How Jeffrey Epstein’s Death May Affect Lingering Lawsuits and Investigations
New York financier and convicted sex offender died Saturday of an apparent suicide
J. Clara Chan | August 12, 2019 @ 7:25 PM
Last Updated: August 13, 2019 @ 10:14 AM
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Geoffrey Berman announcing charges against Jeffrey Epstein on July 8. (Stephanie Keith / Getty Images)
Jeffrey Epstein left behind many unanswered questions following his death on Saturday from an apparent suicide. Among them: How precisely did he die and why was it allowed to happen? What options remain for his accusers seeking justice through the courts? And how does his death affect the federal investigation into charges of child sex trafficking brought against him in July? Though Epstein will no longer stand trial, his case is far from over. Here’s everything we know about what happens next.
Epstein’s Criminal Charges and Pending Lawsuits
While Epstein’s accusers will not be able to face him in court, the federal criminal investigation into the charges of child sex trafficking against Epstein will continue. “To those brave young women who have already come forward and to the many others who have yet to do so,” Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said in a statement, “let me reiterate that we remain committed to standing for you, and our investigation of the conduct charged in the indictment — which included a conspiracy count — remains ongoing.”
That specific mention of a “conspiracy count” could have big implications. Daniel C. Richman, a former Manhattan prosecutor and criminal law professor at Columbia, told the New York Times that Berman’s statement suggests the government has identified potential co-conspirators. Prosecutors may also zero in on Epstein’s finances and charge potential conspirators with aiding and abetting or money laundering, according to the Times, and any assets that the government seizes from Epstein’s estate could also be used toward financial compensation for his accusers.
No one else has been charged, but, on Friday, a federal appeals court unsealed documents from a 2015 defamation case filed against Epstein’s ex-girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who accused Maxwell of recruiting her as a minor to have sex with Epstein. The case was originally settled for an undisclosed amount, which the Miami Herald reported to be “millions.” Several of Epstein’s other accusers have also named Maxwell as Epstein’s accomplice, but Maxwell has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In the unsealed documents, Giuffre also named several prominent men she says Epstein or Maxwell ordered her to have sex with. The list includes Prince Andrew and the lawyer Alan Dershowitz — both of whom Giuffre has namedbefore — as well as former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson; former Maine Sen. George Mitchell; MC2 modeling agency owner Jean-Luc Brunel; financier Glenn Dubin; and MIT scientist Marvin Minsky, who died in 2016.
Richardson, Mitchell, and Dubin have since all strongly denied any wrongdoing. Buckingham Palace has also repeatedly denied wrongdoing by Prince Andrew. Brunel has not responded to repeated requests for comment from multiple outlets regarding the unsealed documents, but he has in the past denied committing “any illicit act or any wrongdoing” as a scouter or model agencies manager, and he participated “neither directly nor indirectly, in the actions Mr. Jeffrey Epstein is being accused of,” according to a 2015 Guardian story.
In the same unsealed court documents, Giuffre also said that she met Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, and Al Gore at Epstein’s Virgin Islands home, but did not accuse them of wrongdoing. “We know both Trump and Clinton were associated with Epstein at various times in various ways, but in terms of what we have, there’s no indication that any three of them did anything improper,” Giuffre’s lawyer David Boies told the Miami Herald last Friday.
And while Epstein’s death means he will never appear in court, some of his accusers’ lawyers told the New York Times that they may pursue civil lawsuits or claims against Epstein’s estate, which is estimated to be worth $500 million.
“We have to live with the scars of his actions for the rest of our lives, while he will never face the consequences of the crimes he committed, the pain and trauma he caused so many people,” Jennifer Araoz, a woman who accused Epstein of raping her when she was 15, said in a statement. “Epstein is gone, but justice must still be served.”
In late July, Epstein was placed on suicide watch at the Metropolitan Correctional Center after he was found injured in his cell. The incident still has not been fully explained; anonymous sources at the time gave conflicting accounts to media outlets: one suggested that the incident was faked, one suggested Epstein actually attempted suicide, and another speculated he was attacked by another inmate.
For reasons that are not yet known, Epstein was taken off suicide watch after just a few days, though even after that a guard was supposed to check on Epstein’s cell every 30 minutes, and he was required to have a cellmate. According to the Washington Post, shortly before his death the procedure was not followed. His cellmate was transferred on Friday, a new cellmate was not assigned, and Epstein was not checked on for several hours before he was found dead. And according to the Associated Press, Epstein’s guards were also “working extreme overtime shifts to make up for staffing shortages.”
