Prince Andrew, Alan Dershowitz, and Leslie Wexner entangled in alleged $1 Billion extortion scheme linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s network

IATTERSON de girls whom he believed were ).f. his former employer's home, ler was engaging in sexual con- and had viewed pornographic n computers in his employer's eleased from custody for further ez had attempted to sell to the viewed by an agent familiar with ivestigation. As Rodriguez had ned information material to the t would have been extremely use- -osecuting the case, including the ation of material witnesses and those items been produced in the state law enforcement officers their contents would have been nd jury. redo Rodriguez was arrested again. ae 18, 2010, facing charges of cor- nd documents. Dressed in a blue pologized for his crimes and asked eighteen months. aent that Jeffrey Epstein had gotten )stein, Alfredo Rodriguez served his did not ask for, or receive, permi5- 220 CHAPTER 58 Prince Andrew: 2011 p rince Andrew also fares poorly in the wake of Epstein's imprisonment. The two men are old friends. They have been ever since Ghislaine Maxwell introduced the prince to her then-beau, some- time in the 1990s. In 2000, Epstein had been invited to Windsor Castle to celebrate the queen's birthday. Six months later, Epstein flew to Sandringham, the queen's estate in Norfolk, England, for a party Prince Andrew threw for Ghislaine's thirty-ninth birthday. The prince had also visited Epstein on several occasions, in Palm Beach as well as in New York. And if allegations Virginia Roberts made in her 2015 declaration are to be believed, Epstein asked her to give the prince whatever he required, then report back with the details. According to the Guardian, Epstein and the prince had par- tied together at Windsor Castle, in Saint-Tropez, and in Thailand, 221 JAMES PATTERSON FiL where "Andrew was pictured on a yacht surrounded by topless women." According to Roberts's lawsuit, Epstein had forced her into the prince's bed on Little Saint Jeff's. After Epstein's conviction, the British press were using another name for Little Saint Jeff's: Sex Island. The Guardian reported that the manager of two Virgin Islands—based corporations owned by Epstein happened to be the wife of the governor of the Virgin Islands. There were allegations involving a million-dollar dona- tion that Epstein had made to the governor's reelection cam- paign. And then there was Roberts's claim that she had been forced to have sex with the prince on the island as well as in New York and in London. Invariably, the photograph of Prince Andrew with his arm around the bare midriff of a very young-looking Virginia Rob- erts ran with stories that appeared in the tabloids. "It is emphatically denied that the Duke of York had any form of sexual contact or relationship" with Roberts, Buckingham Palace spokespersons would say. "The allegations made are false and without any foundation." The prince's ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, while on a skiing trip with the prince and their daughter Euge- nie in Switzerland, told reporters, "He is the greatest man there is. It was the finest moment of my life in 1986 when I married him. He is a great man, the best in the world." "I won't stand by—because I know what it feels like to have salacious lies made up about you—and not support him so pub- licly because they are just shockingly accusatory allegations, 222 which I don't think is right," 5 viewed by Today host Matt La and as a great father and a h. work he does for Britain I w( character defamed to this leve But at the same time, a c( good man's fall from grace, a out of the woodwork to dish t( "I've seen him treat his st said a former aide to the princ( personal protection officers, ground and demanding they ' graces at all. Sure, if you're a la then I bet he's utterly charminl Despite all this, the prince had a photo, frequently trotted out I strolling in Central Park. Some few months before it businessman had secretly tap( five hundred thousand pounds "If you want to meet him ir "look after me, and he'll look aft "Once again," she said aft Pounded and rebounded and a1! most in the world: the Duke." Prince Andrew had had hi! real estate deals, sticky roman. merit dumps (courtesy of Julia' 22 ATTERSON FILTHY RICH in a yacht surrounded by topless suit, Epstein had forced her into Jeff's. British press were using another x Island. The Guardian reported .slands—based corporations owned wife of the governor of the Virgin ; involving a million-dollar dona- o the governor's reelection cam- oberts's claim that she had been irince on the island as well as in of Prince Andrew with his arm iery young-looking Virginia Rob- ared in the tabloids. hat the Duke of York had any form ship" with Roberts, Buckingham ay. "The allegations made are false h Ferguson, the Duchess of York, .e prince and their daughter Euge- ters, "He is the greatest man the )f my life in 1986 when I marri st in the world." se I know what it feels like to have Tou —and not support him so pub- thockingly accusatory allegations, 222 which I don't think is right," she said a few days later when inter- viewed by Today host Matt Lauer. "It's a defamation of character, and as a great father and a humongously good man and all the work he does for Britain I won't stand by and let him have his character defamed to this level." But at the same time, a certain schadenfreude attended the good man's fall from grace, and former associates kept coming out of the woodwork to dish to the press. "I've seen him treat his staff in a shocking, appalling way," said a former aide to the prince. "He's been incredibly rude to his personal protection officers, literally throwing things on the ground and demanding they 'fucking pick them up.' No social graces at all. Sure, if you're a lady with blond hair and big boobs, then I bet he's utterly charming." Despite all this, the prince had stuck by Epstein. There was even a photo, frequently trotted out by the tabloids, of the two of them strolling in Central Park. Some few months before it was taken, a reporter posing as a businessman had secretly taped Sarah Ferguson's demand for five hundred thousand pounds in return for access to the prince. "If you want to meet him in your business," she'd said then, "look after me, and he'll look after you. You'll get it back tenfold." "Once again," she said afterward, "my errors have corn- pounded and rebounded and also impacted on the man I admire most in the world: the Duke." ' Prince Andrew had had his troubles already—with shady real estate deals, sticky romances, highly embarrassing docu- ment dumps (courtesy of Julian Assange and WikiLeaks), and 223 JAMES PATTERSON !{, At questionable ties to Tunisian oligarchs, corrupt presidents of former Soviet republics, and Mu'ammar Gadhafi, among other entanglements, many of which were explored in a Vanity Fair article headlined THE TROUBLE WITH ANDREW. "The duke has a record of being loyal to his friends," a "royal source" told Vanity Fair's Edward Klein. "Take his feelings for Sarah Ferguson. If you are a prince and you bring a woman into the royal life and, for whatever reasons, she's spit out, you might have feelings of debt toward her. The duke feels that she's been spattered and rejected. His close relationship with the Duchess of York is problematic, and there have been many problems over the last 5 to 10 years, all of which stem from the duchess. Some of the behavior of the duchess is inconsistent with being mar- ried to, or an ex-wife of, the duke. There's no question but that Sarah's been a financially self-destructive element in the -duke's life." "The same kind of loyalty manifested itself last December, when the duke visited Epstein at his home in New York," said a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace. "Epstein was a friend of the duke's for the best part of 20 years. It was the first time in four years that he'd seen Epstein. He now recognizes that the meeting in December was unwise." "Don't expect to see a photo of the two of them together," another "royal source" would say. But one more story about the prince's dealings with Jeffrey Epstein had already emerged. At a dinner party at Epstein's town house, the prince dished about the wedding of his nephew Prince William to Kate Middleton. "He was amused that his dinner companions were so inter - 224 ested in every detail," a g gossip columnist. "Wha Queen wear, would his e; Other guests in atten( dler, George Stephanopo Woody Allen. At around the same t Post, "I'm not a sexual pi ence between a murderer Was it so remarkable that in Epstein's company? Ai fodder for years. Randy A the circles that Jeffrey E seen as a vice. Epstein cat lation took hold on Wall $. were charging ten thousai you'd see things that wot that would make Nero hi guisher. When the urge didn't have to swap wives. They could simply swa By the same token, wa; like the prince would ha, insofar as reality is even a odd that he thought it wa5 raphers strolling through offender—when at the tin ing, and trading industri 'ATTERSON oligarchs, corrupt presidents of Au'ammar Gadhafi, among other h were explored in a Vanity Fair ITH ANDREW. wing loyal to his friends," a "royal Tard Klein. "Take his feelings for rince and you bring a woman into • reasons, she's spit out, you might ter. The duke feels that she's been )se relationship with the Duchess re have been many problems over hich stem from the duchess. Some ;s is inconsistent with being mar- Juke. There's no question but that '-destructive element in the .duke's y manifested itself last December, n at his home in New York," said a :n Palace. "Epstein was a friend of )f 20 years. It was the first time in stein. He now recognizes that the wise." low of the two of them together," say. t the prince's dealings with Jeffrey em's town house, the prince dished nephew Prince William to Kate 3 dinner companions were so inte 224 FILTHY RICH ested in every detail," a guest in attendance told a New York Post gossip columnist. "What would Kate wear, what would the Queen wear, would his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson be invited?" Other guests in attendance that night included Chelsea Han- dler, George Stephanopoulos,. Charlie Rose, Katie Couric, and Woody Allen. At around the same time, Jeffrey Epstein told the New York Post, "I'm not a sexual predator, I'm an 'offender.' It's the differ- ence between a murderer and a person who steals a bagel." Was it so remarkable that Prince Andrew would have been seen in Epstein's company? Andrew's philandering had been tabloid fodder for years. Randy Andy, they called him in the UK. And in the circles that Jeffrey Epstein moved in, philandering wasn't seen as a vice. Epstein came of age just as industrywide deregu- lation took hold on Wall Street. Junk bonds were king. Call girls were charging ten thousand dollars a night. And in the shadows, you'd see things that would have made Caligula blush. Sights that would make Nero himself reach for the nearest fire extin- guisher. When the urge presented itself, the new super rich didn't have to swap wives. They could simply swap harems. By the same token, was it so very strange to think that a man like the prince would have grown so detached from reality— insofar as reality is even a word that applies to a prince? Was it odd that he thought it was absolutely fine to be seen by photog- raphers strolling through Central Park with a registered sex offender—when at the time large swaths of the financial, bank- ing, and trading industries were characterized by their very 225 JAMES PATTERSON detachment from day-to-day concerns such as morality, ethics, and appearances? As for Jeffrey Epstein, one question that might be worth ask- ing is, if he's in fact a narcissist and megalomaniac, could he actually believe that he's innocent? Then again, that might be the wrong question. Epstein did plead guilty, after all. But what if he simply doesn't see what he pleaded to as a crime? What if he's proud of his lifestyle? And if that's the case, why wouldn't Prince Andrew be proud to be seen in public with his dear friend Jeffrey Epstein? What if, for people like Epstein and the prince, it's just ser- vants and masters, the way of the world? They're natural winners — aristocrats, after all—and if life were fair, well, how would we know who the real winners are? 226 Anna Salter: Novemb( hy do powerful and Prince And Dr. Anna S2- sionally. Educated at Harv: psychology, she spoke, wit] Epstein and others like him "Consider a car," says : are brakes. We all have se? be a good idea to act on. I\ behavior. We have good br "Sexual offenses and in. times the result of a bad r prepubescent children or e children as opposed to pw always the result of bad bra )ATTERSON oncerns such as morality, ethics, luestion that might be worth ask- Ast and megalomaniac, could he nt? Then again, that might be the ead guilty, after all. But what if he .aded to as a crime? What if he's tat's the case, why wouldn't Prince public with his dear friend Jeffrey )stein and the prince, it's just ser- e world? They're natural winners — ife were fair, well, how would we e? 226 CHAPTER 59 Anna Salter: November 2015 hy do powerful men do the things that Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew have been accused of doing? Dr. Anna Salter studies child sex offenders profes- sionally. Educated at Harvard, with a graduate degree in clinical psychology, she spoke, with the benefit of hindsight, about Jeffrey Epstein and others like him from her office in Madison, Wisconsin. "Consider a car," says Dr. Salter. "There's a motor, and there are brakes. We all have sexual impulses we don't think it would • be a good idea to act on. Most of us have good control over our behavior. We have good brakes. "Sexual offenses and inappropriate sexual behavior are some- times the result of a bad motor—for example, an attraction to prepubescent children or eleven-to-fourteen-year-old pubescent children as opposed to postpubescent individuals. But they are always the result of bad brakes. 227 JAMES PATTERSON on young girls delude ther will not harm the child. TI medicated it with thinking pathic and simply don't cai can't say anything about Ei but narcissism and psychop; look at concerning anyone bescent individuals but wh teens. "Psychopaths are often st seekers who are bored if not manipulate. They do not esu "They are callous and rt don't feel bad about harming "Rules don't apply to th They are sure they won't get "Antisocial psychopaths don't have brakes at all." Dr. Salter has never met Epstein, but she's followed his case closely and finds him a familiar type. She's especially struck by the singular nature of the relationship between powerful, wealthy men and vulnerable, underage women. "[The men] are more impressive to a fourteen-year-old [girl] than to, say, an adult young woman who is self-supporting and feels more sure of herself," she explains. "They are attracted to what they call freshness—barely bud- ding sexuality and lack of sexual experience. The difference between them and their victims feeds their ego. "Great wealth and access are generally factors that make men feel they are entitled to whomever and whatever they want. Some have narcissistic personalities with inflated self-images. And of course, great wealth and status make such men think they can get away with it. Too often, they're right." On the other hand, Dr. Salter believes that certain condi- tions, such as the ones exhibited by Jeffrey Epstein, might be an inborn character trait. Personality can be influenced, sometimes quite heavily, by genetics. "Virtually no one believes anymore that humans are born a totally blank slate," she explains. "We arrive with temperamental and personality variations that, of course, the environment can often, but not always, influ- ence. We arrive with baggage." Is Epstein a born psychopath, then? "Psychopathy is the umbrella term for individuals who do not have a conscience. Pyschopaths are often narcissistic, but nar- cissists are often not psychopathic. Some individuals who prer. 228 ATTERSON it have brakes at all." Istein, but she's followed his case x type. She's especially struck by )nship between powerful, wealthy women. .