Tämä on FBI:n tutkinta-asiakirja Epstein Files -aineistosta (FBI VOL00009). Teksti on purettu koneellisesti alkuperäisestä PDF-tiedostosta. Hae lisää asiakirjoja →
FBI VOL00009
EFTA00222670
84 sivua
Sivu 61 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM Document 40 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/04/2008 Page 8 of 8 CASE NO.: 08-80119-CIV-MARRA/JOHNSON Service List Jeffrey M. Herman, Esq. Stuart S. Mermelstein, Esq. Adam D. Horowitz, Esq. Herman & Mermelstein, P.A. 18205 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 2218 Miami, Florida 33160 Fax: 305 931 0877 8 EFTA00222730
Sivu 62 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM
Document 41
Entered on FLSD Docket 09/22/2008
Page 1 of 4
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
CASE NO.: 08-CV-80119-MARRA/JOHNSON
JANE DOE NO. 2,
Plaintiff,
vs.
JEFFREY EPSTEIN,
Defendant.
PLAINTIFF'S MEMORANDUM IN RESPONSE
TO DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO DISMISS
Plaintiff, Jane Doe No. 2, ("Jane" or "Jane Doe"), by and through her undersigned counsel,
files this Memorandum in Response to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss, and states as follows:
1.
Defendant, Jeffrey Epstein is alleged to have sexually abused Jane Doe when she was
a minor. The Complaint is in two Counts: Count I is labeled "Sexual Assault", and alleges an
intentional tort based on the actions of Jeffrey Epstein; Count II alleges the tort of intentional
infliction of emotional distress based on the same factual allegations. Defendant Epstein has moved
to dismiss only Count I of the Complaint, contending that Plaintiff has failed to state a claim.
Simultaneously herewith, Plaintiff intends to file an Amended Complaint which substantially revises
Count I and moots the Defendant's Motion to Dismiss.'
2.
In any event, the Complaint sufficiently alleged a claim for sexual assault and battery.
' The Amended Complaint also adds as Count III a federal claim against Defendant Epstein under 18
U.S.C. §§2422 and 2255. Under Fed.R.Civ.P. 15(a), a party may amend the pleading once as a
matter of course before being served with a "responsive pleading". Defendant has not to date filed a
"responsive pleading" in this case within the meaning of Fed.R.Civ.P. 7(a). It is established in the
courts of the Eleventh Circuit that a motion to dismiss is not a "responsive pleading" and does not
affect a plaintiff's right to amend the pleading once as a matter of course. Williams t. Board of
Regents, 477 F.3d 1282, 1291 (11th Cir. 2007).
HERMAN & MERMELSTEIN, P. A.
www.hermanlaw.com
- 1 -
EFTA00222731
Sivu 63 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM
Document 41
Entered on FLSD Docket 09/22/2008
Page 2 of 4
The gravamen of the claims in Count I is set forth in paragraph 16 of the Complaint: "Epstein
tortiously assaulted Jane Doe sexually. Epstein's acts were intentional, unlawful, offensive and
harmful."
3.
Count I does not purport to be brought under the criminal statutes.2 Whether a
Complaint states a claim for relief is not based on labels or conclusions; rather it is determined by
the factual allegations, which "must be enough to raise a right to relief above the speculative level."
Bell Atlantic Corp. I. Twombley 127 5. Ct. 1955, 1965 (2007). Here, the factual allegations
establish an intentional tort claim for sexual assault and battery.3 See Paul . Holbrook, 696 So.2d
1311 (Fla. 5th DCA 1997) ("[a] battery consists of the infliction of a harmful or offensive contact
upon another with the intent to cause such contact or the apprehension that such contact is
imminent"); Scelta
Delicatessen Support Services. Inc. 57 F.Supp. 2d 1327, 1358-59 (M.D. Fla.
1999) (allegation that defendant attempted to put his hands down plaintiff's dress, and that there was
an actual and intentional touching, sufficient to state a claim for battery); Hogan'. Tavzel, 660
So.2d 350 (Fla. 5th DCA 1995) (tortfeasor may be liable for battery for infecting another with a
sexually transmitted disease); see also Restatement (Second) of Torts Assault, § 21 (1965) (stating
that an assault occurs when a person "acts intending to cause a harmful or offensive contact with the
person of the other, or an imminent apprehension of such contact, and the other is thereby put in
such imminent apprehension").
