EFTA00234068.pdf

dase 9:08-cv-80811-WJZ Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07)21:2008 FIFF4tyi Rik D.C. July 21, 2008 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT STEVEN M. LARIMORE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA CLERK U.S. DIST. CT. 5.0. OF FLA. MIAMI CASE NO.: C.M.A., 08-80811-Civ-ZLOCH/SNOW Plaintiff, vs. JEFFREY EPSTEIN and Defendants. NOTICE OF REMOVAL In accordance with 28 U.S.C. §§ 1441, 1446, and 1332(a)(1), the defendants, Jeffrey Epstein and 1 hereby remove this action' from Palm Beach County Circuit Court to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and respectfully state as follows: 1. This case is within the original jurisdiction of this Court. This case is properly removable because it falls within the original jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. See 28 U.S.C. § 1332(a)(1) (establishing that federal district courts have original I C.M.A. v. Epstein et aL, Case No. 50 2008 CA 005240 XXXX MB (Fla. 15th Cir. Ct. filed Feb. 21, 2008). Lewis.tein n. 3059 Gray MINUE, Sum 340, COCONUT GROVE, FLORIDA 33133 14440 EFTA00234068 • Case 9:08-cv-80811-WJZ Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 2 of 40 jurisdiction over cases where the amount "in controversy [is more than $75,000] . . . and [when the controversy] is between citizens of different states"). 2. The amount in controversy in this action exceeds $75,000. The Complaint contains a generic prayer for relief? It is clear, however, that the plaintiff seeks more than $75,000 in damages. This case seeks damages in connection with alleged sexual misconduct. (Compl. ¶¶ 6-7.) The Complaint alleges that M. has "suffered mental anguish, mental pain and suffering, psychic trauma, and a loss of the capacity for the enjoyment of life." (Compl. ¶ 9.) These are serious allegations. Cf., e.g., Woods v. Southwest Airlines, Co., 523 F. Supp, 2d 812, 820 (N.D. III. 2007) (determining, in the context of diversity jurisdiction, that the $75,000 threshold had been satisfied, and "clearly [surpassed]," based on "the nature of the injuries alleged" in the complaint); see also Williams v. Best Buy Co., Inc., 269 F.3d 1316, 1319 (11th Cir. 2001) ("When [a] complaint does not claim a specific amount of damages, removal from state court is proper if it is facially apparent from the complaint that the amount in controversy exceeds the jurisdictional requirement."). 2 The Complaint seeks damages for "[more than] . . . S15,000." (Compl. ¶ 1.) This boilerplate is routinely used in Florida pleading practice to trigger application of section 26.012, Florida Statutes, the statute that establishes the jurisdictional amount required for filing in Florida's Circuit Court (as opposed to County Court). 2 Lewis. 'Lein n. 3059 G.0.90AviNut, Stun 340, COCONW Gotovt, FLOMDA 33133 20340 EFTA00234069 • 'I''• Case 9:08-cv-80811-WJZ Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 3 of 40 Further, the allegations by this plaintiff are virtually identical to allegations made in four separate civil actions, filed by four different plaintiffs, against Mr. Epstein in federal court.3 In each of those actions, the plaintiffs are seeking damages in excess of $50 million - - well over the $75,000 amount-in-controversy requirement for diversity jurisdiction. See Jane Doe No. 2 at D.E. 1 ¶ 4; Jane Doe No. 3 at D.E. 1 ¶ 4; Jane Doe No. 4 at D.E. 1 ¶ 4; Jane Doe No. Sat D.E. 1 ¶ 4. 3. There is complete diversity. Diversity jurisdiction requires complete diversity. Carden v. Arkoma Assocs., 494 U.S. 185, 187 (1990) ("Since its enactment, we have interpreted the diversity statute to require `complete diversity' of citizenship." (citing Strawbridge v. Curtiss, 7 U.S. (3 Cranch) 267, 267-68 (1806))); see also MacGinnitie v. Hobbs Group, LLC, 420 F.3d 1234, 1239 (11th Cir. 2005) (stating that "[c]omplete diversity requires that no defendant in a diversity action be a citizen of the same state as any plaintiff"). As demonstrated below, this case satisfies the statutory requirement of complete diversity. (a) Plaintiff is a citizen of Florida. (Compl. ¶ 2.) M. 3 See Jane Doe No. 2 v. Jeffrey Epstein, No. 08-CV-80119-1CAM (S.D. Fla. filed Feb. 6, 2008); Jane Doe No. 3 v. Jeffrey Epstein, No. 08-CV-80232-KAM (S.D. Ha. filed Mar. 5, 2008); Jane Doe No. 4 v. Jeffrey Epstein, No. 08-CV-80380-KAM (S.D. Fla. filed Apr. 14, 2008); Jane Doe No. 5 v. Jeffrey Epstein, No. 08-80381-CV-KAM (S.D. Fla. filed Apr. 14. 