Villafaña
PersonRelationship Network
| Connected Entity | Relationship Type |
Strength
(mentions)
|
Documents | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
person
Acosta
|
Business associate |
22
Very Strong
|
22 | |
|
person
Sloman
|
Business associate |
22
Very Strong
|
20 | |
|
person
Lourie
|
Business associate |
19
Very Strong
|
21 | |
|
person
Menchel
|
Business associate |
14
Very Strong
|
10 | |
|
person
Sloman
|
Professional |
11
Very Strong
|
28 | |
|
person
Acosta
|
Professional |
10
Very Strong
|
37 | |
|
person
Lourie
|
Professional |
10
Very Strong
|
15 | |
|
person
Lefkowitz
|
Professional |
10
Very Strong
|
5 | |
|
person
Menchel
|
Professional |
10
Very Strong
|
14 | |
|
person
Lefkowitz
|
Professional adversarial |
9
Strong
|
5 | |
|
person
Acosta
|
Subordinate supervisor |
9
Strong
|
5 | |
|
person
Oosterbaan
|
Professional |
8
Strong
|
4 | |
|
person
Epstein
|
Adversarial prosecutor defendant |
8
Strong
|
4 | |
|
person
Sloman
|
Subordinate supervisor |
8
Strong
|
4 | |
|
person
Reiter
|
Professional |
7
|
3 | |
|
person
Edwards
|
Legal representative |
7
|
3 | |
|
person
Epstein
|
Prosecutor defendant |
7
|
3 | |
|
person
Edwards
|
Professional |
7
|
3 | |
|
person
Acosta
|
Supervisor subordinate |
6
|
2 | |
|
person
Menchel
|
Subordinate supervisor |
6
|
2 | |
|
person
Alex Acosta
|
Professional |
6
|
2 | |
|
person
OPR
|
Professional |
6
|
2 | |
|
person
Black
|
Professional |
6
|
2 | |
|
person
Epstein
|
Professional adversarial |
6
|
2 | |
|
person
Sanchez
|
Professional |
6
|
2 |
| Date | Event Type | Description | Location | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Meeting | A CEOS Trial Attorney met with Villafaña to discuss the case and interview victims. | Florida | View |
| N/A | Interview | Villafaña and another CEOS Trial Attorney interviewed three of Epstein's victims. One broke down ... | Florida | View |
| N/A | Plea agreement negotiation | Discussions and communications regarding the terms of a plea agreement for Jeffrey Epstein, invol... | N/A | View |
| N/A | Internal review/explanation | Villafaña explained her decisions and reasoning to the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR... | N/A | View |
| N/A | Meeting | An 'early' meeting where Villafaña claims she raised the government's obligation to confer with v... | N/A | View |
| N/A | Legal action | Villafaña informed Edwards about Epstein's state plea but did not mention the NPA. | N/A | View |
| N/A | Meeting | Villafaña met with victims in person to discuss a potential trial. | N/A | View |
| N/A | Meeting | An initial meeting regarding the Epstein investigation. | N/A | View |
| N/A | Communication | Villafaña replied to Menchel's email, a week after acknowledging his authority to OPR. | N/A | View |
| N/A | Concern raised | The FBI raised concerns with Villafaña that notifying victims could create potential impeachment ... | N/A | View |
| N/A | Consultation | The lead case agent and Villafaña contacted the USAO’s Professional Responsibility Officer for ad... | N/A | View |
| N/A | Investigation | The Epstein investigation, which occurred soon after the passage of the CVRA (Crime Victims' Righ... | N/A | View |
| N/A | Legal negotiation | Negotiation of a nonprosecution agreement (NPA) for Epstein. | Southern District of Florida | View |
| N/A | Investigation | The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) conducted a review and interviews regarding the f... | N/A | View |
| N/A | Legal review | The CEOS Chief reviewed the prosecution memorandum prepared by Villafaña and opined twice that th... | N/A | View |
| N/A | Legal action | Black took legal action that effectively halted production of computer equipment to the USAO unti... | N/A | View |
| N/A | Property removal | Computer equipment was removed from Epstein’s home. | Epstein's home | View |
| N/A | N/A | Plea deal negotiation regarding sentence length (18-month vs 20-month) and jurisdiction (state vs... | USAO | View |
| N/A | Meeting | A meeting between the USAO team and one of Epstein's defense attorneys where the attorney argued ... | N/A | View |
| N/A | Investigation | OPR investigated whether the USAO violated department policy and whether prosecutors were influen... | N/A | View |
| N/A | Meeting | Numerous meetings occurred between the subjects (prosecutors) and Epstein's team of nationally kn... | N/A | View |
| N/A | Meeting | Villafaña met with some of the victims during the course of the investigation. | N/A | View |