'Chapter 800 of the Florida Statutes is mentioned in the Complaint (118) because conduct against a
person in violation of the criminal laws of the State generally give rise to a civil claim for intentional
tort. Count I does not purport to bring a separate civil claim for violation of a strictly criminal
statute.
3 Assault and battery are closely related common law intentional torts that are commonly alleged
together. See Herzfeld'. Herzfeld, 781 So.2d 1070 (Fla.2001) (noting that plaintiff alleged
intentional tort of "assault and battery" based on allegations of sexual abuse). Sullivan
Atlantic
Federal Savings & Loan 454 So.2d 52 (Fla. 4th DCA 1984) (holding that a cause of action for
assault and battery cannot be based entirely on an omission).
HERMAN & MERMELSTEIN. P. A.
www.hermanlaw.com
- 2 -
EFTA00222732
Sivu 64 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM Document 41 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/22/2008 Page 3 of 4 4. Epstein's conduct as alleged in this case of masterbating during the massage, directing the Plaintiff to remove her clothes, and touching the Plaintiff, constitutes the intentional tort of assault and battery. Accordingly, even if the Complaint had not been amended, it sufficiently alleges facts establishing an assault and battery. Based on the foregoing, Defendant's Motion to Dismiss is moot, and, in any event, not well founded, and therefore should be denied. Dated: September 22, 2008. Respectfully submitted, By: s/ Jeffrey M. Herman Jeffrey M. Herman (FL Bar No. 521647) jherman@hermanlaw.com Stuart S. Mermelstein (FL Bar No. 947245) ssm@hermanlaw.com Adam D. Horowitz (FL Bar No. 376980) ahorowitz@ hermanlaw.com HERMAN & MERMELSTEIN, P.A. Attorneys for Plaintiffs Jane Doe 18205 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 2218 Miami, Florida 33160 Tel: 305-931-2200 Fax: 305-931-0877 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that on September 22, 2008, I electronically filed the foregoing document with the Clerk of the Court using CM/ECF. I also certify that the foregoing document is being served this day to all parties on the attached Service List in the manner specified, either via transmission of Notices of Electronic Filing generated by CM/ECF or in some other authorized manner for those parties who are not authorized to receive electronically Notices of Electronic Filing. /s/ Jeffrey M. Herman HERMAN & MERMELSTEIN. P. A. www.hermanlaw.com - 3 - EFTA00222733
Sivu 65 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM Document 41 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/22/2008 Page 4 of 4 SERVICE LIST DOE vs. JEFFREY EPSTEIN CASE NO.: 08-CV-80119-MARRA/JOHNSON United States District Court, Southern District of Florida Jack Alan Goldberger, Esq. igoldberger@agwpa.com Michael R. Tein, Esq. tein@lewistein.com Robert D. Critton, Esq. rcritton@bciclaw.com Michael Pike, Esq. mpike@bc1claw.com /s/ Jeffrey M. Herman HERMAN & MERMELSTEIN. P. A. www.hermanlaw.com 4 EFTA00222734
Sivu 66 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM
Document 42
Entered on FLSD Docket 09/22/2008
Page 1 of 8
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
CASE NO.: 08-CV-80119-MARRA/JOHNSON
JANE DOE NO. 2,
Plaintiff,
vs.
JEFFREY EPSTEIN,
Defendant.
AMENDED COMPLAINT
Plaintiff, Jane Doe No. 2 ("Jane" or "Jane Doe"), brings this Complaint against Jeffrey
Epstein, as follows:
Parties, Jurisdiction and Venue
I.
Jane Doe No. 2 is a citizen and resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and is sui
juris.
2.
This Complaint is brought under a fictitious name to protect the identity of the
Plaintiff because this Complaint makes sensitive allegations of sexual assault and abuse upon a
minor.
3.
Defendant Jeffrey Epstein is a citizen and resident of the State of New York.
4.
This is an action for damages in excess of $50 million.
5.
This Court has jurisdiction of this action and the claims set forth herein pursuant to 28
U.S.C. §1332(a), as the matter in controversy (i) exceeds $75,000, exclusive of interest and costs;
and (ii) is between citizens of different states.
6.
This Court has venue of this action pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1391(a) as a substantial
part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred in this District.
Factual Allegations
- 1 -
EFTA00222735
Sivu 67 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM
Document 42
Entered on FLSD Docket 09/22/2008
Page 2 of 8
7.
