Justice Department watchdog report reveals prison staff’s extensive and grave failures in facilitating Jeffrey Epstein’s suicide

Washington — The Justice Department’s inspector general released a report on Tuesday detailing systemic negligence, misconduct, and under-resourcing among federal prison staff and facilities, which ultimately contributed to financier Jeffrey Epstein’s suicide in his prison cell. Epstein, who was accused of sex trafficking minors, was found dead in his New York prison cell in 2019. The report confirmed that Epstein died by suicide and found instances of misconduct among prison staff, some of which were potentially criminal. The report also highlighted failures in prison infrastructure, such as security cameras that failed to record any video. The Bureau of Prison has accepted the inspector general’s recommendations and promised to apply the lessons learned from this case to improve the correctional landscape.

The report revealed that Epstein’s death came after he had been found injured in his cell and placed on suicide watch. Despite being required to have a cellmate for supervision, Epstein’s cellmate was transferred, and prison staff at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) failed to find him a new one. The report concluded that a combination of negligence, misconduct, and failures in job performance allowed Epstein the opportunity to take his own life. The inspector general’s report also identified instances of falsified records and improper inmate check-in protocols by prison guards.

Epstein’s death prompted an FBI investigation and an independent review by the inspector general. The MCC was closed following the incident due to faulty infrastructure. Epstein’s associate, Ghislane Maxwell, was convicted of sex trafficking charges and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or chatting with them here.