| N/A | Legal negotiation | Lefkowitz sent Villafaña a revised draft Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) proposing an 18-month se... | N/A | View |
| N/A | Counseling session | An immediate supervisor cautioned Villafaña not to send a draft email to Sloman or Menchel, warni... | N/A | View |
| N/A | Reporting | Villafaña reported her concerns to OPR, stating her belief that the USAO was preparing to file ch... | N/A | View |
DOJ-OGR-00021365.jpg
This document, an OPR report, analyzes prosecutor Villafaña's conduct during the federal investigation and prosecution of Epstein, refuting a public narrative that she colluded with defense counsel. The report concludes that Villafaña consistently advocated for prosecuting Epstein, worked to protect victims' anonymity, and cared deeply about them, despite some criticisms of her interactions. It examines email exchanges and supervisor statements to provide context for her actions and explanations.
DOJ-OGR-00021364.jpg
This document is an excerpt from a legal filing detailing an OPR interview with prosecutor Villafaña about her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein NPA negotiations. Villafaña defends her collegial communication style with defense attorney Lefkowitz as a tactic to complete the assigned task, while remaining firm on substantive terms. She also explains her strategic reasoning for agreeing to a plea deal provision that protected Epstein's associates from prosecution, which was to avoid excessive court scrutiny that could jeopardize the entire agreement.
DOJ-OGR-00021363.jpg
This page from a DOJ OPR report analyzes the Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) negotiations between the USAO and Epstein's defense. It concludes that while prosecutor Villafaña's emails to defense attorney Lefkowitz appeared accommodating—suggesting 'off campus' meetings and venue changes to avoid press—OPR did not find evidence that these actions were motivated by improper favoritism or that Acosta's breakfast meeting with Lefkowitz materially altered the sentence. The document notes that state officials, not the USAO, were responsible for granting Epstein work release privileges.
DOJ-OGR-00021362.jpg
This document is a page from an Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) report analyzing claims made by Lefkowitz about concessions from Acosta regarding Jeffrey Epstein's non-prosecution agreement (NPA). OPR examined three claims from Lefkowitz's October 23, 2007 letter and found that evidence did not support them, concluding that Acosta did not agree to interfere with state proceedings or alter the NPA's sentencing provisions. The document cites subsequent communications from USAO representatives Sloman and Villafaña that reinforced the original terms of Epstein's 18-month jail sentence.
DOJ-OGR-00021361.jpg
This legal document details the post-meeting communications and ongoing negotiations between the U.S. Attorney's Office (represented by Acosta and Sloman) and Jeffrey Epstein's defense counsel (Lefkowitz) regarding Epstein's Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA). It highlights a significant dispute over alleged concessions Acosta made during a breakfast meeting, as claimed by Lefkowitz in an October 23, 2007 letter, and a contemporaneous draft response from the USAO refuting those claims.
DOJ-OGR-00021359.jpg
This page from a DOJ OPR report concludes that the frequency of meetings between USAO officials (Acosta, Menchel, Lourie, Sloman, Villafaña) and Epstein's defense team (Starr, Lefkowitz) was not evidence of improper favoritism, given the high-profile nature of the case and the resources of the defendant. It details specific meetings in late 2007 and early 2008, noting that despite defense efforts to involve higher-level DOJ officials (Fisher, Filip), the USAO maintained its position on the federal investigation and the NPA. The report ultimately finds no evidence that these meetings resulted in substantial improper benefits to the defense.
DOJ-OGR-00021358.jpg
This legal document details a series of meetings and communications in 2007 between federal prosecutors (USAO) and Jeffrey Epstein's defense team regarding a potential prosecution. It outlines the strategic maneuvering on both sides, including the defense's presentation of legal arguments and the prosecutors' internal deliberations, led by figures like Acosta and Lourie, on charging strategy and a potential non-prosecution agreement. The document highlights key meetings in June and September 2007 where the parties exchanged information and argued their positions.
