA 000502 EFTA00184884
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, Case 9:08-cv-80736-KAM Document 362-16 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 4 of 8 • • legal team might conduct due diligence to confirm the that victim-plaintiff in fact had inappropriate contact with Mr. Epstein. Once again, our interpretive principle is our intent to place the victim in the same position she would have been had Mr. Epstein proceeded to trial. Third, you raise concerns regarding our decision not to create a restitution fund. Throughout the negotiations, defense counsel suggested several similar arrangements, including a Trust fund. Again, our decision not to create a hand flows from our belief that the Agreement should provide the same relief to the victims as they would have been entitled had we proceeded to trial. A restitution fund or trust fund would place an upper limit on the victims' recovery. It is not for this Office to make that decision for the victims. They may choose to walk away, they may choose to settle, or they may choose to sue. The choice should remain with each individual victim? Fourth, you raise concerns regarding the selection process for the attorney representative. As you may be aware, the suggestion that we appoint an attorney representative originated with defense counsel. Defense counsel, I believe, found it advantageous to attempt to negotiate a settlement of the many victims' claims with one attorney representative. My Office agreed to appoint such a representative, in part, because we too thought it valuable for the victims to have the advice of an attorney who could advise them of their choices: whether to walk away, to settle or to sue. Since the signing of the Agreement, several issues have arisen with respect to this provision. First, l elected to assign this trace's right to appoint the representative to an independent third-party, former federal Judge . I did this to avoid any suggestion that this Office's choice of representative was intended to influence the outcome of civil litigation. Second, your co-counsel expressed concerns similar to those raised in your letter regarding the criteria used to select the representative. These criteria were: (1) Experience doing both plaintiffs' and defense litigation; (2) Experience with state and federal statutory and common law tort claims; (3) Ability to communicate effectively with young women; (4) Experience litigating against large law firms and high profile attorneys who may test the veracity of the victims' claims; (5) Sensitivity to the nature of the suit and the victims' interest in maintaining their privacy; (6) Experience litigating in federal court in the Southern District of Florida; 2 Your letter references U.S I Boehm, No. 3:04CR00003 (D. Ala 2004) as a model for a restitution fund settlement. I asked our prosecutor to contact the AUSA in that case. In that matter, the District of Alaska sought out and obtained the consent of all the victims before entering into that settlement. In addition, they developed an elaborate procedure for deciding which victim would receive what. My view, in this case, is that those types of negotiations are better handled between Mr. Epstein and the victims' representatives, and that this Office should not act as intermediary. Finally, I would note that in Boehm as well, the victims' identities were not initially disclosed. As the AUSA wrote in that case: "This filing is made ex pane because Boehm, in his plea agreement, waived any rights he had pertaining to the selection of beneficiaries and the disbursement of funds to such beneficiaries." -3- RFP MIA 000503 EFTA00184885
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Case 9:08-cv-80736-KAM Document 362-16 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 5 of 8 S • (7) The resources to hire experts and others, while working on a contingency fee basis, in order to prepare for trial if a settlement cannot be reached (defense counsel has reserved the right to challenge such litigation); and (8) The ability to negotiate effectively. At my direction, our First Assistant provided our criteria to your co-counsel, Mr. Lefkowitz, in advance, and at co-counsel's request, he noted in our communication with Judge , defense counsel's objection to criteria 7. I have now reviewed these criteria and find them balanced and ' reasonable. They appear designed to provide the victims with an attorney who can advise them on all their options, whether it be to walk away, to settle (as your client prefers), or to litigate. Again, our intent is not to favor any one of these options, but rather to leave the choice to each victim. Fifth, you assert that this Office "has improperly insisted that the chosen attorney representative should be able to litigate the claims of the individuals," should a resolution not be possible. This issue, likewise, has already been raised and addressed in discussions between your co-counsel and our First Assistant. We understand your position that it would be a conflict of interest for the attorney representative to subsequently represent victim-plaintiffs in a civil suit. Your interpretation of the ethics rules may be correct, or it may be wrong. Far from insisting that the attorney representative can represent victim-plaintiffs in subsequent litigation, our First Assistant and I have repeatedly told defense counsel that we take no position on this matter. Indeed, I fully expect your defense team to litigate this issue with the attorney representative if a resolution is not reached. I have responded personally and in some detail to your concerns because I deeply care about both the law and the integrity of this Office. I have responded personally and in some detail as well because your letter troubled me on a number of levels. My understanding of the negotiations in this matter informs my concerns. The Section 2255 provision issue was first discussed at a July 31, 2007, meeting between FAU SA , Criminal Chief_, West Palm Beach Chief Lourie, AUSA Villafafia, and two FBI agents who met with Roy Black, Gerald Lefcourt, and Lilly Ann Sanchez. On that date, the prosecutors presented a written, four-bullet-point term sheet that would satisfy the federal interest in the case and discussed the substance of those terms. One of these four points was the following provision: Epstein agrees that, if any of the victims identified in the federal investigation file suit pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 2255, Epstein will not contest the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida over his person and the subject matter. Epstein will not contest that the identified victims are persons who, while minors, were victims of violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections(s) 2422 and/or 2423. -4- RFP MIA 000504 EFTA00184886
