EFTA00022546.pdf

Case 9:08-cv-80736-KAM Document 466 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2019 Page 1 of 70
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
Case No. 08-80736-Civ-Marra/Johnson
JANE DOE #1 and JANE DOE #2
v.
UNITED STATES
JANE DOE 1 AND JANE DOE 2'S REPLY TO INTERVENOR EPSTEIN'S BRIEF
IN OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED REMEDIES
Bradley J. Edwards
Edwards Pottin er LP
Paul G. Cassell
Pro Hac Vice
This daytime business address is provided for identification and correspondence purposes
only and is not intended to imply institutional endorsement by the University of Utah.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
THIS CASE MUST BE DECIDED ON THE AGREED PREMISE THAT THE NPA ONLY
COVERS THE U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA.
3
DISCUSSION 6
I. INTERVENOR EPSTEIN HAS RECEIVED PROCEDURAL DUE PROCESS THROUGH
AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD AND SUBMIT EVIDENCE ON ISSUES PERTAINING
TO REMEDIES. 6
A. As an Intervenor, Epstein Has Received Procedural Due Process 6
B. The Court's Findings About Epstein Counsel's Awareness of Concealment of the Non Prosecution Agreement are Well-Supported and Unchallenged 10
I. Through Counsel, Epstein Was a Party to the Illegal Concealment of the Non Prosecution Agreement 10
2. Evidence Exists that the Epstein Defense Team Acted in Bad Faith. 18
3. The USAO-SDFL Was Not Authorized to Extend Epstein Immunity Without First
Conferring with his Victims. 23
II. THE CVRA AUTHORIZES RESCISSION AS A REMEDY.
26
A. The CVRA Authorizes Rescission as a Remedy. 26
B. The Victims Are Not Time-Barred Under the CVRA. 28
III. PRINCIPLES OF CONTRACT LAW SUPPORT A RESCISSION REMEDY.
34
A. Under the CVRA, Contract Law Principles Require Rescission. 34
B. The Civil Releases Signed by Jane Doe I and 2 Did Not — and Could Not — Waive
their CVRA Claims Against the Government 40
IV. THE DOCTRINES OF EQUITABLE AND JUDICIAL ESTOPPEL ARE INAPPLICABLE.
45
A. Jane Doe 1 and 2 Have Not Violated Any CVRA Requirement in Handling Their
Petition. 45
B. Congress Has Not Added Doctrines of Estoppel to the CVRA. 46
C. Epstein Has Failed to Satisfy the Elements of the Equitable Estoppel Doctrine. 48
D. Epstein Has Failed to Satisfy the Elements of the Judicial Estoppel Doctrine. 50
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V. ALLEGED PRINCIPLES OF "SUBSTANTIVE DUE PROCESS" DO NOT PRECLUDE
RESCISSION REMEDIES 53
VI. SEPARATION OF POWERS DOES NOT PREVENT THE COURT FROM EXERCISING
ITS STATUTORY POWER TO ENFORCE THE CVRA. 59
VII. THE VICTIMS' REQUEST FOR DECLARATORY RELIEF (REMEDY #2)
IMMEDIATELY BECOMES RIPE UPON THE GRANTING OF A RESCISSION (REMEDY
#1). 61
VIII. THE COURT IS AUTHORIZED TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING WITH THE VICTIMS
IN THIS CASE. 62
IX. ADOPTION OF EARLIER PLEADINGS BY REFERENCE 63
X. THE COURT SHOULD EXPEDITE ITS RULING ON REMEDIES AND ON THE
VICTIMS' RIGHTS TO BE TREATED WITH FAIRNESS AND TO NOTICE 63
XI. REQUEST FOR A HEARING (IF NECESSARY)
65
CONCLUSION 65
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
Case No. 08-80736-Civ
JANE DOE #1 and JANE DOE #2
v.
UNITED STATES
JANE DOE 1 AND JANE DOE 2'S REPLY TO INTERVENOR EPSTEIN'S BRIEF IN
OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED REMEDIES
COME NOW Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 (also referred to as "the victims"), by and through
undersigned counsel, having previously provided a submission on proposed remedies (DE 458)
and in light of Intervenor Epstein's1 Brief in Opposition (DE 463) (hereinafter cited as "Epstein
Remedies Br."), to now reply to Epstein in support of their submission on proposed remedies. For
the reasons explained in their earlier submissions (see, e.g., DE 458 and 464) and below, the Court
should reject the Intervenor Epstein's arguments and grant Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 the various
remedies their seek to enforce and protect their rights under the Crime Victims' Rights Act
(CVRA) — including rescission of the non-prosecution agreement.
INTRODUCTION
As Jane Doe 1 and 2 explained in their earlier submissions, this case involves deception of
dozens of Florida victims of an international sex trafficking organization — the organization led by
As discussed below, Epstein was granted "limited" intervention in this case to address
remedies. Since remedies are now at issue, Epstein has full intervention rights and will be
referenced throughout this reply as "Intervenor Epstein."
1
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Intervenor Epstein. The Government2 and Epstein reached a secret non-prosecution agreement
(NPA) and then concealed that agreement until it was firmly in place — and the victims lost any
opportunity to object. This secret justice for Epstein and his co-conspirators has led to a national
outcry about unfairness and unequal treatment of the wealthy and powerful in the criminal justice
system.
This Court has previously determined that Jane Doe 1 and 2's CVRA rights to confer with
prosecutors were violated through the machinations of prosecutors and Epstein. This Court then
called for briefing on the appropriate remedy for that violation. DE 454. Jane Doe I and 2 have
proposed rescission of the NPA's "immunity" provisions, which have prevented victims from
conferring with prosecutors in the USAO-SDFL about prosecuting Epstein for the crimes he
committed in Florida against them. Epstein claims that this remedy is not available to this Court.
But the Court has previously held that it is a permissible remedy and nothing that Epstein raises
should cause the Court to reverse course. The NPA's immunity provisions were founded in
illegality — specifically, their concealment from the victims - something that Epstein well knew
and, indeed, specifically sought. Accordingly, this Court can and should rescind the immunity
provisions as the appropriate remedy for the victims. Rescission will vindicate Jane Doe 1 and 2's
CVRA rights, by permitting them to confer with prosecutors in this district about obtaining federal
prosecution here — against Epstein and all of his coconspirators.
Epstein has little to say about the other remedies that the Jane Does seek, and accordingly
the Court should (for reasons articulated earlier) grant those remedies as well.
2 References to the "Government" in this case should be generally understood to refer to
the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida (USAO-SDFL), which is currently
being represented by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
2
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THIS CASE MUST BE DECIDED ON THE AGREED PREMISE THAT THE NPA
ONLY COVERS THE U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT
OF FLORIDA.
For many years, this case has been litigated on the premise that the NPA negotiated by
Epstein with prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida only precludes his prosecution in the
Southern District of Florida. Indeed, the NPA's plain terms directly limit the agreement to "this
District." See NPA at 2 (noting that the agreement was signed "on the authority of R. Alexander
Acosta, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida" and requires that "prosecution
in this District for [various federal offenses] shall be deferred" and that no federal prosecution of
Epstein "will be instituted in this District"). This is consistent with the statute creating the Office
of U.S. Attorney, which allows each U.S. Attorney to prosecute offenses only "within his district."
28 U.S.C. § 547.
In light of this plain language, the NPA has no application to prosecutors in other judicial
districts, such as the Southern District of New York. See United States v. Fernandez, No. 17-CR 167 (JMF), 2017 WL 6372783 at *2 (S.D.N.Y. 2017) ("The Second Circuit has squarely held that
"[w]hen the express terms of a plea agreement set forth promises by `the Government,' . . . the
plea agreement binds only the office of the United States Attorney for the district in which the plea
is entered unless it affirmatively appears that the agreement contemplates a broader restriction, or
unless there is evidence to show that a prosecutor is attempting to evade its own obligations under
the plea agreement by transferring a prosecution to another office" (citing United States v.
Salameh, 152 F.3d 88, 120 (2d Cir. 1998)).
The fact that the USAO-SDFL's agreement with Epstein applies only to the Southern
District of Florida has been made explicitly throughout this litigation — without any objection from
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Intervenor Epstein. See, e.g., DE 205-6 at 30 (". . the USAO-SDFL did not bargain away the
possibility of federal criminal charges being instituted in other districts based on alleged sexual
acts that Epstein committed against [Jane Doe I and 2]. Such charges can still potentially be
pursued in other districts, such as the Southern District of New York . . .."); DE 205-2 at 8-9 ("a
number of districts outside the Southern District of Florida (e.g., the Southern District of New
York ...) share jurisdiction and venue with the Southern District of Florida over potential federal
criminal charges based on the alleged sexual acts committed by Epstein against [Jane Doe 1 and
2]. Epstein is thus subject to potential prosecution for such acts in those districts."); see also DE
464 at 13 n.4 ("The NPA negotiated by attorneys in the Southern District of Florida obviously only
precluded prosecution in the Southern District of Florida"). Several of the remedies the victims
have proposed are clearly predicated on this long-standing assumption. For example, the victims
have sought documents about the investigation regarding Epstein conducted by FBI-Miami
(remedy #10), education in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida (remedy
#14), and sealed remedies involving other U.S. Attorney's Offices (remedy #18). The victims
would have crafted all of these proposed remedies (and others) differently if they had any
suggestion from Epstein that this case involved immunity that extended nationwide.
Moreover, other important aspects of this case have involved the predicate that this case
concerned Epstein's federal crimes subject to prosecution in this District. For example,
Government notifications to crime victims about this case have apparently only gone to Epstein
victims in this District.
Intervenor Epstein's factual "background" section of his brief only makes clearer that the
NPA at issue in this case does not have any nationwide reach. As Epstein's "background" section
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argues, the negotiations between the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida
(USAO-SDFL) and Epstein's high-powered legal team focused on the defense claim that this case
"was, at heart, a local sex abuse case." Epstein Remedies Br. at 15 (quoting former First Assistant
U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Sloman). Indeed, one of the experts that Intervenor Epstein hired
represented to the Justice Department during discussions about the NPA that "[t]his is a case about
purely local activity, involving local actors, and affecting local interests and thus, should be
handled by local authorities." Id. at 15. In other words, according to Epstein's defense attorneys
at the time that the NPA was under consideration, this was not a case "present[ing]
multijurisdictional obstacles" beyond the ability of "States and localities" to confront. Id. at 16.
This Court has previously ruled that this case is to be decided based on a possible CVRA
rights violation "of Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, and all `other similarly situated victims' (DE 324 at
9), where all the victims under contemplation have been victimized by Epstein through federal
crimes subject to prosecution here. Ultimately, as Epstein himself puts it, this case involves "the
exercise of discretion by ... federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida." Id. at 18.
It is common knowledge that Intervenor Epstein is currently being prosecuted by federal
prosecutors in the Southern District of New York. The NPA in this case has no connection to or
bearing on that prosecution there — and the Court should craft remedies for the victims in this
District for the violations of rights that occurred here.
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DISCUSSION
I. INTERVENOR EPSTEIN HAS RECEIVED PROCEDURAL DUE PROCESS
THROUGH AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD AND SUBMIT EVIDENCE ON
ISSUES PERTAINING TO REMEDIES.
A. As an Intervenor, Epstein Has Received Procedural Due Process.
Intervenor Epstein begins his arguments with a procedural claim that he has somehow been
denied "procedural due process" in this matter. Epstein Remedies Br. at 14-19. His argument is
difficult to understand. More than six years ago, Epstein filed a motion for "limited intervention"
in this case, seeking to "intervene in these proceedings when and if they reach the stage at which
the Court will consider what remedy to order if it finds that the government violated the [victims']
rights under the CVRA." DE 207 at 1. As Epstein explained in his motion, this Court had earlier
ruled that "rescission relief' was an available remedy in this case. Id. Accordingly, Epstein had
"clear and compelling interest[s] in opposing any remedy that would entail rescission of his non prosecution agreement with the government," and these interests were "personal to him and would
not be adequately represented by the government should the Court determine that a CVRA
violation occurred and that rescission or re-opening of the non-prosecution agreement was one of
the remedial options under consideration." Id. The victims did not oppose his intervention. DE
209 at 3-4. And the Court duly granted Epstein's intervention motion. DE 246 at 1 (order allowing
Epstein "to intervene with regard to any remedy issue concerning the non-prosecution
agreement").
Of course, this Court subsequently found a violation of the victims' CVRA rights, squarely
posing remedial issues. And the Court thereafter asked for submissions on how to proceed to
determine appropriate remedies, receiving briefing on scheduling from the two victims and the
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USAO-SDFL — and from Epstein. In his scheduling brief, Epstein explained that "[r]egarding the
mechanism for determining remedy, neither party disputes that Mr. Epstein has a right to be heard
. . . . Mr. Epstein respectfully submits that he should be given an opportunity to file a response to
the substantive legal briefs of the parties on the issue of remedy within 30 days after [the victims']
brief is filed, before the Court permits the taking of any evidence in this matter." DE 453 at 2.
Thereafter, the Court established a briefing schedule that essentially tracked what Epstein
proposed, and specifically allowed Epstein to "file affidavits or declarations in support of his
position." See DE 454 at 2.
In the wake of all this, Intervenor Epstein now broadly asserts that "summary judgment
was granted against the government, not Mr. Epstein" and that, therefore, "there can be no remedy
that prejudices him." DE 463 at 25. But the legal support for this claim is a mystery. It was
Epstein himself who proposed limited intervention as the appropriate procedural device to allow
him to be heard in this case. And obviously Epstein has had full notice and opportunity to be heard
on remedy issues, including an opportunity to submit any relevant evidence he wants and to
challenge any finding that he believes are inaccurate. As Epstein's own authority makes clear, the
key requirement for due process is whether a litigant has "received a `full and fair' opportunity to
litigate [his] claims." Parklane Hosiery Co., Inc. v. Shore, 439 U.S. 322, 332 (1979). Epstein
raises no suggestions that he has been denied that opportunity here.