Meanwhile, an autopsy conducted over the weekend is still “pending further information,” New York’s chief medical examiner Barbara Sampson announced on Sunday. Pathologist and Fox News contributor Michael Biden, who had testified at the murder trials for O. J. Simpson and Phil Spector, was brought in to observe the autopsy.
The Department of Justice’s inspector general and the F.B.I. have opened investigations into the circumstances of Epstein’s death, Attorney General William Barr announced on Saturday. He later added on Monday, “We are now learning of serious irregularities at this facility that are deeply concerning and demand a thorough investigation. … We will get to the bottom of what happened.”
In the absence of any concrete explanation for what happened, deep skepticism about the circumstances of Epstein’s death — and more than a few conspiracy theories — has flourished.
But the most prominent person to dabble in Epstein conspiracy theories turned out to be Donald Trump, who called attention on Twitter to completely unfounded claims that Bill and Hillary Clinton had Epstein murdered. The claim is connected to the “Clinton Body Count,” a widely debunked conspiracy theory dating back to the 1990s that claims the Clintons have masterminded the assassination of dozens of their political enemies.
Asked on Monday about why Trump promoted the conspiracy theory, a Trump 2020 campaign aide told Fox News, “I think the president was basically asking some of the questions that we saw millions of Americans probably asking themselves, whether it be on social media or just even in their own private conversations, about the very strange circumstances around this person’s death.”
“Every grotesque beat of Epstein’s story — including, now, his untimely death — illustrates how America’s culture of elite impunity, failure, and corruption has allowed conspiracy theorists to thrive,” The Atlantic’s McKay Coppins wrote. “No matter what facts emerge in the coming weeks or months, some observers will forever remain unconvinced.”
2020 Presidential Contenders: Who's Still Challenging Donald Trump and Who's Dropped Out (Photos)
There's just over a year to go until the 2020 presidential election, but the competition to potentially replace Donald Trump in the White House is already stiff.
There's a lot to keep track of, but we're here to help. Here's TheWrap's list of everyone who is running for president so far — and who has dropped out.
Joe Biden – Democratic Party
Entered Race: April 25, 2019
The former Obama VP was a late entry to the race, formally declaring his run for the presidency on April 25. But he's long been a presumed frontrunner, leading many early polls. This is his third presidential run, and for months he's been telling anyone who'll listen that he'd be the most qualified candidate for the job. He's also already been under scrutiny over criticism about his behavior with women, prompting him to post a video promising he'd be "more mindful and respectful" of a woman's "personal space."
The Massachusetts Senator formally announced her candidacy on Feb. 9 at a rally in her home state, and shortly after followed up with a tweet that read: "I believe in an America of opportunity. My daddy ended up as a janitor, but his little girl got the chance to be a public school teacher, a college professor, a United States Senator – and a candidate for President of the United States. #Warren2020."
Getty Images
Bernie Sanders – Democratic Party
Entered Race: Feb. 19, 2019
Bernie Sanders, the runner-up in the 2016 contest for the Democratic nomination, has recorded a campaign video in which he says he is running for president in 2020, according to a report in Politico.
Getty Images
Pete Buttigieg – Democratic Party
Entered Race: April 14, 2019
The 37-year-old mayor of South Bend, Indiana would become the first openly gay presidential nominee from a major political party. Buttigieg's platform includes a plan to further empower Black America and economic reform.
Getty Images
Tulsi Gabbard – Democratic Party
Entered Race: Jan. 11, 2019
Gabbard, a U.S. Representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district, endorsed Bernie Sanders in 2016, but in 2020 she's all-in on herself. Gabbard is running on immigration and criminal justice reform.
Getty Images
Andrew Yang – Democratic Party
Entered Race: Nov. 6, 2017
The entrepreneur and son of immigrant parents from Taiwan became a contender a year ago, telling The New York Times that he will advocate for a universal basic income.
Getty Images
John Delaney – Democratic Party
Entered Race: July 28, 2017
The U.S. Representative for Maryland's 6th district declared back in July 2017. He says he'll "end reckless trade wars and expand trade," "create a universal health care system" and "launch a national AI strategy."