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Case 9:08-cv-80736-KAM Document 362-16 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 6 of 8 • • In mid August 2007, your defense team, dissatisfied with my staffs review of the case, asked to meet with me. Mr. Lefkowtiz indicated your busy schedule, and asked me to put off until September 7, 2007, so that you could attend. Mr. Lefkowitz also indicated that he might appeal my decision to Washington D.C., if my decision was contrary to his client's interest. I agreed to the September 7" meeting, despite the fact that our AUSA had an indictment ready for presentation to the grand jury. An explicit condition of that agreement, however, was an understanding between Mr. Lefkowitz and myself that any appeal to Washington would be undertaken expeditiously. On September 7, 2007,1, along with FAUSA AUSA5 McMillan and Villafatia, and FBI agents, met with you, Mr. Lefkowitz, and Ms. SancliMunderstood that you wished to present federalism-based concerns regarding our prosecution. To ensure a full consideration of your arguments, I invited Drew Oosterbaan, Chief of the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, to travel from Washington to attend our meeting. During the September 7th meeting, your co-counsel, Mr. Lefkowitz, offered a plea resolution. The inclusion of a Section 2255 remedy was specifically raised and discussed at the September 7th meeting. Indeed, according to AUSA Villafafia's notes, you thanked her for bringing it to your attention. Again, no objection to the Section 2255 issue was raised. After considering the arguments raised at the September 7th meeting, and after conferring with the FBI and with Chief Oosterbaan, our Office decided to proceed with the indictment. At that time, I reminded Mr. Lefkowitz that he had previously indicated his desire to appeal such a decision to the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, or the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, and I offered to direct our prosecutors to delay the presentation of the indictment to allow you or he to appeal our decision if you so chose. He decided not to do so. Instead, Mr. Epstein elected to negotiate the Non-Prosecution Agreement. These negotiations were detailed and time-consuming. Mr. Epstein's defense team, including yourself, Professor Dershowitz, former United States Attorney Guy Lewis, Ms. Lilly Ann Sanchez and Messrs. Roy Black, Jack Goldberger, Gerry Lefcourt and Jay Lefkowitz had the opportunity to review and raise objections to the terms of the Agreement. Again, no one raised objections to the Section 2255 language. Since the signing of the Agreement, the defense team and our Office have addressed several issues that have arisen under the Agreement. Although the exchanges were at times a bit litigious, it appears that these issues have been resolved by mutual consent, some in favor of your client, some not so. It is against these many previous foregone opportunities to object that I receive with surprise your letter requesting an I I d' hour, after-the-fact review of our Agreement. Although it happens rarely, I do not mind this Office's decision being appealed to Washington, and have previously directed our prosecutors to delay filings in this case to provide defense counsel with the option of appealing our decisions. Indeed, although I am confident in our prosecutors' evidence and legal analysis, I nonetheless directed them to consult with the subject matter experts in the Criminal -5- RFP MIA 000505 EFTA00184887
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Case 9:08-cv-80736-KAM Document 362-16 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 7 of 8 Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section to confirm our interpretation of the law before approving their indictment package. I am thus surprised to read a letter addressed to Department Headquarters that raises issues that either have not been raised with this Office previously or that have been raised, and in fact resolved, in your client's favor. I am troubled, likewise, by the apparent lack of finality in this Agreement. The AUSAs who have been negotiating with defense counsel have for some time complained to me regarding the tactics used by the defense team. It appears to them that as soon as resolution is reached on one issue, defense counsel finds ways to challenge the resolution collaterally. My response thus far has been that defense counsel is doing its job to vigorously represent the client. That said, there must be closure on this matter. Some in our Office are deeply concerned that defense counsel will continue to mount collateral challenges to provisions of the Agreement, even after Mr. Epstein has entered his guilty plea and thus rendered the agreement difficult, if not impossible, to unwind. Finally, I am most concerned about any belief on the part of defense counsel that the Agreement is unethical, unlawful or unconstitutional in any way.' In closing, I would ask that you consult with co-counsel. If after consultations within the defense team, you believe that our Agreement is unethical, unlawful or unconstitutional, I would ask that you notify, us immediately so that we can discuss the matter by phone or in person. I have consulted with the chief prosecutor in this case, who has advised me that she is ready to unwind the Agreement and proceed to trial if necessary or if appropriate. I would reiterate that it is not the intention of this Office ever to force the hand of a defendant to enter into an agreement against his wishes. Your client has the right to proceed to trial. Although time is of the essence (I understand that certain filings are due to our Office no later than December 7i° and that certain events must take place no later than December 14?'), I am directing our prosecutors not to issue victim notification letters until this Friday at 5 p.m., to provide you with time to review these options with your client. We arc available by phone or in person, in the interim, to It is not clear from your letter whether you believe that attorneys in this Office have acted improperly. Your letter, for example, alludes to the need to engage in an inquiry to asswe that disclosures to potential witnesses did not undermine the reliability of the results of this federal investigation. As a former Department of Justice attorney 1 am certain that you recognize that this is a serious allegation. I have raised this matter with ADM lillafana who informed me that the victims were not told of the availability of Section 2255 relief during the investigation phase of this matter. If you have specific concerns, I ask that you raise these with me immediately, so that I can make appropriate inquiries. -6- RFP MIA 000506 EFTA00184888
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r CaSe 9:08-cv-80736-KAM Document 362-16 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 8 of 8 address any matters that might remain unaddressed in this letter. We expect a written decision by this Friday at 5 p.m., indicating whether the defense team wishes to reaffirm, or to unwind, the Agreement. Sincerely, UNITED STATES ATTORNEY cc: Alice Fis er ssistant Attorney General leffre ilastant U.S. Attorney AUSA A. • • -7- RFP MA 000507 EFTA00184889
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Case 9:08-cv-80736-KAM Document 362-17 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 1 of 14 EXHIBIT 87 EFTA00184890
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1" ' udig 9108cvI-nal0736-KAM Document 362-17 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 2 of
14
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP
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Jay P. LHIlcowitz. P.0
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446.4970
lorkowdzeRkirkionel.com
VIA FACSIMILE (305) 530-6444
I lonurahle K. Alexander
United States Attorney
United States Attorney's Office
Southern District of Florida
99 NE 4th Street
Minmi, I;L 33132
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CilifVOLIP corn 01
153 Cutal 53rd Sweat
Now York. Now York 10022-4611
www.kirkland coon
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I thank you Ihr the opportunity to express my concerns with the Section 2255 component
of the Non-Prosecution Agreement (the "Agreement"). I provide this submission as a good faith
elfon to communicate all of our concerns on this matter. I respectfully request that you consider
the issues I discuss below in conjunction with the ethics opinion of Mr. Joe I). Whitley that I
faxed to your Office on December 7.