Epstein does point to the fact that the Eleventh Circuit has previously ruled in this case that
he is not "an ordinary litigant." Jane Doe 1 v. United States, 749 F.3d 999, 1005 (11th Cir. 2014).
But that ruling, which involved the disclosure of certain correspondence, is of no relevance now.
The Eleventh Circuit was simply describing this Court's earlier ruling on intervention. Indeed, the
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Eleventh Circuit made clear it was fully approving this Court's approach of allowing Epstein to
raise remedial issues at the end of the case:
The victims argue that Epstein has made himself an ordinary litigant through his
intervention, but we disagree. . . . [T]he district court has granted Epstein limited
intervention to challenge only the disclosure of his attorneys' correspondence and
any remedy that involves the non-prosecution agreement. Epstein's only
opportunity to challenge the disclosure order is now because there will not be an
adverse judgment against him or his attorneys. The district court instead will enter
any judgment against either the victims or the United States. And, even if the victims
succeed in their petition to rescind the non-prosecution agreement, Epstein can
challenge only that remedy, not thejudgment against the United States. The victims
intend to use the correspondence from Epstein's attorneys to prove that the United
States violated the Act, which is an issue separate from the kind of relief necessary
to remedy that violation. And it is all the more likely that the district court would
fashion a remedy that does not involve the non-prosecution agreement, if the district
court were to conclude that rescission is unavailable, which might then bar an
appeal by Epstein of that remedy.
749 F.3d at 1005-06 (emphasis added). Plainly when it ruled in 2014, the Eleventh Circuit foresaw
a situation where Epstein might need to challenge a rescission remedy during a remedial phase of
this case — which is precisely what has happened.
The very purpose of allowing a person to intervene in a case is to ensure "that a single set
of factual findings will bind" the intervenor and the other parties. Huff v. Commissioner of IRS,
743 F.3d 790, 797 (11th Cir. 2014). And the "fundamental requirement of due process is the
opportunity to be heard `at a meaningful time and in a meaningful manner.'" Reams v. hvin, 561
F.3d 1258, 1263 (11th Cir. 2009) (quoting Mathews v. Eldridge, 424 U.S. 319, 333 (1976)). Here
Epstein argues that he has been "deprived . . of the ability to contest numerous allegations and
stipulations at the liability phase." Epstein Remedies Br. at 28. This is simply untrue. Epstein
was free to challenge all allegations (and alleged "stipulations") from the liability phase, to the
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extent that they had any bearing on remedy. Indeed, this Court made clear that Intervenor Epstein
could "file affidavits or declarations in support of his position." See DE 454 at 2.
Epstein complains, for example, about the fundamental premise of this case: that Jane Doe
1 is a "crime victim" covered by the Crime Victims' Rights Act (CVRA). Epstein argues that this
is not possible, because there are no pending federal charges against Epstein in this District. But
this Court has already cited evidence and explained the reasons for concluding that Jane Doe 1
was a victim of a federal crime committed by Epstein in the Southern District of Florida. 359
F.Supp.3d at 1204. If Epstein wanted to challenge that finding, all he had to do was file an
affidavit, under oath, to that effect. He chose not to do so — and due process hardly precludes
continuing to move forward in this case on the basis of an unchallenged and factually supported
finding made long ago.
Moreover, if taken seriously, Epstein's position would sap the CVRA of much of its value.
This Court has already held that exercising CVRA rights is possible before criminal charges are
formally filed, noting that 18 U.S.C. § 3771(d)(3) provides that "the CVRA's enumerated rights
`shall be asserted in the district court in which a defendant is being prosecuted for the crime or, if
no prosecution is underway, in the district court in the district in which the crime occurred.'" Does
v. United States, 817 F.Supp.2d 1337, 1342 (S.D. Fla. 2011) (quoting 18 U.S.C. § 377(d)(3)
(emphasis added)). This Court explained that the CVRA's language allows CVRA's rights to "be
enforced before a prosecution is underway . . ", id. (emphasis added) — i.e., to be "enforced" in
this Court. Of course, the Crime Victims Rights Act creates rights for "crime victims," which in
Epstein's (erroneous) view can never exist until a formal indictment is filed. Epstein's argument
would essentially eviscerate the CVRA's pre-charging protections and should be rejected.
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B. The Court's Findings About Epstein Counsel's Awareness of Concealment of
the Non-Prosecution Agreement are Well-Supported and Unchallenged.
1. Through Counsel, Epstein Was a Party to the Illegal Concealment of
the Non-Prosecution Agreement.
Intervenor Epstein also argues that his defense counsel "acted in good faith." Epstein
Remedies Br. at 30. But he never defines what he means by "good faith." Rather than debating
how to characterize the actions of the defense team, the salient factual issue is this Court's specific
findings that the Government decided "to conceal the existence of the NPA and mislead the victims
to believe that federal prosecution was still a possibility." 359 F.Supp.3d at 1219. And the Court
has also previously found that "Epstein's counsel was aware that the Office was deliberately
keeping the NPA secret from the victims and, indeed, had sought assurances to that effect." Id. at
1208 (citing DE 407 at ¶ 48 (emphasis added)).
While Intervenor Epstein quibbles over the accuracy of these findings, one preliminary
point is important: Epstein does not offer any factual evidence to the contrary. For instance, even
though this Court invited Epstein to provide any affidavits or declarations in support of his position
(DE 454 at 2), Epstein offered nothing. Nor did Epstein challenge the admissibility of evidence
that Jane Doe 1 and 2 have previously provided. As a result, in attacking this finding, Epstein can
only rely on the existing evidence.
Epstein's main point appears to be not that this Court was wrong in finding that the NPA
was concealed from the victims through misleading statements, but rather that this Court was
technically incorrect about when the concealment began. Thus, Epstein argues (in bold face type)
that "nowhere in the record is there any evidence that Mr. Epstein's counsel, prior to September
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24, 2007, urged the government not to consult with [the victims] about the government's
intentions." Epstein Remedies Br. at 31 (emphasis reorganized).
The Court will immediately notice the hedged and negative proposition that Epstein
defends — i.e., Epstein does not argue that the Court's conclusion about concealment is somehow
incorrect but merely that no record evidence exists to prove the point. But record evidence
obviously demonstrates that Epstein and his lawyers signed the NPA, which itself provided that
"[t]he parties anticipate that this agreement will not be made part of any public record. If the
United States received a Freedom of Information Act request or any compulsory process
commanding the disclosure of the agreement, it will provide notice to Epstein before making that
disclosure." NPA at I 13 (emphasis added). This Court noted this provision as part of its factual
findings. 359 F.Supp.3d at 1208. The NPA's plain language thus makes clear both that Epstein
knew the NPA was being concealed and, by requiring that notice go to him before disclosure, that
it was at Epstein's insistence that this provision is included. After all, the Government would have
no reason to bind itself to an undertaking to provide special notice to Epstein.
Perhaps recognizing that is difficult to contest that he sought the concealment provision,
Epstein quickly falls back to the position that his lawyers "never conditioned his agreement to the
NPA on non-disclosure to victims of the intended resolution." Epstein Remedies Br. at 31. To be
sure, it may be impossible to say exactly how the negotiations proceeded and what was a vital
"condition" for either side. Many of the important details were hammered out in unrecorded, face to-face meetings between prosecutors and defense attorneys. And for reasons that Epstein never
explains, his attorneys were discussing with prosecutors how to meet "off campus" to finalize the
agreement. See DE 361 at 14 (line prosecutor writes to defense counsel that "[m]aybe we can set
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a time to meet. If you want to meet `off campus' somewhere, that is fine"). Indeed, the
documentary evidence in this case makes clear that at least one additional meeting was held off
campus between the Government and Epstein. Id.
But while the Court may never know precisely what Epstein "conditioned" his agreement
on, it is quite reasonable to conclude that Epstein was "seeking assurances" that the agreement
would not be disclosed — or, at the very least, not disclosed without an opportunity for him to
object. Indeed, the record makes clear that it was Epstein's lawyers who first asked about whether
the NPA would be made public. DE 361 at 15. And, as the NPA was being executed, defense
counsel followed up again with the line prosecutor, specifically requesting that she "do whatever
you can to keep [the NPA] from becoming public." 359 F.Supp.3d at 1207.
Moreover, even before the NPA was signed, uncontested documentary evidence shows that
Epstein was working to conceal what happened from the victims. For example, as the Court noted
in its findings, the line prosecutor and Epstein's counsel were working together to "avoid the
press." 359 F.Supp.3d at 1206. These documents pertain to events before the NPA was executed
on September 24, 2007, proving that Epstein's defense attorneys sought to have the NPA
concealed in advance of its signing. Given that concealment of the NPA necessarily meant that
the victims were being denied their right to confer, Epstein clearly became a party to the CVRA
violation even before the NPA was executed.
But it is hardly necessary to the Court's CVRA findings that Epstein have been involved
in concealing the NPA before it was signed. The NPA was not actually consummated until months
later, in June 2008. And by being party to — and surely instigator of— that extended concealment,
Epstein was responsible for the CVRA violations.
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If there is any doubt on this point, it only reinforces the victims' motion that it should
receive all records associated with the negotiations, including information about the Government's
deliberations. Given that both the Government and now Epstein are making representations about
what occurred during the negotiations, there is every reason for finding a waiver of work product
and other protections, and a compelling need for disclosing all documents about what happened.
See generally Jane Doe 1 and 2's Motion for Finding of Waiver of Work Product and Similar
Protections and for Production of Documents, DE 414 (currently pending before the Court per DE
464 at 14).3
Epstein also points to internal Justice Department regulations, arguing that they show that
the CVRA was technically inapplicable in this case. Epstein Remedies Br. at 21. But to the extent
that those guidelines failed to extend victims' rights during the pre-charging process, those
guidelines were simply illegal — as this Court ruled long ago. Does v. United States, 817 F.Supp.2d
1337, 1341 (S.D. Fla. 2011).
Epstein also fails to fully describe what the Justice Department regulations required the
Justice Department to do during the investigative stage of a case. The 2005 Attorney General
Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance (hereinafter "2005 A.G. Victim Guidelines"4) to
which he refers required the FBI to "provide the victim with the earliest possible notice concerning
the status of the investigation of the crime, to the extent that it is appropriate and will not interfere
3 In an effort to comply with the Court's scheduling order — and to provide consolidated
briefing — Jane Doe 1 and 2 have not filed a separately docketed motion for production of the
materials, instead explaining in their briefs the grounds for production. If the Court believes that
a separate motion is necessary to raise this issue, Jane Doe 1 and 2 would respectfully request
leave be permitted to rapidly file such a motion.
4 A full copy of the 2005 Guidelines is available in Justice Department archives at
https://www.justice.govisites/default/files/olp/docs/ag_guidelines2012.pdf.
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with the investigation." 2005 A.G. Victim Guidelines at p. 25, Part IV.A.3.a.3 (citing 42 U.S.C.
§ 10607(c)(3)A)5) (emphasis added)). Presumably, this requirement that the FBI keep victims
informed is why Epstein and the prosecutors were discussing meeting privately "off campus," as
a normal "on campus" meeting would have involved FBI agents and others Justice Department
employees (e.g., victim-witness coordinators) who would have been obligated by these regulations
to provide Epstein's victims with more information about what was happening.
Epstein also refers to a 2010 opinion of the Justice Department's Office of Legal (OLC),
which concluded that the CVRA did not extend rights until the filing of formal charges. Epstein
Remedies Br. at 32. Of course, the OLC opinion did not exist in 2007-08, when USAO-SDFL and
Epstein were concealing the NPA. Moreover, it is unsurprising to find that the Justice Department
would be staking out a very narrow (but unsupportable) position on its legal obligations under the
law. Cf. Paul G. Cassell, Nathanael J. Mitchell & Bradley J. Edwards, Applying the Crime Victims'
Rights Act Before Criminal Charges are Filed, 104 J. CRIM. L. & CRIMINOLOGY 59, 76-77 (2014)
("OLC's analysis is unpersuasive.").
But this debate over legal application of the CVRA in pre-charging situations is ultimately
wide of the mark as an attack on the Court's findings regarding the CVRA violation here. The
USAO-SDFL had made its own determination that the CVRA did, indeed, apply in this case — and
was telling victims that they had CVRA rights well before the NPA was ever signed. As this Court
has previously found, as early as March 2007, the USAO-SDFL sent official notices to Epstein
victims informing them that they had rights under the CVRA. For example, on about June 7, 2007,
5 This statute has since been superseded by other victim enactments and has accordingly
been repealed.
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FBI agents delivered a standard CVRA notification letter to Jane Doe 1. 359 F.Supp.2d at 1205.
In this letter, the USAO-SDFL promised that it would "make its `best efforts' to protect Jane Doe
l's [CVRA] rights, including `the reasonable right to confer with the attorney for the United States
in the case . .'" Id. Jane Doe 1 "relied on those representations and believed that the government
would protect those rights and keep her informed about the progress of the case." Id. Nowhere in
his response does Epstein claim that his counsel were unaware of this approach.
This issue about the Justice Department's guidelines has already been evaluated by this
Court. As this Court explained in granting summary judgment:
Nor did the Justice Department guidelines create an exemption from the CRVA's
statutory requirements. Although the Government points to guidelines that
conflicted with the requirements of the CVRA (by restricting CVRA rights until
after a formal indictment), the Court is not persuaded that the guidelines were the
basis for the Government's decision to withhold information about the NPA from
the victims. If that had been the case, the Government would not have sent the
victim letters telling them that they had rights protected under the CVRA. Nor
would they have told Epstein's attorneys that it had obligations to notify the
victims. In any event, an agency's own "'interpretation' of a statute cannot
supersede the language chosen by Congress." Mohasco Corp. v. Silver, 447 U.S.
