Newly public prison records shed light on the final days of Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who faced federal sex trafficking and conspiracy charges before being found dead in his Manhattan jail cell. The records, obtained by the Associated Press through a Freedom of Information Act request, paint a disturbing picture of Epstein’s mental state and his experiences leading up to his death. As these details come to light, questions continue to loom over the circumstances surrounding Epstein’s demise and the potential implications it may have for ongoing investigations.
From the moment Epstein arrived at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in lower Manhattan on July 6, 2019, it was clear that his high-profile status required special treatment. Media coverage and inmate awareness prompted authorities to segregate him from other prisoners. Throughout his 36-day stint in jail, Epstein expressed agitation, referring to himself as a “coward” and complaining about being treated like a “bad guy.” Additionally, he voiced discomfort with the orange prison jumpsuit, requesting a brown outfit for meetings with his legal team, whom he met almost daily.
Epstein’s medical records revealed a range of health issues, including sleep apnea, constipation, hypertension, lower back pain, and pre-diabetes. He had reportedly been treated for chlamydia in the past and admitted to having more than ten sexual partners in the last five years. Epstein’s sleep apnea breathing apparatus was initially not provided to him while in jail, adding to his discomfort and potentially exacerbating his sleepless nights.
Two weeks before his death, Epstein was found sitting in the corner of his cell, covering his ears to drown out the incessant sound of a broken toilet. Despite complaints from the jail’s chief psychologist about the issue, no action was taken to address the malfunctioning fixture. Additionally, it was discovered that Epstein had attempted to send a letter to Larry Nassar, the convicted U.S. gymnastics team doctor, who abused numerous young female patients. The letter was returned to the sender and found in the jail’s mail room after Epstein’s death.
It was also noted that a couple of days before he died, Epstein spent $73.85 at the prison commissary, including buying an AM/FM radio and headphones. He had $566 left in his account when he died.
Epstein’s death remains shrouded in controversy. After being found injured and semi-conscious with marks on his neck, he was placed on suicide watch but later claimed he was not suicidal. The night before his death, Epstein skipped a meeting with his lawyers, instead telling a jail worker that he was calling his deceased mother. The guards assigned to monitor him were later charged with falsifying prison records, alleging they had conducted routine checks when they had not.