Getty Images
Amy Klobuchar – Democratic Party
Entered Race: Feb. 10, 2019
The Minnesota Democrat, first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006, announced her bid on Feb. 10, 2019, saying that she wanted to work for "everyone who wanted their work recognized." Klobuchar's key issues she wants to tackle if elected president include revising voting rights protections and prioritizing cybersecurity.
Getty Images
Michael Bennet – Democratic Party
Entered Race: May 2, 2019
The Colorado senator has been a vocal supporter on advancing the field of artificial intelligence and expanding the Child Tax Credit. He didn't qualify for the fourth Democratic debate but he's vowed to keep running.
Getty Images
Wayne Messam – Democratic Candidate
Entered Race: March 28, 2019
The mayor of Miramar, Florida, a city near Miami, is a first-generation American who has called for end the filibuster and erasing student debt. He only raised $5 -- five -- during the quarter that ended Sep. 30, but he's still in the race.
Getty Images
Tom Steyer – Democratic Party
Entered Race: July 9, 2019
The billionaire and climate change activist entered the race in July, saying in a video "if you think that there's something absolutely critical, try as hard as you can and let the chips fall where they may. And that's exactly what I'm doing. My name's Tom Steyer, and I'm running for president."
Getty Images
Joe Sestak – Democratic Party
Entered Race: June 23, 2019
The former Pennsylvania Congressman has a plan for America that includes investing in American manufacturing and strengthening antitrust laws.
Getty Images
Deval Patrick - Democratic Party
Entered Race: Nov. 14, 2019
The former governor of Massachusetts acknowledged the challenge of jumping into the Democratic primary so late in the game. But in his announcement he took a veiled swipe at other candidates, saying the party was torn between "nostalgia" and "our big idea or no way.”
Getty Images
Michael Bloomberg - Democratic Party
Entered Race: Nov. 24, 2019
The former mayor of New York is the second billionaire to enter the crowded Democratic field with just one year until the election. Bloomberg plans to fund his own campaign and is reportedly spending $30 million in TV ads to launch his campaign.
Getty Images
Bill Weld – Republican Party
Entered Race: April 15, 2019
Weld is a former Governor of Massachusetts who has been on the record about his displeasure of Trump, specifically Trump's desire to be more of a "king than a president."
Getty Images
Joe Walsh – Republican Party
Entered Race: Aug. 25, 2019
The former congressman from Illinois turned conservative talk show host announced in August 2019 that he would enter the GOP primaries to challenge President Trump. "I'm running because he's unfit; somebody needs to step up and there needs to be an alternative. The country is sick of this guy's tantrum -- he's a child," he told ABC News.
Showtime
Cory Booker – Democratic Party
Entered Race: Feb. 1, 2019
Dropped Out: Jan. 13, 2020
The New Jersey senator and former mayor of Newark formally tossed his name into the presidential hat on Feb. 1, the first day of Black History Month. Booker ran on a platform of ending mass incarceration if he were to be elected president. His absence in the race ahead of the caucuses made the remaining Democratic field significantly less diverse.
Getty Images
Marianne Williamson – Democratic Party
Entered Race: Jan. 28, 2019
Dropped Out: Jan. 10, 2020
The "Healing the Soul of America" author and founder of Project Angel Food announced her candidacy during a political rally at the Saban Theater in Los Angeles on Jan. 28. Williamson ran on a platform of reparations and "economic justice for women and children."
Getty Images
Eric Swalwell
Entered Race: April 8, 2019 Dropped Out: July 8, 2019
The California congressman wrote in a statement on his campaign's website about his decision to bow out of the 2020 presidential race, "I’ll never forget the people I met and lessons I learned while travelling [sic] around our great nation – especially in the communities most affected by gun violence."
Getty Images
Seth Moulton – Democratic Party
Entered Race: April 22, 2019
Dropped Out: August 23, 2019
The Massachusetts congressman and Iraq War veteran ended his campaign for president in a speech to the DNC in San Fransisco. “I think it’s evident that this is now a three-way race between Biden, Warren and Sanders, and really it’s a debate about how far left the party should go,” Mr. Moulton told the New York Times.
Entered Race: March 4, 2019 Dropped Out: Aug. 15, 2019
The former Colorado governor supported stricter gun control laws and free trade.
Getty Images
Jay Inslee – Democratic Party
Entered Race: March 1, 2019 Dropped Out: Aug. 21, 2019
The Governor of Washington ran on a platform focused on climate change, proposing a "100% Clean Energy for America Plan" that would see emissions drop to zero by 2035.
