A lot has been written about me lately as a result of the photograph taken of me walking through

A lot has been written about me lately as a result of the photograph taken of me walking through Central Park with Prince Andrew. Much of it has been untrue. A number of you have written or called to express concern over what you have read or seen broadcast on TV to let me know that you are aware that those horrible portrayals are false. I very much appreciate all of the kind words as well as your friendship and support. It has been extremely gratifying to hear how many of you know that the Jeffrey Epstein being portrayed in the tabloids is not the Jeffrey Epstein that I am or that you know. Still, with all of the lies out there, I thought it important that I set the record straight. In June of 2008, I pled guilty to and was sentenced to [18] months in jail and 12 months of house arrest for solicitation of prostitution and procuring a person under 18 for prostitution. The young woman for which I received that sentence was 17 and three-quarters year old. Still, the London tabloids and even some websites in America have called me a pedophile. According to Wikipedia, as a medical diagnosis, pedophilia (or paedophilia) is typically defined as a psychiatric disorder in adults or late adolescents (persons age 16 and older) characterized by a primary or exclusive sexual interest in prepubescent children (generally age 13 years or younger, though onset of puberty may vary). As many of you know, the young women who worked as masseuses for me claimed to be over 18 years of age before they were hired. Many of them had fake IDs. This is verified in police reports and in sworn depositions. Still, I took responsibility for my errors. Our criminal justice system is based on finality and on encouraging people who made mistakes to suffer a single punishment, and then have a chance at a new life. I have paid that price for my past mistakes. As I have said previously through a spokesman, the time frame when the events occurred for which I was sentenced, took place more than 5 years ago. It was a different time in my life and one I have put behind me. I am a different person today than I was when these events occurred many years ago. Today, I am focusing on helping the community through educational, scientific and healthcare philanthropic contributions, as well as discharging my responsibility as a financier at the highest professional level. Once again, I cannot begin to thank all of you for your continued friendship and support. I really appreciate it. EFTA00583990