>,ssive to a fourteen-year-old [girl" roman who is self-supporting and explains. t they call freshness—barely bud- exual experience. The difference as feeds their ego. ire generally factors that make men ever and whatever they want. Some s with inflated self-images. And of us make such men think they can ley're right." Salter believes that certain condi- ited by Jeffrey Epstein, might be an enced, sometimes quite heavily, by es anymore that humans are born ains. :amental and personality variatio nent can often, but not always, inflty ;.e." )path, then? a-ella term for individuals who do n paths are often narcissistic, but iopathic. Some individuals who 228 FILTHY RICH on young girls delude themselves into thinking that the abuse will not harm the child. They have a conscience, but they have medicated it with thinking errors. Others are flat-out psycho- pathic and simply don't care if it hurts the young girl or not. I can't say anything about Epstein, as I have not evaluated him, but narcissism and psychopathy are concepts an evaluator would look at concerning anyone who was sexually attracted to postpu- bescent individuals but who then began to focus on younger teens. "Psychopaths are often superficially charming, high-stimulus seekers who are bored if not doing something. They lie, con, and manipulate. They do not establish deep affective ties. "They are callous and remorseless individuals who simply don't feel bad about harming someone. "Rules don't apply to them because they are exceptional. They are sure they won't get caught." 229 CHAPTER 60 Jeffrey Epstein: July 2010 Jeffrey Epstein was done with jail, but he wasn't done settling suits brought by his victims. Under the conditions of his non-prosecution agreement, he's even paid for the victims' lawyers. Still, Epstein's NPA seemed to ensure that he would not be prosecuted again for his crimes. Double jeopardy was work- ing in Epstein's favor. But in July of 2010, reports began to appear in the press: federal investigators were following other leads— leads that could result in child-trafficking charges and a twenty-year sentence. The Florida attorney general's office refused to comment. It was against policy to confirm or deny the existence of an ongo- ing investigation. One of Epstein's lawyers told the Daily Beast that he had no knowledge of such an investigation. "Jeffrey Epstein has fully complied with all state and federal require- ments that arise from the prior proceedings in Palm Beach," jack 230 Goldberger said. "There ; not and should not be Epstein's complete fulfillm agreement with the feder If there was an invest the moment, Epstein was to intellectual pursuits. Science.com, that featur( with Jeffrey Epstein," "T1 Jeffrey Epstein," "Why Epstein," and "An Under Jeffrey Epstein." The lam Epstein takes you to the knowledge to explore am the subtle, simple, and hic universe." "Jeffrey doesn't know shit art collector who has know "Does he like to act like he these academic scientists— have any money." Other friends of Epstei liant mind for science. AnC than sponsor individual sc ences on Little Saint Jeff's. ference called Mindshift at theoretical physicist Murra geons, engineers, and futi FILTHY RICH CHAPTER 60 th jail, but he wasn't done settling ms. Under the conditions of his it, he's even paid for the victims' emed to ensure that he would not times. Double jeopardy was work- ily of 2010, reports began to appear itors were following other leads — child-trafficking charges and a office refused to comment It or deny the existence of an ongo- stein's lawyers told the Daily Bea of such an investigation. "Jeffr . with all state and federal requif or proceedings in Palm Beach, „ 230 Goldberger said. "There are no pending civil lawsuits. There are not and should not be any pending investigations, given Mr. Epstein's complete fulfillment of all the terms of his non-prosecution agreement with the federal government." If there was an investigation, nothing had come of it yet. For the moment, Epstein was free—free to turn his attention, again, to intellectual pursuits. He launched a website, JeffreyEpstein- Science.com, that featured blog posts such as "Conversations with Jeffrey Epstein," "The Value of Quantum Computation to Jeffrey Epstein," "Why Evolutionary Biology Intrigues Jeffrey Epstein," and "An Understanding of Theoretical Physics from Jeffrey Epstein." The latter post began: "This is where Jeffrey Epstein takes you to the very cutting edge of the frontiers of knowledge to explore and discuss our basic understanding of the subtle, simple, and hidden [qualities] that lie beneath ... our universe." "Jeffrey doesn't know shit about science," says Stuart Pivar, the art collector who has known Epstein for more than three decades. "Does he like to act like he does? Yes. But he doesn't. But as far as these academic scientists—without people like him they wouldn't have any money." Other friends of Epstein's say that he truly did have a bril- liant mind for science. And in any case, Epstein had done more than sponsor individual scientists. He'd also sponsored confer- ences on Little Saint Jeff's. On his website, he announced a con- ference called Mindshift at which Nobel laureates, such as the theoretical physicist Murray Gell-Mann, would mix with sur- geons, engineers, and futurists and where professors would 231 JAMES PATTERSON discuss cognitive neuroscience, artificial intelligence, systems of encryption and decryption, and other topics. Epstein had been hosting get-togethers like this for years. Toward the end of Chief Reiter's investigation, in March of 2006, Epstein had hosted twenty top physicists—including three Nobel Prize winners as well as the celebrity physicist Stephen Hawking— at a Saint Thomas symposium called "Confronting Gravity," which was advertised as "a workshop to explore fundamental questions in physics and cosmology." "This is a remarkable group," one of the Nobel Prize winners told a reporter for the St. Thomas Source. "There is no agenda except fun and physics, and that's fun with a capital F," Epstein said. Epstein had been especially interested in Stephen Hawking. Someday, Hawking had theorized, the universe would stop expanding and collapse, at which point time would begin to run backwards. Hawking believed that computer viruses were living things. He thought that given the size of the universe, alien life forms existed. He did not believe in God. But he had a vast appre- ciation for the inner workings of the universe, and this is why Epstein gave Hawking a tremendous gift. He paid to have a sub- marine modified so that it could fit Hawking and his wheelchair and give the scientist his first glimpse of an actual alien world— the one that lies under the waves of the ocean. It was one of the most romantic, generous gestures that Jef- frey Epstein had ever made. dih 232 Al Seckel: January 20E Epstein's partner in the Al Seckel, was knowi were said to have incl clan James "the Amazing" : founder Elon Musk, as we: Epstein would court in the c ladder. In certain Los Angeles cil to know. But, like Jeffrey Eps According to Mark Oppenhe and followed his career for fi by selling rare books and ix academic connections. "A number of these trans. lawsuits," Oppenheimer woi 'ATTERSON , artificial intelligence, systems of other topics. get-togethers like this for years. 's investigation, in March of 2006, 3hysicists —including three Nobel brity physicist Stephen Hawking — m called "Confronting Gravity," iorkshop to explore fundamental .ology." p," one of the Nobel Prize winners Las Source. A fun and physics, and that's fun .ly interested in Stephen Hawking. orized, the universe would stop -Lich point time would begin to run I that computer viruses were living the size of the universe, alien life eve in God. But he had a vast appre- p of the universe, and this is why iendous gift. He paid to have a sub- uld fit Hawking and his wheelchair glimpse of an actual alien world— ayes of the ocean. mantic, generous gestures that jef- 232 CHAPTER 61 Al Seckel: January 2012 Epstein's partner in the Mindshift conference, a man named Al Seckel, was known for throwing fabulous parties that were said to have included the actor Dudley Moore, magi- cian James "the Amazing" Randi, and future Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk, as well as many of the scientists Jeffrey Epstein would court in the course of his own climb up the social ladder. In certain Los Angeles circles, Al Seckel was a very good man to know. But, like Jeffrey Epstein, Seckel was a sort of illusionist. According to Mark Oppenheimer, a journalist who knew Seckel and followed his career for fifteen years, Seckel made his money by selling rare books and papers, often through his social and academic connections. "A number of these transactions resulted in accusations and wsuits," Oppenheimer would write. "In speaking to former 233 JAMES PATTERSON Seckel acquaintances, I kept hearing variations on a scheme Mrs. Pearce Williams believed he perpetrated against her late hus- band, the man Seckel said was his mentor. Seckel took books and promised money, or he took money and promised a book; but somehow, the promised party lost money." "He was charming, erudite, humorous," one of Seckel's marks told the reporter. "I lent him $75,000. When the time came to pay it back he didn't want to do it." Oppenheimer found several people whom Seckel had stiffed and uncovered dozens of lawsuits he'd been involved in. In 2007, Seckel settled a libel lawsuit against a man who'd edited his Wiki- pedia page. Years later, Oppenheimer spoke with Seckel's lawyer, Nicholas Hornberger. "Hornberger confirmed that he'd reached a settlement for the case, a favorable one," the journalist wrote. "Hornberger added that Seckel has still not paid him for his services." He also interviewed Seckel's wife, Isabel Maxwell. Al and Isabel met on a blind date and married in Malibu in or "around" 2007 ("I don't keep the dates in my head," Seckel explained). A few years later, they moved to the South of France, where Seckel continued to trade in rare books and papers. While living in France, he was sued by a Virgin Islands company that accused him and Isabel of fraudulently attempting to sell rare books and a seventeenth-century portrait of Isaac Newton. Seckel had also been trying to sell papers belonging to Isa- bel's father. Isabel is Ghislaine Maxwell's sister and the daughter of Rob- ert Maxwell. * * * 234 It was an odd thing, Epste: PhD who, on closer inspec But the Mindshift confer in the Virgin Islands di( Mann was there, along wit coauthored books with St expert on artificial intell attended the conference, about it. "We had scientific disci he said vaguely. When Mark Oppenheir Seckel, Sussman "got testy" "I have had some dealir want to say what it's abot it, okay?" Today, Epstein's websites — JeffreyEpsteinScience.corn— long since expired. Several r tributions, including New Yc Palm Beach, announced tha gifts. "The further I can keep better," said Ballet Palm Beac But in 2012, Epstein held Jeff's. Once again, three Nobe Stephen Hawking was also th twenty-one physicists—from If• 'ATTERSON FILTHY RICH :aring variations on a scheme Mrs. perpetrated against her late bus- ts his mentor. Seckel took books )ok money and promised a book; fly lost money." , humorous," one of Seckers marks $75,000. When the time came to o it." al people whom Seckel had stiffed uits he'd been involved in. In 2007, ;ainst a man who'd edited his Wiki- heimer spoke with Seckers lawyer, at he'd reached a settlement for the irnalist wrote. "Hornberger added Lim for his services." Irs wife, Isabel Maxwell. id date and married in Malibu in or To the dates in my head," Seckel they moved to the South of France, ide in rare books and papers. While 1 by a Virgin Islands company that raudulently attempting to sell rare tury portrait of Isaac Newton. ing to sell papers belonging to Isa- ell's sister and the daughter of Rob- * 234 It was an odd thing, Epstein's association with this self-professed PhD who, on closer inspection, turned out to be a bit of a grifter. But the Mindshift conference that Epstein and Seckel hosted in the Virgin Islands did take place, in 2010. Murray Gell- Mann was there, along with Leonard Mlodinow, a physicist who coauthored books with Stephen Hawking. Gerald Sussman, an expert on artificial intelligence who taught at MIT and also attended the conference, said that he didn't remember too much about it. "We had scientific discussions, talked about various things," he said vaguely. When Mark Oppenheimer asked him if he'd given money to Seckel, Sussman "got testy" with the reporter. "I have had some dealings with him," Sussman said. "I don't want to say what it's about, because I don't feel good about it, okay?" Today, Epstein's websites— JeffreyEpsteinFoundation.com and JeffreyEpsteinScience.com —are down. Their domain names have long since expired. Several recipients of Epstein's charitable con- tributions, including New York's Mount Sinai Hospital and Ballet Palm Beach, announced that they would not be accepting new gifts. "The further I can keep myself from anything like that the better," said Ballet Palm Beach founder Colleen Smith. But in 2012, Epstein held one more conference on Little Saint Jeff's. Once again, three Nobel Prize winners were in attendance. Stephen Hawking was also there. All in all, Epstein had gathered twenty-one physicists—from Princeton, Harvard, MIT, and CERN 235 JAMES PATTERSON (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) — to "deter- mine what the consensus is, if any, for defining gravity." According to a press release issued by Epstein's foundation, the consensus that did emerge was that space is "not quite empty." Jeffrey Epstein: Februar It's Groundhog Day, and c ting the peak of his fame sode of Law & Order: SV own legal history. The setup for this episod girl. One who's been flown tc vate jet, then flown back— cc On the plane, she has a fn guy sitting next to her is try police get involved. "It was just a birthday ix cops via videoconference frau The cops ask: Whose pres "The billionaire. The one 1 Does the French girl knom 236 ?ATTERSON or Nuclear Research) — to "deter- any, for defining gravity." se issued by Epstein's foundation, 7ge was that space is "not quite 236 CHAPTER 62 Jeffrey Epstein: February 2, 2011 It's Groundhog Day, and once-reclusive Jeffrey Epstein is hit- ting the peak of his fame in a ripped-from-the-headlines epi- sode of Law & Order: SVU that tracks, eerily well, with his own legal history. The setup for this episode is the rape of a very young French girl. One who's been flown to New York on a very rich man's pri- vate jet, then flown back—coach class— to Paris. On the plane, she has a freak-out. She thinks the middle-aged guy sitting next to her is trying to rape her. In Paris, the local police get involved. "It was just a birthday party," the tearful girl tells the SVU cops via videoconference from France. "We were his present." The cops ask: Whose present? "The billionaire. The one who owns the jet." Does the French girl know his name? 237 JAMES PATTERSON FT "Jordan. He wanted a massage. But I had to take off my clothes. He climbed on top of me. It hurt. I started to bleed, and it wouldn't stop. The doctor came." "Dominique," the cops say. "We're going to arrest this man. But we need you to return to New York so you can testify." "Non," says the girl. "Non! Jamais! Jamais!" For Epstein, there are other embarrassments, many of which have to do with his royal friends. The wedding of Prince Wil- liam and Kate Middleton is approaching, and the ongoing trou- bles of Prince William's uncle Prince Andrew keep threatening to derail the festivities. On March 6, a spokesperson for Sarah Ferguson confirms that Epstein paid off part of the seventy-eight thousand pounds that the duchess borrowed from a man who was once her personal assistant. The next day, headlines appear in the Telegraph and other British papers: DUKE OF YORK "APPEALED TO JEFFREY EPSTEIN TO HELP DUCHESS PAY DEBT." "I personally, on behalf of myself, deeply regret that Jeffrey Epstein became involved in any way with me," Prince Andrew's ex-wife tells journalists. "I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf. "I am just so contrite I cannot say. Whenever I can I will repay the money and will have nothing ever to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again." That week, as part of the ongoing civil lawsuits against Epstein, Sarah Kellen and Nadia Marcinkova are both asked about Prince Andrew's relations with Epstein. 