Background of Negotiations
believe it is important for you to be aware of the full scope and substance of our
eoMmunications with your Office with respect to first, the negotiations regarding the inclusion of
the Section 2255 component and second. the process of implementation of its terms. Contrary to
your Ofliee's view, we do not raise our COMMIS about the Section 2255 component of the
Agreement at the -eleventh hour." Since the very first negotiation of the Non-Prosecution
Agreement between the USAO and Mr. Epstein. we have verbatim(' our objections to the
inclusion of and specific language relating to Section 2255.
Also. when negotiating the
settlement portion or the federal plea agreement, we immediately sought an alternative to the
2255 language. In fact. fur the sake of expediting any monetary settlements that were to he made
and to allow for a quick resolution or the matter. we repeatedly offered that Mr. Epstein establish
a restitution fund specilicully for the settlement of the identified individuals' civil claims and that
an impartial, independent representative be appointed to administer that fund. This option.
however, was rejected by your °Ince. Notably, while in our December 4 letter to me. you
indicate that the reason for the rejection of a fund was because it would place an upper limit on
Chicago
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San Francisco
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RFP MIA 000025
EFTA00184891
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12111eA)4 d:birc4b736-KAM Document 362-17 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 P.;ge3 of 14 KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP MIS De,cemher II. 2007 rage 2 the victims' recovery, we placed no such limit on the amount that the alleged victims could recover. Our objections regarding the Section 2255 component of the Agreement began as early as August 2 when, after receiving the USA()); proposed Non-Pmsecution Agreement, we suggested that the 2255 component of the Agreement could be satisfied by the creation or a restitution fund: , ..Mr. Epstein is prepared to hilly food the identified group of victims which are the focus of the Office — that is, the 12 individuals noted at the meeting on July 3 I , 2007. This would allow the victims to he able to promptly put this behind them and go foiwurds with their lives. If given the cipportunity to opine as to the appropriateneSs of Mr. Rinwin's proposal. in my extensive experience in these types of ruses. the victims prefer a quick resolution with compensation for damages and will always support any disposition that eliminates the need kw trial. See letter from Lily Ann Sanchez to Chief Matthew a dated August 2, 2007.1 For the duration of the negotiations, we then continued to encourage the use of a restitution fund in place of civil liability tinder Section 2255. For example. in our draft plea agreement seat to your Office on September 16, 2007. we included the following polygraph; Epstein agrees to fund lyust set up in cinuict with the Goventinent und under the supervision of the 151k Judiciul Circuit in und for Palm Beach County. Epstein agrees that n Trutaix will he appointed by the Circuit Conn and that funds from the Trust will be available to he disbursed at the Trustee's discretion to an agreed list of persons who seek reimbursement and make a good Milt showing to the Trustee 'hat they suffered injury as a result of the conduct or Epstein, Epstein waives his right to contest liability ur damages up to an amount agreed to by the parties for any settlements entered into by the Trustee. Epaent's waiver is net m he construed as an admission nfelvil or criminal liahility in regards to any of those who seek compensation from the Trust. See draft proposal sent from Jay Lelliowitz to Andrew I ,nurle dated September 15, 2007. In response, Ms. Villafana demanded that the Agreement contain language considering the inclusion of a guardian ad hum in the proceedings. despite the fact that. we are now led to believe that all but one of the women in question are in fact not minors. Interestingly. Ms. WW1= not only raises the same concerns that now have become issues with respect to the Implementation of the Section 2255 component, she also believes that the creation of is trust would be in the victims' hest interests. Vibrant! writes: I It was rat orall alter receipt of this letter that Mr. Menthol indicated to us that the scope of liability would encompass nut bite the 12 individualt; named in the Indictment. Init of the minor girls identified during the federal investigation." See Meneltel entail to Sanchezdated August 3, 2007. RFP MLA 000026 EFTA00184892
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I" I Case 9:08:cvi-r80736-KAM Document 362-17 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 4 of 14 KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP December I I, 20 7 Page 3 As 1 mentioned over the telephone. I cannot bind the girls to the 'Mist Agreement. and I don't think it is appropriate that a state court would administer a must that seeks to pay for federal civil claims. We /huh wum to (wont nakerapulaur itflOrthyS amPor lan:ants front conangfunrard, and I know awn "'our client wank io Amp Mae 0101149:t NI/Side O/public cuurr,lilingx, but 1 just don't have 11w power to do what you ask. Here is my recommendation. During the period between Mr. Epstein's plea mid sentencing. I make a motion for appointment of the Guardian Ad Linen. three of UN Nil down and discuss things, and I Will ar much as I eon &altµ Ike Seth' approval 'Inas arocedurr &ram; as l ownibunal I dank ft Is prubably In their best nacricas. In terms of pica agreement language. let me suggest tlw following: The (tailed States agrees to make a motion sucking the appointment era Guardian ad Litetn to represent the identified victims, Following the appointment of such Guardian. the parties agree to work together in good faith to develop a Trust Agreement, subject to the Court's approval. that would provide lin any damages owed to the identified victims pursuant In IN I Section 3255. Then include the lust two sentences of your paragraph S. See email from Villafana to 1 fetkowitz dated September 16. 