At all relevant times, Defendant Jeffrey Epstein ("Epstein") was an adult male, 52
years old. Epstein is a financier and money manager with a secret clientele limited exclusively to
billionaires. He is himself a man of tremendous wealth, power and influence. He maintains his
principal home in New York and also owns residences in New Mexico, St. Thomas and Palm Beach,
FL. The allegations herein concern Epstein's conduct while at his lavish estate in Palm Beach.
8.
Upon information and belief, Epstein has a sexual preference and obsession for
underage minor girls. He engaged in a plan and scheme in which he gained access to primarily
economically disadvantaged minor girls in his home, sexually assaulted these girls, and then gave
them money. In or about 2004-2005, Jane Doe, then approximately 16 years old, fell into Epstein's
trap and became one of his victims.
9.
Upon information and belief, Jeffrey Epstein carried out his scheme and assaulted
girls in Florida, New York and on his private island, known as Little St. James, in St. Thomas.
10.
Epstein's scheme involved the use of young girls to recruit underage girls. (Upon
information and belief, the young girl who brought Jane Doe to Epstein was herself a minor victim
of Epstein, and will therefore not be named in this Complaint). Under Epstein's plan, underage girls
were recruited ostensibly to give a wealthy man a massage for monetary compensation in his Palm
Beach mansion. The recruiter would be contacted when Epstein was planning to be at his Palm
Beach residence or soon after he had arrived there. Epstein or someone on his behalf would direct
the recruiter to bring one or more underage girls to the residence. The recruiter, upon information
and belief, generally sought out economically disadvantaged underage girls from western Palm
Beach County who would be enticed by the money being offered - generally $200 to $300 per
"massage" session - and who were perceived as less likely to complain to authorities or have
credibility if allegations of improper conduct were made. This was an important element of
Epstein's plan.
- 2 -
EFTA00222736
Sivu 68 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM Document 42 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/22/2008 Page 3 of 8 11. Epstein's plan and scheme reflected a particular pattern and method. Upon arrival at Epstein's mansion, the underage victim would be introduced to Sarah Kellen, Epstein's assistant, who gathered the girl's personal information, including her name and telephone number. Ms. Kellen would then bring the girl up a flight of stairs to a bedroom that contained a massage table in addition to other furnishings. There were photographs of nude women lining the stairway hall and in the bedroom. The girl would then find herself alone in the room with Epstein, who would be wearing only a towel. He would then remove his towel and lie naked on the massage table, and direct the girl to remove her clothes. Epstein would then perform one or more lewd, lascivious and sexual acts, including masturbation and touching the girl's vagina. 12. Consistent with the foregoing plan and scheme, Jane Doe was recruited to give Epstein a massage for monetary compensation. Jane was brought to Epstein's mansion in Palm Beach. Once at the mansion, Jane was introduced to Sarah Kellen, who led her up the flight of stairs to the room with the massage table. In this room, Epstein told Jane to take off her clothes and give him a massage. Jane kept her panties and bra on and complied with Epstein's instructions. Epstein wore only a towel around his waste. After a short period of time, Epstein removed the towel and rolled over exposing his penis. Epstein began to masturbate and he sexually assaulted Jane. 13. After Epstein had completed the assault, Jane was then able to get dressed, leave the room and go back down the stairs. Jane was paid $200 by Epstein. The young girl who recruited Jane was paid $100 by Epstein for bringing Jane to him. 14. As a result of this encounter with Epstein, Jane experienced confusion, shame, humiliation and embarrassment, and has suffered severe psychological and emotional injuries. COUNT I Sexual Assault and Battery 15. Plaintiff Jane Doe repeats and realleges paragraphs 1 through 14 above. 16. Epstein acted with intent to cause an offensive contact with Jane Doe, or an imminent - 3 - EFTA00222737