238 "Would you agree with Epstein used to share under; len is asked. "On the instructions of invoke my Fifth Amendmeni "Have you ever been m; Andrew?" lawyers ask Marci: "Fifth" is Nadia's simple, That same week, the gover role as Great Britain's royal t tenacious, and in the Telegr stories appear on a daily basi; • The Duke, His Paedophi Use of an RAF Base • Andrew's Secret Love Lifi • Royal Connections: Princ Suddenly the Talk of Nev • Time to Show This Right • An Odd Trio: The Royal seuse and the Fixer • No. 10 Struggles to Cont • From Royal Asset to Nati, • Royal Blush • Duke Could Be Called to' • It's the Company You Keep. • Nothing Grand About Thi • The Royal Family Has 1 Choice of Friends For Yea • Our Less-Than-Grand Olc )ATTERSON FILTHY RICH ssage. But I had to take off my me. It hurt. I started to bleed, and me." . "We're going to arrest this man. Few York so you can testify." famais! Jamais!" embarrassments, many of which :nds. The wedding of Prince Wil- )proaching, and the ongoing trou- : Prince Andrew keep threatening larch 6, a spokesperson for Sarah m paid off part of the seventy-eight tchess borrowed from a man who at. appear in the Telegraph and other "APPEALED TO JEFFREY EPSTEIN TO HELP if myself, deeply regret that Jeffrey .ny way with me," Prince Andrew's abhor paedophilia and any sexual that this was a gigantic error of cannot say. Whenever I can I will we nothing ever to do with Jeffrey .he ongoing civil lawsuits against Nadia Marcinkova are both asked 3ns with Epstein. 238 "Would you agree with me that Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein used to share underaged girls for sexual relations?" Kel- len is asked. "On the instructions of my lawyer," Kellen replies, "I must invoke my Fifth Amendment privilege." "Have you ever been made to perform sexually on Prince Andrew?" lawyers ask Marcinkova. "Fifth" is Nadia's simple, succinct reply. That same week, the government downgrades Prince Andrew's role as Great Britain's royal trade envoy. But the British press is tenacious, and in the Telegraph, the Guardian, and elsewhere, stories appear on a daily basis: ii • The Duke, His Paedophile Guest, and the Most Unusual Use of an RAF Base • Andrew's Secret Love Life Revealed • Royal Connections: Prince Andrew and the Paedophile Are Suddenly the Talk of New York • Time to Show This Right Royal Clown the Door • An Odd Trio: The Royal Trade Envoy, the Teenage Mas- seuse and the Fixer • No. 10 Struggles to Contain Row Over Prince • From Royal Asset to National Liability • Royal Blush • Duke Could Be Called to Two Epstein Trials • It's the Company You Keep . . . The Duke's Dangerous Liaisons • Nothing Grand About This Old Duke of York • The Royal Family Has Feared a Blow-Up Over Duke's Choice of Friends For Years • Our Less-Than-Grand Old Duke of York 239 JAMES PATTERSON On March 11, a devastating undersea earthquake and tsu- nami move Japan's main island by several feet, shifting the earth on its axis. The destruction is horrific and unprecedented. But on March 13, the Daily Mail devotes four pages and seven sepa- rate articles to Prince Andrew. That same day, the Telegraph runs three pieces, and the Sunday Times runs a two-page spread head- lined GUN SMUGGLER BOASTS OF SWAY OVER ANDREW. On March 14, the Guardian runs one more piece about Andrew's troubles. PRINCE ANDREW DOMINATES HEADLINES DESPITE THE EARTHQUAKE, the headline reads. Alan Dershowitz: Septen If the ongoing lawsuits ar millions left to spare. Mea whether Epstein trafficked seems to be going nowhere. fling to look as if Epstein is flu But for Epstein's friend an itz, things are about to get ver At the start of 2008, Brad lawyer, had filed a motion in of two unnamed women accth showitz of participating direct Prince Andrew had had nc itz had objected to the accu. terms. "There's absolutely no kern 240 PATTERSON rig undersea earthquake and tsu- 1 by several feet, shifting the earth ; horrific and unprecedented. But .evotes four pages and seven sepa- That same day, the Telegraph runs Imes runs a two-page spread head- JAY OVER ANDREW. iian runs one more piece about HEADLINES DESPITE THE EARTHQUAKE, 240 CHAPTER 63 Alan Dershowitz: September 2014 If the ongoing lawsuits are costing Epstein millions, he has millions left to spare. Meanwhile, the FBI's investigation into whether Epstein trafficked underage women across state lines seems to be going nowhere. As 2014 draws to a close, it's begin- ning to look as if Epstein is finally free and clear of the case. But for Epstein's friend and sometime lawyer Alan Dershow- itz, things are about to get very unpleasant. At the start of 2008, Bradley Edwards, the Fort Lauderdale lawyer, had filed a motion in a West Palm Beach court on behalf of two unnamed women accusing Prince Andrew and Alan Der- showitz of participating directly in Epstein's illegal activities. Prince Andrew had had no comment to make, and Dershow- itz had objected to the accusations in the strongest • possible terms. "There's absolutely no kernel of truth to this story," he'd said. 241 JAMES PATTERSON Alan Dershowitz also are part of a plot to extol Edwards and Cassell have he's ever seen. "They manipulated a y interested in money," Den offense, and they will be d: ever made this false charge But then, the allegations m 15, 2015, in a declaration attempt to overturn Jeffrey are highly disturbing. "I don't know this woman. I've never been in the same place with her. She's made the whole story up out of whole cloth." Bradley Edwards had already become involved in lawsuits against Epstein. In 2007, working with a former federal judge and University of Utah law professor named Paul Cassell, he had filed a lawsuit on behalf of another unnamed woman. Six years later, that case is still pending, and now, Edwards and Cassell petition to have the two suits combined. All in all, four Jane Does take part in the lawsuit. Jane Doe 3 is Virginia Roberts, the girl who says that Ghis- laine Maxwell recruited her for Epstein at Trump's resort, Mar-a-Lago. Epstein had "lent" her and other young girls to prominent businessmen, important politicians, world leaders, and other powerful men in order "to ingratiate himself with them for busi- ness, personal, political, and financial gain, as well as to obtain blackmail information," Roberts claims. She says that Epstein forced her and other underage girls to take part in an orgy in the Virgin Islands. She names Prince Andrew and Alan Dershowitz as two of the men she'd been forced to have sex with and claims that Der- showitz had been "an eyewitness to the sexual abuse of many other minors by Epstein and several of Epstein's co-conspirators." This time, Prince Andrew does respond to the allegations. "This relates to longstanding and ongoing civil proceedings in the United States, to which the Duke of York is not a party," Buckingham Palace says in a short statement. "As such we would not comment on the detail. However, for the avoidance of doubt, any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors is categori- cally untrue." 242 PATTERSON FILTHY RICH • never been in the same place with y up out of whole cloth." :ady become involved in lawsuits icing with a former federal judge 3fessor named Paul Cassell, he had 'other unnamed woman. Six years Lg, and now, Edwards and Cassell combined. ake part in the lawsuit. berts, the girl who says that Ghis- r for Epstein at Trump's resort, id other young girls to prominent iticians, world leaders, and other Jratiate himself with them for busi- financial gain, as well as to obtain .rts claims. 2ed her and other underage girls to •rgin Islands. v and Alan Dershowitz as two of the ave sex with and claims that Der- itness to the sexual abuse of many several of Epstein's co-conspirators." v does respond to the allegations. ding and ongoing civil proceedings ch the Duke of York is not a party," short statement. "As such we would However, for the avoidance of doubt, ty with underage minors is categ0ri- 242 Alan Dershowitz also goes on the attack. Virginia's claims are part of a plot to extort him, he claims. The motion that Edwards and Cassell have filed is "the sleaziest legal document" he's ever seen. "They manipulated a young, suggestible woman who was interested in money," Dershowitz says. "This is a disbarrable offense, and they will be disbarred. They will rue the day they ever made this false charge against me." It's a vehement denial. But then, the allegations made by Virginia Roberts, on January 15, 2015, in a declaration filed against the government in an attempt to overturn Jeffrey Epstein's non-prosecution agreement, are highly disturbing. 243 24. I also had sex Ranch in New Mexico I pool area, which was st 25. We also had se U.S. Virgin Islands. 26. Another sexual itz happened on Epstein on the plane with its. 27. I have recently calling me a "liar." He i with me. The man I've a mer law professor, is th, least six times. Dershow with other underage girl but he is lying and denyii 28. After years of ab look for a way to escape. hold because I wanted to) taken me into his clutches some time I believed him. trol, regardless of my doul 29. I kept asking Epsi education. Epstein finally to go to Chiang Mai to h like my chance to escape. bags for good. I knew this break away. 30. On September 27, 2 to Chiang Mai, Thailand. I my training. But Epstein 14 CHAPTER 64 Declaration of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, filed on January 19, 2015 by attorneys representing Jeffrey Epstein's victims (continued) 20. Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz was around Epstein frequently. Dershowitz was so comfortable with the sex [that] was going on that on one occasion he observed me in sexual activity with Epstein. 21. I had sexual intercourse with Dershowitz at least six times. The first time was when I was about 16, early on in my servitude to Epstein, and it continued until I was 19. 22. The first time we had sex took place in New York in Epstein's home. It was in Epstein's room (not the massage room). I was approximately sixteen years old at the time. I called Dershowitz "Alan." I knew he was a famous professor. 23. The second time that I had sex with Dershowitz was at Epstein's house in Palm Beach. 244 FILTHY RICH CHAPTER 64 oberts Giuffre, filed on rneys representing Jeffrey Led) r Alan Dershowitz was around witz was so comfortable with the t on one occasion he observed me em. iurse with Dershowitz at least six vhen I was about 16, early on in d it continued until I was 19. ad sex took place in New York in Epstein's room (not the massage y sixteen years old at the time. I knew he was a famous professor. at I had sex with Dershowitz was 3each. 244 24. I also had sex with Dershowitz at Epstein's Zorro Ranch in New Mexico in the massage room off of the indoor pool area, which was still being painted. 25. We also had sex at Little Saint James Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 26. Another sexual encounter between me and Dershow- itz happened on Epstein's airplane. Another girl was present on the plane with us. 27. I have recently seen Alan Dershowitz on television calling me a "liar" He is lying by denying that he had sex with me. The man I've seen on television, described as a for- mer law professor, is the same man that I had sex with at least six times. Dershowitz also knows that Epstein had sex with other underage girls and lent me out to other people, but he is lying and denying that. . . . 28. After years of abuse and being lent out, I began to look for a way to escape. I had first gone into Epstein's house- hold because I wanted to be a massage therapist. Epstein had taken me into his clutches through promises and talk and for some time I believed him. But once he had me under his con- trol, regardless of my doubts and fears, I felt trapped. 29. I kept asking Epstein for my promised training and education. Epstein finally got me a plane ticket to Thailand to go to Chiang Mai to learn Thai massage. This sounded like my chance to escape. In September 2002, I packed my bags for good. I knew this would be my only opportunity to break away. 30. On September 27, 2002, I flew from JFK in New York to Chiang Mai, Thailand. I arrived around September 29 for my training. But Epstein was going to get something out of 245 JAMES PATTERSON this trip as well. I was supposed to interview a girl and bring her back to the United States for Epstein. 31. [Left blank in the original] 32. I did the massage training in Chiang Mai. While I was there, I met a great and special guy and told him hon- estly what I was being forced to do. He told me I should get out of it. I told him that the people I was working for were very powerful and that I could not walk away or disobey them without risking serious punishment, including my life. He told me he would protect me. I had confidence [in] him and I saw his love and help as my opportunity to escape and to be with someone who truly loved me and would protect me. I married him and flew to Australia. 33. I called Epstein and told him I was not coming back. He asked why? I said "I've fallen in love." Epstein basically said "good luck and have a good life." I could tell he was not happy. I was afraid of what he was going to do to me. I thought he or one of his powerful friends might send some- one to hurt me or have me killed. 34. From that point onward, out of concern for my safety and general well-being, I stayed in Australia with my hus- band. I was in Australia from late 2002 to October 2013. To be clear, I was never in the United States during these years, not even for a short trip to visit my mother. And my absence from the United States was not voluntary —I was hiding from Epstein out of fear of what he would do to me if I returned to the United States. 35. In around 2007, after not hearing from anyone for years, out of the blue I was contacted by someone who identi- fied himself with a plain sounding name and claimed he was 246 Fr with the FBI. It seemed vf cial criminal investigatiot that. I hadn't heard Epste who this person was and t tell what was going on. 36. This man said he The man asked if I had be instinct was to say nothii really with the FBI or any c questions, telling him that met him at a young age. Bu This man never offered to t Instead, he asked me right practices. I thought it woulc ment officer to behave tho uncomfortable and suspicit ing me. 37. I told the man nothi versation probably didn't immediately triggered all of erful friends that had calls( If the call accomplished an: state of fear and told me ti• and had nobody officially pi 38. I suspected that the; for Epstein or one of Epstein': if this was really an agent 14 would have known who I wa ual crimes in many differet viewed me in a way that woul PATTERSON osed to interview a girl and bring for Epstein. riginail training in Chiang Mai. While I id special guy and told him hon- :ed to do. He told me I should get ie people I was working for were could not walk away or disobey us punishment, including my life. ct me. I had confidence [in] him ) as my opportunity to escape and ruly loved me and would protect v to Australia. d told him I was not coming back. fallen in love." Epstein basically good life." I could tell he was not hat he was going to do to me. I owerful friends might send some- killed. ward, out of concern for my safety stayed in Australia with my hus- rom late 2002 to October 2013. To United States during these years, P visit my mother. And my absence ,as not voluntary —I was hiding of what he would do to me if I tes. Iter not hearing from anyone for contacted by someone who identi- )unding name and claimed he was 246 FILTHY RICH with the FBI. It seemed very odd for someone doing an offi- cial criminal investigation to just call up on the phone like that. I hadn't heard Epstein's name for years. I didn't know who this person was and what it was really about. I couldn't tell what was going on. 36. This man said he was looking into Jeffrey Epstein. The man asked if I had been involved with Epstein. My first instinct was to say nothing because I wasn't sure he was really with the FBI or any authorities. I answered a few basic questions, telling him that I knew Jeffrey Epstein and had met him at a young age. But the conversation didn't feel right. This man never offered to come and meet with me in person. Instead, he asked me right off the bat about Epstein's sexual practices. I thought it would be strange for a true law enforce- ment officer to behave that way, so I became increasingly uncomfortable and suspicious about who was actually call- ing me. 37. I told the man nothing more about Epstein. The con- versation probably didn't even last three minutes, but it immediately triggered all of the fears of Epstein and his pow- erful friends that had caused me to escape in the first place. If the call accomplished anything, it only put me bath in a state of fear and told me that I could be found quite easily and had nobody officially protecting me. 38. I suspected that the man who called me was working for Epstein or one of Epstein's powerful friends. I believed that if this was really an agent who was investigating Epstein, he would have known who I was and how I fit into Epstein's sex- ual crimes in many different places. He would have inter- viewed me in a way that would have established his credentials 247 JAMES PATTERSON that i f I didn't say what I might get hurt. 42. I promised Epste quiet. They seemed hap to [be the] way to keer what Epstein and his Ica This declaration, stria victims' lawsuit against t events that led to Dershow involved in spectacular lay Dershowitz that these all€ him, and a complaint by E. against him were false and and would have shown how he could provide potential protec- tion from Epstein. That never happened. 