2007 (emphasis added). I lowever, notably, in the dealt agreement that follows, Ms. Villafana keeps the some objectionable language and only adds a portion of what was suggested in her communication to us: Epstein agrees that. if any of the victims identified in the federal investigation lite suit pursuant to IN U.N.C. # 2255. Epstein will not cunttaa the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida over his person and/or the subject matter. and Epstein will not context that the identified victims are persons who, while minors. were victims of vkilittions of Title I It, United States Code., Sections(s) 2422 trod/or 2422. The United States shall provide Epstein's attorneys with a list of ilw identified victims, which will not exceed forty, utter F,pmein has signed this agreement and has been sentenced. The United States shall make a motion with the United Stales District Conti for the Southern District of Florida for the appointment of a guardian ad them for the identified victims and F.p.stein's counsel may enamel the identified victims through that counsel. See draft non-prosecution agreement c-moiled front to Lethowitz dated September 17. 2007. The inclusion of 0 guardian ad /item. however. on y served to complicate matters. We continued to reiterate our objections to the inclusion of § 2255 in the Agreement repeatedly. as evidenced in an email from Ms. Villafana to myself on September 23, 2005 where she writes: "we have been over paragraph 6 Ithe then relevant 2255 paragraph an infinite number of times." During negotiations, it was decided that an attorney representative be appointed in the place of guardian ad litem -- not for the sake of litigating claims. but based on the belief that a guardian ad litem would not be appropriate lbr adults that are capable of making, their own decisions. liowever. the IISAO included into the Agreement that we pay line the attorney representative -- when originally Ms. stated that tlx: representative could he paid for by us or the federal court. See e-mail from Vt alma to Lelkowitz dated September 23. 2007. RFP MIA 000027 EFTA00184893
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ease 9:08r-Cv180736-I<AM Document 362-17 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 5 of 14 KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP December I 1,2007 Page 4 The final agreement was very similar to what was proposed by Ms. ViIlatima in her initial droll agreement on July 31. 2007: The United States shall provide tipstein's fulomey's with u list of individuals whom it has identified as victims, us defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2255, tiller Epstein has signed this agreement end has been sentenced. Upon the execution of this agreement. the United States. In consultation with and subject to the good Nth approval of Epstein's counsel. shall stied an attorney representative for these persons. who shall be paid for by Epstein. Epstein's counsel nnty contact the identified individuals through that representative. If any of the individuals retimed to in paragraph (7), xopra. elects to file suit pursuant lo IS § 2255. Epstein will not contest the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida over this person and/or the subject matter. and Epstein waives his right to contest liability and also waives his right to contest damages up to an amount as agreed in between the identified individual and Epstein. so lung as the Identified individual elects to proceed exclusively under IS U.S.C. § 2255. and agrees to waive any other claim for damages. whether pursuant to state. federal. or common law. Notwithstanding this waiver. as to those individuals whose names appear on the list provided by the United States, Epstein's signature on this agreement. his waivers and ibilures to contest liability, and such damages in any snit are not to ho construed ns an admission of any criminal or civil liability. See final plea agreement. The Agreement requires Mr. Epstein In waive jurisdiction and liability under IS U.S.C. §2255 for the settlement of any monetary claims that might be made by alleged victims identified by the MAO (the -identified individual°. Mr. Epstein is precluded from contesting liability as to civil lawsuits seeking monetary compensation for damages for those identified individuals who elect to settle the civil claims for the statutory minimum of either $50.000 (the amount set by Congress as of the date of the occurrences) or $150.000 (the amount currently set by statute) or some other agreed upon damage amount. Mr. P.pstein must pay for the services of the selected attorney representative as long as they are limited to settling the claims of the identified individuals. The implementation of (he terms of the Agreement was just as contentious as was the drilling and negotiation this portion of the Agreement. The lirst major obstacle was a direct result of Ms. Villufana's improper attempt to appoint, Mr. Bert Ocariz. a close, person friend of her boyfriend's for the role of attorney representative. We of in the strongest terms to such an appointment due to our serious concerns regarding the lack of independence of this and the appearance of impropriety caused by this choice. As a result, the USA° dratted an addendum to the Agreement. This addendum provides for the use of an independent third party to select the attorney representative and also specifies that Mr. Epstein is not obligated to pay the cost of litigation against him. Upon the decision that we would appoint an independent party to choose the attorney representative. we were engaged in consistent and constant dialogue with your stall as to the precise language that would he transmitted to the independent party to explain his or role. RFP MIA 000028 EFTA00184894
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Case 9:08<v-80736-KAM Document 362-17 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 PlaWeiji - 14 KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP December I I. 2007 Page 5 At each juncture. the inclusion of a civil remedy in the Agreement has resulted in unending debates and disagreements with respect to the appropriate manner in which to implement the terms of the Section 3255 component. The main issues that have arisen since the drafting and execution of the final agreement include the process flit the selection of an attorney representative: the scope of Mr. Epstein's waiver of liability and jurisdiction: the mle of the attorney representative; the language contained in various &tills of the ietter to the independent third party: the correct amount of minimum damages pursuant to Section 2255; the extent and substance of communications between the witnesses and alleged victims and the USA° and the tail. particularly with respect to the settlement process: the language contained in the letters proposed to be sent to the alleged victims; and the extent of continued federal involvement in the state procedures of Mr. Epstein's state plea and sentence. Notably, neither Section 2255. nor any other civil remedy statute, has been used as a pre- requisite to criminal plea agreement and it is clear that the use of' these terms creates unanticipated issues. Furthermore. the waiver of rights of which the i1SAO insisted is also not a traditional aspect of criminal