DOJ-OGR-00021356.jpg
This document is a page from a DOJ OPR report detailing a chronology of meetings between the US Attorney's Office (USAO) and Jeffrey Epstein's defense team regarding the Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA). It includes a table listing specific dates between February 2007 and January 2008, participants from both sides (including Acosta, Dershowitz, Starr, and Black), and the purpose of each meeting, such as discussing investigation improprieties, the NPA term sheet, and state plea provisions. The text specifically notes Alex Acosta's limited attendance at pre-NPA meetings and mentions a breakfast meeting between Acosta and defense attorney Jay Lefkowitz.
DOJ-OGR-00021354.jpg
This document is part of a legal filing detailing an Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) investigation into prosecutor Menchel's handling of the Epstein case. The investigation focuses on whether Menchel's prior dating relationship with defense counsel Sanchez in 2003 created a conflict of interest or improperly influenced a plea deal offered years later. The document outlines Menchel's and his supervisor Acosta's conflicting and corroborating statements regarding the decision-making process for the plea, and concludes it would have been prudent for Menchel to disclose the relationship to his supervisors.
DOJ-OGR-00021353.jpg
This document is a page from an OPR report investigating the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, specifically focusing on the origins of the two-year plea deal. It details an allegation by prosecutor Villafaña that former First Assistant Jeff Sloman told her that prosecutor Matt Menchel pushed for the two-year deal as a personal favor ('do her a solid') to Epstein's defense attorney, Lilly Ann Sanchez. The report notes that OPR found no merit to this allegation, with Sloman testifying he did not recall making the remark seriously and did not believe Menchel would do such a thing.
DOJ-OGR-00021352.jpg
This document is a page from a DOJ OPR report analyzing potential conflicts of interest within the USAO regarding the Epstein case. It details interviews with officials Menchel, Sloman, Lourie, and Acosta, concluding that personal relationships with defense attorneys did not improperly influence the case. The text highlights Acosta's eventual recusal in late 2008 due to employment talks with Kirkland & Ellis, and a separate inquiry regarding his potential role at Harvard Law School given Alan Dershowitz's involvement.
DOJ-OGR-00021351.jpg
This legal document discusses the effectiveness of Jeffrey Epstein's high-profile legal team, including Alan Dershowitz and Ken Starr, in portraying his case as legally complex to prosecutors like Alex Acosta. It also examines whether preexisting relationships between prosecutors (Menchel, Sloman, Lourie, and Acosta) and defense counsel improperly influenced the outcome, concluding, based on an OPR investigation, that they did not. The document highlights how Epstein's wealth funded a formidable defense that successfully negotiated concessions from the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO).
DOJ-OGR-00021349.jpg
This legal document, part of an Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) report, analyzes whether Alexander Acosta's actions in the Jeffrey Epstein case were motivated by improper influences. It argues that Acosta's decision to pursue a federal non-prosecution agreement (NPA), which included jail time and sex offender registration, was a more stringent outcome than the likely state-level sentence, which prosecutor Menchel described as a mere 'slap on the wrist.' The document uses this and other evidence, including recollections from prosecutors Sloman and Menchel, to suggest Acosta was not acting to improperly benefit Epstein but was navigating complex policy and federalism issues.
DOJ-OGR-00021348.jpg
This document details the rationale behind Alexander Acosta's decision to pursue a state-based, pre-charge disposition in the Jeffrey Epstein case instead of a federal trial. Acosta explained to the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) that his decision was based on federalism concerns, the weakness of the case, and a desire to act as a 'backstop' to the state prosecution, ensuring Epstein was registered as a sex offender. This contrasts with the views of other prosecutors, like Villafaña, who believed strongly in the federal case and wanted to proceed to trial.
DOJ-OGR-00021347.jpg
This legal document details internal discussions and challenges within the prosecution team handling the Jeffrey Epstein case. It reveals concerns among prosecutors like Acosta, Lourie, and Sloman regarding victim testimony, legal weaknesses, and setting unfavorable federal precedent, contrasting with Villafaña's proposed charges. The document highlights the complexity of the case, including victims' reluctance to testify, credibility issues raised by the defense, and the influence of Acosta's past role in the Civil Rights Division on his legal strategy.