39. Getting a call from this supposed FBI agent made me scared all over again. I had left the old life of sexual slavery behind me and started a new life in a new country in hopes that the powerful people whose illegal activities I knew all about would never find me. 40. Shortly after this purported FBI call, I was contacted by telephone by someone who appeared clearly to be working for Epstein. The caller told me about an investigation into Epstein and said that some of the girls being questioned were saying that Epstein had had sexual contact with them. After they made these allegations, the man said they were being discredited as drug addicts and prostitutes, but in my case, if I were to keep quiet, I would "be looked after." The fact that this call was made shortly after the supposed FBI call rein- for[c]ed my concern that the man I had talked to earlier was not really working for the FBI but for Epstein. I didn't think that the FBI and Epstein would both be working together and would both get my phone number at almost exactly the same time. I played along and told this person that I had gotten a call from the "FBI" but that I didn't tell him anything. The person on the phone was pleased to hear [that]. 41. A short time later, one of Epstein's lawyers (not Alan Dershowitz) called me, and then got Epstein on the line at the same time. Epstein and his lawyer basically asked again if I was going to say anything. The clear implication was that I should not. The way they were talking to me, I was afraid of what would happen if I didn't keep quiet. My thought was 248 )ATTERSON FILTHY RICH te could provide potential protec- • happened. us supposed FBI agent made me left the old life of sexual slavery v life in a new country in hopes tose illegal activities I knew all -ported FBI call, I was contacted o appeared clearly to be working me about an investigation into f the girls being questioned were sexual contact with them. After the man said they were being tnd prostitutes, but in my case, if I "be looked after." The fact that after the supposed FBI call rein- man I had talked to earlier was BI but for Epstein. I didn't think Aid both be working together and mber at almost exactly the same d this person that I had gotten a t I didn't tell him anything. The •ased to hear [that]. vie of Epstein's lawyers (not Alan I then got Epstein on the line at his lawyer basically asked again g. The clear implication was that 'ere talking to me, I was afraid of in't keep quiet. My thought was 248 that if I didn't say what they wanted me to say, or not to say, I might get hurt. 42. I promised Epstein and his lawyer that I would keep quiet. They seemed happy with that and that seemed to me to [be the] way to keep me and my family safe. And I did what Epstein and his lawyer told me. I kept quiet. This declaration, stricken from the record by the judge in the victims' lawsuit against the government, also set in motion events that led to Dershowitz's and Roberts's lawyers becoming involved in spectacular lawsuits, which included a complaint by Dershowitz that these allegations were false and had defamed him, and a complaint by Edwards that Dershowitz's accusations against him were false and defamatory. 249 CHAPTER 65 Alan Dershowitz: October 2015 About fifteen minutes into the ripped-from-the-headlines episode of Law & Order: SVU that was inspired by the Jef- frey Epstein saga, the plot takes an interesting turn: before officers have a chance to arrest him, Jordan, the character mod- eled on Epstein, shows up at SVU headquarters. The twelve-year-old French girl raped him, Jordan says. Wearing a monogrammed fleece pullover like the ones favored by Jeffrey Epstein, he describes an evening at home. "The party was in full swing," he explains. "A friend said she wanted to give me a special present. Told me to wait in my mas- sage room—" An SVU guy interrupts: "Guy has a massage room?" "I suffer. from chronic back pain," Jordan says. "While I was waiting, I fell asleep. Now, at first I thought I must be dreaming. I was aroused. I felt myself being manually 250 manipulated. Then I reme: enjoy myself. But then it gc eyes." "What did you see?" "A woman. A woman "A woman? Dominique "It was dark. I just wan. "But the twelve-year-o1( "No. She threatened me. she was going to scream `1Z "And there was nothin4 years and a hundred pound "The party was going on: was going to look. I was nake It was a brilliant plot tw: dan to get off scot-free. But the plot twist that on the day of Alan Dershow Florida, courthouse was eve "There was a criminal extort Edwards and Paul Cassell's 1 2015. "Your clients were involv Bradley and Cassell had s for defamation—payback fo law professor had made in th Dershowitz had counters and he had come armed for b FILTHY RICH CHAPTER 65 r2015 ito the ripped-from-the-headlines SVU that was inspired by the Jef- lot takes an interesting turn: before st him, Jordan, the character mod- ATIU headquarters. h girl raped him, Jordan says. fleece pullover like the ones favored an evening at home. ng," he explains. "A friend said she resent. Told me to wait in my mas- :illy has a massage room?" k pain," Jordan says. ell asleep. Now, at first I thought I 'used. I felt myself being manually' 250 manipulated. Then I remembered it was my present. I started to enjoy myself. But then it got rough, and that's when I opened my eyes." "What did you see?" "A woman. A woman I'd never seen before." "A woman? Dominique Moreau was twelve!" "It was dark. I just wanted her off of me. I tried to stop her." "But the twelve-year-old overpowered you?" "No. She threatened me. She said if I didn't let her ... continue, she was going to scream 'Rape." "And there was nothing that you could do? You've got forty years and a hundred pounds on the girl." "The party was going on right outside the door. I knew how this was going to look. I was naked. She was naked. What could I do?" It was a brilliant plot twist—one that ultimately allowed Jor- dan to get off scot-free. But the plot twist that Epstein's own story ended up taking on the day of Alan Dershowitz's deposition at a Broward County, Florida, courthouse was even more surprising. "There was a criminal extortion plot," Alan Dershowitz told Brad Edwards and Paul Cassell's lawyer, Jack Scarola, on October 15, 2015. "Your clients were involved." Bradley and Cassell had sued Dershowitz in Broward County for defamation—payback for extremely negative comments the law professor had made in the media. Dershowitz had countersued. His reputation was on the line, and he had come armed for battle. 251 JAMES PATTERSON "I'm thrilled they sued me," he'd told reporters. "In the end, someone will be disbarred. Either it will be me or the two lawyers." But if Dershowitz was swinging for the fences in his struggle to keep his hard-earned reputation afloat, he still had a bomb- shell to drop. When deposed by Scarola, he proposed his own theory about why Virginia Roberts had named him, along with Prince Andrew, as one of the men who had sexually abused her at Epstein's New Mexico ranch, in New York City, and in Palm Beach. A theory that implicated the lawyers who were suing him in a much larger conspiracy. According to Dershowitz, Brad Edwards pressured Virginia Roberts into identifying Dershowitz as one her assailants. Dershowitz said that Edwards did this so that they could blackmail Jeffrey Epstein's patron Leslie Wexner for one billion dollars. Roberts lied about him, Dershowitz maintained, to give Wexner an idea of what would, happen to him if Edwards's demands weren't met. Furthermore, Dershowitz said, he had proof. 252 Excerpts from the Deposi October 15, 2015 9:46 a.m. Q: In an interview with Hala broadcast on CNN Live, yo Do you acknowledge havir A: I have a superb memory, se My mother had an extraorc college and I was on the de to debate on the Sabbath, m the condition that I not tak I discovered that I have a to—generally didn't have ously, at the age of seventy have a very good memory, ETERSON he'd told reporters. "In the end, :her it will be me or the two ing for the fences in his struggle ion afloat, he still had a bomb- Scarola, he proposed his own :rts had named him, along with who had sexually abused her in New York City, and in Palm lawyers who were suing him in a rad Edwards pressured Virginia witz as one her assailants. .rds did this so that they could on Leslie Wexner for one billion )ershowitz maintained, to give .1d . happen to him if Edwards's aid, he had proof. 252 CHAPTER 66 Excerpts from the Deposition of Alan Dershowitz: October 15, 2015 9:46 a.m. Q: In an interview with Hala Gorani on January 5 of this year, broadcast on CNN Live, you said, "I have a superb memory." Do you acknowledge having made that statement? A: I have a superb memory, so I must have made that statement. My mother had an extraordinary memory, and when I was in college and I was on the debate team, my mother allowed me to debate on the Sabbath, which was Jewish rest day, only on the condition that I not take notes or write. And at that point I discovered that I have a very good memory and don't have to—generally didn't have to take notes. My memory, obvi- ously, at the age of seventy-seven has slipped a bit; but do I have a very good memory, yes. 253 Which of my clients are you swearing under oath encour- aged Virginia Roberts to include allegations of an encounter with you at the New Mexico ranch? A: Both of them—both of your clients, both Judge Cassell and Mr. Edwards—were both involved in encouraging [their] client to file a perjurious affidavit that they knew or should have known was perjurious recently when they sought to file another defamatory allegation in the federal proceeding. Was the arrangement such that what you are charging Brad- ley Edwards and Professor Paul Cassell with doing was sub- orning perjury? A: Absolutely. If you ask me the question, I am directly charging Judge Cassell and Bradley Edwards with suborning perjury. I have been advised that Virginia Roberts did not want to mention me, told her friends that she did not want to men- tion me. And was, quote, pressured by her lawyers into including these totally false allegations against me. Yes, your clients are guilty of suborning perjury. Who told you that Bradley Edwards pressured Virginia Rob- erts into falsely identifying you? A: A friend of Virginia Roberts who called me out of the blue and told me that she was horrified by what was happening to me and that she recently had meetings with Virginia Roberts and Virginia Roberts had told her that she never mentioned me previously. That the lawyers pressured her into mention - 10:18 a.m. Q: JAMES PATTERSON * * * Q: Q: 254 ing me. And mentioni me, yes. 10:20 a.m. Q: What was the name of A: Her name is—her first Q: Yes. A: I don't know the last no Q: Did you attempt to find A: I have her last name wr Q: Where? A: It's in my—in my notes Q: When did you write Ret A: When she—when she f since you've asked me tf At first her husband would not give me their n had a series of phone cc please, to tell me their na they told me the story in g her name. She asked me her identity without her r her. Called her as recently I want to recall—I cic I called her twice last ni reveal her complete name and I will be happy to givi top of my head. ATTERSON FILTHY RICH * * Du swearing under oath encour- dude allegations of an encounter ) ranch? our clients, both Judge Cassell both involved in encouraging rious affidavit that they knew or perjurious recently when they .matory allegation in the federal that what you are charging Brad- Paul Cassell with doing was sub- e question, I am directly charging dwards with suborning perjury. I irginia Roberts did not want to is that she did not want to men- pressured by her lawyers into allegations against me. Yes, your .ng perjury. Edwards pressured Virginia Rob- • you? ts who called me out of the blue, )rrified by what was happening tot d meetings with Virginia Roberts old her that she never mentione Tyers pressured her into mention 254 ing me. And mentioning me over her desire not to mention me, yes. 10:20 a.m. Q: What was the name of the person? A: Her name is—her first name is Rebecca. Q: Yes. A: I don't know the last name. Q: Did you attempt to find out her last name? A: I have her last name written down, but — Q: Where? A: Q: A: It's in my—in my notes. And I could get it for you... When did you write Rebecca's name down? When she—when she first called me—let me be very clear, since you've asked me the question. At first her husband and she called me on the phone. They would not give me their names. But they told me [the] story. We had a series of phone conversations in which I asked them, please, to tell me their names. And after a period of time, after they told me the story in great detail, she was willing to give me her name. She asked me to promise that I would not disclose her identity without her permission. I have been trying to call her. Called her as recently as this morning and last night. I want to recall—I don't think I called her this morning. I called her twice last night to try to get her permission to reveal her complete name and identity. But I have the name, and I will be happy to give it to you. I just don't have it off the top of my head. 255 JAMES PATTERSON * * * 10:23 a.m. Q: Would you tell us how many phone conversations [you had] with this person Rebecca? A: More than six. Probably between six and ten, maybe closer to ten. The first few [times] she called me, and after I got their number I called her a number of times. Q: What is her husband's name? A: Michael. Different last name from hers, but again. Q: Where do they live? A: Palm Beach. Or West Palm Beach, in the Palm Beach area. They have been friends of Virginia Roberts since she was a young child. Q: Were there any witnesses to any of these phone conversa- tions other than Rebecca, Michael, and you? A: Yes. Q: Who? A: My wife. Q: When did the first conversation occur? A: I can probably get you specific information about that. But it was months ago. When the story was in the newspapers, she called and related the entire story to me and related to me that it was part of a massive extortion plot. 10:25 a.m. Q: Did you take contemporaneous notes of those phone conver- sations? 256 A: No. I took note of nal stance, no. Q: Have you ever made n any communications t and/or Michael? A: I didn't "allegedly" haw versations. And I don't tions. 10:44 a.m. Q: How many phone calls d before she informed yoi ing you? A: She informed me the firs. Q: The very first conversati. A: Yes. Q: How many phone calls vv A: She never asked me for n Q: How many phone calls N for money? A: I was never asked for mo Q: Do you know how it is t tact you? A: They told me they went and left a message for me Oh, no; they sent me— tt an e-mail and asked me- but a way to respond. A: kTTERSON FILTHY RICH Ly phone conversations [you had] :tween six and ten, maybe closer s] she called me, and after I got number of times. e? e from hers, but again. 3each, in the Palm Beach area. They Roberts since she was a young child. to any of these phone conversa- vlichael, and you? ation occur? cific information about that. But it e story was in the newspapers, she ire story to me and related to me Te extortion plot. rieous notes of those phone conver- 256 A: No. I took note of names, but not really notes of the sub- stance, no. Have you ever made notes with regard to the substance of any communications that you allegedly had with Rebecca and/or Michael? A: I didn't "allegedly" have these conversations. I had these con- versations. And I don't recall taking notes of those conversa- tions. 