2008). 3 Lewis Tein ro. 3059 Como An,. . Soar 340. CCCONVI Gaavt, toitos 33133 3040 EFTA00234070  Case 9:08-cv-80811-WJZ Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 08 Page 4 of 40 (b) While the Complaint suggests that Mr. Epstein might be a citizen of New York or Florida, he is, in fact, a citizen of the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Epstein All. Ex. A.)4 (c) Contrary to the allegations in the Complaint, Defendant Sarah Kellen is a citizen of New York, not Florida. (Kellen Stmt. Ex. B.) 4. This Notice satisfies the procedural requirements of 28 U.S.C. § 1446. First, in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 1446(6), this Notice is timely. Only defendant Epstein has been served with process. Defendant has not yet been served. See Hill Dermaceuticals, Inc. v. RX Solutions, United Health Group, Inc., No. 6:08-cv-330-Or1-31KRS, 2008 WL 1744794, at •3 (M.D. Fla. Apr. 11, 2008) (concluding that removal petition was timely where it was filed within 30 days after the last defendant was served). Second, in accordance with section 1446(d), defendants have served this Notice of Removal on July 21, 2008. Third, in accordance with section 1446(b), all of the defendants join this Petition and consent to removal. 4 District courts may consider affidavits and other evidence to support removal jurisdiction. See Sierminski v. Transouth Fin. Corp., 216 F.3d 945, 949 (11th Cir. 2000). 4 Lewis :Fsin m. 30S9 GRANO Amax, Sum 340, CCCONV? Goon, FLOOOM 33133 4 cot 40 EFTA00234071 • • Case 9:08-cv-80811-WJZ Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 5 of 40 5. The State Court docket has been filed. All papers filed in the State Court are attached to this Removal Petition. Conclusion Because this is a civil action between citizens of different states, excluding any fraudulently joined parties, and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000, exclusive of interests and costs, this Court has original jurisdiction over this action pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332(a)(1). WHEREFORE, the defendants, Jeffrey Epstein and remove this case from Palm Beach Circuit Court to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Respectfully submitted, LEWIS TEIN, P.L. 3059 Grand Avenue, Suite 340 Coconut Grove, Florida 33133 Tel: 305 442 1101 Fax: 305 442 67 4 By: GUY A. L WIS Fla. Bar No. 623740 lewis@lewistein.com MICHAEL R. TEIN Fla. Bar No. 993522 tein@lewistein.com 5 Lewis rein pi. 3059 Gamo Avi out, Sun 340, COCOMPI Gmosa, Limom 33133 50140 EFTA00234072 ' Case 9:08-cv-80811-WJZ Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 6 of 40 ATTERBURY, GOLDBERGER & WEISS, P.A. 250 Australian Avenue South, Suite 1400 West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 Tel. 561 659 8300 Fax. 561 835 8691 By: Jack A. Goldberger Fla. Bar No. 262013 jgoldberger@agwpa.com Attorneys for Defendant Jeffrey Epstein BRUCE E. REINHART, P.A. 250 South Australian Avenue Suite 1400 West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 Tel. 561202 6360 Fax. 561 828 0983 , By: 14.