Epstein's staff member in his various homes
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Luciano Jojo Fontanilla is mentioned in documents or reporting related to the Epstein case. Being mentioned does not imply any wrongdoing, criminal conduct, or inappropriate behavior.
This dossier was generated by AI (Claude) from court filings, government releases, and other documentary sources in our database. It may contain errors or misattributions. Always verify claims against the linked source documents.
Background
Luciano A. Fontanilla Jr., commonly known by his nickname "Jojo," was a long-term staff member employed by Jeffrey Epstein. Based on extensive email communications recovered from Epstein-related document productions, Fontanilla served primarily as a personal driver and household assistant in Epstein's New York City operations. His email address was [email protected]. Documentary evidence shows he was active in this role from at least September 2013 through at least October 2016.
Fontanilla's duties included driving Epstein to various appointments, events, and airports; picking up and delivering items such as artwork, business cards, and packages; coordinating vehicle readiness; and receiving deliveries at Epstein's properties. His day-to-day instructions were typically relayed through Lesley Groff, Epstein's executive assistant, and he also coordinated with Larry Visoski, Epstein's pilot, regarding travel logistics.
Fontanilla was named, alongside Rosalyn Fontanilla (likely a spouse or family member), as a beneficiary in Epstein's trust documents, designated to receive Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) upon Epstein's death, contingent on at least one of them surviving him. This substantial bequest, documented across multiple trust instruments from 2017 and 2019, suggests Epstein valued Fontanilla's long service and trusted him significantly within his household operations.
Epstein Connection
Luciano 'Jojo' Fontanilla was a direct employee of Jeffrey Epstein, serving as his personal driver and household staff member. Extensive email communications show he received daily operational instructions from Epstein's executive assistant Lesley Groff regarding driving Epstein to appointments, events, dinners, airports, and errands. He was named as a beneficiary of $2,000,000 in Epstein's trust documents, including the Jeffrey E. Epstein 2017 Trust and the 1953 Trust established in August 2019.
Key Allegations(4)
Fontanilla served as Epstein's personal driver, regularly transporting Epstein to appointments, events, movies, dinners, and airports.
documentedFontanilla was named alongside Rosalyn Fontanilla as a beneficiary of $2,000,000 in Epstein's trust documents.
documentedFontanilla performed household and errand duties including picking up artwork, packages from FedEx, business cards, portraits, and coordinating deliveries at Epstein's properties.
documentedFontanilla was involved in logistics related to Epstein's interactions with high-profile individuals including Leon Black, Nathan Myhrvold, and Benny Shabtai.
documentedLegal Status
Named extensively in Epstein-related trust documents and internal email communications as a staff member and trust beneficiary. No criminal charges or legal proceedings involving Fontanilla are indicated in the provided evidence.
Notable Statements(4)
“I'll let u know tom cox I'll bring the truck”
“Do u have their fbo”
“3 30 pm on the safe side”
“7 30 am and can I have her cell # thanks”
Key Relationships(6)
Fontanilla was employed directly by Jeffrey Epstein as a personal driver and household staff member, receiving daily instructions regarding Epstein's schedule, transport, and errands. Named as a $2M beneficiary in Epstein's trust documents.
Lesley Groff, Epstein's executive assistant, was Fontanilla's primary point of contact for daily instructions. Virtually all documented communications involve Groff relaying Epstein's schedule and requests to Fontanilla. They shared 534 documents.
Larry Visoski, Epstein's pilot, coordinated with Fontanilla on travel logistics including airport pickups and departures. Visoski forwarded Fontanilla's confirmations regarding arrivals and travel times.
Karyna Shuliak, Epstein's girlfriend, was mentioned in instructions to Fontanilla, including picking up her portrait from NYAA. She was also copied on some group communications alongside Fontanilla.
Leon Black mentioned in a scheduling email relayed to Fontanilla, indicating Fontanilla drove Epstein to meetings or events involving Black.
The name 'Jo Jo' appears as a co-occurring person across 29 shared documents, likely representing the same individual (Fontanilla's nickname) or a closely overlapping reference in operational communications.
Timeline(35 events)
Earliest documented communication: Fontanilla coordinating a 7:30 AM pickup and requesting a cell phone number for logistics.
Instructed by staff to get Epstein home after a dinner on a Wednesday.
Acknowledged instructions regarding a dinner on Sunday January 26th at a restaurant.
Acknowledged travel arrangements for Jeffrey Edward Epstein traveling on 02/20/2014.
Acknowledged notification that Epstein was coming back the following morning.
Acknowledged 'Wheels up 8pm' notification, indicating airport transport duties.
Acknowledged instructions regarding Epstein going to see a Broadway play.
Acknowledged instructions related to Nathan Myhrvold, relayed by Lesley Groff.
Acknowledged communication regarding a Tribeca Ball event.
Acknowledged instructions to go to Neuehouse on 25th Street with David Mitchell.
Acknowledged tail number of Epstein's plane (N781.15) and confirmed pickup logistics with Julia.
Confirmed reading an email after being asked to do so by Lesley Groff.
Instructed to pick up artwork that Epstein had purchased.
Confirmed arrival logistics, forwarded by Larry Visoski.
Provided time estimate of '3:30 pm on the safe side' for a travel query.
Responded to a 'Friday' scheduling email; Larry Visoski noted Fontanilla did not use the 'reply all' function.
Asked if business cards were ready for pickup.
Instructed to drive Epstein plus three guests to the movies that night.
Asked if he was back from the FedEx store for further tasks.
Acknowledged instructions related to Apple Store errand.
Instructed to pick up a portrait of Karyna from NYAA (New York Academy of Art).
Acknowledged haircut scheduling instructions.
Coordinated regarding appointments with Dangene and Jennie.
Acknowledged instructions related to Leon Black.
Confirmed appointment to see Dangene at 4:00pm the following day, relayed by Lesley Groff.
Asked about FBO (fixed-base operator) details for an arrival.
Coordinated ottoman delivery logistics, offered to bring the truck.
Acknowledged EWR (Newark airport) related instructions; coordinated with Larry regarding Epstein's departure from Teterboro, assigned to drive.
Acknowledged '2pm car out and ready' instruction; told by Groff that Epstein wanted him outside in the car ready.
Instructed that Epstein wanted to leave at 1:30 and to be outside ready.
Acknowledged instructions regarding Epstein going to see Benny Shabtai at 10pm; also notified about an important FedEx delivery the next day.
Jeffrey E. Epstein 2017 Trust established; Fontanilla included as a beneficiary.
Jeffrey E. Epstein 2019 Trust established.
Amended and Restated Jeffrey E. Epstein 2019 Trust executed; trust provision designates $2,000,000 to Luciano A. Fontanilla Jr. and Rosalyn Fontanilla.
The 1953 Trust established, another trust instrument in which Fontanilla may be referenced.
At a Glance
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Document Mentions
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