resolutions. While we were reluctant and cautious about a Non- Prosecution Agreement in which a criminal defendant gives up certain rights to contest liability for a chill mettle specifically. Ms. • ' not believe there wits room for contention given the IJSAO's, and ultimatums that required that we acquiesce to these unprecedented terns. Concerns Iteaardinu Section 2253 Mr Epstein unconditionally re-asserts his intention to UM! and not seek to withdraw from or unwind the Agreement previously entered. Ile raises important issues regarding the implementation of the 2255 provisions not to unwind the provisions or invalidate the Agreement but instead to call attention to serious matters of policy and principles that you are requested to review. As you will see below our main policy-related concerns arc ( I ) the inclusion of Section 2255. a civil remedies statutes in a criminal plea agreement, (2) the blanket waiver of jurisdiction and liability as to certain unidentified individuals to whose claims the government has asscncd they take no position, and (3) any communications between federal authorities, including your staff and the PIK and witnesses and alleged victims and the nature of such communications. With respect to the Interpretation of the terms of the Agreement, we do not agree with your Office's interpretation of the expansive scope of Mr. Epstein's agreement to waive liability and jurisdiction. Nor do we agree with your Office's view of the expansive Me of the attorney representative. Below. I describe first, the policy implications and the practical problems that these terms have created or will create. Second. I describe points of contention as to the interpretation of various terms of the Section 2255 component of the Agreement. RFP MIA 000029 EFTA00184895
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" ni ne RAW/40736-1<AM Document 362-17 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 7 of 14 KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP • K. Alexander = December I I, 2007 Page 6 1. Policy Considerations The inclusion of Section 2255 in a criminal plea agreement is unprecedented and raises significant policy-related concerns. Some of these issues can create and have created problems as to the ability of this component to (1) maintain tlx: integrity and independence of the USA°, (2) serve its purpose. namely to provide lidr and appropriate recovery to any victims in a prompt fashion. and (3) protect the rights of the defendant. While we appreciate your consideration of our concerns described below, we are also confident that your commitment to justice and integrity will cause you to consider any additional policy and ethical issues that the Section 2255 component raises. A. Government Involvement The inclusion or Section 2255. a purely civil remedy. raises the risk of excessive government interference in private. civil matters. As Mr. Whitley states in his opinion. " . . .unnecessary entanglement of the government in such cases and the MSC of federal resources could improperly influence such cases and create the appearance of impropriety.- it is well established that the government should refrain from getting involved in lawsuits. However, to include Section 2255 in a federal agreement inherently exacerbates the risk of federal involvement in civil litigation and thus lin; in practice. the inclusion of this statute, as opposed to the creation of a restitution fund, has resulted in continued federal involvement in this matter. Federal criminal investigators and prosecutors should not be in the business of helping alleged victims of slate crimes secure civil financial settlements us a condition precedent to entering non-prosecution or deferred prosecution agreements. This is especially true where the defendant is pleading to state crimes for which there exists u state statute allowing victims to recover damages. See Florida Statutes § 796.09. The fact that state law accounts for the ability of victims to recover truly eliminates the need for a waiver of liability under a federal statute. Furthermore. the vehicle for the financial settlement under the Agreement requires restitution in a lump sum without requiring proof of actual injury or loss federal authorities should therefore be particularly sensitive to avoid causing a prejudiced and unfair result. Section 2255 is a civil statute implanted in the criminal code that in contrast to all other criminal restitution statutes tails to correlate payments to specific injuries or losses and instead presumes dint victims under the statute have sustained damages of at least u minimum lump sum without regard to whether the complainants stiflimed actual medical, psychological or other forms of individualized harm. We presume that it is for this reason that Section 2255 has never before been employed in this manner in connection with a non-prosecution or deferred prosecution agreement. RFP MIA 000030 EFTA00184896
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lase 9Y/61:CA5736-KAM Document 362-17 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 P ggveorian 14 KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP December 1 I. 2007 Page 7 Mr, Epstein's blanket waiver of liability as to civil claims gives the appearance of impropriety. While your Office has, on several occasions. asserted that they take no position as to the claims of the individuals it identifies as "victims." the fact that they continue to promote the award of a civil settlement to these individuals is problematic. As you know. government contracts and plc agreement must not diminish or undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system. Sec . McGovern. 822 F.2d 739. 743 (8th Cir. 1987) (—A plea agreement, however, is not simply a contract between two parties. it necessarily implicates the integrity of the criminal justice system and requires the courts to exercise judicial authority in considering the plea agreement and in accepting or rejecting the plea."). The requirement that Mr. Epstein blindly sacrifice his rights. as a civil litigant. to contest allegations made against him seem to contradict the principles of justice and fairness that fire embedded in the tenets of the United Slates Attorney's Office. I also assert that on both a principled and practical level. the mere involvement of your Office in the matter with respect to civil settlement is inappropriate. Even though we understood from you that federal involvement in tltis matter would cease after the attorney representative was selected, your Office continues to assert their obligation to he in contact with the alleged victims in this matter. Hnd we agreed to a restitution fund for the victims instead of the civil remedies provision, we would not have objected to your