(0, cot Bruce E. Reinhart Fla. Bar No. 10762 BReinhart@brucereinhartlaw.com Attorneysfor Defendant Sarah Kellen CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing document is being served this day, July 21, 2008, on counsel of record identified on the service list by U.S. Mail. Michael R. Tein 6 Lewis "rein al 3059044PeAvoiut, Suns 340. COCONUT GROW. fICOIOA 33133 Got 40 EFTA00234073  Case 9:08-cv-80811-WJZ Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07)21/2008 Page 7 of 40 Service List Richard H. Willits, Esq. Richard H. Willits, P.A. 2290 10th Avenue North, Suite 404 Lake Worth, Florida 33461 Fax: 561-588-8819 Counselfor PlaintiffC.M.A. 7 Lewis 3059 Gra*AMU, Sun 340, CoCCauT GA0vE, RONDA33133 7 cot 40 EFTA00234074  Case 9:08-cv-80811-WJZ Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07)21:2008 Page 8 of 40 EXHIBIT A Sot 40 EFTA00234075  Case 9:08-cv-80811-WJZ Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 9 of 40 AFFIDAVIT OF JEFFREY EPSTEIN I, Jeffrey Epstein, being duly sworn, do depose and state as follows: 1. My name is Jeffrey Epstein, and I am over 18 years of age and otherwise competent to testify. 2. I am a citizen and resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands. 3. My permanent address is in the U.S. Virgin Islands. FURTHER AFFIANT SAYETH NAUGHT. Sworn before me this /1 day of July 2008 Notary Public State of Florida NOTARY PUBLIC-r4;E OF FLORIDA My commission expires: Michael R. Tein .01tDoie8021.0LNI sc08 i‘ EC:ITAmmis poimeHna"nili : nuG4: N:lisiA ires rtA 90140 EFTA00234076  Case 9:08-cv-80811-WJZ Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 10 of 40 EXHIBIT B 10 0100 EFTA00234077  Case 9:08-cv-80811-WJZ Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 11 of 40 STATEMENT OF I, Sarah Kellen, state as follows, based on my personal knowledge: I. 1 am over 18 years of age and otherwise competent to testify. 2. I am a citizen and resident of Ncw York, New York. 3. My permanent address is in Ncw York, New York. 4. I have not resided in Florida at any time during the pendency of .1cmc Dot v. Jeffrey Epstein, Case No. 50 2008 CA 00656 XXXX MB AR, including ay= the removal of that case to federal court. PURSUANT TO 28 U.S.C. § 1746,1 STATE UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY UNDER 'I'HE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THAT THE FOREGOING IS TRUE AND CORRECT. EXECUTED ON: JULY .19 , 2008. SARAH KELLEN 11 0140 EFTA00234078 Casa 9:08,-.80811-WJ2 Document 1 Entered on FLSO Docket 0721/2008 Page 12 of 40 STATE COURT PLEADINGS EFTA00234079  Case 9:08-cv-8081 trcINJZ r DOCAVG01 CtitgrgientND Docket 07/21/2008 Page 13 of 40 E T COURT OP TH IN THE CIRCUI AN D AL. CIRCUIT, TN FIFTEENTH JUDICI A. H COUNTY, FLORID FOR PALM BEAC CASE NO.: 4 X XXX ME (IP 4)2008 C A 0 0 5 2 0 Ill ilaintiff, Va. d JEFFREY EPSTE/N, an Defendants. COMPLAINT alleges: d SARAH KELLEN, and REY EPSTEIN an Plaintiff,'III. su es the Defendants, JEFF ,000.00), in excess of Fiftee n Thousand Dollars ($15 t. This is an action for damages interest. =elusive of costs and is a resident of Palm he re to, the P la intitillilwas and 2. Al all times material ty-one years old. . Pl ai nt iff is a fem ale who is presently twen Beach County, Flor ida , because re sid en cy of de fen dant JEFFREY ESPSTEIN of the 3. The Plaintiff is unsure de of the Yo rk , Fl or ida , Ne w Mexico, and also outsi w he has residences in Ne s. continental United State ida . 4. The defendant, a was n resident of Flor ation, vi bhp:111~w gh.com I FAXmaker tax server For more inform This tax was received by GF is 01 40 EFTA00234080  r aye ...ha) ✓amc ...”0-01'wu ic.Li° Case 9:08-cv-80811-WJZ Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 14 of 40 COUNTt ugh 3. count the allegations of paragraphs I thro 5. Plaintiff incorporates law this ing when she was occ asio ns wh ile the Plaintiff was a minor, beginn 6. On numerous uced and/or seduced def end ant , EF FR EY E1'STEYN intentionally ind fourteen, the and/or ing var iou s act s of lewd and lascivious conduct the Plaintiff into perform owned his pre sen ce. The se act s all took place al the mansion sexual performances in rida. FR EY EP ST EIN wh ich was located in Palm Beach, Flo by the defendant JEF ant, JEFFREY occ asio ns wh ile the Plaintiff was a minor, the defend '7. On numerous duct in the presence of per form ed var iou s act s of lewd and lascivious con EPSTEIN ed by the defendant intiff The se acts all too k place at the mansion own the Pla rida. FRE Y EP ST EIN wh ich was located in Palm Beach, Flo JEF FREY occ asio