Who is mentioned in this document?

The document mentions Jay Lefkowitz (Epstein's defense attorney and Kirkland & Ellis partner), Alexander Acosta (then-U.S. Attorney for Southern District of Florida, copied as 'Acosta, Alex'), and references Jeffrey Epstein. A 'Judge Davis' is mentioned as serving as a neutral decision-maker.

What does this document reveal?

The document reveals the behind-the-scenes negotiations between prosecutors and Epstein's defense team during the controversial 2007-2008 plea deal. It shows Lefkowitz and Acosta's office coordinating on an agreement addendum, discussions about subpoenas and discovery, and the unusual arrangement of having a neutral judge serve as a 'decider' on certain matters. The emails demonstrate the close working relationship that critics later argued led to an overly favorable deal for Epstein.

What is the significance of the Kirkland & Ellis connection?

Both Jay Lefkowitz and Alexander Acosta had professional ties to Kirkland & Ellis, the prestigious law firm. Acosta was an associate there from 1995-1997, while Lefkowitz was and remains a partner. This connection has been cited by journalists and critics as potentially influencing the unusually favorable terms Epstein received in the non-prosecution agreement.

What happened as a result of this plea deal?

The 2008 plea deal allowed Epstein to avoid federal charges entirely, instead pleading to state charges that resulted in only 13 months in county jail with work release privileges. In 2019, a federal judge ruled that prosecutors violated the Crime Victims' Rights Act by failing to inform victims about the deal. A 2020 DOJ review found Acosta exercised 'poor judgment' but cleared him of misconduct. Acosta resigned as Trump's Labor Secretary in 2019 after renewed scrutiny of the deal.

Who is mentioned in this document?

The document mentions Jay Lefkowitz (Epstein's defense attorney and Kirkland & Ellis partner), Alexander Acosta (then-U.S. Attorney for Southern District of Florida, copied as 'Acosta, Alex'), and references Jeffrey Epstein. A 'Judge Davis' is mentioned as serving as a neutral decision-maker.

What does this document reveal?

The document reveals the behind-the-scenes negotiations between prosecutors and Epstein's defense team during the controversial 2007-2008 plea deal. It shows Lefkowitz and Acosta's office coordinating on an agreement addendum, discussions about subpoenas and discovery, and the unusual arrangement of having a neutral judge serve as a 'decider' on certain matters. The emails demonstrate the close working relationship that critics later argued led to an overly favorable deal for Epstein.

What is the significance of the Kirkland & Ellis connection?

Both Jay Lefkowitz and Alexander Acosta had professional ties to Kirkland & Ellis, the prestigious law firm. Acosta was an associate there from 1995-1997, while Lefkowitz was and remains a partner. This connection has been cited by journalists and critics as potentially influencing the unusually favorable terms Epstein received in the non-prosecution agreement.

What happened as a result of this plea deal?

The 2008 plea deal allowed Epstein to avoid federal charges entirely, instead pleading to state charges that resulted in only 13 months in county jail with work release privileges. In 2019, a federal judge ruled that prosecutors violated the Crime Victims' Rights Act by failing to inform victims about the deal. A 2020 DOJ review found Acosta exercised 'poor judgment' but cleared him of misconduct. Acosta resigned as Trump's Labor Secretary in 2019 after renewed scrutiny of the deal.

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An October 2007 email exchange between federal prosecutors and Jay Lefkowitz, Jeffrey Epstein's defense attorney at Kirkland & Ellis, discussing details of the controversial non-prosecution agreement including victim claims and discovery procedures.

This document captures internal negotiations between the U.S. Attorney's office and Epstein's legal team during the finalization of the infamous 2007 non-prosecution agreement. The emails discuss an addendum to the agreement, the role of a Judge Davis as a neutral 'decider,' and critically reveal that Epstein's team was 'beginning to think about what discovery we may need to take to verify any claims' from victims. The correspondence shows direct communication between Jay Lefkowitz (Epstein's Kirkland & Ellis attorney) and Alexander Acosta's office, with Acosta himself copied on key messages.

Key Highlights

•Direct evidence of negotiations between prosecutor Alexander Acosta's office and Epstein defense attorney Jay Lefkowitz in October 2007
•Reference to a secret 'addendum' to the Epstein agreement dated October 30, 2007
•Discussion of using a Judge Davis as a neutral 'decider' for disputed matters
•Epstein's team seeking discovery to 'verify claims' while the agreement stipulated they would 'not contest liability as to the girls on our list'
•Kirkland & Ellis connection highlighted - both Acosta and Lefkowitz had ties to this firm

Frequently Asked Questions

Books for Further Reading

Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story

Dossier: The Secret History of Armand Hammer

Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story

Julie K. Brown

Investigative journalism that broke the Epstein case open

Document Information

Bates Range

EFTA00013750 - EFTA00013751

Pages

Document Content

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From To Subject: RE: Epstein Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:52:55 +0000 Importance: Normal Thanks From: Se • 1, 2007 9:52 AM To: Subject: RE: Epstein I The agreement says that they will not contest liability as to the girls on our list. Discovery may be relevant to the issue of the amount of damages suffered, but not the veracity of the claims. From: Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 5:39 PM To: Jay Lefkowitz Subject: RE: Epstein I called Judge Davis before I sent him the agreed upon letter. He indicated his willingness to serve as the "decider" I will call him tomorrow to see whether anything has changed and when we can anticipate a decision. Regarding the subpoena question, let me think about that overnight. Thanks, From: )ay Leflcowilz [milk) Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 4:54 PM To: Cc: Acosta, Alex (USAFLS) Subject: Re: Epstein Thanks I haven't heard anything from Judge Davis. I assume he is still willing to take on the role you asked him to take on, but can you please let me know if that is not the case? Also, we are beginning to think about what discovery we may need to take to verify any claims. I am assuming that your office does not want to be copied on any subpoenas or anything related to discovery. But please let me know if that is an incorrect assumption. Thanks - Jay EFTA00013750

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From: Sent: I To: Jay Lefkowitz Cc: "Acosta, Alex (USAFLS)" < Subject: Epstein Jay, Here is an executed version of the addendum. Please Fed Ex the original signature pages to me. Thanks, «epstein addendum 10 30.pdf» ******* *********************** ***************************** The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged, may constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Kirkland & Ellis LLP or Kirkland & Ellis International LLP. Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail or by e-mail to [email protected], and destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. EFTA00013751