Sivu 69 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM Document 42 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/22/2008 Page 4 of 8 apprehension of such a contact, and Jane Doe was thereby put in such imminent apprehension. 17. Epstein made an intentional, unlawful offer of offensive sexual contact toward Jane Doe, creating a reasonable fear of imminent peril. 18. Epstein intentionally inflicted harmful or offensive contact on the person of Jane Doe, with the intent to cause such contact or the apprehension that such contact is imminent. 19. Epstein tortiously committed a sexual assault and battery on Jane Doe. Epstein's acts were intentional, unlawful, offensive and harmful. 20. Epstein's plan and scheme in which he committed such acts upon Jane Doe were done willfully and maliciously. 21. As a direct and proximate result of Epstein's assault on Jane, she has suffered and will continue to suffer severe and permanent traumatic injuries, including mental, psychological and emotional damages. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Jane Doe No. 4 demands judgment against Defendant Jeffrey Epstein for compensatory damages, punitive damages, costs, and such other and further relief as this Court deems just and proper. COUNT II Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress 22. Plaintiff Jane Doe repeats and realleges paragraphs 1 through 14 above. 23. Epstein's conduct was intentional or reckless. 24. Epstein% conduct with a minor was extreme and outrageous, going beyond all bounds of decency. 25. Epstein committed willful acts of child sexual abuse on Jane Doe. These acts resulted in mental or sexual injury to Jane Doe, that caused or were likely to cause Jane Doe's mental or emotional health to be significantly impaired. 26. Epstein's conduct caused severe emotional distress to Jane Doe. Epstein knew or had -4- EFTA00222738
Sivu 70 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM Document 42 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/22/2008 Page 5 of 8 reason to know that his intentional and outrageous conduct would cause emotional distress and damage to Jane Doe, or Epstein acted with reckless disregard of the high probability of causing severe emotional distress to Jane Doe. 27. As a direct and proximate result of Epstein's intentional or reckless conduct, Jane Doe, has suffered and will continue to suffer severe mental anguish and pain. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Jane Doe No. 2 demands judgment against Defendant Jeffrey Epstein for compensatory damages, costs, punitive damages, and such other and further relief as this Court deems just and proper. COUNT III Coercion and Enticement to Sexual Activity in Violation of 18 C.S.C. §2422 28. Plaintiff Jane Doe repeats and realleges paragraphs 1 through 14 above. 29. Epstein used a facility or means of interstate commerce to knowingly persuade, induce or entice Jane Doe, when she was under the age of 18 years, to engage in prostitution or sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense. 30. Epstein's acts and conduct are in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2422. 31. As a result of Epstein's violation of 18 U.S.C. §2422, Plaintiff has suffered personal injury, including mental, psychological and emotional damages. 32. Plaintiff hired Herman & Mermelstein, P.A., in this matter and agreed to pay them a reasonable attorneys' fee. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Jane Doe No. 2 demands judgment against Defendant Jeffrey Epstein for all damages available under 28 U.S.C. §2255(a), including without limitation, actual and compensatory damages, costs of suit, and attorneys' fees, and such other and further relief as this Court deems just and proper. JURY TRIAL DEMAND Plaintiff demands a jury trial in this action on all claims so triable. - S - EFTA00222739
Sivu 71 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM Document 42 Entered on FLSD Docket 09122,2008 Page 6 of 8 Dated: September 22, 2008 Respectfully submitted, By: s/ Jeffrey M. Herman Jeffrey M. Herman (FL Bar No. 521647) jherman@hermanlaw.com Stuart S. Mermelstein (FL Bar No. 947245) ssm@hermanlaw.com Adam D. Horowitz (FL Bar No. 376980) ahorowitz@hermanlaw.com HERMAN & MERMELSTE1N, P.A. Attorneys for Plaintiff 18205 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 2218 Miami, Florida 33160 Tel: 305-931-2200 Fax: 305-931-0877 - 6 - EFTA00222740
Sivu 72 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM Document 42 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/22/2008 Page 7 of 8 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that on September 22, 2008, I electronically filed the foregoing document with the Clerk of the Court using CM/ECF. I also certify that the foregoing document is being served this day to all parties on the attached Service List in the manner specified, either via transmission of Notices of Electronic Filing generated by CM/ECF or in some other authorized manner for those parties who are not authorized to receive electronically Notices of Electronic Filing. /s/ Jeffrey M. Herman - 7 - EFTA00222741