10:44 a.m. Q: Q: How many phone calls did you have with this person Rebecca before she informed you as to the reason why she was call- ing you? A: She informed me the first time. Q: The very first conversation. A: Yes. Q: A: A: How many phone calls was it before she asked you for money? She never asked me for money. How many phone calls was it before her husband asked you for money? I was never asked for money, ever. Do you know how it is that these people knew how to con- tact you? A: They told me they went to my website and got my number and left a message for me to call. Yeah, that's what happened. Oh, no; they sent me—they went on my website and sent me an e-mail and asked me—and the e-mail had a blank name but a way to respond. And so I responded with my phone 257 JAMES PATTERSON number and they called, is my recollection. That's my best recollection. 10:45 a.m. Q: So from the very first conversation that you had with this person, you had information indicating that this person was informing you that Bradley Edwards had engaged in unethi- cal conduct, correct? A: Let me just be very clear what she said to me. She said to me that she had been told directly by her friend Virginia Rob- erts, who stayed with her overnight for a period of time, that she never wanted to mention me in any of the pleadings. And that her two lawyers in the pleadings, or her lawyers who filed the pleadings, pressured her into including my name and details. Did Rebecca ever suggest to you that the details sworn to by Virginia Roberts were false? She certainly suggested that, yes. She mentioned to me that Virginia Roberts had never, ever mentioned [me to her], among any of the people that she had had any contact with, until she—until she was pressured into doing so by her law- yers, yes. So from the very first conversation, the impression you had was that this was a witness who could provide information that Bradley Edwards and Paul Cassell had acted unethically and dishonestly, correct? A: I wasn't sure she could provide the information because she was very reluctant to come forward. She didn't want to be Q: A: Q: 258 involved. But I knew shf yes, but I didn't know, 2 prepared to be a witne. question. 11:08 a.m. Q: Was any request made bs A: Yes. Q: Let me back up then, if you to do, based upon yc much detail as you poss said.... A: I'm not sure the request f or the second call.... Th like to talk to your wife [1 down. I'm happy to talk that they would think —• her to think about it. An few days and find out were. Q: Where were you when when you made this phon A: I think I was in New York Q: Do you know whether t1-. phone or a landline? A: I don't remember. Q: Have you attempted to gat poses of responding to dis .TTERSON my recollection. That's my best 'ersation that you had with this a indicating that this person was Edwards had engaged in unethi- la she said to me. She said to me :ctly by her friend Virginia Rob- vernight for a period of time, that n me in any of the pleadings. And Le pleadings, or her lawyers who red her into including my name o you that the details sworn to by :? at, yes. She mentioned to me that 'er, ever mentioned [me to her], hat she had had any contact with, Iressured into doing so by her law- versation, the impression you had ss who could provide information Paul Cassell had acted unethically ovide the information because she ne forward. She didn't want to 258 FILTHY RICH involved. But I knew she had provided me with information, yes, but I didn't know, and I still don't know, whether she is prepared to be a witness. I don't know the answer to that question. 11:08 a.m. Q: Was any request made by you for a meeting? A: Yes. Q: Let me back up then, if I could, please. Because what I want you to do, based upon your superb memory, is to tell us in as much detail as you possibly can recall everything that was said.... A: I'm not sure the request for the meeting came in the first call or the second call.... The first call was basically, I'd really like to talk to your wife [Rebecca] about this. I'm happy to fly down. I'm happy to talk to you on the phone. And we left it that they would think—that she would—that he would ask her to think about it. And that I could call back in a—in a few days and find out what her—what her current feelings were. Q: Where were you when you received this phone call—or when you made this phone call? Sorry. A: I think I was in New York. Q: Do you know whether that phone call was made on a cell phone or a landline? A: I don't remember. Q: Have you attempted to gather your telephone records for pur- poses of responding to discovery requests in this case? 259 JAMES PATTERSON A: I left that to my lawyers. I know that we did produce tele- phone records during the relevant periods of time when Vir- ginia Roberts knew Jeffrey Epstein, and those telephone records established that I could not have been at the loca- tions and at the times that Virginia Roberts claimed to have had—falsely claimed to have [had] sexual contact with me. Q: I promise you we're going to get to those. A: Good. Q: Promise you. Along with all the flight logs that you claim exonerate you. 11:11 a.m. Q: Let's go to the very second contact that you had with either Michael or Rebecca. Who initiated the second contact? A: I think I did. I called and got Michael on the phone. Q: Where did you call from? A: I think New York. Q: Tell me in as much detail as your superb memory allows you to recall everything that was said during the course of that phone conversation. [Dershowitz's lawyer]: Let's object to the form and the continued use of the word superb. He's described his memory. That's your characterization. Go ahead. Q: No, I think that that was Mr. Dershowitz's characterization, which I have adopted. [Lawyer]: Okay. Go ahead. A: I called, spoke to Michael. I asked Michael if he had spoken to his wife. She said yes, and she was still reluctant to talk to me. 260 F1 Q: I'm sorry—she said yes spoken to his wife? A: He said yes. And that sh suggested to him that p, just so that she hears wh and remain on the phone wanted. And there cam when she did get on the She said she had grown I were very, very close frie Roberts came to stay wit' was over Halloween, and just the two of them. An Roberts confided in Reb( mention me in any of th( by her lawyer into doing 5 the object of this effort. TI aire who lives in Columb Secret and Limited Too. I the name of that billionai yers hoped to get one billi dollars, or half of his net NA had improperly engaged ii Roberts. That money woul it to Virginia Roberts, a ti her lawyers were setting u of it to the lawyers. She then told me that to interview Virginia Robe order to pressure the billic ATTERSON FILTHY RICH know that we did produce tele- :levant periods of time when Vir- y Epstein, and those telephone :ould not have been at the loca- Virginia Roberts claimed to have ye [hadl sexual contact with me. ) get to those. al the flight logs that you claim contact that you had with either litiated the second contact? )t Michael on the phone. 5 your superb memory allows you as said during the course of that lect to the form and the continued e's described his memory. That's ihead. 4r. Dershowitz's characterization, asked Michael if he had spoken to he was still reluctant to talk to me. 260 Q: I'm sorry—she said yes when you asked Michael if he had spoken to his wife? A: He said yes. And that she was still reluctant to talk to me. I suggested to him that perhaps she could talk to me briefly just so that she hears what I have to say. And he could listen and remain on the phone, and she could stop at any time she wanted. And there came a time during that conversation when she did get on the phone, and here's what she told me. She said she had grown up with Virginia Roberts. That they were very, very close friends as young people. That Virginia Roberts came to stay with her for a number of days, I think it was over Halloween, and they had gone out and had dinner, just the two of them. And that she confided in her; Virginia Roberts confided in Rebecca that she had never wanted to mention me in any of the pleadings, but she was pressured by her lawyer into doing so. Rebecca then said that I was not the object of this effort. The object of the effort was a billion- aire who lives in Columbus, Ohio, and who owns Victoria's Secret and Limited Too. Rebecca told me she did not know the name of that billionaire, but that Virginia and her law- yers hoped to get one billion dollars, b-i-l-l-i-o-n, one billion dollars, or half of his net worth, from him by alleging that he had improperly engaged in sexual misconduct with Virginia Roberts. That money would be divided three ways: a third of it to Virginia Roberts, a third of it to a charity that she and her lawyers were setting up for battered women, and a third of it to the lawyers. She then told me that they were trying to get ABC News to interview Virginia Roberts so as to give her credibility in order to pressure the billionaire from Columbus, Ohio, into 261 Q: A: Q: A: JAMES PATTERSON paying a large sum of money. And that I was named as an effort to try to show the billionaire what could happen to somebody if they were accused of sexual misconduct. And that would encourage him to settle a lawsuit or pay money in exchange for his name not being mentioned or revealed. I had no idea about this. And I didn't —I didn't ask about this. She just stated this. And I then corroborated the fact that she was absolutely correct in everything she had said to me. You corroborated the fact that she was absolutely correct in everything that she had said to you? That's right. How? Okay. Let me answer that question. I was very—I wasn't sure, so I called Leslie Wexner. I got his wife on the phone, Abigail Wexner. Obviously I knew that the only billionaire in Colum- bus, Ohio, who owned Limited Too and who owned Victoria's Secret was Leslie Wexner. I had met Leslie Wexner on two occasions, I think, and his wife. I called Abigail on the phone and I said, "I think you ought to know that there is an extor- tion plot being directed against your husband by unscrupu- lous lawyers in—in Florida." And she said, "Oh, we're aware of that; they've already been in contact with us," which sur- prised me. But [her statement] was confirmation of that. then also—I can't give you the chronology of that. I then was in touch with ABC and found out she was absolutely correct about her efforts to try to get interviewed on ABC television. In fact, I learned that your client, Brad Edwards, had sent a communication to people in the area urging them to watch her interview that was scheduled to be on three television programs. If I'm not mistaken, it was [the] Good Day Show; 262 Flu] the evening news, and th communication with ABC they would be putting fal allowed Virginia Roberts t to corroborate that. I then had never mentioned me television and publicly stai me in any of her descriptio contact with. So I was then was telling me the complete was an extortion plot direct nal extortion plot directed your clients were involved i: 11:30 a.m. Q: Let's see if we can make su another, sir. Do you recol between Virginia Roberts ha ally abused by you on multi' name you as opposed to VU you and never having been those two things different in A: Not in the context of this cas that she was going to seek j- abused her. And if she didn' inference is inescapable that that she had had any sexual tainly the inference I drew... 26: TTERSON FILTHY RICH y. And that I was named as an ilionaire what could happen to sed of sexual misconduct. And settle a lawsuit or pay money in being mentioned or revealed. I i didn't—I didn't ask about this. !..ri corroborated the fact that she rything she had said to me. at she was absolutely correct in to you? tstion. I was very—I wasn't sure, ot his wife on the phone, Abigail iat the only billionaire in Colum- xl Too and who owned Victoria's had met Leslie Wexner on two ife. I called Abigail on the phone it to know that there is an extor- .nst your husband by unscrupu- " And she said, "Oh, we're aware . in contact with us," which sur- mt.] was confirmation of that. I he chronology of that. I then was id out she was absolutely correct t interviewed on ABC television. :Rent, Brad Edwards, had sent a 1. the area urging them to watch tduled to be on three television en, it was Ethel Good Day Show, 62 the evening news, and the show Nightline. . I then was in communication with ABC and helped to persuade them that they would be putting false information on the air if they allowed Virginia Roberts to tell her false story. So I was able to corroborate that. I then also corroborated the fact that she had never mentioned me when her boyfriend appeared on television and publicly stated that she had never mentioned me in any of her description[s] of people who she had sexual contact with. So I was then completely satisfied that Rebecca was telling me the complete truth. And that in my view, there was an extortion plot directed against Leslie Wexner, a crimi- nal extortion plot directed against Leslie Wexner, and that your clients were involved in that extortion plot. 11:30 a.m. Q: Let's see if we can make sure that we're understanding one another, sir. Do you recognize that there's a distinction between Virginia Roberts having met you, having been sexu- ally abused by you on multiple occasions, but not wanting to name you as opposed to Virginia Roberts never having met you and never having been sexually abused by you ... ? Are those two things different in your mind? A: Not in the context of this case. Because Virginia Roberts said that she was going to seek justice from everybody that had abused her. And if she didn't want to name me, I think the inference is inescapable that I was not among those people that she had had any sexual contact with. So that was cer- tainly the inference I drew.... 263 JAMES PATTERSON 11:35 a.m. Q: A: Q: A: Q: * * * Who are the people that Rebecca says Virginia had previ- ously told her that Virginia was abused by? I never asked her that question. Did you ask her was Les Wexner one of the people that abused Virginia? I told you I never asked her the question. Are you aware that years before December of 2014, when the CVRA pleading was filed, that your name had come up repeatedly in connection with Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of minors, correct? A: I am aware that never before 2014, end of December, was it ever, ever alleged that I had acted in any way inappropriately with regard to Virginia Roberts, that I ever touched her, that I ever met her, that I had ever been with her. I was completely aware of that. There had never been any allegation. She claims under oath that she told you that secretly in 2011, but you have produced no notes of any such conversation. You, of course, are a witness to this allegation and will be deposed as a witness to this allegation. I believe it is an entirely false allegation that she told you in 2011 that she had had any sex- ual contact with me. I think she's lying through her teeth when she says that. And I doubt that your notes will reveal any such information. But if she did tell you that, she would be absolutely, categorically lying. So I am completely aware that never—until the lies were put in a legal pleading at the end of December 2014, it was never alleged that I had any 264 sexual contact with Vi alleged that I was a witn and that was false. I w, Epstein's sexual abuse. that you have falsely de] record is clear that I ha witness to any abuse, th anybody. And—and thi talk to Jeffrey Epstein w Virginia Roberts, which geous, so preposterous, lawyer associated with t ens] said he couldn't beli 12:24 p.m. Q: You engaged in a mass, world that Bradley Edwai unethical lawyers who h you, correct? A: No, that's not correct. I r( ing the truth. My goal w ginia Roberts's allegatiol These two stories appeare newspaper in the world al of their plot and the plan absurdly mentioned Prin absurd way—that they rr ing to lobby prosecutors ti TTERSON FILTHY RICH ...becca says Virginia had previ- vas abused by? on. Wexner one of the people that the question. Fore December of 2014, when the that your name had come up Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of minors, -e 2014, end of December, was it acted in any way inappropriately erts, that I ever touched her, that I- been with her. I was completely never been any allegation. She told you that secretly in 2011, but :s of any such conversation. You, us allegation and will be deposed on. I believe it is an entirely false in 2011 that she had had any sex- nk she's lying through her teeth doubt that your notes will reveal if she did tell you that, she would lying. So I am completely aware were put in a legal pleading at the was never alleged that I had any 264 sexual contact with Virginia Roberts. I know that it was alleged that I was a witness to Jeffrey Epstein's alleged abuse, and that was false. I was never a witness to any of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse. And