807, 825 (1980).
Given that the USAO-SDFL had told the victims that the CVRA applied, it was obligated
to confer with them and treat them fairly. Epstein does not argue (much less provide evidence)
that his extensive legal team was unaware that the USAO-SDFL was following CVRA
requirements. Thus, the record fully supports the conclusion that, through his many lawyers,
Epstein was aware that the CVRA was in play and that, as a result of his pressure, the Government
was not conferring with his victims.
Even more important, Epstein cannot point to anything in Justice Department policy
requiring that a non-prosecution agreement be concealed from victims, much less permitting
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prosecutors to mislead victims. While Epstein claims that he was simply asking USAO-SDFL to
"follow its own national guidelines," Epstein Remedies Br. at 22, he was in fact asking for a clear
departure from standard procedures. Indeed, the USAO-SDFL has admitted that "Epstein's
counsel convinced the [Office] that (contrary to standard Government practice) Epstein should be
permitted to provide input into any message being delivered, and ultimately that the victims should
not be told anything `until after Epstein pleas.'" DE 361 at 5-6 (citing Exhibit 25) (emphasis
added). And, as this Court has previously explained, "Particularly problematic was the
Government's decision to conceal the existence of the NPA and mislead the victims to believe that
federal prosecution was still a possibility. When the Government gives information to victims, it
cannot be misleading." 359 F.Supp.3d at 1219.
After the NPA was signed, Epstein concedes that he was involved in the notifications to
victims. Thus, Epstein points to a letter sent by his counsel, on December 6, 2007, indicating that
he did not object some form of notice being given to the alleged victims." Epstein Remedies Br.
at 32 (citing DE 403-15:3). But as even a quick glance that letter makes clear, the "form of notice"
that Epstein had in mind was very limited — indeed, Epstein's counsel was proposing that it merely
be sent by the State Attorney and presumably would not mention the federal non-prosecution
provisions. DE 403-15:3-4. Moreover, that same letter makes clear that Epstein was strenuously
seeking an opportunity to review victim notices from the government. Id. at 3. Accordingly, when
just a few weeks later the Government began circulating "misleading" notices, the record plainly
supports the conclusion that Epstein had seen and approved the notices — and Epstein advances no
argument (or evidence) to the contrary.
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Remarkably, despite all this evidence that Epstein was pressuring the USAO-SDFL not to
discharge its statutory obligation to confer with the victims, Epstein attempts to claim that "federal
law enforcement's decision to not [confer] with [the victims] was made, not for Mr. Epstein's
benefit, but rather to protect their own prosecutorial interests." Epstein Remedies Br. at 23. The
basis for this claim is selected excerpts from an affidavit of the line prosecutor. Id. (citing DE 403-
18). The fact that Epstein, joined by the USAO-SDFL, are both now using this affidavit discussing
internal deliberations of the Office only confirms that work product and other protections have
been waived over documents regarding those deliberations. See generally Jane Doe 1 and 2's
Motion for Finding of Waiver of Work Product and Similar Protections and for Production of
Documents, DE 414.6 Once again, the victims reassert their motion that they are entitled to see
those documents, to be in position to challenge the USAO-SDFL's arguments about benign
intentions — and now Epstein's similar claims. See DE 464 at 14 (reasserting DE 414).
Moreover, Epstein fails to fully discuss what the line prosecutor's affidavit essentially
admits. The affidavit only attempts to provide an explanation for failing to disclose the NPA's
financial compensation provisions. See, e.g., DE 403-19 at 10-11 ¶ 21 (claiming that disclosure
would have subjected victims to cross-examination). But the affidavit never explains why the
most significant feature of the non-prosecution agreement was being concealed from the victims
— i.e., the fact that the agreement would lead to Epstein's non-prosecution. As a result, through its
6 Waiver by the Government is also further demonstrated by the press conference held by
then-Labor Secretary R. Alexander Acosta on July 10, 2019. Before the Washington press corps
and a global television audience, Acosta discussed the substance of the affidavit and deliberations
by the USAO-SDFL on the case. See https://www.c-span.orgivideon462479-1/1abor-secretary defends-handling-epstein-plea-deal-amid-calls-resignation/. Indeed, the affidavit was part of the
"press packet" Acosta handed out.
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silence, the affidavit concedes what is glaringly obvious: That due to Epstein's pressure, the
USAO-SDFL was hiding from the victims that Epstein had already secured a signed agreement
providing immunity from federal prosecution in Florida to him (and all "potential co-conspirators"
for good measure).
This Court has already discussed the point, noting that, in January 2008, when the USAO SDFL sent notices to the victims counseling "patience," the Office "had bound itself to the terms
of the NPA unless Epstein failed to comply with the terms. It was a material omission for the
Government to suggest to the victims that they have patience relative to investigation about which
it had already bound itself not to prosecute." 359 F.Supp.3d at 1221. Obviously, the notices to
the victims could have been written differently to avoid a "material omission." But it was clearly
due to Epstein's efforts that the immunity provisions were being concealed to avoid a firestorm of
controversy that would have occurred if that fact was disclosed publicly.
2. Evidence Exists that the Epstein Defense Team Acted in Bad Faith.
Epstein further asserts that the existing "record conclusively refutes any bad faith" on the
part of his counsel. Epstein Remedies Br. at 20. But the victims have also previously made well supported allegations of bad faith actions. In their summary judgment motion, for example, Jane
Doe 1 and 2 alleged that on February I, 2007, the Epstein defense team sent a 24-page letter to the
Office, which "falsely stated: `Epstein did not know or believe any women were under 18 years of
age.' It also contained other deceptive factual and legal arguments about Epstein's culpability."
DE 361 at 10 (citing Exhibit 43) (emphasis added). Jane Doe 1 and 2 further alleged that, on July
6, 2007, Epstein's lawyers sent a 23-page letter to USAO-SDFL which "falsely claimed that `Mr.
Epstein never targeted minors' . . . ." DE 361 at 11 (citing Exhibit 47) (emphasis added). Jane
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Doe I and 2 also alleged that Epstein's lawyers were discussing with the prosecutors a disposition
that would make it difficult for a judge to know what was really happening. DE 361 at 14 (citing
Exhibit 7). And Jane Doe 1 and 2 also alleged that Epstein and government lawyers were using
private, home e-mail address to conduct some of their discussions — and noted that no emails sent
to or from any home c-email addresses of prosecutors has every been produced. DE 361 at 15.
Jane Doe 1 and 2 reassert all of these thus-far uncontested factual claims and ask that the
Court accept them as part of deciding the basis for crafting an appropriate remedy. Epstein has
not challenged any of these facts proffered by Jane Doe 1 and 2. If Epstein wants this case to be
decided based on how his legal team acted, he needs to provide affidavits or other evidence of its
conduct — and he has not done so.
Even more significantly with regard to the alleged "bad faith" of Epstein's defense team is
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3. The USAO-SDFL Was Not Authorized to Extend Epstein Immunity
Without First Conferring with his Victims.
Epstein also argues that the NPA is "a legal agreement." Epstein Remedies Br. at 25. By
this he apparently means that, if one looks merely at the four corners of the document, no provision
is, on its face, illegal. But as Jane Doe 1 and 2 have explained earlier, it is well accepted that a
contract or other agreement can be illegal based on the way in which it was formed. See Victims'
Remedy Reply to the Gov't. DE 464 at 27. Indeed, the Eleventh Circuit has clearly held that the
manner in which an agreement is formed can render an otherwise-valid agreement unenforceable.
In San Pedro v. United States, 79 F.3d 1065 (11th Cir. 1996), the Eleventh Circuit held that in
order for any provision in a plea agreement to be enforceable, "there must have been a valid,
binding agreement in the first instance . . . Id. at 1068. In San Pedro, a defendant sought to
block a deportation proceeding by immigration authorities, arguing that a promise by prosecutors
of transactional immunity included a promise of nondeportation. Id. at 1067-68. In that case, as
in this one, it could have been argued that a promise of nondeportation was "a legal agreement."
But, nonetheless, the promise was unenforceable because, the Eleventh Circuit explained, the
prosecutor who made the commitment was not authorized to do so. Id. at 1070. In particular, "the
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United States Attorney and the AUSAs who negotiated the plea agreement with San Pedro did not
have the authority to promise that he would not be deported." Id. at 1072.
So too here. Prosecutors were simply not authorized to offer Epstein immunity until they
had conferred with Epstein's victims. Accordingly, the NPA's immunity provisions were not part
of a "valid, binding agreement in the first instance." 79 F.3d at 1068. And thus, Epstein is not
entitled to take advantage of the non-prosecution provisions, at least with respect to crimes against
Jane Doe 1 and 2 and any other victim who desires to have him prosecuted.
In their remedy briefing, Jane Doe 1 and 2 have asked for "partial" rescission of the
immunity provisions — that is, rescission of the immunity provisions for only those victims who
seek rescission. DE 464 at 17-30. In response, Epstein could have theoretically made an argument
for the NPA's "total rescission." Indeed, the victims have previously discussed this issue in
responding to the briefing of the USAO-SDFL, explaining that the Office itself lacked "standing"
to advance a request for total rescission. Id. at 30. The victims then explained that Epstein would
have standing to advance such a "total" rescission argument — if he wanted to. Id. And after this
briefing — explicitly noting that Epstein would need to advance such an argument for total
rescission — Epstein has not done so.
Presumably the reason that Epstein is not asking for total rescission of his NPA with the
USAO-SDFL is that it would eliminate what is reportedly his main defense to recent sex trafficking
charges in the Southern District of New York — that somehow an agreement with the U.S. Attorney
for the Southern District of Florida blocking prosecution in "this District" prevents federal
prosecutors in New York from prosecuting crimes committed there. But the Court need not reach
any conclusion about Epstein's motives for declining to ask for total rescission. In light of this
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sequence of events, Epstein has clearly waived any right to seek total rescission of the NPA. And
— as the victims predicted (DE 464 at 30-31) — the case as presented to this Court now boils down
to either upholding an illegal agreement or partially rescinding it.
Given the choice between the only two options presented to it (at least that this time12), this
Court's duty is clear. Congress has instructed that "[i]n any court proceeding involving an offense
against a crime victim, the court shall ensure that the crime victim is afforded the rights described
in [the CVRA]." 18 U.S.C. § 3771(b)(1) (emphasis added). This Court also previously held that
"[w]hile Epstein was within his rights to attempt to persuade higher authorities with the
Department of Justice to overrule the prosecutorial decisions of the U.S. Attorney's Office in the
Southern District of Florida, the CVRA was designed to give victims the same opportunity to
attempt to affect prosecutorial decisions before they became final." 359 F.Supp.3d at 1221
(emphasis added). While the victims have asked for partial rescission to give them the "same
opportunity" that Epstein's high-powered legal team had to "attempt to affect prosecutorial
decisions" in this District, Epstein fails to provide any other alternative. Thus, partial rescission
of the NPA's immunity provisions is the only remedial option before the Court that comes close
to permitting the Court to discharge its obligation to "ensure" that victims are afforded their rights.
18 U.S.C. § 3771(b)(1). It is only after rescission of the immunity provisions pertaining to them
that Jane Doe 1 and 2 will receive "the full unfettered exercise of their conferral rights at a time
that will enable [them] to exercise those rights meaningfully." DE 189 at 9 (citing U.S. v. BP
Products North America, Inc., 2008 WL 501321 at *14 (S.D. Tex. 2008)); see also Kenna v. United
12 Jane Doe 1 and 2 continue to assert their position that, if partial rescission is not possible
for some reason, then total rescission is required. DE 464 at 30-36.
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States District Court, 435 F.3d 1011, 1017 (9th Cir. 2006) (when trial court denied a victim his
right to give a statement at the defendant's sentencing, the trial court must be "cognizant that the
only way to give effect to [the victim's] right to speak . . . is to vacate the sentence and hold a new
sentencing hearing"). Any other conclusion would require the Court to approve the illegal bargain
struck by Epstein and the USAO-SDFL. After the passage of the CVRA, the Court is simply not
permitted to approve a violation of crime victims' rights.
II. THE CVRA AUTHORIZES RESCISSION AS A REMEDY.
Intervenor Epstein next argues that the "CVRA itself' precludes a rescission remedy.
Epstein Remedies Br. at 27-33. The Court has already ruled to the contrary, and nothing in
Epstein's legal arguments should cause the Court to reverse course.
A. The CVRA Authorizes Rescission as a Remedy.
Intervenor Epstein's first argument is a purely legal argument — that the CVRA's plain
language somehow restricts the Court from rescinding provisions in the NPA as a remedy in this
case. But Epstein's argument ultimately boils down to the proposition that a provision that
contains a limitation on a victim making "a motion to re-open a plea or sentence" (18 U.S.C. §
3771(d)(5) (emphasis added)) somehow restricts the ability of a victim to make a motion regarding
a right to confer regarding a non-prosecution agreement. To the contrary, as this Court has held,
the fact that the CVRA permits re-opening of pleas and sentences in some circumstances, fully
confirms that a non-prosecution agreement can likewise be reopened. Moreover, in attempting to
apply the limitations contained in § 3771(d)(5), Epstein quickly produces a non-sequitur. The
limitations he cites apply during a court "proceeding" — i.e., the victim must have asserted "the
right to be heard before or during the proceeding at issue." An NPA can be drafted and signed
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before any "proceeding" is held. It is for this reason that the CVRA (as it existed in 2007-0813)
required an objection during a "proceeding" as a prerequisite to re-opening a plea or sentence —
but not for an NPA.
