Epstein Was Not Properly Monitored in Prison, According to New Documents on His Death

New files released by the U.S. Department of Justice regarding Jeffrey Epstein include additional details about his death in prison and emphasize that the convicted sex offender was not sufficiently monitored, despite being considered at risk of suicide, according to a report published Friday by The Washington Post.

Epstein died in prison on August 10, 2019, after being charged with multiple counts of sex trafficking and sexual crimes that could have led to a sentence of up to 45 years. His death occurred one day after thousands of documents were made public containing evidence supporting allegations of sexual abuse of girls and young women.

The autopsy determined that he died by hanging in his cell. However, many people — including members of the U.S. Congress and supporters of former U.S. President Donald Trump — claimed without evidence that he was murdered.

The documents released by the Department of Justice — following a congressional law passed last month — also do not include any evidence of homicide. Instead, they reinforce the theory that prison authorities failed to adequately monitor Epstein, despite his placement under suicide watch, according to the Washington-based newspaper.

The files primarily provide further details about Epstein’s previous suicide attempt. On July 23, 2019, a couple of weeks after he entered prison, he was found semi-conscious on the floor of his cell with a noose around his neck.

“After attempting to lift him to his feet with difficulty, staff restrained Epstein’s hands and legs and removed him on a stretcher,” the report states. A medical evaluation revealed redness and abrasions on his neck. Photos included in the report, timestamped 1:45 a.m. and labeled “possible suicide attempt,” show a disheveled Epstein wearing a blue anti-suicide gown, with skin slightly reddened above the collarbone, according to The Washington Post.

Following that incident, Epstein was placed under observation for a possible new suicide attempt. The documents include handwritten notes by staff taken at 15-minute intervals.

One note indicates that Epstein claimed a cellmate had tried to kill him, and the investigative report also includes testimony from a correctional officer who made the same assertion. However, investigators did not corroborate that his then-cellmate, former police officer Nicholas Tartaglione, had assaulted him.

Another document includes notes from an interview with a prison psychologist who observed Epstein over the following two weeks. During that period, Epstein reportedly stated that “committing suicide went against his religion” and that he did not like pain.

However, three days later, as officials were considering removing him from the special unit for inmates with psychiatric issues — which he left on July 30 — the prison’s chief psychologist sent an email expressing concern “because he had been downgraded to psychological observation rather than remaining on suicide watch.”