He announced he was dropping out of the race during an appearance on "The Rachel Maddow Show."
"It's become clear that I'm not going to be carrying the ball," Inslee told Maddow. "I'm not going to be the President, I'm withdrawing tonight from the race."
Inslee added that he's optimistic that climate change will be a major part of the Democratic party's priorities.
Getty Images
Kirsten Gillibrand - Democratic Party
Entered Race: Jan. 15, 2019
Dropped Out: Aug. 28, 2019
The senator from New York announced her bid Tuesday, Jan. 15 on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert." Gillibrand, whose campaign slogan is "Brave Wins," supported paid family leave and protecting women's rights.
On August 28, 2019, she announced her withdrawal. "To our supporters: Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Now, let's go beat Donald Trump and win back the Senate," she tweeted.
Getty Images
Howard Schultz – Independent
Dropped Out: Sept. 6, 2019
In January the former Starbucks CEO expressed initial interest in running. In August, Schultz reportedly suspended his campaigning until after Labor Day, citing medical issues. In September, Schultz cited those issues and more in a letter on his website as reasons he had to take himself out of the running.
"My belief in the need to reform our two-party system has not wavered, but I have concluded that an independent campaign for the White House is not how I can best serve our country at this time," he wrote.
Schultz is a co-founder of the venture capital firm Maveron, which is an investor in TheWrap.
Getty Images
Bill De Blasio – Democratic Party
Entered Race: May 16, 2019
Dropped Out: Sept. 20, 2019
The New York City mayor was looking for more taxes for the wealthy and regulating "gig jobs" under his proposed Universal Labor Standards.
Getty Images
Beto O'Rourke – Democratic Party
Entered Race: March 14, 2019
Dropped Out: November 1, 2019
The former congressman from El Paso, Texas, announced he is running for president on March 14, saying: "This is a defining moment of truth for this country and for every single one of us," and that the challenges have never been greater. "They will either consume us, or they will afford us the greatest opportunity to unleash the genius of the United States of America," he added. O'Rourke has already made a name for himself as a record-breaking fundraiser, the subject of an HBO documentary and a favorite among Hollywood elite. He dropped out Nov 1., tweeting, "I am announcing that my service to the country will not be as a candidate or as the nominee."
Getty Images
Mark Sanford – Republican Party
Entered Race: Sept. 8, 2019
Dropped Out: Nov. 12, 2019
The former governor of South Carolina -- who resigned in disgrace in 2007 after lying about an extramarital affair -- announced his challenge to Trump, saying, "We have lost our way." Sanford, who was also a U.S. congressman from 1995 to 2001 and 2013 to 2019, pledged to tackle the nation's ballooning national debt and reverse Trump's policies on trade protectionism. He dropped out in November saying the issues on his platform were overshadowed by the ongoing impeachment process.
Getty Images
Steve Bullock – Democratic Party
Entered Race: May 14, 2019
Dropped Out: Dec. 2, 2019
The Montana governor said in a statement, "While there were many obstacles we could not have anticipated when entering this race, it has become clear that in this moment, I won’t be able to break through to the top tier of this still-crowded field of candidates."
Getty Images
Kamala Harris – Democratic Party
Entered Race: Jan. 21, 2019
Dropped Out: December 3, 2019
The California senator announced her bid for the presidency on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 21, while appearing on ABC’s "Good Morning America." As a possible indication of her chances, her January CNN town hall was the network's highest rated single presidential candidate town hall ever. Harris is pro Medicare-for-all and raising teacher pay.
Harris came out of the gate strong with a solid showing at the first debate, but failed to carry that momentum. Reports of staff mismanagement and fundraising challenges led to her to suspend her candidacy in early December.
Getty Images
Julián Castro – Democratic Party
Entered Race: Jan. 12, 2019
Dropped Out: Jan. 2, 2020
The former mayor of San Antonio -- and former Obama cabinet member -- supports immigration reform and eliminating lead poisoning. Castro was the only Latino candidate in the running, and he said in a video released by his campaign that he's "not done fighting."
Getty Images
1 of 32
The Democratic candidate field remains robust as late entries including Michael Bloomberg and Deval Patrick join the race
There's just over a year to go until the 2020 presidential election, but the competition to potentially replace Donald Trump in the White House is already stiff.
There's a lot to keep track of, but we're here to help. Here's TheWrap's list of everyone who is running for president so far — and who has dropped out.
CBS