Moreover, distinguishing between a non-prosecution agreement (negotiated outside of the
court processes) and "plea" and "sentence" makes considerable sense. As this Court explained,
an "NPA entered into without notice has a more damaging impact on victims than a plea agreement
entered into without notice. When a plea agreement is entered into without notice, the victim will
at least have an opportunity to provide input to a judge at sentencing. Once an NPA is entered into
without notice, the matter is closed and the victims have no opportunity to be heard regarding any
aspect of the case." 359 F.Supp.3d at 1220 n.7 (emphasis added).
Unable to provide a logical explanation for his position, Epstein claims that two CVRA
appellate decisions support him. But both decisions dealt with a separate issue — whether crime
victims seeking to overturn a district court decision denying enforcement of their rights in appellate
courts had to shoulder the heavy burden traditionally associated with the "mandamus" relief. See
U.S. v. Monzel, 641 F.3d 58, 532-33 (D.C. Cir. 2011) (discussing 18 U.S.C. § 3771(d)(3) and
holding crime victims had to satisfy high mandamus standards); United States v. Hunter, 548 F.3d
1308, 1315 (10th Cir. 2008) (same). Interestingly, Congress has since essentially overruled both
of those decisions. See 18 U.S.C. § 3771(d)(3) (2015 amendment) (making clear that crime victims
13 Aware of the Government and Epstein's secret maneuvering in this case, in 2015
Congress amended the CVRA in order to codify this Court's earlier rulings here and ensure that
victims received timely notice of any NPA. 18 U.S.C. § 3771(a)(9). In codifying this right, it
would be hard to imagine that Congress wanted to create for victims a hollow right — one that
could never be enforced in any way — which is the logical implication of Epstein's position.
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need only satisfy "ordinary" standards of appellate review). But, in any event, these decisions
discussing appellate issues provide no useful guidance here.
B. The Victims Are Not Time-Barred Under the CVRA.
Intervenor Epstein also argues that rescission relief is somehow "time-barred." Epstein
Remedies Br. at 40. Epstein relies upon a provision in the CVRA that states that "[t]he district
court shall take up and decide any motion asserting a victim's right forthwith." DE 463 at 40
(citing 18 U.S.C. § 3771(d)(3) (emphasis added)). Epstein, however, has waived any right to
complain about delay in this case. The Court will recall that back in 2013, Epstein and his lawyers
tried to assert an alleged "plea negotiation" privilege over various documents. After this Court
denied their assertion (DE 188) — and denied their motion for a stay pending appeal (DE 206) —
Epstein and his lawyers succeeded in obtaining an Eleventh Circuit stay of proceedings in this case
for months. They represented to the Eleventh Circuit that "[t]here will be no prejudice to [the
victims] from waiting until an appellate court can address the critically important issues at stake
here." Motion for Stay Pending Appeal, Jane Does v. United States, No. 13-12923 (11th Cir. July
12, 2013). Having declined to raise — either with this Court or the appellate court — any need for
a "forthwith" ruling then, Epstein cannot belatedly raise such a claim years later.
In any event, relief in this case is not time barred. The CVRA's provision requiring this
Court to "take up and decide any motion asserting a victim's right forthwith," 18 U.S.C. §
3771(d)(3), is undoubtedly designed to ensure that victims can obtain immediate relief when they
need it. For example, if a trial is taking place without the presence of the victim, a victim might
require immediate relief, as otherwise any opportunity for the victim to attend might permanently
disappear. Cf 18 U.S.C. § 3771(d)(5) (a victim cannot obtain the remedy of a "new trial").
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In this case, this Court acted expeditiously and did take up and decide Jane Doe 1 petition
(later joined by Jane Doe 2) within just four days of its filing. On July 7, 2008, when counsel for
Jane Doe I began to learn that a secret, non-prosecution agreement might be in the works, they
filed an "emergency" petition for enforcement of the Crime Victims' Rights Act. DE 1. Two days
later, on July 9, 2008, the USAO-SDFL responded. And just two days later, on the morning of
July 11, 2008, this Court held a hearing.
During the hearing, victims' counsel discussed what he understood to be a plea deal of
some sort that was then under negotiation. As counsel explained: "it is my understanding and
belief that the agreement with the federal government and with the U.S. Attorney's Office wasn't
signed on that day [i.e., June 30, 2008]. So it is still my belief, I could be wrong, but that that
agreement hasn't been completed as of this time." See Tr. (July 11, 2008) at 5-6 (emphasis added).
Victims' counsel went on to say that, if the Court were make the assumption that an agreement
had already been reached, then the Court should "[o]rder that the agreement that was negotiated is
invalid and it is illegal as it did not pertain to [or uphold] the rights of the victim[s]." Id. at 6.
Thereafter, the Government disclosed that it had, in fact, reached a secret agreement with Epstein
months earlier. Id. at 8.
Victims counsel then pushed to have the agreement invalidated. The Court explored the
posture of the case, deciding that the issues no longer required any "emergency" treatment because
Epstein had entered into the NPA long ago:
THE COURT: In view of the fact that this agreement has already been
consummated, and you want me to set it aside, as opposed to something that's about
to occur, would you agree that-- and I have done this very quickly because of the
petition and your allegation that something was about to happen. I'm not blaming
you.
MR. EDWARDS: I was mistaken.
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THE COURT: I'm not blaming you for doing that. In view of what you
know now, is there any need to treat this as an emergency that has to be decided by
tomorrow?
MR. EDWARDS: I can't think of any reason in light of what we just heard
[i.e., that the NPA had been signed eight or nine months earlier].
THE COURT: Mr. Lee, do you have anything else you wanted to add? Does
either side think I need to take evidence about anything? If I do, since this is not an
emergency anymore, I can probably find a more convenient time to do that. I don't
have the time today to take evidence. But if you do believe that I should take
evidence on this issue.
MR. EDWARDS: It may be best if I conferred with the U.S. Attorney's
Office on that and we can make a decision whether it is necessary or whether Your
Honor deemed it was necessary for you to make a decision.
THE COURT: I want to know what your respective positions are because it
may be something in terms of having a complete record, and this is going to be an
issue that's is going to go to the Eleventh Circuit, [it] may be better to have a
complete record as to what your position is and the government's is as to what
actions were taken. . . . And because it is not an emergency, I don't have to do
something quickly, we can play it by ear and make this into a more complete record
for the court of appeals.
See Tr. (July 11, 2008) at 25-26.
As this recitation of events makes clear, the Court fully discharged its duty to "take up and
decide" a victim's motion "forthwith." Acting quickly, the Court held a hearing less than four
days after the petition was filed and decided, with the agreement of both parties to the action (i.e.,
Jane Doe 1 and 2 and the USAO-SDFL) that the appropriate course of action was to develop a full
evidentiary record of the events surrounding the NPA and whether the victims were entitled to
invalidation of the agreement secretly reached months earlier.
Given his vast resources, Epstein was likely aware that all this was happening that same
day. In any event, the record is clear that the USAO-SDFL quickly notified Epstein of these
proceedings, because disclosure of Epstein's then-secret NPA was involved. Id. at 30. As noted
above, the NPA directly provided that, if the USAO-SDFL was going to disclose the agreement,
it was required to "provide notice to Epstein before making that disclosure." NPA at p. 5 ¶ 13.
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So if Epstein had thought that, after July 11, 2008, some quicker resolution of the matter was
required, he was certainly free to press this point. He made no such argument — which must be
regarded as a deliberate waiver of any right to a more rapid decision that he may have had. To be
sure, Epstein was serving his jail sentence at that time. But issues surrounding unwinding a
sentence were always going to exist in this case after Epstein pled guilty on June 30, 2008, because
his jail sentence started then. Having these issues decided more quickly was something that
Epstein could have sought — but did not.
After setting an initial hearing within four days of the petition's filing, the Court continued
move this case along, setting a hearing on August 25, 2008, to resolve the issue of whether the
NPA would be turned over to the victims. During the hearing, the USAO-SDFL put on the record
that they had notified Epstein of the proceedings. Tr. (Aug. 25, 2008) at 8. Epstein, however, did
not ask to formally participate in the hearing. Nor did he ask to have the issues under litigation —
including potential invalidation of the NPA — be decided more rapidly. The Court made further
decisions about how best to proceed, including ordering disclosure of the secret NPA to the
victims. 14
Thereafter, of course, extended litigation has ensued in this case. A good summary of the
events between August 2008 and October 2010 is found in Docket Entry 41, in which Jane Doe 1
and 2 explained that during the summer of 2008, they had been told by the Government that it
would work with the victims to put together an agreed stipulation of facts. The victims then
14 During the hearing, victims' counsel speculated that rescission of the NPA might not be
in the victims' best interests. DE 27 at 4. Of course, that statement was made before counsel had
even seen the entire NPA — and after the document's release, counsel moved forward seeking
rescission.
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provided a set of facts, after which the Government reversed course and decided that it did not
want to discuss what had happened. See DE 41 at 2-3 (citing DE 19 at 2). Because of the
Government's decision not to work with Jane Doe 1 and 2 to develop a factual record, the victims
had to attempt to secure that information from other sources — an effort that proved to be an arduous
process. DE 41 at 3. Ultimately, on June 30, 2010, Jane Doe 1 and 2 were able to secure some
correspondence between Epstein and the Government regarding the NPA's negotiation —
correspondence proving that there "had been an orchestrated decision to deny them their rights."
DE 41 at 1; see also DE 39 at 3-4. And thereafter in this case, the USAO-SDFL (and Epstein in
some instances) proceeded to raise one objection after another, producing years of delay.
While Epstein was obviously aware of this case — and that the ultimate objective was
(among other things) invalidation of the NPA — he did not move to intervene in the case until
September 2, 2011 (DE 93), and even then he sought only "limited" intervention with regard to
remedy.
In arguing that relief for the victims is now somehow "time-barred," Epstein refers to the
effects of "missing a deadline." DE 463 at 42. In this case, the victims have missed no deadline.
As soon as they had an inkling about a secret plea deal, Jane Doe 1 and 2 filed an emergency
petition for review. And this Court has missed no deadline. It held a hearing on the initial petition
in less than four days and took up and decided how the victims' petition would be handled.
Thereafter, the proceedings unfolded in accordance with scheduling sought by the two parties.
And Epstein has never raised a peep about any of this scheduling — until his filing two weeks ago.
Moreover, it is more than a little ironic to see Epstein complaining that issues regarding
the NPA have not been resolved more quickly. Of course, it was Epstein himself who set in motion
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all the events designed to keep the NPA concealed from the victims. If he had not persuaded the
Government to deviate from its standard practice of keeping victims fully informed, all the issues
surrounding the NPA could have been presented before he pled guilty in state court. Of course, it
was precisely to keep that court — and the victims - from learning about the NPA that Epstein
arranged to have the NPA shrouded in secrecy. Any passage of time in litigating these issues is
directly attributable to Epstein's maneuverings.
Finally, even if the Court were to conclude that somehow the "forthwith" deadline in this
case had been missed, that fact would not allow it to refuse to enforce Jane Doe 1 and 2's CVRA
rights now. The U.S. Supreme Court has explored a similar question of a missed deadline in
connection with restitution for crime victims. Dolan v. United States, 560 U.S. 605 (2010),
involved the effect of a district court missing a 90-day deadline for awarding restitution. Dolan
held that the restitution statute's primary purpose was "to ensure that victims of a crime receive
full restitution." Id. at 612. In setting a 90-day requirement, "the statute seeks speed primarily to
help the victims of crime and only secondarily to help the defendant." Id. at 613.
Of course, in this case, precisely the same focus on victims exists. Naturally, the purpose
of the Crime Victims' Rights Act is to help crime victims. And the reason Congress required that
rulings should be "forthwith" was to help victims. As Senator Kyl explained, "[t]he enforcement
provisions of this bill ensure that never again are victim's rights provided in word but not in
reality." 150 Cong. Rec. S4260-01 (Apr. 22, 2004). It would invert the purposes of the statute to
allow a criminal like Epstein to take advantage of a "forthwith" enforcement provision added to
help victims. And, indeed, the CVRA blocks his attempt, providing that "[a] person accused of
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the crime may not obtain any font: of relief under this chapter." 18 U.S.C. § 3771(d)(1) (emphasis
added).
Finally, to the extent that the "forthwith" provision has some application to Epstein, he
could have brought that claim to the attention of this Court long ago. As the Supreme Court noted
in connection with the 90-day requirement in Dolan, a defendant who is worried about the need
for prompt action "can usually avoid additional delay simply by pointing to the statute and asking
the court to grant a timely hearing." 560 U.S. at 616. The same thing is true in this case. Epstein
could have, at any time, simply pointed to the "forthwith" provision and asked for a quick hearing.
He did not do so. As in Dolan, reading the CVRA to require Epstein to have raise this argument
imposes on him only a "small cost" relative "to the prospect of depriving innocent crime victims"
of their CVRA rights. Id.
III. PRINCIPLES OF CONTRACT LAW SUPPORT A RESCISSION REMEDY.
Intervenor Epstein next argues that "principles of contract law" preclude a rescission
remedy to enforce the victims' CVRA rights. Epstein's Remedy Br. at 33-36. The USAO-SDFL
had raised a similar contract law argument and, to avoid duplicative briefing, Jane Doe 1 and 2
simply incorporate by reference their previous responses. DE 464 at 19-26. But a few additional
words are appropriate in response to Epstein's specific claims.