Sivu 73 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM Document 42 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/22/2008 Page 8 of 8 SERVICE LIST DOE vs. JEFFREY EPSTEIN CASE NO.: 08-CV-80380-MARRA/JOHNSON United States District Court, Southern District of Florida Jack Alan Goldberger, Esq. jgoldberger@agwpa.com Michael R. Tein, Esq. tein@lewistein.com Robert D. Critton, Esq. rcritton@bciclaw.com Michael Pike, Esq. mpike@bciclaw.com /s/ Jeffrey M. Herman - 8 - EFTA00222742
Sivu 74 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM Document 43 Entered on FLSD Docket 09/23'2008 Page 1 of 1 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA CASE NO. 08-80119-CIV-MARRA Jane Doe No. 2, Plaintiff, vs. JEFFREY EPSTEIN, Defendant. ORDER DENYING MOTIONS AS MOOT THIS CAUSE is before the Court upon Defendant's Motion for Enlargement of Time to Answer or Otherwise Respond to Complaint (DE 13) and Defendant's Motion to Dismiss Complaint (DE 40). As Plaintiff's Complaint has been replaced by an Amended Complaint, it is hereby ORDERED AND ADJUDGED as follows: (1) Defendant's Motion for Enlargement of Time to Answer or Otherwise Respond to Complaint (DE 13) is DENIED as moot. (2) Defendant's Motion to Dismiss Complaint (DE 40) is DENIED as moot. This denial is without prejudice to Defendant reasserting the grounds asserted in the motion if he deems it appropriate as to the Amended Complaint. DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers at West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida, this 23s day of September, 2008. se rZ KENNETH A. MARRA United States District Judge copies to: All counsel of record EFTA00222743
Sivu 75 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM Document 46 Entered on FLSD Docket 10/06/2008 Page 1 of 10 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA CASE NO.: 08-CV-80119-MARRA-JOHNSON JANE DOE NO. 2 Plaintiff, v. JEFFREY EPSTEIN, Defendant. DEFENDANT'S. EPSTEIN, MOTION TO DISMISS AND MOTION FOR MORE DEFINITE STATEMENT DIRECTED TO PLAINTIFF'S AMENDED COMPLAINT Defendant, JEFFERY EPSTEIN, by and through his undersigned counsel, moves to dismiss and for more definite statement of Plaintiff JANE DOE NO. 2's Amended Complaint. Rules 12(b)(6), and 12(e) and (f), Fed.R.Civ.P. (2008). In support of his motion, Defendant states: Introduction Defendant is filing similar motions to dismiss and for more definite statement directed to the Amended Complaints filed against Defendant in this Court in JANE DOE NO. 2, JANE DOE NO. 3, JANE DOE NO. 4 and JANE DOE NO. 5. The motions are directed to the Counts for "Sexual Assault and Battery," and "Coercion and Enticement to Sexual Activity in Violation of 18 U.S.C. §2422" in each of the respective complaints. However, there are distinctions in the four motions filed based on the complaint allegations. For example, Defendant challenges the Plaintiffs' allegations as to assault in all four actions, and challenges the battery allegations in JANE DOE NOS. 2 and 3, EFTA00222744
Sivu 76 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM Document 46 Entered on FLSD Docket 10/06/2008 Page 2 of 10 Case No. CV-80119-Marra-Johnson Page No. 2 but not in JANE DOE NOS. 4 and 5. Defendant moves to dismiss the §2422 count in all four actions. Motion 1. Counts I and III of the Amended Complaint are required to be dismissed for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Rule 12(b)(6). Plaintiff has failed to allege sufficient factual allegations in the Counts and instead alleges labels and conclusions, and an attempted formulaic recitation of the elements in each Count. 2. In the alternative, Defendant seeks more definite statement of Count I and Ill. In Count I, the Plaintiff is required to more definitely allege what was done to her; what EPSTEIN said and did, if anything, to create fear and apprehension in Plaintiff; what was the intentional offensive or harmful contact in pleading the elements of assault and battery. In Count III, Plaintiff is required to more definitely state the underlying factual allegations to support her claim as set forth in the statute, 18 U.S.C. §2422(b) and §2455. Rule 12(e). See discussion of law below herein. 3. Also, Plaintiffs reference in Count III to 28 U.S.C. §2255, pertaining to habeas corpus proceedings is required to be stricken as immaterial. Rule 12(f). Plaintiff is required to more definitely state what statutory provision she is relying on. Rule 12 (e). WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court dismiss Counts I and III, strike the immaterial statutory reference, and require Plaintiff to more definitely plead the underlying elements of her claims. Supporting Memorandum of Law Standard on Rule 12(b)(6) Motion To Dismiss As established by the Supreme Court in Bell Atlantic Corp. V. Twombly 127 S.Ct. 1955 (2007), a motion to dismiss should be granted if the plaintiff does not plead EFTA00222745