ns wh ile the Pla int iff was a minor, the defendant, JEF 8. On numerous ce at the the Pla inti ff's bre asts and genRifle, These acts alt took pla EPSTEIN touche d located in Palm by the def end ant JEF FREY EPSTEIN which was mansion own ed Beach, Florida n and suffering, psychic res ult, the Pla inti ff suf fere d mental anguish, mental pai 9. As a . ma , and a loss of the cap acity for the enjoyment of life trau S AGAINST TIF F DE MA ND S JUDGMENT FOR DAMAGE WHEREFORE, THE PL AIN DOLLARS, NT IN EX CE SS OF FIFTEEN THOUSAND JEFFREY EPSTEI N, IN AN AM OU NDS TRIAL BY JURY. CO ST S AN D INT ER ES T, AND FUR'FII ER DEMA EXCLUSIVE OF COV.NT n s I through 4, and cou nt the allegations of paragraph 10. Plaintiff incorporates into this paragraphs 6 through 9, This fax was 'shelved by GFI FAXmaker fax server For more information, visit htlpAtiwittgli.corn 14 of 40 EFTA00234081  Case 9:08-cv-80811 IDOCurifeltlif 11151 EReeeleenttli_°&IDO'Cket 07/21/2008 Page 15 of 40 e was a minor rre nc e of se xu al ab us e of the Plaintiff while sh y occu I I, For each and ever le, he was aided, assisted, and/or s re sp on sib EPSTEIN wa for which JEFFREY h mansion of JEFFRE Y o lived at the Palm Beac abetted to following: ac ts inc lud ed , bu t we re not limited to, the EPSTEIN. Said ge for tiff , wh en the Pl ai ntiff was a minor, to arran a. She often called the Plain Beach mansion o'JEFFRE Y EPSTEIN, for the Pa lm the Plaint iff to co me to REY EPSTEIN, pu rpos e of pr ov idi ng "massages" to JEFF dentials to the ostensible kn ow n that Plaintiff had no cre sh ou ld ha ve when she knew or provide massage therapy. h mansion of Pl ai nt iff be ing br ought to the. Palm Beac corted b. She observed the ai nt iff wa s a minor, and sometimes es , wh en the Pl was JEFFREYEPSTEIN t ma ns ion wh ere JEFFREY EPSTEIN Y in tha the Plaintiff to a room rp ose of providing "massa ges" to JEFFRE fo r the os ten sib le pu aintiff had no waiting, sh ould have known that Pl en sh e kn ew or EPSTEIN, wh ssage therapy. credentials to provide ma FFREY EPSTEIN. tim es pa id the Pl ai nt iff for the "sessions" with JE c. She some minor, to ne ca lls to the Pl ai nt iff, when the Plaintiff was a d. She made telepho nt to the arrange for gifts to be se s a minor, which of the Pl ai nt iff, when the Plaintiff wa She took photo gr ap hs tures were e iff in the nu de . Sh e to ld the Plaintiff that the pic r the depicted the Plaint ST EI N, an d pa id the Plaintiff for posing fo Y EP at the request ofJEFFRE photographs. g, psychic ffe re d me nta l an gu ish , mental pain and sufferin 12. As it result, the Plaintiff su of life. a, an d a los s of the ca pacity for the enjoyment traum AGAINST M AN DS JU DG M ENT FOR DAMAGES ARS, AINTIFF DE N THOUSAND DOLL WHEREFORE, THE PL CE SS O F FI FT EE AMOUNT IN EX TRIAL BY JURY. SARAH KELLEN, IN AN D INTEREST AND FURTHER DEMANDS S AN EXCLUSIVE OF COST , P.A. RICIIARD H. WILLITS , Suite 404 2290 le Avenue North Lake Worth, FL 33461 ,0 Telephone: (569.5,8 -7 FAX: (561) 58,8, By: • RICHARD H. WILLJTS Florida Bar No.: 139888 r more information, visit latgaweAv.gh.com This tax was received by GFI FAXmaker fax server Fo IS 01 EFTA00234082  Case 9:08-cv-80811-WJZ Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 16 of 40 15 01 40 EFTA00234083  Case 9:08-cv-80811-Vybig Eb2,PUMPAtis/51 Erttliske6f20ocatilii9 Docket 07/21/2008 Page 17 of 40 OF THE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, NTY , FLO RIDA FOR PALM BEACH COU CIVIL DIVISION c,;(? 48 6A 00 52 4u XXXX Mb AC JUDGE: C.M.A., Plaintiff, VS. KELLEN, JEFFREY EPSTEIN, and SARAH Defendants. one box only. If the ease fits more than one type of case, II. TYPE OF CASE (Place an X in select the most definitive.) TORTS OTHER C1VTI; DOMESTIC RELATIONS ( ) Contracts ( ) Professional Malpractice () Simplified dissolution ( ) Condominium ( ) Products Liability ( ) Dissolution ( ) lteal Property/ ( ) Auto Negligence () Support -IV-D Mortgage () Other Negligence ( ) Support - Non IV-D Foreclosure ( ) URESA -IV-D ( ) Eminent ( ) URESA-Non IV-D Domain ( ) Domestic Violence 54 Other ( ) Other Domestic Relations plaint? It Is J Trial Demanded in Com i j YES ( ) NO DATE: ;Z-0.