I wrote that to you, something that you have falsely denied. And I stand on the record. The record is clear that I have categorically denied I was ever a witness to any abuse, that I ever saw Jeffrey Epstein abusing anybody. And—and the very idea that I would stand and talk to Jeffrey Epstein while he was receiving oral sex from Virginia Roberts, which she swore to under oath, is so outra- geous, so preposterous, that even David Boies [a prominent lawyer associated with the firm representing Virginia Rob- erts] said he couldn't believe it was true. 12:24 p.m. Q: You engaged in a mass-media campaign to convince the world that Bradley Edwards and Professor Paul Cassell were unethical lawyers who had fabricated false charges against you, correct? A: No, that's not correct. I responded to press inquiries by tell- ing the truth. My goal was to let the world know that Vir- ginia Roberts's allegations against me were totally false. These two stories appeared, as far as I can tell, in every single newspaper in the world and on every media, which was part of their plot and the plan of your clients, which is why they absurdly mentioned Prince Andrew, claiming in the most absurd way—that they mentioned him because he was try- ing to lobby prosecutors to get a reduced sentence for Jeffrey 265 Q: JAMES PATTERSON Epstein; they obviously put Prince Andrew in there in order to get massive publicity around the world. And every media in the world, practically, called me, from the BBC to CBS to ABC to CNN, and I responded to lies with the truth. And the truth that you attempted to convey was that Bradley Edwards and Professor Paul Cassell were unethical lawyers who fabricated false charges against you, right? A: The truth that I intended to convey was that the charges against me were false and fabricated, that I never had any sexual contact— Fabricated by whom, sir? Please don't interrupt me.... that I never had any sexual con- tact with Virginia Roberts. Because Professor Cassell insisted on conveying to the public that he was a former judge and that he was a professor and that he was using—improperly, in my view— the stationery and name of his university to add credibility to his claims, I felt that it was imperative for me to indicate that he was engaging in improper and unethi- cal conduct. It would have been improper for me to have allowed his use of his credibility as a former federal judge, as a professor who uses, Misuses, his university imprimatur— it was very important for me to attack the credibility of the messengers of the false information. And it was important for me to also remind the public that Bradley Edwards was a partner of [Scott] Rothstein, a man who is spending fifty years in jail for fraudulently creating a Ponzi scheme to sell Jeffrey Epstein cases that didn't exist. Q: A: 266 Scott Rothstein: 2009 Scott Rothstein was a Ha parked his collection c house, kept a copy of 1 portrait of Al Pacino as Mich of his nicknames was TPOF Darkness," and in private, he the repercussions of engagin Understand that I am capabl imagination could ever conju Rothstein hosted receptioi McCain, Bobby Jindal, Arno out hundreds of thousands contributions. He gave millio the Joe DiMaggio Children' ."1-TERSON Prince Andrew in there in order and the world. And every media Jed me, from the BBC to CBS to ed to lies with the truth. opted to convey was that Bradley Cassell were unethical lawyers ; against you, right? to convey was that the charges fabricated, that I never had any . that I never had any sexual con- 3ecause Professor Cassell insisted that he was a former judge and that he was using—improperly, y and name of his university to LS, I felt that it was imperative for .ngaging in improper and unethi- e been improper for me to have bility as a former federal judge, as ises, his university imprimatur — ne to attack the credibility of the formation. And it was important )ublic that Bradley Edwards was a in, a man who is spending fifty ly creating a Ponzi scheme to sell iidn't exist. 266 CHAPTER 67 Scott Rothstein: 2009 Scott Rothstein was a flashy Fort Lauderdale ex-lawyer who parked his collection of cars in an air-conditioned ware- house, kept a copy of the Torah on his desk, and hung a portrait of Al Pacino as Michael Corleone outside his office. One of his nicknames was TPOFD, short for "the Prince of Fucking Darkness," and in private, he'd say things like: "Understand that the repercussions of engaging me could open the gates of hell. Understand that I am capable of evil far beyond anything your imagination could ever conjure up." Rothstein hosted receptions for prominent politicians—John McCain, Bobby Jindal, Arnold Schwarzenegger— and handed out hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time in campaign contributions. He gave millions more to charitable institutions: the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital; the American Heart 267 JAMES PATTERSON Association. By all outward appearances, he could afford it: sev- enty lawyers worked in his firm, which had offices in Florida, New York, and Venezuela. But Rothstein's millions actually came from a $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme he'd been running since 2005. In April of 2009, Bradley Edwards joined Rothstein's firm. The lawyer brought his papers along, and Rothstein showed those pertaining to Epstein to potential investors. In exchange for a lump sum up front, Rothstein said, investors would receive a far larger chunk of money later, which Epstein would pay in future settlements. Edwards and Rothstein both say that Edwards had no knowl- edge whatsoever of the Ponzi scheme. (Prosecutors, and the Florida Bar, agree.) Edwards left as soon as he caught wind of the scheme, in November of 2009. But the few months he spent in Rothstein's company gave Dershowitz the opening he needed to pry open Virginia Roberts's accusations. It was at Edwards's insistence, Dershowitz would say, as well as Paul Cassell's, that Virginia Roberts added Dershowitz's name to the list of men she claimed had abused her. According to Dershowitz, he'd been pulled into a billion-dollar extortion plot Edwards had hatched. And for Edwards and Cas- sell, there had been a secondary benefit: Dershowitz had helped to work out Epstein's confidential non-prosecution agreement with the government. By implicating him directly in Epstein's abuse of underage women, Dershowitz claimed, Edwards and Cassell were trying to "open up" that agreement. It might have been a Hail Mary pass on the part of Alan Dershowitz. But the argument had its own internal logic. 268 The idea that Bradley Edw blackmail Leslie Wexner — no less—sounds highly ir that Edwards had worked running his own billion-dc Edwards may not have files on Jeffrey Epstein al Edwards's proximity to Roth been as damaging as Dersh but it was damaging noneth he needed to make his argu argument was that it wasn't plot to blackmail Wexner. 1 after was the idea that a 1 non-prosecution agreement erts. That would give Edwa agreement open. And in that pressuring Virginia Roberts Perhaps it wasn't, in thi5 felt reluctant to mention De matter of the three hundred she would stand to gain. Ar that goes to set up a charity Dershowitz had thrown out genius move on Edwards's pa whole psychological picture: for lying about Dershowitz, s battered women she'd end up rTERSON :arances, he could afford it: sev- .1, which had offices in Florida, t Rothstein's millions actually ;cheme he'd been running since dwards joined Rothstein's firm. 3 along, and Rothstein showed potential investors. In exchange em n said, investors would receive cer, which Epstein would pay in say that Edwards had no know!- scheme. (Prosecutors, and the as soon as he caught wind of the But the few months he spent in howitz the opening he needed to usations. ce, Dershowitz would say, as well Zoberts added Dershowitz's name Lad abused her. been pulled into a billion-dollar tched. And for Edwards and Cas- y benefit: Dershowitz had helped ntial non-prosecution agreement licating him directly in Epstein's ershowitz claimed, Edwards and p" that agreement. 1 Mary pass on the part of Alan wn internal logic. 268 FILTHY RICH * * * The idea that Bradley. Edwards and Paul Cassell were trying to blackmail Leslie Wexner—blackmail him for one billion dollars, no less—sounds highly improbable. But we do know for a fact that Edwards had worked with Rothstein— a man who'd been running his own billion-dollar con. Edwards may not have known that Rothstein was taking his files on Jeffrey Epstein and showing them to investors. But Edwards's proximity to Rothstein didn't look good. It may not have been as damaging as Dershowitz's close friendship with Epstein, but it was damaging nonetheless. It gave Dershowitz the opening he needed to make his argument. And the genius of Dershowitz's argument was that it wasn't necessarily predicated on an actual plot to blackmail Wexner. Maybe the thing Edwards was really after was the idea that a lawyer who helped work out Epstein's non-prosecution agreement was also having sex with Virginia Rob- erts. That would give Edwards leverage in trying to crack the agreement open. And in that case, was it so hard to imagine him pressuring Virginia Roberts to add Dershowitz's name to the list? Perhaps it wasn't, in this scenario. Virginia would have still felt reluctant to mention Dershowitz. If she was, there was the matter of the three hundred million dollars, and then some, that she would stand to gain. And the three hundred million or so that goes to set up a charity for battered women? If the scenario Dershowitz had thrown out was true, that would have been a genius move on Edwards's part—the sort of detail that helps the whole psychological picture fall into place. If Virginia felt guilty for lying about Dershowitz, she could think of the thousands of battered women she'd end up helping. 269 JAMES PATTERSON All these possibilities seemed bizarre. And yet everything connected with Epstein's story seemed to be bizarre. Bill Clinton got the use of a jet out of Epstein— a trip to Africa. But he and Epstein weren't bosom buddies. As for Prince Andrew, we already know how he feels about women. But what did Dershowitz get out of Epstein, aside from Epstein's wise counsel on all the books he'd written? One advantage Dershowitz had, as he laid out his argument, was that when it came to Jeffrey Epstein, all bets were off. He didn't have to establish his innocence. All he had to do was make sure that the waters stayed muddy. The more complicated things seemed to be, the better they were for Dershowitz. Thanks to Jeffrey Epstein's actions, and the endlessly compli- cated cycle of suits and countersuits those actions inspired, those waters were very muddy indeed. 270 Scott Rothstein On October 27, 2009, Floric Rothstein a voice-mail mess "Hey, Scott," the goveri Greek governor. Hope you'i touch base and let you knoN twenty-fourth, and it is gc brother.... Really enjoyed watch[ing] a little football a me. We love you. Take care. That same day, Rothstei Casablanca, Morocco. For a running. But a few days la( Fort Lauderdale. The Ponzi The moment he did, he s for a lenient sentence. Roths the list included people at hi CTERSON bizarre. And yet everything :emed to be bizarre. a jet out of Epstein— a trip to :t bosom buddies. ready know how he feels about ;et out of Epstein, aside from books he'd written? lad, as he laid out his argument, Epstein, all bets were off. He -.:ence. All he had to do was make dy. The more complicated things :re for Dershowitz. ctions, and the endlessly compli- tersuits those actions inspired, ndeed. 270 CODA Scott Rothstein On October 27, 2009, Florida's governor, Charlie Crist, left Scott Rothstein a voice-mail message. "Hey, Scott," the governor said. "It's Charlie, your favorite Greek governor. Hope you're doing well, buddy. Just wanted to touch base and let you know I'm working Versace for November twenty-fourth, and it is going amazingly well—unbelievable, brother.... Really enjoyed again seeing you and Kimmie and watch[ing] a little football and best to you guys from Carol and me. We love you. Take care. Bye-bye." That same day, Rothstein took a chartered Gulfstream V to Casablanca, Morocco. For a while, it seemed as if Rothstein was running. But a few days later, the same Gulfstream returned to Fort Lauderdale. The Ponzi king had decided to turn himself in. The moment he did, he started to sing like a canary in return for a lenient sentence. Rothstein gave up dozens of associates — the list included people at his law firm, law enforcement officers, 271 JAMES PATTERSON and his own wife, Kimmie, who was arrested for hiding more than one million dollars' worth of jewelry. All in all, more than thirty people involved in Rothstein's schemes were arrested and sentenced. Thanks, in part, to his cooperation with the feds, his was the only Ponzi scheme in history in which all the victims recovered their money. In return, Rothstein was put into a witness protec- tion program and is serving his fifty-year sentence anonymously, in an undisclosed prison location. Alan Dershowitz On November 10, 2015, Alan Dershowitz arrived at Shriver Hall, on the campus of Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, to talk about the Arab-Israeli conflict. "The outlines for peace are so obvious," he said. "There has to be a two-state solution." Fifteen minutes into the talk, a group of women—students belonging to a group called Hopkins Feminists—stood up in protest. Dressed all in black, with duct tape over their mouths, they held up a sign and marched out of the hall. YOU ARE RAPE CULTURE, the sign read. Afterward, a reporter for the student paper asked Dershowitz about Jeffrey Epstein and Epstein's victims. Wasn't it true that Der- showitz had implied that one of those victims was "asking for it?" "I'm a defense attorney," Dershowitz replied. "I have an obliga- tion under the Constitution to provide a full and zealous defense to my clients. If I have failed to do all the things you had just listed, I - could be disbarred. I could be found incompetent as counsel." 272 He asked the reporter, on the websites, look on woman who was accusing disprove many of the cha prove the charges against rape is a heinous thing to d person who has been fals rape victims because it rm money. Our country, unlit defended, and I'm going to ents are guilty or innocent have been guilty. They dese else. I'm very proud of wh don't like the fact that I got The suits and countersuits Dershowitz filed against eac 2016—reaching a crescend the plot to blackmail Les involved agreed to settle, i "Edwards and Cassell ackn( filed sexual misconduct acci sexual misconduct accusatic ing all exhibits) are hereby draws his accusations ti unethically. Neither Edward intention of repeating the Dershowitz also hired form( an independent investigatior LTTERSON FILTHY RICH to was arrested for hiding more of jewelry. r people involved in Rothstein's :.ration with the feds, his was the which all the victims recovered in was put into a witness protec- fifty-year sentence anonymously, n. nshowitz arrived at Shriver Hall, s University, in Baltimore, to talk so obvious," he said. "There has k, a group of women—students opkins Feminists—stood up in ith duct tape over their mouths, d out of the hall. n read. !. student paper asked Dershowitz s victims. Wasn't it true that Der- those victims was "asking for it?" showitz replied. "I have an obliga- ovide a full and zealous defense to all the things you had just listed, I und incompetent as counsel." ?.72 He asked the reporter, "Would any defense lawyer not look on the websites, look on social networks, find out what the woman who was accusing my client was doing? We were able to disprove many of the charges, just like how I was able to dis- prove the charges against me. Falsely charging somebody with rape is a heinous thing to do. First of all, it creates horrors for the person who has been falsely accused. Second, it so hurts real rape victims because it makes it clear that some women lie for money. Our country, unlike others, requires that everybody be defended, and I'm going to continue to do that whether my cli- ents are guilty or innocent. Let me tell you, most of my clients have been guilty. They deserve a zealous defense just as anybody else. I'm very proud of what I did for Jeffrey Epstein. If people don't like the fact that I got a 'good deal,' that's the job I do." The suits and countersuits Paul Cassell, Bradley Edwards, and Dershowitz filed against each other dragged on into the spring of 2016 —reaching a crescendo with Dershowitz's argument about