A. Under the CVRA, Contract Law Principles Require Rescission.
Epstein begins by citing a series of Florida state law cases. Epstein Remedies Br. at 33-
34. But Epstein never provides the legal predicate for his argument — that is, why this Court should
decide this case under Florida contact law. To the contrary, this case is controlled by an Act of
Congress, setting out federally protected rights for crime victims. In the Crime Victims' Rights
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Act, Congress has directed that this Court "shall ensure" that victims' CVRA rights are fully
protected. 18 U.S.C. § 3771(b)(1). Even if Florida contract law were to the contrary (a point Jane
Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 disprove below), the only way this Court can "ensure" the protection of Jane
Doe 1 and 2's right to confer about prosecuting Epstein's (and his coconspirators') sex crimes in
the Southern District of Florida is to rescind the immunity provisions. As this Court has explained,
rescission of these provision is required so that the victims can have "the full unfettered exercise
of their conferral rights at a time that will enable the victims to exercise those rights meaningfully."
DE 189 at 9.
Congress did not expect that victims' rights might be stripped away through contract law
principles. To the contrary, as Senator Kyl explained, "it is the clear intent and expectation of
Congress that the district . . . courts will establish procedures that will allow for a prompt
adjudication of any issues regarding the assertion of a victim's right, while giving meaning to the
rights we establish." 150 Cong. Rec. 22953 (Oct. 9, 2004) (statement of Sen. Kyl) (emphases
added). Accordingly, this Court's remedial task is not to ensure that the NPA conforms to ill defined contract law "principles" but rather to give meaning to the rights of victims to confer with
the USAO-SDFL. To put it bluntly, a congressional command simply takes precedence over any
"principles" of contract law that Epstein can cite.
But if anything, standard contract law principles support Jane Doe 1 and 2's request for a
rescission remedy. This Court has held that "[p]ublic policy empowers this Court to decline
enforcement of a contract" that is contrary to law. Neiman v. Provident Life & Accident Ins. Co.,
217 F.Supp.2d 1281, 1286 (S.D. Fla. 2002) (citing United Papenvorkers Intl Union v. Misco,
Inc., 484 U.S. 29, 42 (1987)). Thus, as this Court has explained, under "Florida law, a contract
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that violates public policy is void and unenforceable." Neiman, 217 F.Supp.2d at 1286 (citing
Harris v. Gonzalez, M.D., 789 So.2d 405, 409 (Fla. 4th DCA 2001)).
Here, the Court would violate "public policy" — indeed, an Act of Congress, i.e., the Crime
Victims' Rights Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3771 — to uphold the NPA's immunity provisions, which prevent
the victims from being able to exercise their CVRA right to confer with the USAO-SDFL. The
public policy Congress announced in the CVRA invalidates practices whereby victims "were kept
in the dark by prosecutors too busy to care ... and by a court system that simply did not have place
for them." 150 Cong Rec. 7296 (April 22, 2004) (statement of Sen. Feinstein). The CVRA
demands that the Court award a rescission remedy in response to the prosecutors and Epstein
keeping the victims "in the dark."
Intervenor Epstein complains that a rescission remedy would violate contract law, because
rescission does not restore him to the "status quo." Epstein Remedies Br. at 34. After all, Epstein
notes, he has now served his jail time under the agreement. Id. But it can equally be said that not
imposing a rescission remedy fails to restore Jane Doe 1 and 2 to the "status quo" to which they
were entitled. Under the CVRA, they were entitled to confer with the prosecutors before any
immunity deal was struck with Epstein. The Court is thus faced with a choice — it can either protect
Epstein's (illegally obtained) immunity deal; or it can give Jane Doe 1 and 2 (and other victims)
the CVRA rights Congress has conferred on them. This Court must act to protect the statutorily
protected rights of victims rather than ill-defined "principles" of contract law that Epstein finds
useful.
Epstein also contends that a rescission remedy is akin to "reformation of a contract,"
Epstein Remedies Br. at 45, and thus must "conform" to the intention of the parties to the NPA.
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But, of course, the NPA was affirmatively concealed from the victims. It is precisely because the
NPA was clandestine that this Court must now rescind its immunity provisions. It was never the
intention of the victims to extend immunity to Epstein. Thus, reformation principles are
inapplicable.
Epstein also rattles the sword that a rescission remedy would somehow imperil financial
payments that he has previously made to his victims under the NPA. Epstein Remedies Br. at 34-
35. Many victims — including Jane Doe 1 and 2 — did not receive any financial benefits from the
NPA. Instead, they negotiated other financial terms without relying on the NPA. So, Epstein
would have no basis for seeking return of any moneys he paid them. But even with regard to
victims who relied on the financial provisions of the NPA, the "partial" rescission remedy that
Jane Doe 1 and 2 seek would not call into question Epstein's payments. The NPA's financial
provisions can only be invalidated if someone asks for them to be invalidated. Jane Doe 1 and 2
have not asked for that remedy. And neither did the USAO-SDFL, who would in any event lack
"standing" to make such a request. See DE 464 at 27-28. Intervenor Epstein is the only party to
the NPA who could ask for total rescission of the agreement — and he has declined to do.15 Thus,
as noted above, the Court's choice is between either (1) affirming an illegal agreement or (2)
rescinding provisions that block certain victims from being able to exercise their CVRA rights —
the partial rescission remedy Jane Doe 1 and 2 lay out. Between those two choices, the Court must
clearly act to protect the victims. Cf. Neiman, 217 F.Supp.2d at 1286 (refusing to enforce contract
provision where doing so "would validate a ... [provision] founded in illegality").
" Epstein does refer, at one point, to the "government's view" that financial payments
might be placed at risk through a rescission remedy. Epstein Remedies Br. at 35. But he never
adopts that argument or ask this Court to adopt a "total rescission" remedy.
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Once again, this conclusion is required by binding Eleventh Circuit case law. The Eleventh
Circuit has instructed that in order for any provision in a plea agreement to be enforceable, "there
must have been a valid, binding agreement in the first instance ...." San Pedro v. United States,
79 F.3d 1065, 1068 (11th Cir. 1996). In this case, with respect to the NPA's immunity provisions,
there never was a "valid, binding" agreement because the USAO-SDFL was not lawfully able to
offer such an agreement. Under the CVRA, it had to first confer with the victims.
On the other hand, with regard to the NPA's financial provisions, there was a "valid,
binding" agreement that obligated Epstein to make payments to those victims who want the
payment provisions enforced. The USAO-SDFL and Epstein were free to agree on those particular
terms. And, to the extent contract law is relevant, there would clearly be consideration supporting
those terms, since under the partial rescission that Jane Doe 1 and 2 propose, Epstein would still
continue to have the right to immunity from prosecution in the Southern District of Florida for any
victim who declined to ask for a rescission remedy.16 As a result, "consideration" for the contract
(e.g., the NPA) would still exist, because something of value would exist for both sides. See
RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF CONTRACTS § 79.17
16 This argument assumes only that at least one of the dozens and dozens of Epstein Florida
victims would not seek rescission of the immunity provision connected with her case. In the
unlikely event that all of Epstein's victims unanimously demand rescission, then a different
circumstance might arise. The Court could address those circumstances if they ever occurred.
17 It may also be the case that Epstein retains some "consideration" for his NPA, because
the statute of limitations may have now expired on some of the crimes covered by his NPA. The
Court need not reach that issue, however, because other consideration exists. And Epstein's most
serious crimes covered by the NPA — specifically, the sex trafficking charges — are not time barred,
due to congressional extensions of the statutes of limitations. See 18 U.S.C. § 3299
("Notwithstanding any other law, an indictment may be found . . at any time without limitation
for any . . . felony under chapter 109A, 110 (except for section[s] 2257 and 2257A), or 117, or
section 1591")).
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Epstein also suggests that, if a partial rescission remedy is awarded, then he would be free
to raise a "collateral attack" on his state court guilty plea. Epstein Remedies Br. at 46. Of course,
whether he would be successful in doing so is dubious. Florida state courts take a dim view of
belated challenges to guilty pleas. See, e.g., Guzman-Aviles v. State, 226 So. 3d 339, 346 (Fla. 5th
DCA 2017) ("Every inroad on the concept of finality undermines confidence in the integrity of
our procedure . . . .The impact is greatest when new grounds for setting aside guilty pleas are
approved because the vast majority of criminal convictions result from such pleas. Moreover, the
concern that unfair procedures may have resulted in the conviction of an innocent defendant is
only rarely raised by a petition to set aside a guilty plea."). But any collateral attack would
ultimately be an issue for the Florida state courts — not this Court. The only issue for this Court is
whether to enforce the CVRA — and Congress has commanded that it must. 18 U.S.C. §
3771(b)(1). And after rescission, given that prosecuting sex trafficking is a high priority of the
Justice Department, we assume that the USAO-SDFL would quickly prosecute Epstein in this
District on serious federal sex trafficking charges — charges that the victims could help explain to
the prosecutors. DE 464 at 33-34.
Epstein also argues that "the NPA is not a divisible agreement." Epstein Remedies Br. at
46. But the NPA provision he cites does not say that. Instead, it simply provides that each of the
NPA's provisions is "material" to the agreement and is supported "by independent consideration."
NPA at p. 6. If Epstein had wanted an "indivisible" NPA (whatever that may mean), he was free
to bargain for one. But nothing in the NPA's language provides that it is "indivisible."
In any event, Jane Doe 1 and 2 are not arguing that the NPA is some sort of "divisible"
agreement. Rather, their position is that the NPA's immunity provisions are unenforceable and
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must be rescinded. Epstein argues that the immunity provisions must be specifically enforced.
But Florida law recognizes that "[s]pecific performance [of a contract] will be denied when the
rights of innocent third parties have intervened so that enforcement of the contract would be harsh,
oppressive, or unjust to them." Seaboard Oil Co. v. Donovan, 99 Fla. 1296, 1306, 128 So. 821,
825 (1930) (citing 6 POMEROY EQUITY JURISPRUDENCE, § 794). Obviously, it is unjust to Jane
Doe 1 and 2 to enforce immunity provisions in the NPA depriving them of congressionally
guaranteed rights.
Finally, Epstein never specifically asks this Court to rule that the NPA is "indivisible" and
therefore must be declared void in its entirely. As noted above, the reason that Epstein has chosen
not to ask for the NPA to be declared totally invalid is obvious — he apparently intends to try to
use the NPA's immunity provisions in the Southern District of New York.18 But the key point
remains that Epstein has waived any opportunity to ask for total rescission. The Court accordingly
must choose between no rescission and partial rescission. The CVRA commands a choice in favor
of the victims.
B. The Civil Releases Signed by Jane Doe I and 2 Did Not — and Could Not —
Waive their CVRA Claims Against the Government.
Intervenor Epstein next contends that Jane Doe 1 and 2 have somehow signed releases in
a civil case that bar a rescission remedy in this criminal case. Epstein Remedies Br. at 37-38. His
argument is specious.
18 Equally obvious are the reasons why Epstein has declined to have the financial
compensation provisions declared invalid. Doing so would expose him to compensatory and
punitive damages claims that, for each victim, would be worth tens of millions of dollars. See DE
464 at 34.
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Epstein points to civil releases signed by Jane Doe 1 and 2 that resolved their civil cases
against Epstein. The terms of those releases plainly do not cover this case against the Government,
seeking to enforce their rights in a criminal investigation. As Epstein's own exhibits makes clear,
the release covers only claims for "compensatory or punitive damages":
[Jane Doe] individually, and Jeffrey Epstein, individually (jointly referred
to as "Parties"), enter into this Settlement Agreement and General Release
("Settlement Agreement") in order to resolve the pending litigation against them as
follows:
2. General Release. [Jane Doe] and her agent(s), attomey(s),
predecessor(s), successor(s) heir(s), administrator(s), and/or assign(s) (hereinafter
"First Parties"), for and in consideration of the sum of [redacted] and other valuable
consideration, received from or on behalf of Jeffrey Epstein and his agent(s),
attomey(s), predecessor(s), successor(s), heir(s), administrator(s), assign(s) and/or
employee(s) (hereinafter, "Second Parties"), the receipt whereof is hereby
acknowledge,
HEREBY remise, release, acquit, satisfy, and forever discharge the said
Second Parties and any other person or entity would could have been included as a
potential defendant ("Other Potential Defendants") from all, and all manner of,
action and actions of [Jane Doe], including State or Federal, cause and causes of
action (common law or statutory), suits, debts, dues, sum of money, accounts,
reckoning, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies,
agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, damages, judgments, executions,
claims, and demands whatsoever in law or in equity for compensatory or punitive
damages that said First Parties ever had or now have, or that any personal
representative, successor, heir, or assign of said First Parties hereafter can, shall, or
may have, against Jeffrey Epstein, or Other Potential Defendants, for, upon, or by
reason of any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever (whether or known or unknown),
from the beginning of the world to the day of this release.
DE 463-4. While the release is lengthy, what is being released is clear: claims "for compensatory
or punitive damages" against Epstein. Of course, this CVRA action does not seek any civil
"damages" against Epstein (or anyone else, for that matter). Accordingly, the release's plain
language makes clear it is inapplicable to this case.
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It is troubling that, in discussing this release, Epstein chooses to use ellipses to conceal the
critical language about the release being limited to "compensatory or punitive damages." Thus, in
Epstein's recounting of the tale, the general releases encompassed all "claims, and demands
whatsoever in law or in equity ... for, upon, or by reasons of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever
(whether known or unknown), from the beginning of the world to the day of this release." Epstein
Remedies Br. at 47 (ellipses in original). Notice the ellipses — which remove the pivotal
"compensatory or punitive damages" language. The Court should not permit such misleading
briefing to carry the day. Cf. Loeffel Steel Prod., Inc. v. Delta Brands, Inc., 387 F. Supp. 2d 794,
823 (N.D. Ill. 2005) ("ellipses are not a cure for misquotation and indeed are often the vehicle for
misleading. See Posner, OVERCOMING LAW, 277 (1995) ("Beware a [lawyer] bearing ellipses.")).