DOJ-OGR-00021346.jpg
This document is an excerpt from a DOJ OPR report (page 146 of the original report, filed in court in 2021 and 2023) detailing the justifications provided by USAO prosecutors (Lourie, Menchel, Sloman, and Acosta) for entering into a non-prosecution agreement with Jeffrey Epstein rather than pursuing a federal trial. The prosecutors cite significant evidentiary challenges, including unreliable witnesses, victims who 'loved' Epstein or would claim they lied about their age, and the trauma a trial would cause victims. Acosta admits his knowledge of the case facts was not 'granular' and that he relied on the diligence of his team, particularly Villafaña.
DOJ-OGR-00021345.jpg
This legal document details the significant reluctance of Jeffrey Epstein's victims to participate in a public trial, primarily due to privacy concerns, fear of public exposure, and emotional distress. Statements from officials Villafaña and Lourie, along with a declaration from an FBI agent, indicate that this victim sentiment was a major factor for the U.S. Attorney's Office in its handling of the case. The document highlights specific instances of victim trauma, such as a teenager's distress when her parents discovered her involvement after the FBI left a business card at their home.
DOJ-OGR-00021344.jpg
This document is a page from a Department of Justice Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) report reviewing the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. It details the timeline of the Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) negotiations, specifically noting that key decisions were made before US Attorney Acosta met with defense counsel Lefkowitz. The report cites prosecutor Villafaña's explanation that the decision to pursue an NPA was driven by evidentiary risks and victim privacy concerns.
DOJ-OGR-00021342.jpg
This page from a DOJ OPR report concludes that there was no evidence that the Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) or the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein was influenced by bribes, corruption, or his wealth and status. It notes that while Epstein was not initially well-known to the FBI agents or prosecutors in 2006, press coverage in July 2006 alerted them to his high-profile connections, including Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, and Kevin Spacey. An FBI agent is quoted acknowledging they knew who had been on Epstein's plane.
DOJ-OGR-00021340.jpg
This legal document, a page from an Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) report, analyzes the Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) for Epstein. OPR concluded that the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) did not violate department policy by declining to prosecute two of Epstein's foreign national assistants, which would have triggered their deportation. The report also states that the evidence does not establish that prosecutors, including Acosta and Villafaña, were influenced by improper motives like Epstein's wealth when they agreed to terms favorable to him.
DOJ-OGR-00021338.jpg
This legal document analyzes the non-prosecution agreement (NPA) for Jeffrey Epstein in light of the Department of Justice's 'Ashcroft Memo,' which mandates charging the 'most serious readily provable charge.' It contrasts the federal indictment for sex trafficking prepared by prosecutor Villafaña, which carried a 168-210 month sentence, with the eventual plea deal of an 18-month sentence on state charges. The document also reveals internal disagreement, with prosecutors Acosta, Sloman, Menchel, and Lourie perceiving risks in the federal case, while Villafaña and the CEOS Chief believed the charges were appropriate.
DOJ-OGR-00021337.jpg
This legal document is an excerpt from a report by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) analyzing the Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) in the Jeffrey Epstein case. The OPR concludes that U.S. Attorney Acosta did not violate any clear standards or commit professional misconduct by resolving the federal investigation through the NPA, which required Epstein to plead to state charges. The report affirms that Acosta had the authority to make this decision and that the attorneys involved exercised sufficient competence and diligence.
DOJ-OGR-00021334.jpg
This document is a page from a DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) report regarding the Epstein Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA). It concludes that attorneys Menchel, Sloman, Lourie, and Villafaña did not commit professional misconduct because they acted under the direction and approval of U.S. Attorney Acosta, who held broad discretionary authority. The report specifically notes that OPR found no violation of clear statutes or policies in the negotiation and entry into the NPA, including the controversial provision regarding the non-prosecution of unidentified third parties.
DOJ-OGR-00021333.jpg
This document is a page from a DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) report analyzing the Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) granted to Jeffrey Epstein. It details the public scrutiny following the 2018 Miami Herald report and OPR's investigation into whether the 'sweetheart deal' was motivated by improper influence. The text confirms that Alexander Acosta reviewed, revised, and approved the NPA, accepting full responsibility for it during his OPR interview.