the plot to blackmail Les Wexner. But on April 8, all the parties involved agreed to settle, issuing a joint statement that read: "Edwards and Cassell acknowledge that it was a mistake to have filed sexual misconduct accusations against Dershowitz; and the sexual misconduct accusations made in all public filings (includ- ing all exhibits) are hereby withdrawn. Dershowitz also with- draws his accusations that Edwards and Cassell acted unethically. Neither Edwards, Cassell, nor Dershowitz have any intention of repeating the allegations against one another." Dershowitz also hired former FBI director Louis J. Freeh to do an independent investigation. Freeh concluded that the evidence 273 JAMES PATTERSON his team reviewed refuted the accusations of sexual misconduct against Dershowitz. For Alan Dershowitz, the long nightmare he'd had to endure as a result of his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein finally seemed to be over. Ghislaine Maxwell Trying to put her troubles with Epstein behind her, Ghislaine Maxwell took up a new calling. "She's doing something to save the oceans now," a socialite says over the din of cocktail-party chatter at a private Palm Beach Club. Maxwell's nonprofit, the TerraMar Project, describes itself as "a platform for citizenship and transformation of the high seas." Its focus is on cleaning up the eight million metric tons of plastic debris —garbage— that are dumped into the world's oceans each year. (Sources say that an earlier enterprise, the Seed Media Group, was funded by Jeffrey Epstein in 2005 to the tune of two million dollars.) "Is anybody here staying awake at night because they're frightened about the ocean?" she asks in 2014 at a TEDx talk in Charlottesville, Virginia. "Are you scared about what could hap- pen? Are you trying to think about what could you do that would help the ocean and all its myriad of troubles?" But although her efforts on behalf of the environment are sin- cere and articulate, Ghislaine still appears in the society pages. In 2010, she attends Chelsea Clinton's wedding in Rhine- beck, New York. In 2014, New York journalist Richard Johnson reports that she's newly back from running in an Iditarod dogsled race in 274 Alaska. "It's hard to top C department," he writes. Upon her return, the r International hosts Maxv chef for Madame Chiang I Sources say that Max\ ship with the Clintons. Sh Maxwell has repeatedly di Roberts—and continues Maxwell says she's had no ( involving Virginia Roberts frey Epstein. She claims th as a "sex slave" has change each telling, Virginia adds s figures. Nevertheless, legal In 2015, Virginia Robe' woman she says recruited he Way. In January of 2016, Rc that a defamation suit filed al predator, was directly relevan Maxwell filed an answer in ci and accusing Roberts of fabri( As of this writing, the si Prince Andrew In January of 2016, Sunningh that Sarah Ferguson and I English county of Berkshire. ATTERSON FILTHY RICH iccusations of sexual misconduct g nightmare he'd had to endure as a 7 Epstein finally seemed to be over. 1h Epstein behind her, Ghislaine ve the oceans now," a socialite says atter at a private Palm Beach Club. rraMar Project, describes itself as transformation of the high seas." tight million metric tons of plastic .umped into the world's oceans earlier enterprise, the Seed Media 7..pstein in 2005 to the tune of two awake at night because they're he asks in 2014 at a TEDx talk in you scared about what could hap- )out what could you do that would ad of troubles?" behalf of the environment are sin- ill appears in the society pages. .sea Clinton's wedding in Rhine list Richard Johnson reports that ig in an Iditarod dogsled race in 274 Alaska. "It's hard to top Ghislaine Maxwell in the globe-trotting department," he writes. Upon her return, the president of the China Arts Foundation International hosts Maxwell at a dinner cooked by the former chef for Madame Chiang Kai-shek. Sources say that Maxwell still maintains her warm relation- ship with the Clintons. She was never charged with a crime. And Maxwell has repeatedly denied all allegations made by Virginia Roberts—and continues to do so today. Through her lawyer, Maxwell says she's had no connection to any criminal misconduct involving Virginia Roberts (or any other young woman) and Jef- frey Epstein. She claims that Virginia's story about her experience as a "sex slave" has changed, significantly, over time— that with each telling, Virginia adds salacious details and names new public figures. Nevertheless, legal troubles for Maxwell recently began. In 2015, Virginia Roberts filed a defamation suit against the woman she says recruited her to work at Epstein's house on El Brillo Way. In January of 2016, Roberts filed additional papers, claiming that a defamation. suit filed against Bill Cosby, another alleged sexual predator, was directly relevant to her case against Maxwell. In March, Maxwell filed an answer in court denying all of Roberts's allegations and accusing Roberts of fabricating them for financial gain. As of this writing, the suit is ongoing. Prince Andrew In January of 2016, Sunninghill Park—the twelve-bedroom estate that Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew once shared in the English county of Berkshire—was bulldozed. 275 JAMES PATTERSON Prince Andrew had long since sold the home, which he and Sarah had received as a gift after their 1986 wedding. He got into hot water when it was revealed that the buyer, a Kazakh billion- aire named Timur Kulibayev, had paid three million pounds more than the home's asking price. For her part, Sarah Ferguson announced that she was mov- ing into a thirteen-million-pound ski chalet in Switzerland. It was a fitting end to the long, sometimes sordid story of the prince's marriage. But it was not the end of the scandals that seemed always to be swirling around the prince. On January 2, 2015, Virginia Roberts's allegations about her relationship with the prince—and the photo of him with his arm around Roberts's waist—appeared in the press. Prince Andrew was forced to cut short a skiing holiday to confer with his mother, the queen, and to issue a statement denying Rob- erts's allegations—a step that was widely seen as being without precedent for a member of the royal family. That same month, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the prince was again forced to "reiterate and to reaf- firm" the repeated denials made by Buckingham Palace that he had any sort of sexual relationship with Roberts, who had announced in papers filed at the start of the year that Prince Andrew has a "sexual interest in feet." "My focus is on my work," Prince Andrew said at the time. Asked by a reporter, "Will you be making a statement?" the prince refused to answer. A few days later, Virginia Roberts signed a sworn statement in which she said, "I did have sexual contact with him as I have described here—under oath. Given what he knows and has seen, I was hoping that he would simply voluntarily tell the truth about 276 everything. I hope my ati under oath about the corm According to several r to .the prince, asking him Reportedly, Buckingham F "I knew he was a men just called him 'Andy," Ro news from Maxwell that I day, Epstein told me I was me 'to exceed' everything I whatever Prince Andrew w Signing her name to th( under penalty of perjury th That spring, Prince An( in South Florida ordered tl stricken from civil-court n ceedings, these lurid detai cluded. Once again, Buckin prince's involvement in any taming to Roberts. But tha. BBC program Panorama wa: tion into the prince's dealinf As of this writing, the in Barry Krischer "I have no intention of beir Barry Krischer said in 2016 asked about Jeffrey Epstein. TTERSON c'x sold the home, which he and their 1986 wedding. He got into .hat the buyer, a Kazakh billion- had paid three million pounds .ce. n announced that she was mov- Ld ski chalet in Switzerland. sometimes sordid story of the Lot the end of the scandals that ound the prince. [a Roberts's allegations about her -and the photo of him with his - appeared in the press. Prince a skiing holiday to confer with issue a statement denying Rob- vas widely seen as being without royal family. Vorld Economic Forum in Davos, lin forced to "reiterate and to reaf- le by Buckingham Palace that he ionship with Roberts, who had the start of the year that Prince in feet." Prince Andrew said at the time. • you be making a statement?" the .oberts signed a sworn statement in .exual contact with him as I hay Given what he knows and has seen; aply voluntarily tell the truth abou 276 FILTHY RICH everything. I hope my attorneys can interview Prince Andrew under oath about the contacts and that he will tell the truth." According to several reports, Roberts's lawyers had written to .the prince, asking him to respond to her allegations in court. Reportedly, Buckingham Palace refused delivery of the letter. "I knew he was a member of the British royal family, but I just called him 'Andy," Roberts had said in her statement. "I got news from Maxwell that I would be meeting a prince. Later that day, Epstein told me I was meeting a 'major prince.' Epstein told me 'to exceed' everything I had been taught. He emphasized that whatever Prince Andrew wanted, I was to make sure he got." Signing her name to the document, Roberts wrote, "I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct." That spring, Prince Andrew got a rare break: a federal judge in South Florida ordered that the allegations Roberts made be stricken from civil-court records. "At this juncture in the pro- ceedings, these lurid details are unnecessary," the judge con- cluded. Once again, Buckingham Palace vehemently denied the prince's involvement in any activities, sexual or otherwise, per- taining to Roberts. But that same year, reports leaked that the BBC program Panorama was working on an in-depth investiga- tion into the prince's dealings with Epstein and Roberts. As of this writing, the investigation has yet to air. Barry Krischer "I have no intention of being dragged into that conversation," Barry Krischer said in 2016 when contacted via telephone and asked about Jeffrey Epstein. 277 JAMES PATTERSON More than a decade had passed since Epstein's case first landed on the state attorney's desk. "The New York Times has called me," said Krischer. "The British papers. I'm not interested in being pulled into that con- versation. I know that the police chief didn't think the case was handled right, but that's why he's a cop and I'm a prosecutor." Krischer, who left the state attorney's office in 2009, is still a member of the Criminal Justice Commission in Palm Beach County. Since his retirement, he's volunteered one morning a week at the office of the state attorney and two mornings a week at the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. He still remains active in child welfare issues, working with the Florida Department of Children and Families. Despite his continued involvement with local law enforce- ment, he hasn't spoken to Michael Reiter in years. Bradley Edwards In December of 2009, Jeffrey Epstein filed suit, under Florida's RICO act, against Scott Rothstein, the jailed Ponzi king; Bradley Edwards, the lawyer who'd worked, briefly, in Rothstein's law firm, RRA, and represented several of Epstein's victims; and one of those victims, an individual referred to in the lawsuit as "Upon information and belief," the suit stated, "EDWARDS knew or should have known that ROTHSTEIN was utilizing RRA as a front for the massive Ponzi scheme and/or were selling an alleged interest or investment in the Civil Actions (and other claims) involving Epstein." The suit also claimed that, "By using 278 Civil Actions against EP! ments regarding same, RC investors into ROTHSTEI1 dollars which, in turn, w EPSTEIN for the sole pur scheme." Moreover, the suit claii sex with Epstein; worked a prostitute and call girl; h; painkillers, Xanax, Ecsta5 Amendment during her de relevant but problem ques. claims about two other vic. said only good things abo FBI in 2007, while being story "changed dramaticall the hands of EDWARDS an In a motion for summar Edwards denied all of thesi frivolous for two separate• claimed, Epstein was seel asserting his own Fifth An covery of relevant facts. (An dozens of times, when dep On the other hand, Epstein by all of the record evidence "The truth in the record support Epstein's claims an roborative of Edwards's swor stated. PERSON FILTHY RICH ;sed since Epstein's case first lied me," said Krischer. "The in being pulled into that con- chief didn't think the case was a cop and I'm a prosecutor." torney's office in 2009, is still a Commission in Palm Beach es volunteered one morning a )rney and two mornings a week F's Office. Id welfare issues, working with ren and Families. vement with local law enforce- el Reiter in years. .pstein filed suit, under Florida's in, the jailed Ponzi king; Bradley )rked, briefly, in Rothstein's law 'eral of Epstein's victims; and one al referred to in the lawsuit as lief," the suit stated, "EDWARDS that ROTHSTEIN was utilizing Ponzi scheme and/or were selling ;nt in the Civil Actions (and other e suit also claimed that, "By using 278 Civil Actions against EPSTEIN as 'bait' and fabricating settle- ments regarding same, ROTHSTEIN and others were able to lure investors into ROTHSTEIN'S lair and bilked them of millions of dollars which, in turn, was used to fund the litigation against EPSTEIN for the sole purpose of continuing the massive Ponzi scheme." Moreover, the suit claimed, L.M. had "testified she never had sex with Epstein; worked at numerous strip clubs; is an admitted prostitute and call girl; has a history of illegal drug use (pot, painkillers, Xanax, Ecstasy); and continually asserted the 5th Amendment during her depositions in order to avoid answering relevant but problem questions for her." (The suit made similar claims about two other victims.) According to the suit, L.M. had said only good things about Epstein when interviewed by the FBI in 2007, while being represented by another lawyer. Her story "changed dramatically," the suit claimed, once she was "in the hands of EDWARDS and RRA." In a motion for summary judgment filed by Bradley Edwards, Edwards denied all of these allegations, calling Epstein's claims frivolous for two separate reasons: On the one hand, Edwards claimed, Epstein was seeking damages from Edwards while asserting his own Fifth Amendment privilege to block the dis- covery of relevant facts. (And, in fact, Epstein did plead the Fifth, dozens of times, when deposed by the lawyers of his victims.) On the other hand, Epstein's claims were "directly contradicted by all of the record evidence. "The truth in the record is entirely devoid of any evidence to support Epstein's claims and is completely and consistently cor- roborative of Edwards's sworn assertion of innocence," the motion stated. 