This CVRA rights enforcement action does not involve any claim for damages — much less,
a claim for damages against Epstein.19 As Jane Doe 1 and 2 made clear in their initial remedies
submission, they "are aware, of course, that the CVRA provides that it does not 'authorize a cause
of action for damages.' 18 U.S.C. § 3771(d)(6). Accordingly, Jane Doe 1 and 2 are not seeking
'damages' under the CVRA ...." DE 458 at 30 (emphasis added).
Even if the this case is somehow interpreted to involve "damages," Florida courts have
made clear that exculpatory clauses are only "enforceable where the intention to be relieved from
liability was made clear and unequivocal and the wording was so clear and understandable that an
ordinary and knowledgeable person will know what he or she is contracting away." Sanislo v.
19 The release also extends to "Other Potential Defendants," defined as any "other person
or entity would could have been included as a potential defendant" in the Jane Does lawsuit
alleging sex abuse. Obviously, the United States was a not sex abuser and could not have been
included in the lawsuit against Epstein.
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Give Kids the World, Inc., 157 So.3d 256, 260-61 (Fla. 2015); see also Fresnedo v. Porky's Gym
III, Inc., 271 So. 3d 1185, 1186 (Fla. 3d DCA 2019) (releases "that purport to deny an injured
party the right to recover damages from another who negligently causes injury are strictly
construed against the party seeking to be relieved of liability"); Diodato v. Islamorada Asset
Mgmt., Inc., 138 So.3d 513, 517 (Fla. 3d DCA 2014) (reiterating the "well-settled principle that
[exculpatory] clauses are disfavored and are narrowly construed").
As the beginning of the settlement agreement makes clear, "[Jane Doe] individually, and
Jeffrey Epstein, individually (jointly referred to as "Parties"), enter into this Settlement Agreement
and General Release ("Settlement Agreement") in order to resolve the pending litigation against
them . .. ." Of course, this CVRA case is not litigation between Jane Doe 1 and 2 and Epstein, but
rather was (and is) styled as Jane Doe 1 and 2 v. United States. Thus, in the summer of 2010,
Epstein was not a party to the CVRA case. He was not even an intervenor at that time. The general
release that Jane Doe 1 and 2 entered into with Epstein did not apply — much less "clearly and
unambiguously" apply — to this CVRA case against the United States.
Confirming this understanding is the fact that, shortly after the civil cases settled, Jane Doe
1 and 2 filed a statement with this Court explaining that the settlements of civil cases with Epstein
in no way affected this CVRA action against the United States:
The fact that Jane Doe #1 and Jane Doe #2 have settled their civil cases against sex
offender Jeffrey Epstein in no way affects their determination to move forward with
the above-captioned CVRA action against a different entity — the U.S. Attorney's
Office for the Southern District of Florida. For reasons explained in their earlier
pleadings, that Office grossly violated their rights under the Act. The fact that
Epstein has settled with Jane Doe #1 and #2 to resolve his civil liability in no way
exonerates the U.S. Attorney's Office for its failure to discharge its responsibilities
under the Act.
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DE 39 at 2. Epstein never argued that this statement was inaccurate, presumably because he knew
that was what the parties had agreed to. At the time of the settlements, Epstein was well aware of
the CVRA action against the United States. He chose not to attempt to include that case in the
release.
For all these reasons, it is unambiguously clear that the civil release of their "damages"
claims against Epstein does not bar Jane Doe 1 and 2 from proceeding with their CVRA claim
against the United States, seeking to vindicate their CVRA rights. Indeed, even if the release had
dismissed CVRA claims, such a provision would have been void as against public policy. Any
such CVRA release would let a wealthy defendant (like Epstein20) buy his way out of prison. The
CVRA applies only to criminal cases. Affluent criminal defendants should not be able to, first,
illegally conceal an NPA in violation of crime victims' rights and then, second, simply payoff
victims to avoid having justice done.
Of course, that is not what happened in this case — as the releases to which Epstein refers
simply do not cover the CVRA case. But even if they did, they would be obviously contrary to
clearly announced public policy and unenforceable. As this Court has held, under "Florida law, a
contract that violates public policy is void and unenforceable." Neiman v. Provident Life &
Accident Ins. Co., 217 F.Supp.2d 1281, 1286 (S.D. Fla. 2002) (citing Harris v. Gonzalez, M.D.,
789 So.2d 405, 409 (Fla. 4th DCA 2001)). Public policy in Florida (and elsewhere) favors the
2° According to financial information recently filed in the Southern District of New York,
Epstein "is extraordinarily wealthy, and he owns and maintains luxury properties and residences
around the world, including in Manhattan, New York; Palm Beach, Florida; Stanley, New Mexico;
and Paris, France." Letter from Gov't Regarding Bail, U.S. v. Epstein, No. 19-cr-490-RMB, DE
11 (S.D.N.Y. July 8, 2019).
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reporting of crimes — particularly crimes involving vulnerable child sex abuse victims. See, e.g.,
Valladares v. Bank of Am. Corp., 197 So.3d 1, 10 (Fla. 2016) ("Private citizens should be
encouraged to become interested and involved in bringing the perpetrators of crime to justice . . .
."). And, of course, Congress can articulate public policy. The articulated public policy in the
CVRA is that this Court "shall ensure" that crime victims receive their rights. 18 U.S.C. §
3771(b)(1). Construing the civil releases the way that Epstein would, obviously violates that
announced policy of protecting crime victims and promoting prosecution of dangerous criminals.
IV. THE DOCTRINES OF EQUITABLE AND JUDICIAL ESTOPPEL ARE
INAPPLICABLE.
Next, convicted sex offender Epstein asks that Court rule against his sex abuse victims
under the "doctrine" of equitable and judicial estoppel. Epstein Remedies Br. at 3943. Epstein
claims that Jane Doe 1 and 2 sought to enforce the terms of the NPA against him and, accordingly,
"[p]rinciples of equitable and judicial estoppel" now somehow preclude them from enforcing the
CVRA rights. Id. at 40. Epstein's estoppel arguments are meritless.21
A. Jane Doe 1 and 2 Have Not Violated Any CVRA Requirement in Handling Their
Petition.
Intervenor Epstein's first argument is hinges on the fact that the CVRA requires a judicial
decision on a CVRA motion "forthwith." See id. at 40 (citing 18 U.S.C. § 3771(d)(3)). Epstein
repeats his earlier argument, as discussed in Section II.B, supra, that Jane Doe 1 and 2 failed to
obtain a decision "forthwith." But as discussed above, the "forthwith" requirement was fully
satisfied in this case. The victims initially sought "emergency" relief and then this Court took
21 It bears emphasizing that the USAO-SDFL has not raised any estoppel arguments. See
DE 464 at 67-68.
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expeditious action in less than four days on the victims' motion. The CVRA contains no further
time requirements, so the notion that victims somehow deviated from CVRA requirements is
untrue. And, in any event, even assuming some sort of violation of the "forthwith" provision,
Epstein is precluded from taking advantage of it. The CVRA itself provides that "[a] person
accused of the crime may not obtain any form of relief under this chapter." 18 U.S.C. § 3771(d)(1)
(emphasis added).
Moreover, Epstein seems to suggest that the victims somehow, as he puts it, "stymied the
operation of the CVRA." Epstein Remedies Br. at 40. But it was, of course, Epstein and the
USAO-SDFL who, in the first instance, "stymied" the CVRA by illegally concealing their NPA.
Since then, it has been a long and hard road for the victims — and the Court — to fully expose what
happened. But that Epstein succeeded in keeping the truth concealed for so long provides no basis
for withholding relief, particularly on alleged grounds of "equity."
B. Congress Has Not Added Doctrines of Estoppel to the CVRA.
Intervenor Epstein next resorts to what he describes as "doctrines" of "equitable" and
"judicial" estoppel. These doctrines will be of some interest to courts sitting in equity. But this
CVRA enforcement action is not an occasion where the Court is free to craft its own equitable
rules restricting the CVRA.
In the CVRA, Congress specifically directed that, when crime victims' issues come before
a court, "the court shall ensure that the crime victim is afforded the rights described in [the
CVRA]." 18 U.S.C. § 3771(b) (emphasis added). That mandatory language gives no room for the
Court to ignore violations of crime victims' rights based on ill-defined notions of "estoppel." As
the CVRA's legislative history makes clear, "It is not the intent of this bill that its significance be
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whittled down or marginalized by the courts . . . ." 150 Cong. Rec. S4260-01 (Apr. 22, 2004)
(statement of CVRA co-sponsor, Sen. Feinstein). Allowing a CVRA violation to go unremedied
merely because a criminal can point to other competing estoppel considerations could not merely
"whittle down" the CVRA but completely destroy its effectiveness in some cases.
Controlling case law makes clear then when construing a remedial scheme for enforcement
of congressionally created rights, the courts must give "appropriate judicial deference toward the
will of Congress . . . ." Hardison v. Cohen, 375 F.3d 1262, 1264 (11th Cir. 2004) (internal quotation
omitted). Congress is "in a better position to decide whether or not the public interest would be
served" by expansive or narrow remedies. Id. at 1264. Indeed, where Congress has created a
substantive right, the generally rule is that such a right "is not subject to equitable tolling or
equitable estoppel." Fulghum v. Embarq Corp., 785 F.3d 395, 416 (10th Cir.), cert. denied,
136 S. Ct. 537 (2015). If notions of, for example, equitable estoppel are to become part of the
CVRA, that choice is for Congress — not the courts.
Moreover, if the Court is going to read into the CVRA doctrines of estoppel, it must also
read in related defenses - such as the doctrine of "unclean hands." It is well-established that "[o]ne
defense to the equitable claim of estoppel is the doctrine of `unclean hands!'" Bird v. Centennial
Ins. Co., 11 F.3d 228, 234 (1st Cir. 1993) (citing Peabody Gas & Oil Co. v. Standard Oil Co., 284
Mass. 87, 187 N.E. 112, 113 (1933) ("[O]ne must come into a court of equity with clean hands in
order to secure relief....")). Thus, "equity requires that those seeking its protection shall have acted
fairly and without fraud or deceit as to the controversy in issue." Ellenburg v. Brockway, Inc., 763
F.2d 1091, 1097 (9th Cir. 1985) (citing Johnson v. Yellow Cab Transit Co., 321 U.S. 383, 387
(1944)). Here, Epstein — a sex offender who worked with the USAO-SDFL to illegally conceal an
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NM from minor sex abuse victims — has unclean hands for multiple and obvious reasons — and
thus is barred from raising estoppel arguments.
C. Epstein Has Failed to Satisfy the Elements of the Equitable Estoppel
Doctrine.
In any event, even if some sort of equitable estoppel "doctrine" applied here, Epstein's
equitable estoppel argument is meritless. Equitable estoppel precludes challenging a document
only where that party "rel[ies] on the terms of the written agreement in asserting [her] claims." MS
Dealer Service Corp. v. Franklin, 177 F.3d 942, 947 (11th Cir. 1999). Here, of course, Jane Doe
I and 2 did not "rely" on the NPA's terms to establish a CVRA violation — in fact, they were
challenging the terms. Thus, the basic elements of equitable estoppel are simply not in play.
Moreover, because equitable estoppel requires close assessment of all relevant
circumstances, it is important to understand the very limited reference the victims made to
Epstein's NPA in their civil lawsuits. Jane Doe 1 and 2 filed their civil lawsuits in about September
2008, only after their CVRA petition had been filed — and had succeeded in forcing the USAO SDFL to disclose the previously secret NPA. The victims' civil lawsuits briefly alleged that
Epstein had agreed that he had sexually abused the various victims and was therefore estopped
from denying the abuse. See DE 401-2 at 24 (quoting complaint). Of course, in September 2008,
the CVRA petition had already been filed — but had not yet been finally decided, much less decided
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in their favor. Accordingly, the victims (acting through legal counsel) could only speculate as to
the ultimate outcome of this CVRA case and had to preserve all possible arguments in their civil
suit. But simply preserving a claim is not the same thing as actually prevailing on a claim — a
necessary predicate for equitable estoppel. Ultimately, the civil suits that Epstein refers to were
settled before trial and Epstein does not argue that any dispositive rulings were made against him
based on the NPA.
Any other conclusion would convert the equitable estoppel doctrine from one having
limited scope to one having sweeping implications. Frequently litigants in the early stages of
litigation must, to preserve their rights, assert multiple arguments that might ultimately prove to
be inconsistent with positions either taken in the same case or in other litigation. It is only when a
party actually receives a court ruling based on a particular predicate that estoppel issues even begin
to come in to play. If the victims had obtained money from Epstein based on a court ruling that he
was estopped from contesting liability to them by the NPA, then conceivably some of the
prerequisites for equitable estoppel would have been in place. But until the victims moved for —
and received — such a ruling, they did nothing more than preserve their rights by simply listing all
possible arguments in their complaint.
Preserving arguments is commonplace in modern litigation — not some basis for precluding
later arguments. A plaintiff, for example, may allege in a complaint that she was harmed by either
Defendant A or Defendant B — to be sorted out after further discovery. Or a defendant may allege
that he did not harm the plaintiff but, if he did, the damages were only minimal. These are not
occasions for equitable estoppel to apply, but simply the routine assertion of potentially diverging
legal positions that protect the rights of a party. It would hardly be equitable to preclude parties,
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who in early stages of court proceedings raises all possible arguments, to somehow later become
"estopped" from selecting among them.
D. Epstein Has Failed to Satisfy the Elements of the Judicial Estoppel Doctrine.
Intervenor Epstein also contends that the doctrine of "judicial estoppel" applies, blocking
the victims from challenging the NPA. Epstein Remedies Br. at 41-42. Once again, his argument
is meritless.
For starters, for all the reasons just explained that Epstein's reliance on equitable estoppel
doctrine fails, his judicial estoppel argument likewise fails. For example, the decision of whether
to allow a doctrine of judicial estoppel to provide a basis for declining to enforce CVRA's rights
is for Congress, not the courts. In addition, Epstein has "unclean hands" and cannot raise an
argument sounding in equity.
