DOJ-OGR-00021402.pdf

--- Page 1 --- The image displays a page from a legal document, specifically a court case involving Jeffrey Epstein. The page is numbered 228 of 348 and is dated 06/29/2023. The document is written in a formal, legal tone and appears to be a transcript of a court proceeding. Here is the extracted text: **Header:** * Case 22-1426, Document 77, 06/29/2023, 3536038, Page230 of 258 * SA-228 **Case Information:** * Case 1:20-cr-00330-AJN * Document 204-3 * Filed 04/16/21 * Page 228 of 348 **Text:** * for some victims, learning of the Epstein investigation and possible exposure of their identities caused them emotional distress. Overall, many of the victims were troubled about the existence of the investigation. They displayed feelings of embarrassment and humiliation and were reluctant to talk to investigators. Some victims who were identified through the investigation refused even to speak to us. Our concerns about the victims' well-being and getting to the truth were always at the forefront of our handling of the investigation. * The case agent told OPR that although she encountered victims who were "strong" and "believable," she did not encounter any who vigorously advocated for the prosecution of Epstein. Rather, "they were embarrassed," "didn't want their parents to know," and "wanted to forget." 283 * As of September 24, 2007, the date the NPA was signed, Villafaña informed Epstein attorney Lefkowitz that she had compiled a preliminary list of victims including "34 confirmed minors" and 6 other potential minor victims who had not yet been interviewed by the FBI.284 Although the government had contacted many victims before the NPA was signed, Villafaña acknowledged during the CVRA litigation that "individual victims were not consulted regarding the agreement." * Before the NPA was signed, Villafaña articulated to her supervisors concerns about the government's failure to consult with victims. * July 2007: Villafaña's Email Exchanges with Menchel * In July 2007, Villafaña learned that Menchel had discussed with defense counsel Sanchez a possible state resolution to the federal investigation of Epstein. Villafaña was upset by this information, and sent a strongly worded email to Menchel voicing her concerns. (A full account of their email exchange is set forth at Chapter Two, Part One, Section IV.A.2.) In that email, she told him that it was "inappropriate [for you] to make a plea offer that you know is completely unacceptable to the FBI, ICE, the victims, and me. These plea negotiations violate ... all of the * The case agent also noted that the victim who became CVRA petitioner Jane Doe #2 had expressed in her April 2007 video-recorded FBI interview her opinion that "nothing should happen to Epstein." * The "victims" list" for purposes of the NPA was intended to include the names of all individuals whom the government was prepared to name in a charging document "as victims of an offense enumerated in 18 U.S.C. § 2255." Although the charges Villafaña proposed on May 1, 2007, were based on crimes against 13 victims, thereafter, as explained in Chapter Two of this Report, she continued to revise the proposed charges, adding and removing victims as the federal investigation developed further evidence. At the time the NPA was signed, the proposed charges were based on crimes against 19 victims, but others had been identified for potential inclusion. **Footer:** * DOJ-OGR-00021402 This document appears to be a transcript of a court proceeding in which the government is discussing the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, including the treatment of victims and the prosecution of the case. The document includes quotes from Villafaña, the case agent, and other individuals involved in the case.