DOJ-OGR-00021316.jpg
This legal document details concerns from the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO), voiced by an individual named Villafaña, regarding Jeffrey Epstein's work release arrangement in Palm Beach County. Villafaña alleges that Epstein's lawyers schemed to make him eligible and that his application contained significant inaccuracies, such as listing a foundation with his lawyer's phone number as his employer. The document also notes a potential conflict of interest where Epstein paid thousands of dollars per week to off-duty sheriff's deputies for protection, seemingly in violation of work release rules.
No Subject
Villafaña thanked Sloman for 'the advice and the pep talk' and explained her decision regarding the private attorney selection due to an 'appearance problem' and concern about defense attacks.
Revised Draft Plea Agreement
Sent a revised draft plea agreement, approximately an hour after Lourie's email reporting the deal. The proposal differed from what Lourie believed agreed upon, suggesting a 16-month federal sentence followed by 8 months of supervised release as home detention, and prohibiting USAO from immigration proceedings against Epstein's female assistants.
Case status
Attorney spoke to Villafaña 2-5 times, was told case was under investigation. Attorney noted no information was received.
Informing Edwards
Villafaña told OPR she did not inform Edwards.
Interactions with Edwards
Villafaña stated she 'listened more than [she] spoke' during interactions with Edwards, which occurred before the state court plea.
Notification regarding Epstein's guilty pleas
Villafaña attempted to reach five attorneys representing various victims by telephone immediately after Epstein's June 30, 2008 guilty pleas.
Exchange about email
Villafaña's response 'Everybody' when asked about the email exchange during her OPR interview.
No Subject
'Glad we could get this worked out for reasons I won't put in writing. After this is resolved I would love to buy you a cup at Starbucks and have a conversation.'
Victim Notification
Villafaña stated, "I requested permission to make oral notifications to the victims regarding the upcoming change of plea, but the Office decided that victim notification could only come from a state investigator, and Jeff Sloman asked PBPD Chief Reiter to assist."
No Subject
Replied to Lourie, indicating she would pass his response along to defense counsel and asked 'Any other thoughts?'.
No Subject
Response to Villafaña's email regarding immigration waiver: 'No way. We don't put that sort of thing in a plea agreement.'
No Subject
Re-sent email adding that defense counsel was persisting in including an immigration waiver.
No Subject
Alerted them about language requested by defense counsel regarding promises not to prosecute other people, commented 'I don't think it hurts us'.
No Subject
Transmittal email for revised NPA, stated "we have not and don't plan to ask immigration" proceedings to be initiated.
Response to allegations of misconduct
Villafaña responded to Lefkowitz's allegations of misconduct, specifically addressing 'false' allegations that the government had made.
State case
Villafaña stopped communicating with the State Attorney's Office due to Epstein's defense team's objections.
State indictment for solicitation of adult prostitution
Villafaña noted that the state indictment related to two girls, with one included in the federal charging document and the other not.
Communication between USAO and State Attorney's Office, v...
Villafaña noted 'very little' communication and discussed a factual proffer, but did not recall discussing specific victims in the state case.
Project Safe Childhood Coordinator role
Villafaña, as Project Safe Childhood Coordinator, treated guidelines as a floor and aimed for a higher standard of contact.
Review of victim notification letter
Villafaña thought she showed the letter to the USAO's Victim Witness Specialist who said it was fine.
Victim notification process
Villafaña told OPR USAO had no standardized victim notification method, she crafted a letter herself, did not intend for letters to activate CVRA obligations, and believed victims wouldn't be confused by multiple letters due to agent introduction.
Negotiation status and defense position
Villafaña alerted Krischer that negotiations were 'not going very well' and defense counsel 'changed their minds again,' only wanting to plead to state charges, not concurrent state and federal. She stated if no agreement, she would charge the case on September 25 and not budge.
Epstein's custody arrangements
Recounted speaking with Goldberger who 'swore' Epstein would be in custody 24/7 during community confinement, but then 'let it slip' he wouldn't be at jail but stockade, violating NPA spirit.
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