---0 51- RICHARD H. WILLITS, P.A. e 404 2290 le l Avenue North, Suit Lake Worth, F1, 33 461 Attorney for Plaintiff 561.582-7 RICHARD H. WILLITS Florida Bar U: 139888 ation, visit http://www.gli.com This lax was received by GFI FAXmaker tax server For more inform 17 0140 EFTA00234084  Case 9:08-cv-80811-WJZ Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/21/2008 Page 18 of 40 18 01 40 EFTA00234085  Case 9:08-ov-80811 -vvaa Doeumenbeimi EnterredZificPESINThoket 07/21/2008 Page 19 of 40 RT OF THE IN THE CIRCUIT COU , IN AND FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL, CIRCU , FLORIDA. FOR PALM 13EACH COUNTY CASE NO.: Plaintiff, 2008 CA 005240 XXXX MBO vs. JEFFREY EPSTEIN, a Defendants. SUMMONS 1O DEFENDANT: JEFFREY EPSTEIN nr 9 east 71" Street 358 El Brillo Way New York, NY 10021 Palm Beach, FL 33480 IMPORTANT s is served on filed agai nst you. You have 20 calendar days after this summon A lawsuit has been Clerk of this Court. A hed complaint/petition with the you to file a written response to the attac case number given above and will not prote ct you. You r written response, including the phon e call side of the case. If you do the part ies, mus t be filed if you want the Court to hear your the nam es of and property may resp onse on time , you may lose the case, and your wages, money, not file your l requirements. You ing from the Court. There arc other lega thereafter betaken without further warn you may cull an attorney away. If you do not know an attorney, may want to call an attorney right d in the phone hook). referral service or a legal aid office (liste en response to se to file a writt en resp onse your self, at the same time you file your writt If you choo the "Plaintifl/Plaintin a copy of your written msponse to the Coun you must also mail or take Attorney" named below. RICHARD H. WILLITS, ESQ. Plaintiff/Plaintiffs Attorney 2290 10°' Avenue North Suite 404 Lake Worth, Florida 33461 561-582-7600 mation, visit http.lrwww.gfi.com This lax was received by GFI FAXmaker fax server For more infor IS 0140 EFTA00234086  Case 9:08-cv-80811-Wta u Decumente17/51 Erdeft8riilfickgeitocl1et 07/21/2008 Page 20 of 40 THE STATE OF FLORIDA sununons and a copy of SHEIU FF OF THE STAT E: You are commanded to serve this TO EACH SHARON R. BOCK ubovc-named defendant. the complaint in this lawsuit on the Clerk & Comptroller P.O. Box 4667 FEB 212000 , 2008 DATED on West Palm Beach, Florida 33402-4667 CLERK OF THE COURT (SEAL) AS DEPUTY CLER SHERI PAIGE tion, visit: htto.//www.gfi.com This fax was received by GFI FAXmaker fax server. For more informa 20 0140 EFTA00234087  Case 9:08-ov-80811-net t Deeuméltle1 6151 Eriglécireefeefebodet 07/21/2008 Page 21 of 40 IMPORTANTE< recibo de acts lido dem anda do lega lmen te. Tiene 20 dies, contados a partir del lista ha este tribunal. Una adjunta, por escrito, y presentarle ante notification, para contester la demanda iders su defense, debe Si ustcd desea dilue el tribun»! cons Ilarnada telefonicn no lu protégera, nombres de las partes uyendo el numero del caso y los presenter su respuestn par escrito, loci rin scr depsojado us. Si usted no cont esta lu dem anda a tiempo, pudieso perder cl caso y pod interesed len otros y prop ieda des, o priva do dc sus derechos, sin previo aviso del tribunal. Exis de sus ingresos mente. Si no canote d consultai a un abogado inmediuta requisitos legates, Si kt desea, puede uste en la guis oficinas de asistencio legal que aparecen a un abogado, puede limer a une de las tolefonica. su respuesta ante ne, ai mismo tiempo en que presents Si desen responder a hi demanda por su cuti uest a a la persona co o cntregar ana copia de su resp el tribunal, debera usted envier par corr del Demandante). intiffs Attorney" (Demandante o Abogado denominada abajo conte "Plaintiff/Pla IMPORTANT s consecutifs a partir de Des poursutiet judiciares ont etc entreprises contre vous,