Remarkably, Epstein seeks to rely on this doctrine even though, under Eleventh Circuit
caselaw, one of the foundational elements for applying the doctrine is proof of "a party's success
in convincing a court of the earlier position, so that judicial acceptance of the inconsistent later
position would create the perception that either the earlier or later court was misled." Tampa Bay
Water v. HDR Engineering, Inc., 731 F.3d 1171, 1182 (11th Cir. 2013)). In this case, even treating
the filing of a civil court complaint as an earlier "proceeding," Epstein does not even attempt to
argue that Jane Doe 1 and 2 had "success" in convincing the courts that Epstein was estopped from
contesting liability. The reason for this is that the victims never reached the point in the civil
proceedings of making that argument against Epstein — much less, having success by winning the
argument. Indeed, Epstein vigorously defended liability in those cases. The reason Epstein was
able to fully contest liability is that the NPA created such a limited remedy for Epstein's victims
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that it was, for all practical purposes, meaningless. Jane Doe 1 and 2 never sought summary
judgment based on the NPA and instead looked forward to fully trying their cases.
The relevant provision in the NPA is paragraph 9, which provided that if a victim elected
to sue Epstein exclusively under 18 U.S.C. § 2255, Epstein agreed not to contest liability — "so
long as the [victim] agrees to waive any other claim for damages, whether pursuant to state, federal,
or common law." The practical effect of this provision was to cap the victims' claims against
Epstein to no more than $150,000 (or, Epstein argued, no more than $50,000), the statutory
maximum under § 2255. Given the horrific abuse that Epstein inflicted on his child sex abuse
victims, this cap meant that the NPA was essentially meaningless for many of the victims —
including Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, who were unwilling to waive all other claims for damages
and thus had to proceed entirely apart from the NPA to obtain appropriate damages. The victims
thus never had "success" relying on the NPA's provisions — but could only have success by
escaping from the limits on liability that the Government had agreed to with the sex offender they
were pursuing.
The Supreme Court has clearly held "[a]bsent success in a prior proceeding, a party's later
inconsistent position introduces no risk of inconsistent court determinations and thus poses little
threat to judicial integrity." New Hampshire v. Maine, 532 U.S. 742,750-51 (2001). The victims
never had "success" in arguing that Epstein was estopped from denying that he has abused the
victims. Indeed, to the contrary, the victims pressed an argument that they were not limited to
seeking damages under the NPA. Judicial estoppel is not applicable to this course of events.
Citing a bankruptcy case, Epstein concedes the principles of judicial estoppel are very
limited. Indeed, Epstein admits that, in bankniptcy proceedings, the Eleventh Circuit "employs a
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two-part test to guide district courts in applying judicial estoppel: whether (1) the party took an
inconsistent position under oath in a separate proceeding, and (2) these inconsistent positions were
calculated to make a mockery of the judicial system." Slater v. United States Steel Corp. 871 F.3d
1174, 1181 (11th Cir. 2017) (internal quotation omitted).
It should be remembered that Jane Doe 1 and 2 were confronting unprecedented secrecy
and violation of a congressional statute in trying to determine how to proceed. But Epstein gamely
argues that Jane Doe 1 and 2 made "a mockery of the judicial system [by] trying to convince one
court to rule in their favor based on the binding validity of the NPA and then trying to convince
this Court that the NPA was an `illegal agreement.'" Epstein Remedies Br. at 52. Epstein never
cites that specific document or argument in which Jane Doe 1 or 2 tried to somehow "convince
one court to rule in their favor" based on the NPA — and, indeed, this Court in fact had an essentially
identical case in front of it during the entire time where no such actions took place. See Doe v.
Epstein, 9:08-cv-80893-KAM (S.D. Fla. 2009-10). The reason that Epstein is unable to cite any
such example is that no such reliance on the NPA ever happened. For example, Jane Doe 1 and 2
never moved for summary judgment on liability in their civil cases — they were looking forward
to ultimately trying their case to a jury. And when they tried their cases to a jury, the victims
intended to call witnesses and fully prove that Epstein had sexually abused them — and then to seek
compensatory and punitive damages far in excess of what the NPA provided. No reliance on the
NPA ever existed, much less the kind of improper behavior that would make a "mockery" of the
system. Cf. Slater, 871 F.3d at 1178 (discussing deliberate concealment of claims from a
bankruptcy court).
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Moreover, all of the actions in the CVRA case and the civil cases took place in public
judicial proceedings in which Epstein was represented by a battery of lawyers. It "is difficult to
impute an intent `to make a mockery of the judicial system' where the complaining party was
aware of the inconsistency in sufficient time and in a position to properly raise an objection in the
original proceeding." Ajaka v. Brooksamerica Mortg. Corp., 453 F.3d 1339, 1345 (11th Cir.
2006). Here, Epstein and the Government was well aware of both this CVRA action and the related
civil suits. There is no concealment or unfairness that are the hallmarks for applying judicial
estoppel. Cf. Burnes v. Pemco Aeroplex, Inc., 291 F.3d 1282 (11th Cir. 2002) (applying doctrine
in circumstances showing deliberate concealment of assets).
Instead of presenting evidence (such as a court ruling) that Jane Doe 1 and 2 had "success"
in relying on the NPA's provisions, Epstein appeals vaguely to the notion that Jane Doe 1 and 2
"reaped for themselves the financial benefits of the NPA . . . ." Epstein's Remedies Br. at 42.
What benefits? Jane Doe 1 and 2 settled their civil cases — and obtained benefits entirely apart
from the NPA. The circumstances in which judicial estoppel would even potentially be in play
did not occur.
V. ALLEGED PRINCIPLES OF "SUBSTANTIVE DUE PROCESS" DO NOT
PRECLUDE RESCISSION REMEDIES.
As his fifth argument against giving Jane Doe 1 and 2 their rights, Intervenor Epstein
contends it would violate "principles of substantive due process" to rescind the NPA's immunity
provisions. Epstein Remedies Br. at 43-45. In making his argument, Epstein cites run of the mill
cases in which the issue is interpretation of a plea agreement. Of course, the Government must
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generally abide by promises that it makes in such agreements. See, e.g., United States v. Hill, 643
F.3d 807, 874 (11th Cir. 2011) (analyzing scope of government promises in a plea agreement).
But as the Eleventh Circuit (and other courts) have made clear, this general rule that the
Government is bound by plea provisions is subject to qualifications. The key case on this point is
the Eleventh Circuit's decision in San Pedro v. United States, 79 F.3d 1065 ( I 1th Cir. 1996), cited
previously by Jane Doe 1 and 2 but not discussed by Epstein. San Pedro explains that: "[T]he
general rule requiring governmental adherence to promises made during plea negotiations is
subject to two conditions. First, the agent making the promise must be authorized to do so, and
second, the defendant must detrimentally rely on the promise. If either condition is lacking, then
the agreement is unenforceable .. . ." San Pedro v. United States, 79 F.3d 1065, 1068 (11th Cir.
1996); see also United States v. Kachkar, No. 16-20595-CR, 2018 WL 6974948 at *2 (S.D. Fla.
2018), report and recommendation adopted, No. 16-20595-CR, 2019 WL 116864 (S.D. Fla. 2019)
(following San Pedro).
Here, of course, in adopting the CVRA Congress directed that prosecutors must reasonably
"confer" with the victim in a criminal case before making a binding resolution. 18 U.S.C. §
3771(a)(5). Prosecutors lack authority to deviate from this congressional command — and thus (at
least on the facts of this case) lacked "actual authority to make" a promise of immunity without
conferring with victims. San Pedro, 795 F.3d at 1068. The word "authority" means "[t]he official
right or permission to act, esp. to act legally on another's behalf .. .." BLACK'S LAW DICTIONARY
158 (10'h ed. 2014) (emphasis added). Here, as the Court has previously found (without challenge
from Epstein) "once the Government failed to advise the victims about its intention to enter into
the NPA, a violation of the CVRA occurred." 359 F.Supp.3d at 1221. In other words, the
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Government was no longer acting legally — and simply did not have authority to extend immunity
to Epstein.
The facts of San Pedro offer clear parallels to this case. There, the prosecutor offered a
promise of non-deportation to criminal defendant San Pedro. The Eleventh Circuit concluded that
this agreement was unenforceable, because by statute the power to enforce immigration laws rested
with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Id. (citing 8 U.S.C. § 1103(a)).
Here, Congress has also placed statutory limitations on the power of prosecutors,
specifically the USAO-SDFL — requiring it to follow the law. The statute establishing the duties
of the Office of U.S. Attorney provides that "Wrcept as otherwise provided by law, each United
States attorney, within his district, shall. . . prosecute for all offenses against the United States ..
.." 28 U.S. § 547 (emphasis added). Thus, here the USAO-SDFL had authority to make prosecutorial
decisions about this District but had to proceed as "provided by law." See 28 U.S. § 547. One law —
the CVRA — required the USAO-SDFL to confer with victims before extending Epstein's immunity
offer. Because that was not done — a fact that Epstein well knew, and indeed had sought — the USAO SDFL was without authority to extend the secret immunity offer.
The fact that Epstein was represented by a multitude of high-powered lawyers is also relevant.
"This case does not involve any government overreaching by taking advantage of an unsophisticated
defendant." United States v. Friedland, 83 F.3d 1531, 1539 (3d Cir. 1996). Instead, Epstein and the
USAO-SDFL sought to maneuver around the statutory commands of the CVRA. Now that their
maneuver has failed, Epstein is not entitled to take advantage of his illegal agreement.
This conclusion follows even if the Court were to proceed on the assumption (contrary to the
facts of this case) that Epstein's legal team had no knowledge whatsoever that the Government was
violating its CVRA obligations. A helpful case is United States v. Walker, 98 F.3d 944 (7th Cir. 1996).
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There, the Seventh Circuit refused to enforce a provision in a plea agreement where "the parties'
bargain was founded on a mutual misunderstanding of the legal consequences of the bargain.
Alternatively and equivalently, it is a case in which the bargain is vitiated by illegality — an attempt to
attach an unauthorized consequence to an inappropriate order." Id. at 946. Even assuming arguendo
that this case simply involves Epstein and the USAO-SDFL reaching an agreement based on a "mutual
misunderstanding," the fact remains that the NPA continues to be "vitiated by illegality" and this Court
cannot attach any effect to the improper agreement.
In response to Walker, Epstein calls the Seventh Circuit's ruling an "entirely confused"
decision. Epstein Remedies Br. at 25. But the Seventh Circuit simply followed standard principles
that a court must follow the law when interpreting plea agreements. Indeed, numerous cases hold that
such agreements are unenforceable when they deviate from legal requirements. See, e.g., Craig v.
People, 986 P.2d 951, 959-60 (Colo. 1999) (court cannot enforce a plea agreement that waives the
mandatory parole period); State v. Garcia, 582 N.W.2d 879, 881-82 (Minn. 1998) (plea agreement
promised a sentence that did not contain the statutorily-required 10-year conditional release term);
State v. Wall, 348 N.C. 671, 675-76 (1998) (holding that court cannot enforce a plea agreement for
concurrent sentence where law mandated consecutive one); Ex parte Rich, 194 S.W.3d 508, 515 (Tex.
Crim. App. 2006) (court cannot enforce an illegal sentence below the statutory range); State v.
Mazzone, 212 W.Va. 368, 374 (2002) (court would not enforce plea agreement that called for court to
unlawfully sentence the defendant by treating two misdemeanor offenses as felony offenses).
Epstein acknowledges this long line of cases but claims that they are all distinguishable because
they stand for the proposition that "a court cannot enforce facially invalid plea agreements that contain
illegal terms or omit the required components of a sentence." Epstein Remedies Br. at 26. Epstein's
concession effectively gives away the game. Epstein never explains why the principles expressed in
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these cases should be limited to "facially" invalid agreement. Here this Court has held that the NPA
was reached in violation of congressional command, which equally renders it plainly illegal — and thus
unenforceable.
Craig v. People, 986 P.2d 951 (Colo. 1999), for example, explains that when "the parties
attempt to fashion a sentence that is itself contrary to law, the resulting illegality is not subject to
specific enforcement." Id. at 959. Here, Epstein and the USAO-SDFL attempted to "fashion" an NPA
that was "contrary to law"— because it was reached without the congressionally required conferral with
Epstein's victims.
Similarly, State v. Wall, 348 N.C. 671 1998), holds that the defendant was not entitled to
specific performance of a plea agreement to receive a concurrent sentence, because "such action would
violate the laws of this state." Id. at 676. So too here. To allow Epstein to obtain specific performance
of the secret NPA would "violate the laws of this" country — i.e., the Crime Victims' Rights Act.
Directly contrary to Epstein's theory that "facial invalidity" only applies to the specific terms
of an agreement is Ex parte Rich, 194 S.W.3d 508 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006). There, the Court refused
specific performance of an illegal arrangement, explaining that "[a]lthough the plea bargain seemed
fair on its face when executed, it has become unenforceable due to circumstances beyond the control
of the Applicant or the State, namely the fact that one of the enhancement paragraphs was
mischaracterized in the indictment, resulting in an illegal sentence far outside the statutory range of
punishment." Id. at 515. Here, even if it could be argued that the NPA was "fair on its face," the fact
is that it is now unenforceable due to the fact that the victims were never given their CVRA right to
confer. Indeed, in Ex pane Rich, the court refused to enforce the plea agreement "due to circumstances
beyond the control" of the defendant and the State. Id. Here, of course, the resulting "circumstances"
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(i.e., non-conferral with the victims) were entirely within the control Epstein and USAO-SDFL — and,
in fact, were something that they conspired together to achieve.