279 i JAMES PATTERSON Put simply, Epstein has made allegations that have no basis in fact. To the contrary, his lawsuit was merely a desperate measure by a serial pedophile to prevent being held account- able for repeatedly sexually abusing minor females. Epstein's ulterior motives in filing, and prosecuting this lawsuit are blatantly obvious. Epstein's behavior is another clear demon- stration that he feels he lives above the law and that because of his wealth he can manipulate the system and pay for law- yers to do his dirty work—even to the extent of having them assert baseless claims against other members of the Florida Bar. Epstein's Complaint against Edwards and LM is nothing short of a far-fetched fictional fairy-tale with absolutely no evidence whatsoever to support his preposterous claims. It was his last ditch effort to escape the public disclosure by Edwards and his clients of the nature, extent, and sordid details of his life as a serial child molester. Edwards's Motion for Summary judgment should be granted without equivocation. Edwards filed a counterclaim for malicious prosecution. "He sued me with knowingly made up, falsified facts,' Edwards says. And his sole motivation was to extort me into abandoning the legitimate cases I was pursuing against him on behalf of the victims, including the CVRA suit. He ultimately had to dismiss that case, literally on the morning our Summary Judgment was to be heard. I then sued him. We were set for trial. The judge granted me punitive damages in my claim. And then, in a separate case in Florida, one of the appellate 280 courts basically abolisl in Florida. My case wa! our district ruled that stand and the tort is ni back to the trial court the State Supreme Cour Sarah Kellen "She said her name was C tion," says a real estate a, much later that I realized s In April of 2009, that al Beach. For Clara, that 111th Epstein's big house on El Br: as Sarah Kellen. But not suc pay four thousand dollars a 2009," says a Palm Beach re market. "But she stayed a lot round-the-world trip for at h Kellen had been a prime Prosecutors had considered c Marcinkova as potential ci charges as part of the plea (I( the course of which it was 5 pleaded to something, he cout slapping her, once, on his jet. ETERSON FILTHY RICH 111egations that have no basis Nsuit was merely a desperate o prevent being held account- using minor females. Epstein's prosecuting this lawsuit are tavior is another clear demon- '90ve the law and that because e the system and pay for law- n to the extent of having them other members of the Florida st Edwards and LM is nothing fairy-tale with absolutely no irt his preposterous claims. It escape the public disclosure the nature, extent, and sordid al child molester. Edwards's nt should be granted without a for malicious prosecution. "He ip, falsified facts,' Edwards says. to extort me into abandoning •suing against him on behalf of RA suit. He ultimately had to n the morning our Summary hen sued him. We were set for 'unitive damages in my claim. n Florida, one of the appellate 80 courts basically abolished the tort of malicious prosecution in Florida. My case was dismissed. I then appealed that. And our district ruled that my malicious prosecution claim can stand and the tort is not abolished in Florida. They sent it back to the trial court and Jeffrey Epstein appealed that to the State Supreme Court, and that's where that stands. Sarah Kellen "She said her name was Clara something on the rental applica- tion," says a real estate agent in Palm Beach. "It wasn't until much later that I realized she was associated with Epstein." In April of 2009, that agent rented Clara a bungalow in Palm Beach. For Clara, that little home was a step down from Jeffrey Epstein's big house on El Brillo Way and from the life she'd known as Sarah Kellen. But not such a step down. "She signed a lease to pay four thousand dollars a month from April 18 through July 18, 2009," says a Palm Beach resident familiar with the local housing market. "But she stayed a lot longer. And by the way, she went on a round-the-world trip for at least a month while she had the lease." Kellen had been a prime suspect in Chief Reiter's investigation. Prosecutors had considered charging her, Wendy Dobbs, and Nadia Marcinkova as potential coconspirators. They'd avoided those charges as part of the plea deal that Epstein had struck—a deal in the course of which it was suggested that if Epstein had to have pleaded to something, he could have pleaded to striking Kellen—or slapping her, once, on his jet. Assault, they'd have called it. 281 JAMES PATTERSON Kellen might have gone along with that. But in the end she didn't need to. Sources say she found another rich man as Epstein whiled away his hours in and out of the Palm Beach Stockade. She reinvented herself, and when her relationship with the wealthy man fell apart, she played the field until she met and married a race-car driver named Brian Vickers. Along the way she reinvented herself yet again, changing her name to Sarah Kensington. Nadia Marcinkova Nadia Marcinkova changed her surname to Marcinko and, after training at a Palm Beach flight school, became a commercial pilot and certified flight instructor. Calling herself Gulfstream Girl on Facebook, she cultivated her social media presence until 2013, when the Gulfstream company filed a trademark infringe- ment lawsuit against her. When the suit was settled out of court, in 2014, Marcinko changed "Gulfstream" to "Global." "As a child," she wrote for the "About Me" page on her web- site, "Nadia channeled her entrepreneurial spirit by selling invi- sible pets to neighboring kids. She continued on to manage a successful family marketing business and soon she was disco- vered by a modeling agency and immersed into the marketing and advertising world as a spokesperson and international fash- ion model." There is no mention of Jeffrey Epstein. But on her YouTube channel, Marcinko appears in the cockpit of a Gulfstream II that looks very much like Epstein's Gulfstream, sitting beside a man who looks much like Larry Visoski, a pilot for Epstein. 282 Marcinko's Manhatte Jeffrey Epstein's brother, Sarah Kensington us( The Girls One of the girls who gave Angeles and became an opera and appearing in career in country music. Several girls have bee other nonviolent crimes. One girl is dead— m that had nothing to do wi One of the girls who ( is now a successful real e5 Mary moved back in and attended college for along the way. In 2010, Mary, who was born in 1 young for a man of Jeffrey ahead of her. Wendy Dobbs studied tender and waitress. "I m [utilize] my communicatil others," she wrote on Lin can make a difference in s( encourage others to make reaching for the stars then ERSON FILTHY RICH with that. But in the end she .d another rich man as Epstein of the Palm Beach Stockade. n her relationship with the d the field until she met and Brian Vickers. Along the way changing her name to Sarah trname to Marcinko and, after >chool, became a commercial )r. Calling herself Gulfstream Ler social media presence until my filed a trademark infringe- le suit was settled out of court, >tream" to "Global." • "About Me" page on her web- reneurial spirit by selling invi- he continued on to manage a .ness and soon she was disco- immersed into the marketing ;person and international [ash- y Epstein. But on her YouTube cockpit of a Gulfstream II that ulfstream, sitting beside a man ki, a pilot for Epstein. Marcinko's Manhattan address belongs to a building where Jeffrey Epstein's brother, Mark, owns the majority of apartments. Sarah Kensington uses the same address in New York. The Girls One of the girls who gave Jeffrey Epstein massages moved to Los Angeles and became an actress, starring for a time in a soap opera and appearing in several films. She is now pursuing a career in country music. Several girls have been arrested for drugs, prostitution, and other nonviolent crimes. One girl is dead—murdered by her boyfriend for reasons that had nothing to do with Epstein. One of the girls who claimed to have been raped by Epstein is now a successful real estate broker in South Florida. Mary moved back in with her parents, finished high school, and attended college for a while. She had her ups and downs along the way. In 2010, she was arrested for shoplifting. But Mary, who was born in 1990, is still in her midtwenties —still young for a man of Jeffrey Epstein's age—with many good years ahead of her. Wendy Dobbs studied nursing in college and became a bar- tender and waitress. "I want to fill a position in which I can [utilize] my communication and customer service skills to help others," she wrote on LinkedIn. "I feel I am at my best when I can make a difference in someone's life. My goal is to inspire and encourage others to make positive changes daily. If you are not reaching for the stars then your dreams are not big enough." 283 JAMES PATTERSON The Cops Michele Pagan is now a sergeant for the Palm Beach Police Department. In early 2012, at a reception at Mar-a-Lago, Detective Joe Recarey received the first Palm Beach Police Foundation Police Officer of the Year award—one of several honors he received in the course of his twenty-three-year career in Palm Beach. Two years later, he left the department and took a job as director of loss prevention for the Gold Coast Beverage company. "I've been [at the Palm Beach Police Department] longer than my children have been alive," he told a reporter for the Palm Beach Daily News when he left. "I'm going to miss a majority of the people I've worked with, and, obviously, I'm going to miss the work. This is my extended family. Like many families, you have disagreements with some family members. But you over- look that, and you work together and you're a team. I'm going to look back and miss a lot of the people I've worked with." Palm Beach police chief Michael Reiter left the department in 2008 after twenty-eight years on the job. He now runs his own security company in Palm Beach. Jean-Luc Brunel In January of 2015, Jean-Luc Brunel sued his old friend Jeffrey Epstein, claiming that Epstein's fall from grace had cost him mil- lions of dollars in business and caused him "severe emotional stress." The lawsuit claimed, "Plaintiff Brunel is emotionally destroyed 284 as a result of Epstein's actic ness. He has been on medic It continues: "Defendar distress on Plaintiff Brun( under-aged girls, which wa gal conduct was extreme ar The suit went on to qu modeling scout had gone ii sense of depression related in his modeling agency as a business." Brunel had go Rivotril— as a result. The fashion world had fr. ship with Jeffrey Epstein had ble for him to find the "fresh Brunel acknowledged E own involvement. "Epsteir and extreme; they involved aged girls while the girls w of the girls with a finger or ( When the Daily Beast r( Brunel for a comment, the v is not in town; he's in South Brunel's agency, MC2, is Jeffrey Epstein As of this writing, Jeffrey El women at his Manhattan tov ERSON FILTHY RICH t for the Palm Beach Police at Mar-a-Lago, Detective Joe :ach Police Foundation Police several honors he received in ir career in Palm Beach. Two • and took a job as director of Beverage company. olice Department] longer than : told a reporter for the Palm m going to miss a majority of , obviously, I'm going to miss mily. Like many families, you •mily members. But you over- Ind you're a team. I'm going to pie I've worked with." el Reiter left the department in the job. He now runs his own nel sued his old friend Jeffrey 1 from grace had cost him mil- ml him "severe emotional stress." Brunel is emotionally destroyed as a result of Epstein's actions and the resulting effects on his busi- ness. He has been on medications to deal with the effects of this." It continues: "Defendant Epstein recklessly inflicted emotional distress on Plaintiff Brunel by engaging in illegal conduct with under-aged girls, which was falsely linked to Plaintiff.... This ille- gal conduct was extreme and outrageous by any standard." The suit went on to quote Bruners doctor, who said that the modeling scout had gone into psychotherapy "due to a subjective sense of depression related to what he believes is a loss of business in his modeling agency as a result of slander published against his business." Brunel had gone on prescription drugs— Prozac, Rivotril— as a result. The fashion world had frozen him out, he said, after his relation- ship with Jeffrey Epstein had become public. It had become impossi- ble for him to find the "fresh faces" he needed for his agency, MC2. Brunel acknowledged Epstein's alleged crimes but denied his own involvement. "Epstein's illegal activities were outrageous and extreme; they involved receiving massages from the under- aged girls while the girls were nude or nearly nude; penetration of the girls with a finger or object; or full intercourse." When the Daily Beast reported the story and reached out to Brunel for a comment, the website's reporter was told, "Jean-Luc is not in town; he's in South America." Bruners agency, MC2, is still in business. Jeffrey Epstein As of this writing, Jeffrey Epstein continues to entertain young women at his Manhattan town house. 285 EPILOGUE . When John Connolly, Tim Malloy, and I began work on this book, I had hoped to interview Jeffrey Epstein myself: to look directly into the eyes of the man we'd be writing about. Epstein declined to sit for an interview. Many of his friends and associates did speak with us on the condition that they not be quoted. Several of them still liked Epstein and made a point of telling us what a loyal friend he was—although, like Icarus, he seemed to have a fatal flaw. If Epstein had agreed to an interview, these are the questions I would have asked him: • You pleaded guilty to a single felony count of soliciting prostitution from a minor. Do you believe in your heart that you were guilty? • In 2011 you told the New York Post, "I'm not a sexual predator, I'm an 'offender.' It's the difference between a murderer and a person who steals a bagel." Do you stand by that statement today? 286 • Do you feel you w tice system? • What effect did yo • Do you believe th; the women— esp been involved wit] • Are you still in tot • Are you in touch v • You've spent time Trump. How woul • Several people havi Is that a fair charac • I've heard that Les of you from his ho. have you reconcile, • Did the thirteen mi any way? • After your stay in the company of ver • You were ordered 1 as part of your s( today? • Do you regard you' if so, have you been • What is your greate • What do you look f( • Last question. How FILTHY RICH EPILOGUE n Malloy, and I began work on d to interview Jeffrey Epstein / into the eyes of the man we'd :d to sit for an interview. Many speak with us on the condition of them still liked Epstein and Loyal friend he was—although, atal flaw. terview, these are the questions ;le felony count of soliciting Do you believe in your heart York Post, "I'm not a sexual ft's the difference between a ho steals a bagel." Do you .ay? 6 • Do you feel you were treated fairly by the criminal jus- tice system? • What effect did your conviction have on your business? • Do you believe that you've done psychological harm to the women—especially the underage girls—you've been involved with? • Are you still in touch with Ghislaine Maxwell? • Are you in touch with Prince Andrew? • You've spent time with Bill Clinton as well as Donald Trump. How would you characterize the two men? • Several people have described you as a very loyal friend. Is that a fair characterization? • I've heard that Leslie Wexner removed all photographs • of you from his home. Given how close you once were, have you reconciled or tried to repair the relationship? • Did the thirteen months you spent in jail change you in any way? • After your stay in prison, have you continued to seek pany of very underage women • You were ordered to undergo psychological treatment as part of your sentence. Are you under treatment today? • Do you regard yourself as having a sex addiction, and, if so, have you been treated for it? • What is your greatest regret? • What do you look for in a woman? • Last question. How well do you sleep at night? ABOUT THE AUTHORS James Patterson received the Literarian Award for Outstand- ing Service to the American Literary Community at the 2015 National Book Awards ceremony. He holds the Guinness World Record for the most number one New York Times bestsellers, and his books have sold more than 325 million copies worldwide. John Connolly has been an investigative reporter for twenty-five years, the last twelve of them with Vanity Fair. He has written scores of nonfiction pieces for numerous national magazines. ' Tim Malloy is a thirty-year veteran of print and television jour- nalism. He has won eight Emmys as an investigative reporter, documentary maker, and war correspondent. He appears in print, on the Web, and on TV as a political analyst. 4,74, 9.41.6" "I HAD BEEN HEARING HAIR-RAISING STORIES aboutJefftey Epstein for a couple qfyears. Our interests could not have been more different, but Palm Beach, where we both live, is small and tightly knit, and we knew some of the same people. So I had followed Epstein's case in the media and talked about it over dinners with friends. I wondered why it had taken so long for the Palm Beach police to catch up with Epstein. And, once they did, why he had served so little jail time. Those were the obvious questions, but there were others: How had Epstein made his money, possibly billions? No one seemed to know. Epstein had poweifitl friends. Were his connec- tions the reason that Epstein was now a free man? I wanted to know." egavaa,-twaxearAtztr,waxatatats-.%.wexiaektlx,.z.va .1.10'sdtSR1 • .1 *Tr C. • aelthri r.? — •Cktsi. 1,0 ISBN 978-0-316-27405-0 9 780316 274050 ..et.A3V1%.1-7 tA,Lt.tp- 5 2 800 > *t" r AP! ( 4-4 otw<' 9R:1m ta*, .r -VA IA. • Sive. 10% rstiVir*0 .413,706%94facr WW*CtA\ • •=:=4W09. • .4. - d'.41& ilt.,..7-• . . 1.;1•0 .stl. •-6•••.. • 001,....• 0- •,.. .• 5,6 Ar .i..t.s.0 x?.v..c.. 1•IgtIger cliai,tk.- --. ••: ,. ak (c.,...-4-,.1...0,0twtikt, . %.....;:10.4p,.!,-(4, • .\--i:ral: .....t...n-A.,66o Triv:A A. 4109aSki /=;.: 'It '1'1. tti• Aft- ".-.4'0 \t0,.. `rittea tliCi 0 "....a. ...i..,,,. . f...4o.p.o ctiv-e..-q ....L% .4.41., ..1., .. c; c: ft ••;,;,1 Rrita;Zt' . *ilASIO ,t49:19. g;14. 0,1