Office's communications with these individuals. However. because the alleged victims have the ability to recover damages based on a civil claim pursuant to the Agreement. we are concerned with your Office's ongoing efforts to stay involved in this matter. Contact with federal authorities at this point can only invite the pnssibility for impermissible or partial communications. Most recently, your Office sent us /trans or a letter that your Office proposed to send to the alleged victims (the - victim notification letter"). While the revised dote of this letter states that victims should contact the State Attorney's Office for assistance with their rights, there is no phone number provided for the office Agent ' • r provides the telephone number and an invitation to contact Special of the FBI. Indeed, the letter as currently drafted invites nut only contact between your Office and the victims. it also asserts that federal witnesses may become participants in u saute proceeding, thus federalizing the state plea mid sentencing in the same manner as would the appearance and statements via member of your Office or the 1,B1, 2 We are concerned with the fact that some (lithe victims were previously notified, as Mr. Jeffrey swot in his Idler or Deeember 6 letter. In your letter of bcccmbcr 4. you state that you would not issue the Victim Notification Leiter until December 7. Thos, it is wowing to leant that some victims were notified prior to that date. Please confirm whim lite victims were notified, who was notified. the method or conununicatten thr the notification, and the individunl who notified them. RFP MIA 000031 EFTA00184897
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_ . e' a" e s 9:08-cv-80736-KAM Document 362-17 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 9 of Case " n 14 KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP December 11. 2007 Page 8 The proposed victim notification letter asserts that the federal 'victims' have the right to appear at Mr. Epstein's plea and sentence or to submit a written statement to be filed by the State Attorney. However, as agreed to in the federal non-prosecution Agreement, Mr. Epstein will he pleading to stale charges and 1w will be sentenced liar the commission of state reenses. The 'victims' the government identifies relate only to the federal charges for which Mr. Epstein was under investigation. The draft victim notification letter cites Florida Statutes §* 960.001(k) and 921.143(1) as the authority for allowing the alleged victims to appear nr give statements. however these provisions apply only to the victim of the crime for which the defendant is being sentenced . . . ' 'Thus Florida law only affords victims of state crimes to appear or submit statements in criminal proceedings and the state charges for which Mr. Epstein will be sentenced are not coextensive with the federal investigation. Further. any questions al this point involving the charges against Mr. Epstein or the proper state procedures under which he will plead or be sentenced arc appropriately made to the State Attorney's Olliee. Continued federal inv ve e t in this matter its led to an impropriety that was unanticipated us well. Ms. attempted to manipulate the terms of Mr. Epswin's settlement so that persons close to her would personally profit. Ms. inappropriately attempted to nominate Bert Oeariz liar attorney representative. despite t e act that Mr. Ocariz turns out to be a very good personal friend or ms. vmatcanis boyfriend, a fact she assiduously kept hidden from counsel. We requested alternate choices immediately. hut were told that Mr. Ocariz had been informed of the charges the government would bring against Epstein and in response, he aske •-mail whether his lees would be capped. Needless to say. we were alarmed that Ms. would attempt to influence the settlement process on such improper grounds. And even alter e USA° conceded that it was inappropriate for its attorneys to select the attorney representative, Ms. continued to impro rly lobby for Mt Modes appointment. On October 19, 200 , retire Judge 13. who was appointed by the parties to select the attorney representative. informe r. Pp s counsel that he received a telephone call from Mr. Oeariz directly requesting that Judge appoint him as the attorney s entative in this matter. Although it is unclear how Mr. cariz even knows that Judge has been chosen to administer the settlement process. it can only be understood as Ms. Villalimats attempts to compromise the fairness of the settlement process. B. Integrity of the Process and the Legitimacy of the Claims The waiver of liability Mr. Epstein must make in relation to Section 2255 endangers the legitimacy of the claims made by the alleged victims. There is a heightened risk that the alleged victims will make false and exaggerated claims once they are informed of Mr. lipstein's waiver under Section 2255 for the settlement of claims pursuant to the Agreement. Indeed, Mr. Whitley states. " . . .the Department (of.lustice) should consider developing processes and procedures to ensure that the investigative process is insulated from such risks." It is also well settled that witnesses cannot be given any special treatment due to the fact that it may affect the reliability of RFP MIA 000032 EFTA00184898
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"eaysve 9I:i58"-Cvr-80736-KAM Document 362-17 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 10 of 14 KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP Dcectnber 1 . 2007 Page 9 their testimony. Any and all communications between the federal authorities and the allotted - victims" and witnesses in this matter has the ability to influence the reliability of the testimony obtained and the validity Ards: civil settlements that result. Thus. there is still a real concern that some of the statements that federal prosecutors relied upon in its prosecution of this matter may have been tainted. An inquiry is required to confirm that at the time witness statements were given. them were no conummications made by federal agents regarding potential civil remedies. The government should not provide promises of guaranteed monetary settlements to encourage cooperation because they run the risk of seriously tainting the reliability of witness statements. While we by no means are accusing your Office of snaking improper communications at this point the fact that the award of a civil settlement, without any requirement to prove liability. Is available to the identified Individuals, raises cause for concern as to the nature of all conununications that am made to the 'victims.' You previously stated that the USAO's main objective with respect to the Section 2255 component of the Agreement was to "place the victims