Epstein further argues that he should not be held accountable for what he describes as "[t]he
government's failure to comply with its obligations to third parties." Epstein Remedies Br. at 45.
The Court would be faced with a more difficult question if Epstein had actually understood that
the Government was fully complying with its conferral obligations but had simply dropped the
ball. The situation here is entirely different. It was both the Government and Epstein who worked
together assiduously to hide the ball from the victims. Against that backdrop, no "inequities" (id.)
would result from rescinding the NPA's immunity provisions. Epstein chose to arrange for an
illegal deal — he is not entitled to reap the benefits of that illegality.
Finally, Epstein also refers to his alleged "full performance" of his obligations under the
NPA. Id. But that fact has recently been called into doubt by the ruling denying Epstein bail in
the criminal case proceeding before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
See Decision and Order Remanding Defendant, DE 32 at 19-20, U.S v. Epstein, No. 1:19-cr-490-
RMB (S.D.N.Y. July 18, 2019) (finding that "Mr. Epstein has not always been compliant with his
legal obligations as a registered sex offender"). As the Court noted there, Epstein's counsel
claimed that Epstein has been "scrupulously fulfill[ing] his obligations in every jurisdiction in
which he was required to register [as a sex offender]" since his 2008 Florida convictions." Id. at
19. But it appears that Epstein has not been compliant, for example, in New York. See id. at 20
(noting that, notwithstanding a New York judge's order imposing a sex offender reporting
requirement, according to an investigative report Epstein "has never reported as a sex offender to
New York law enforcement"); see also id. at 21 (noting lack of information from Epstein's counsel
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demonstrating proper sex offender registration in New Mexico, Florida, and the Virgin Islands).
These facts further undercut any claim by Epstein to being able to rely on the NPA.
VI. SEPARATION OF POWERS DOES NOT PREVENT THE COURT FROM
EXERCISING ITS STATUTORY POWER TO ENFORCE THE CVRA.
Intervenor Epstein next argues that the rescission remedy would somehow interfere with
separation of powers. Epstein Remedies Br. at 46-49. But Epstein lacks standing to assert
interference with Executive prerogatives. The USAO-SDFL has been actively engaged in this
litigation and has filed dozens of pleadings. Any issues regarding interference with the Executive
branch have, no doubt, been properly advanced by that Office — and Epstein is simply an interloper
who is not free to kibitz on constitutional issues regarding separation of powers. The federal courts
are "not empowered to seek out and strike down any governmental act that they deem to be
repugnant to the Constitution. Rather, federal courts sit `solely, to decide on the rights of
individuals.'" Hein v. Freedom from Religion Found., Inc., 551 U.S. 587, 598 (2007) (Alito, J.)
(citing Marbwy v. Madison, 1 Cranch 137, 170, 2 L.Ed. 60 (1803)). Epstein does not have a
"right" to separation of powers.
Second, as discussed above in connection with the statutory authority of the U.S.
Attorney's Offices, Congress is entitled to pass laws establishing rights for crime victims. To our
knowledge, no litigant — and certainly not Epstein — has ever argued that the CVRA's extension of
rights to victims unconstitutionally intrudes on executive power. Indeed, this Court has already
explained why the CVRA does not interfere with prosecutorial discretion: "The Government
correctly notes that the CVRA provides that InJothing in this chapter shall be construed to impair
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the prosecutorial discretion of the Attorney General or any officer under his direction.' 18 U.S.C.A.
§ 3771(d)(6). The Court is not ruling that the decision not to prosecute was improper. The Court
is simply ruling that, under the facts of this case, there was a violation of the victims' rights under
the CVRA." 359 F.Supp.3d at 1222. The Court would say exactly the same thing in providing
the victims a rescission remedy. The Court would not be ruling that the immunity provisions were
"improper." The Court would simply say that, under the facts of this case, the provisions have to
be rescinded because they were adopted in violation of the victims' CVRA rights.
This Court's ruling to that effect would not "thrust the Court into the role of prosecutor and
negotiator .. . ." Epstein Remedies Br. at 47. Instead, the Court would simply be performing the
task that Congress assigned to it by directing that district courts "shall ensure" that victims receive
their CVRA rights. 18 U.S.C. § 3771(b)(1). Once the immunity provisions have been rescinded,
the victims would confer with the USAO-SDFL and then the prosecutors would be free to proceed
as they saw fit. Ensuring that victims receive their procedural CVRA rights in no way intrudes
on substantive decisions by prosecutors.
To be sure, judicial authority is limited "when reviewing the Executive's exercise of
discretion over charging determinations." United States v. Fokker Servs. B. V., 818 F.3d 733, 741
(D.C. Cir. 2016). But Jane Doe 1 and 2 are not asking this Court to review any prosecutor's
ultimate charging determination; all the victims seek is that they have their promised opportunity
to "confer" with the prosecutors about what that determination should be. Thus, in enforcing the
victims' rights, the Court would not be "rejecting the deal agreed to by the parties." Epstein
Remedies' Br. at 49. It would simply be enforcing the victims' right to be involved in shaping that
deal. As this Court has held, "the CVRA was designed to give the victims the same opportunity
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to attempt to affect prosecutorial decisions before they became final" as defendants have. 359
F.Supp.3d at 1221. Enforcing that congressional decision is well within judicial authority.
VII. THE VICTIMS' REQUEST FOR DECLARATORY RELIEF (REMEDY #2)
IMMEDIATELY BECOMES RIPE UPON THE GRANTING OF A RESCISSION
(REMEDY #1).
Intervenor Epstein next argues that, even if the Court grants rescission (remedy #1), it
would be premature for this Court to rule on whether the Constitution would permit his prosecution
(remedy #2). Epstein Remedies Br. at 49. Epstein claims that such a ruling is precluded by the
"ripeness" doctrine, which on closer examination turns out to involve a claim that no "case or
controversy" would exist for such a determination. Id. at 50.
If the Court grants rescission (remedy #1), the issue of declaratory relief (remedy #2)
immediately becomes ripe. Specifically, unless this Court declares that it is permissible for the
USAO-SDFL to prosecute Epstein, it will not be giving Epstein's victims "the same opportunity
[as Epstein had] to attempt to affect prosecutorial decisions before they became final." 359
F.Supp.3d at 1221. See generally Victims' Resp. to Government Remedies Submission at 35-37.
Without such a declaration, the Jane Does would not be put back in the same position as they
would have been had the Government complied with the CVRA.
But, in any event, given the way that briefing has proceeded in this case, this request
(remedy #2) is now largely subsumed by the way in which Epstein has advanced his arguments
against rescission. If the Court reviews and rejects all of Epstein's arguments (as we believe it
should), then the victims would largely receive the declaratory relief that they need. Epstein
obviously believes that he is entitled to obtain a ruling on all of his constitutional arguments
advanced here. And Epstein has presented a wide array of constitutional and separation of powers
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arguments against the rescission remedy. See, e.g., Epstein Remedies Br. at 14-27 (arguing that
"procedural due process" precludes rescission); id. at 43-46 (arguing that "substantive due
process" precludes rescission); id. at 46-49 (arguing that separation of powers precludes
rescission). A Court ruling that, in spite of these constitutional arguments, rescission is nonetheless
appropriate would appear to sweep away most of the constitutional bathers that the victims have
been concerned about.
Accordingly, for remedy #2, the victims simply ask the Court to reach — and reject — all of
Epstein's constitutional claims. Following a court decision to that effect, the victims could then
approach the Court if any constitutional issues remained at that time that were improperly
impeding their ability to confer.
VIII. THE COURT IS AUTHORIZED TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING WITH THE
VICTIMS IN THIS CASE.
Jane Doe 1 and 2 have requested that the Court hold a hearing in this case, at which time
they could address the Court — and Epstein and prosecutors — about this case. DE 464 at 46-49.
The Government responded by agreeing that a court hearing was appropriate but suggesting a
slightly different format than the victims. DE 462 at 7. Jane Doe 1 and 2 have replied to the
Government, continuing to agree with the Government that a hearing is appropriate but reaffirming
their request (for example) that Epstein and former-U.S. Attorney Acosta attend the hearing. DE
464 at 4649.22
22 Since the filing of that brief by the victims, Secretary Acosta has decided to resign his
position as Labor Secretary. But during his press conference on July 10 on the topic of the NPA,
Acosta stated that he might be willing, at some point, to "circle back" with the victims to discuss
his handling of the case so as to be "more transparent." On July 15, counsel for Jane Doe 1 and 2
sent a letter to Acosta, advising him of the hearing that the victims and his prior Office was
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Now Epstein has weighed in, claiming that the Court has "no authority" under the CVRA
to preside over such a hearing. But, to the contrary, the CVRA provides enforcement powers to
district courts to enforce the CVRA. 18 U.S.C. § 3771(b)(1). And contrary to Epstein's
suggestion, there is clearly a "case or controversy" as to how to best provide the victims their
CVRA rights. In the unusual circumstances that exist in this case, where even the Government
concedes no remedy (rescission or otherwise) can fully put the victims back in the position that
they would have been had the Government properly conferred in 2007, this Court clearly has power
to act. As Senator Kyl explained, "it is the clear intent and expectation of Congress that the district
. . . courts will establish procedures that will allow for a prompt adjudication of any issues
regarding the assertion of a victim's right, while giving meaning to the rights we establish." 150
Cong. Rec. 22953 (Oct. 9, 2004) (statement of Sen. Kyl) (emphases added). A hearing of the kind
that the victims — and the Government —propose is an appropriate way to give at least some
meaning to important CVRA rights.
IX. ADOPTION OF EARLIER PLEADINGS BY REFERENCE
Jane Doe 1 and 2 have also advanced numerous arguments in other filings that defeat
Epstein's claims. To avoid duplicative briefing, Jane Doe I adopt by reference, in response to
Epstein, all of the arguments they have advanced in DE 458 and DE 464.
X. THE COURT SHOULD EXPEDITE ITS RULING ON REMEDIES AND ON THE
VICTIMS' RIGHTS TO BE TREATED WITH FAIRNESS AND TO NOTICE.
At this time, all of the briefing that the Court requested in its scheduling order (DE 454)
has been completed. Accordingly, all the matters discussed in this submission are ripe for decision.
proposing and asking whether he would voluntarily attend the hearing. Jane Doe I and 2 have yet
to receive any response to the letter.
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Jane Doe 1 and 2 continue to request a rapid ruling on remedies by this Court.23 Any delay
in ruling could further compound the damage that has already been done to Epstein's Florida
victims by denying them an opportunity to meaningfully confer about federal charges being filed
in this District — particularly given recent and on-going developments in New York that, while
independent of this case, may make it more difficult for Jane Doe I and 2 to seek prosecution here.
Jane Doe 1 and 2 also have pending before the Court two additional arguments as why the
CVRA has been violated — specifically, that their rights to be treated with fairness and to notice
have been violated. See DE 458 at 33. As previously explained, the Government has not
challenged that the Court should hold that these two rights have been violated. DE 464 at 15. And,
likewise, Epstein has not made any argument to the contrary. (He does not even cite the right to
fairness in his brief.) Accordingly, the Court should summarily find that these rights have also
been violated. After such a ruling, Jane Doe 1 and 2 would respectfully respect the opportunity to
provide additional briefing on what additional remedies would then become available to them.
Their existing briefing on remedies, of course, has been confined to explaining what remedies the
Court should award based on its existing findings. The Court would have more expansive remedial
powers based on more expansive findings of CVRA violations.
23 To be clear, having previously discussed the issue with the Court and seen the Court's
approach to resolving the pending issues, Jane Doe I and 2 are not seeking a jury trial on any
aspect of this case. With regard to crafting remedies for the violation of their right to confer, the
Court should exercise its remedial power. And with regard to the victims' still-pending claims that
there has been a violation of their rights to be treated with fairness and to notice, the Court can
make the necessary factual determinations to decide the matters.
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But none of these other possibilities should prevent the Court from moving forward rapidly
with the issues that are fully briefed and squarely before it now. The victims request that the
Court rule as rapidly as possible.
XI. REQUEST FOR A HEARING (IF NECESSARY).
If the Court requires any further factual predicate from Jane Doe 1 and 2 in response to
Epstein's arguments, they request a hearing and opportunity to provide that predicate to the Court.
CONCLUSION
Intervenor Epstein set in motion a plan whereby he joined with the USAO-SDFL to reach
a secret non-prosecution agreement — and then to have it put it in place without the victims having
any opportunity to object. That plan to keep the victims in the dark was patently illegal under the
CVRA. And the plan was in service of keeping a deal secret that could never have survived public
or judicial scrutiny.
This Court has now held that the Government's illegal actions, undertaken at Epstein's
specific request, violated Jane Doe I and 2's rights under the Crime Victims' Rights Act. And the
Court now possesses ample power to respond to this deliberate attempt to keep innocent victims
uncertain about why multiple federal sex crimes against them were to go unpunished. The Court
should accordingly grant Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 all the remedies they have requested,
including rescission of the NPA's "immunity" provisions precluding prosecution of Epstein and
his co-conspirators for federal sex crimes committed in the Southern District of Florida.
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DATED: July 23, 2019
Respectfully Submitted,
/s/ Bradley J. Edwards
Bradley J. Edwards
Edwards Pottin er LP
Paul G. Cassell
Pro Hac Vice
Attorneys for Jane Does I and 2
This daytime business address is provided for identification and correspondence purposes
only and is not intended to imply institutional endorsement by the University of Utah.
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Attorneys for Jeffrey Epstein
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that the foregoing document was served on July 23, 2019, on counsel of record using
the Court's CM/ECF system:
U.S. Attorneys' Office for the Northern District of Georgia
Attorneys for the Government
Roy Eric Black
Jacqueline Perczek
Black Srebnick Koms an & Stumpf
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