Sivu 77 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM Document 46 Entered on FLSD Docket 10/06/2008 Page 3 of 10 Case No. CV-80119-Marra-Johnson Page No. 3 "enough facts to state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face." Id, at 1974. Although the complaint need not provide detailed factual allegations, the basis for relief in the complaint must state "more than labels and conclusions, and a formulaic recitation of the elements of a cause of action will not do." Id, at 1965. Further, "[f]actual allegations must be enough to raise a right to relief above the speculative level ... on the assumption that all the allegations in the complaint are true (even if doubtful in fact)." Id. On a motion to dismiss, the well pleaded allegations of plaintiffs complaint are taken as true and construed in the light most favorable to the plaintiff. M.T.V. v. DeKalb County Sch. Dist., 446 F.3d 1153, 1156 (11th Cir.2006). Significantly, the Supreme Court in Bell Atlantic Corp. V. Twomblv abrogated the often cited observation that "a complaint should not be dismissed for failure to state a claim unless it appears beyond doubt that the plaintiff can prove not set of facts in support of his claim that would entitle him to relief." Id, (abrogating and quoting Conley v. Gibson, 355 U.S. 41, 45-46, 78 S.Ct. 99, 102, 2 L.Ed.2d 80 (1957)). The Supreme Court rejected the notion that "a wholly conclusory statement of claim [can] survive a motion to dismiss whenever the pleadings le[ave] open the possibility that a plaintiff might later establish some 'set of [undisclosed] facts' to support recovery." Id. As explained by the Supreme Court in Bell Atlantic Corp. supra at 1664-65: While a complaint attacked by a Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss does not need detailed factual allegations ibid.. Sanivan v. American Bd. of Psychiatry and Neurology. Inc., 40 F.3d 247, 251 (C.A.7 1994), a plaintiffs obligation to provide the "grounds" of his "entitle[ment] to relief" requires more than labels and conclusions, and a formulaic recitation of the elements of a cause of action will not do, see Papasan v. Allain, 478 U.S. 265, 286, 106 S.Ct. 2932, 92 L.Ed.2d 209 (1986) (on a motion to dismiss, courts "are not bound to accept as true a legal conclusion couched as a factual allegation"). Factual allegations must be enough to raise a right to relief above the speculative level, see 5 C. Wright & A. Miller Federal Practice and EFTA00222746
Sivu 78 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM
Document 46
Entered on FLSD Docket 10/06/2008
Page 4 of 10
Case No. CV-80119-Marra-Johnson
Page No. 4
Procedure § 1216, pp. 235-236 (3d ed.2004) (hereinafter Wright & Miller)
("[T]he pleading must contain something more ... than ... a statement of facts
that merely creates a suspicion [of] a legally cognizable right of action"), on
the assumption that all the allegations in the complaint are true (even if
doubtful in fact), see, e.g., Swierkiewicz v. Sorema N. A., 534 U.S. 506, 508,
n. 1, 122 S.Ct. 992, 152 L.Ed.2d 1 (2002); Neitzke v. Williams, 490 U.S. 319,
327, 109 S.Ct. 1827, 104 L.Ed.2d 338 (1989) (" Rule 12(b)(6) does not
countenance ... dismissals based on a judge's disbelief of a complaint's
factual allegations"); Scheuer v. Rhodes, 416 U.S. 232, 236, 94 S.Ct. 1683,
40 L.Ed.2d 90 (1974) (a well-pleaded complaint may proceed even if it
appears "that a recovery is very remote and unlikely").
Pursuant to Rule 12(e), a party may move for more definite statement of a
pleading to which a responsive pleading is allowed where the pleading "is so vague or
ambiguous that the party cannot reasonably frame a response." The motion is required
to point out the defects and the desired details. Id.
Count I — "Sexual Assault and Battery" is sublect to dismissal as Plaintiff has
failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
It is well settled that this Court is to apply Florida substantive law in this action.
Erie R.Co. v. Tompkins, 58 S.Ct. 817 (1938). Pursuant to Florida law, although the term
"assault and battery" is most commonly referred to as if it were a legal unit, or a single
concept, "assault and battery are separate and distinct legal concepts, assault being the
beginning of an act which, if consummated, constitutes battery." 3A FIa.Jur.2d Assault
§1. An assault and battery are intentional acts. See generally, Spivey v. Battaglia 258
So.2d 815 (Fla. 1972); and Travelers lndem. Co. v. PCR. Inc., 889 So.2d 779 (Ha.