in the same position us they would have been had Mr. Epstein been convicted at trial." However. to accomplish this goal, your Office rejected using traditional terms that allow for the restitution of victims. Instead, your Office chose to insert itself into the negotiations. settlement, and potential litigation of a civil suit. With all due respect. we object to your Office's attempt to make the victims whole by requiring that Mr. Epstein deprive himself of rights accorded to him as a potential civil defendant. While we are aware one of the responsibilities of your Office ix to provide for restitution for victims of crimes, this does not give the government the responsibility to enable alleged victims to collect a civil settlement. Despite this concern, it should elm he noted that, the Agreement. bath as written and as interpreted by your Office significantly enlarges the victims' ability to recover from Mr. Epstein. Per instance, it' the individuals attempted to litigate against Mr. Epstein. they would have been determined to be victims only after a lengthy trial, in which they would have been thoroughly deposed, their credibility tes►ed and their statements subject to cross-examination. 'the defendant, under these circumstances, would not have had pay the plaintiffs' legal fees. Moreover, these individuals would face significant evidentiary hurdles. unwanted publicity, and most importantly. no certainty of success on the merits. Therefore. the notion that your Office is merely attempting to restore these " victims" to the same position as they would have been bud Mr. Epstein hem convicted at trial misundostands the Agreement and your Office's implementation of its terms. C. Rights ur a Defendant Requiring Mr. Epstein to snake a blanket waiver of liability and jurisdiction as to unidentified victims whose claims to which the government lakes no position can be construed as RFP MIA 000033 EFTA00184899
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Case 9:08-cv-80736-KAM Document 362-17 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 11 of 14 KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP December I I. 2007 Pap I0 violative of his Due Process rights. Furthermore. the fact that the statute at issue in this matter does not connect harm to the minimum amount available to the victim and simply includes a lump sum exacerbates the potential lilt injustice and an abridgement of Mr. lipstehes rights. At the very least. Mr. Epstein should he given the right to know the identity or the victims and the evidence upon which each one was identified as a victim by the government. The USA() has provided no information as to the specific claims that were made by each identified individual, nor were we given the names or ages or the individuals or the time-Prone of the alleged conduct at issue. The USAO's reluctance to provide Mr. Epstein with any information regarding, the allegations against him leaves wide open the opportunity lint misconduct by the federal investigators and eliminates the ability for Mr. Epstein and/or his agents to verily that the allegations at issue arc grounded in factual assertions and real evidence. Indeed, the requirement that a target of federal criminal prosecution agree to waive his right to contest liability as to unnamed civil complainants creates at minimum an appermmee or injustice, both because of the obvious Due Process concerns al waiving rights without notice of even the identity of the complainant and because of the involvement of the federal criminal justice system in civil settlements between private individuals. We reaffirm the II to test the veracity of the victims' eluims as provided to us in the letter from you to Judge dated Oeurbei 25. 2007. It has recently come to our attention that your staff has identified HS a - victim" for purposes of Section 2255 relief: who initially and repeatedly refused to cooperate with federal authorities during the course of the investigation. only submitted to an interview after she was conferred with a grant of immunity. Surely this is not a demand typically made by someone who is a crime - victim". Moreover, :mom testimony does not suggest that she is a victim. • has not only admitted that she lied to Mr. Epstein about her age claiming she was 18 years old. hut that she counseled Others to lie to Mr. Epstein in the same manner. also states that Mr. Epstein was clear with her that he was only interested in "women" who were of ags: and that most of the young women she brought to his home were indeed over 18 years of age. Moreover. while claims to have provided mussages to Mr. Epstein. she does not alleµ; to have engaged in sexual intercourse with Mr. Epstein: does not claim she provided him with oral sex: does not purport that Mr. Epstein penetrated her in any manner. denies Mr. Epstein ever used a vibrator, massager. or any type of "sex tor on her: denies he touched her breasts. buttocks, or vagina: and slates that she never touched Mr. F.pstein's sexual organs — nor was she asked to do so by Mr. Epstein. Without a right to contest the liability of claims, will likely receive ear more in civil damages than what would he she would have had Mr. Epstein been convicted. In addition, the Agreement with the MAO only detixs lizderul prosixtition of Mr. Epstein: it does not assert a declination to prosecute. as was first contemplated in the negotiation of the Agreement. Any payments made and/or settlement agreements reached with the alleged RFP MIA 000034 EFTA00184900
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Case 9:013-cv-8636-KAM Document 362-17 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 12 of 14 KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP • • • II December 11, 2007 Page I I victims prior to the foreclosure of any future federal prosecution carries the potential of being used as evidence against Mr. Epstein. 