Investigation into Epstein’s Death Raises Questions

Following Jeffrey Epstein’s death, there are reports indicating that numerous bags of documents were shredded at the prison where he passed away.

Digging into Epstein’s records, it appears that a significant amount of paperwork was destroyed during an investigation by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Post-Action Team shortly after his death on August 10, 2019. This caught the attention of investigators after complaints were made by inmates and staff from the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

A prison guard at MCC relayed a tip to the FBI on August 16, saying, “I have never seen such a large number of bags of shredded documents come out and be placed in a trash can at the back gate of MCC.” This officer reported that merely a week after Epstein’s death, the After Action Team had shredded a massive quantity of documents, utilizing a guard to dispose of around four or five bags of shredded material into a trash can.

Another corrections officer expressed concern upon seeing a prisoner carrying a large amount of shredded paper, suggesting that the investigation team should consider why BOP staff were disposing of records. He noted in a memo that it might be prudent to check the trash can as soon as possible, although the trash had already been collected that morning.

According to records examined, inmates suspected of destroying these records were questioned by the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) on August 20. One of them recalled the events of August 15, mentioning that he approached the back gate with several bags of shredded paper and added, “They’re shredding everything over there.”

The officer believed the inmate may have been involved with the BOP After Action Team because he described one participant as a white male with a southern accent, although he claimed not to know him.

A memo from August 29 concluded the FBI’s investigation into the handling of Epstein-related records, suggesting the correctional officer responsible for the memo often files unsupported claims and stating, “there is no evidence to support the charges.” Nonetheless, documents have shown that all previous agency tally slips from MCC were reportedly “missing.”

Two correctional officers who were working the night Epstein died also indicated to the OIG that they were unaware of any missing MCC files pertaining to him. BOP conducted a review following Epstein’s death, examining documents, electronic records, and conversations with staff before determining that he died by suicide.

The retailer was reportedly unable to reach the inmate for comments, and correctional officers interviewed by the OIG chose not to comment on the situation.