2004).
An "assault" is an intentional, unlawful offer of corporal injury to another by force,
or exertion of force directed toward another under such circumstances as to create a
reasonable fear of imminent peril. See Lay v. Kremer 411 So.2d 1347 (Fla. 1st DCA
1982). It must be premised upon an affirmative act - a threat to use force, or the actual
EFTA00222747
Sivu 79 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM
Document 46
Entered on FLSD Docket 10/06/2008
Page 5 of 10
Case No. CV-80119-Marra-Johnson
Page No. 5
exertion of force. See 3A Fla.Jur.2d Assault §1("The essential element of the tort of
assault is the violence offered, and not actual physical contact.").
Tort of "battery" consists of the infliction of a harmful or offensive contact upon
another with the intent to cause such contact or the apprehension that such contact is
imminent. Quilling v. Price, 894 So.2d 1061 (Fla. 5th DCA 2005). Sullivan v. Atlantic
Federal Savings & Loan 454 So.2d 52 (Fla. 4th DCA 1984)("a battery consists of the
intentional infliction of a harmful or offensive contact upon the person of another"). See
3A Fla.Jur.2d Assault §1.
With the standard of pleading established in Twomblv, supra, in the context of
the elements for assault and battery, Plaintiff has failed to state a claim upon which
relief can be granted. Rule 12(b)(6). As to the elements of assault, here are no factual
allegations as to what was said or done to Plaintiff such that it constituted an
"intentional, unlawful offer of corporal injury to another by force, or exertion of force
directed toward another under such circumstances as to create a reasonable fear of
imminent peril." See ¶12 of Am. Comp. The same is true for the claim of battery.
Plaintiff makes the general allegation that "he (Defendant) sexually assaulted Jane."
The other allegations in ¶12 pertain to what Plaintiff allegedly did. Under applicable law,
Plaintiff is required to give more than labels and conclusions, and a formulaic recitation
of the elements of a cause of action. Twomblv, supra. Plaintiff is required to allege the
facts of what was done to her; what EPSTEIN said and did, if anything, to create fear
and apprehension in Plaintiff; what was the intentional offensive or harmful contact?
As noted in the introduction and as this Court is well aware, there is more than
one action brought against this Defendant attempting to allege similar sounding claims.
EFTA00222748
Sivu 80 / 84
Case 9:08-cv-80119-KAM Document 46 Entered on FLSD Docket 10/06/2008 Page 6 of 10 Case No. CV-80119-Marra-Johnson Page No. 6 With all due respect, the details as to a particular claim asserted by a particular Plaintiff are important to give this Defendant fair notice of Plaintiffs claim so he may properly respond. Accordingly, under applicable law, Plaintiff has failed to state a claim for sexual assault and battery. In the alternative to dismissing Count I, Defendant requests that Plaintiff be required to give more definite statement as to what was done to her; what EPSTEIN said and did, if anything, to create fear and apprehension in Plaintiff; what was the intentional offensive or harmful contact in pleading the elements of assault and battery. Rule 12(e). Count III — "Coercion and Enticement to Sexual Activity in Violation of 18 U.S.C. §2422" - Is subject to dismissal as Plaintiff has failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Rule 12(b)(6). Count III also contains an immaterial reference to 28 U.S.C. fi2255, which is required to be stricken and more definitely stated. Count III of Plaintiffs Complaint attempts to assert a claim for "Coercion and Enticement to Sexual Activity in Violation of 18 U.S.C. §2422." In her prayer for relief in Count III, Plaintiff "demands judgment against Defendant Jeffrey Epstein for all damages available under 28 U.S.C. §2255(a), ." Although the reference to "28 U.S.C. §2255," pertaining to habeas corpus proceedings - federal custody and remedies on motion attacking sentence, is probably a typographical error by Plaintiff, and the reference to "28" was meant to be "18," Defendant requests that Plaintiff correct this error so that Defendant may have fair notice of the claim Plaintiff is attempting to assert. Whether or not the "28" is typographical error, Defendant is still entitled to dismissal of the count. The applicable version of these statutory provisions, (pre-2006 Amendments, as the Amended Complaint alleges a time period of "in or about 2004-2005,"18), provides: EFTA00222749