'Huts. to protect his rights as a defendant. Mr. Epstein should nut be required to pay any of the alleged victims until after the threat of prosecution no longer exists. II. Misinterpretations of the Agreement The contentiousness caused by the implementation of the Section 2255 portion of the Agreement has also been caused by what we believe are misinterpretations of the terms by your Office. These problems, which I describe below. are a practical outgrowth of the fact that civil settlement, as opposed to restitution. is considered in the Agreement. A. Role of the Attorney Representative The tJSAO has improperly emphasized that the chosen attorney representative should be able to litigate the claims of individuals. which violates the terms, and deeply infringes upon the spirit and nature of. the Agreement. I lowever. after the parties agreed to the appointment of an independent third party to select the representative, the government announced that the criteria for choosing an appropriate attorney representative would include that they be "a plaintiffs lawyer capable of handling multiple lawsuits against high profile attorneys." This interpretation of the scope of the attorney representative's role is Ihr outside the common understanding that existed when we negotiated Mr. Epstein's settlement with the USA°. Moreover, we have made the USAO aware of the potential ethical problems that would arise should the selected representative be allowed to litigate and settle various claims against Mr. Epstein. The initial draft victim notification letter contained language that confirmed your Office's interpretation and indicated that Mr. Podhurst mid Mr. Josefsberg, the selected attorney representatives. may "represent" the identified individuals. This language assumes that the selected representatives will agree to serve in the capacity envisioned by the USAO, which we believe is patently incorrect. To suggest this notion in a letter to victims who have limited or no knowledge of the ethical principles at issue will only lead to confusion. misunderstanding and disappointment among the identified individuals when they learn that such representation is foreclosed. R. Scope of Mr. Epstein's Waiver Your Office has taken the position that Mr. Epstein waives liability beyond the settlement of claims and that he will waive liability even in lawsuits brought by the identified individuals. However. this overstates the scope of Mr. Epstein's waiver pursuant to the Agreement. Mr. Epstein has only agreed that he will waive the right to contest liability and jurisdiction for the purpose of settling claims with the alleged victims pursuant to Sections 7 through 8 of the Agreement and Addendum. Mr. Epstein has no obligation to waive this right to contest liability RFP MIA 000035 EFTA00184901
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. . . _ Case 9:08-cv-80736-KAM Document 362-17 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 13 of 14 (4 KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP December 11, 2007 Page 12 in any claim for damages • by an enumerated "victim"- or anyone else — where that party Nis to settle her claims pursuant to the terms of the Agreement. The revised draft of the letter avoids this misinterpretation and directly quotes Paragraphs 7. 8, 9 and of the Agreement. While we do not have any objection to including this portion of the Agreement in the proposed letter, we request that Paragraphs 7A, 713. and 7C of the Addendum to the Agreement also be included because the language contained there in most clearly outlines the scope of Mr. Epstein's obligation to pay damages under the Agreement. C. Right of the Alleged Victims to Be Notified As we have expressed to you previously, we do nor agree with your Office's assertion that it is either an obligation and even appmpriate for the MAO to send a victims notification letter to the alleged victims. The Justice fin All Act of 2004 only contemplates notification in relation to available restitution for the victims of crimes. However, since Section 2255 is only one of many civil remedies. there is no requirement that the (JSAO inform alleged victims pursuant to the Justice for All Act of 2004. Notably. if the USAO had agreed to include a restitution fund in the Agreement as opposed to a civil remedy statute, the alleged victims would have the right to be notified pursuant to the relevant Act. Further. we note that the reasons you cite in favor of issuing the pmposed Victims Notification letter in your correspondence of December 4 are also inapplicable to this scenario. For instance. you cite IS U.S.C. § 3771 for the proposition that your Office is obligated to provide certain notices to the alleged victims. However. IS U.S.C. § 3771(a)(2) & (3) provide: A crime victim has the Iblkswing rights: (2) The right to rcusnnuhle, nceurate. and timely notice of any public coun proceeding. or say parole proceeding. inreilving the crime nr any rcicmc or escape of the accused. (3) the right not to he esCluded from any such public court proceeding. unless Ilw coo, offer receiving clear and convincing evidence, deo:mines that testimony by 11w victim would be materially altered if the victim heard other testimony at the proceeding. (emphasis added), Your interpretation of § 3771 is erroneous because the rights conferred by the statute indicate that these rights are for the notification and appearance at public proceedings involving the crime for which the relevant individual is a victim. As you know, the public proceeding in this matter will be in stale court for the purpose of the entry of a pica on state charges. Therefore, IS U.S.C. § 3771 clearly does not apply to "victims" who arc not stale "victims." You additionally cite your Office's obligations under § 3771(c)( I) of the Justice for All Act of 2004, Ilowever, this subsection relates back to the "rights described in subsection (a)." Thus. since the rights set forth in subsection (a) only apply to the victims of the crimes fur RFP MIA 000036 EFTA00184902
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Case 9:08-cv-80736-KAM Document 362-17 Entered on FLSD Docket 02/10/2016 Page 14 of 14 KIRKLAND & ELLIS LIP • • It, Alexander December I I. 2007 Page 13 which the public proceeding is being held, the individuals identified by your GIlice have no rights to notification or appearance under this Act. You further cite 42 U.S.C. # I0607(c)(I)(13) and (c)(3) which. you state. obligates your Office to inform victims of "any mannikin or other relief' to which that victim may be entitled and of notice of the status of the investigation: the filing of charges against a suspected offender: and the acceptance of a plea. Although we do not believe this applies here tbr the same reasons stated above. we further assert that your proposed Victims Notification letter seeks to go beyond what is prescribix1 under 42 U.S.C. 10607. indeed, there is nothing in the statute that requires your Office to solicit witness testimony or statements Ibr the purposes of Mr. Epstein's sentencing hewing. Furthermore, we assert that any notification obligation you believe you have under this statute should be addressed by Judge We submit to you based on the policy concerns of including u civil remedies statute in a criminal agreement and requiring the waiver of a defendants' rights under that agreement creates a host of problems that, in this case, have lcd to a sericite: delay in achieving finality to the satisfaction of all parties affected. We appreciate your consideration of these issues and hope that we can find a solution that resolves our concerns. Sincerely. RFP MIA 000037 EFTA00184903