What is document EFTA00033574?

This is an FBI electronic communication (FD-1057 form) documenting the return of seized property to Michael Thomas through his defense attorney. It's part of case file 90A-NY-3151227, the Jeffrey Epstein death investigation conducted by the FBI's New York office.

Who is Michael Thomas in relation to the Epstein case?

Michael Thomas is identified in this FBI document as a 'victim' in the Jeffrey Epstein death investigation. His iPhone XS was seized by the FBI as evidence and later returned to his defense counsel, Shannon Farrar, on August 28, 2019. Limited public information is available about his specific role or connection to the case.

What does this document reveal about the FBI investigation?

The document shows the FBI was actively collecting electronic devices from individuals connected to Jeffrey Epstein in the immediate aftermath of his death. The seizure and subsequent return of Michael Thomas's iPhone suggests he was cooperative with investigators and that his phone either provided needed evidence or was deemed not essential to retain.

Why was the phone returned?

The document indicates the phone (evidence item 1B44) was permanently returned to the owner's lawyer, suggesting the FBI either completed their forensic analysis of the device or determined it was not material to their investigation. Standard FBI procedure requires updating evidence status when items are permanently returned rather than temporarily released.

What is document EFTA00033574?

This is an FBI electronic communication (FD-1057 form) documenting the return of seized property to Michael Thomas through his defense attorney. It's part of case file 90A-NY-3151227, the Jeffrey Epstein death investigation conducted by the FBI's New York office.

Who is Michael Thomas in relation to the Epstein case?

Michael Thomas is identified in this FBI document as a 'victim' in the Jeffrey Epstein death investigation. His iPhone XS was seized by the FBI as evidence and later returned to his defense counsel, Shannon Farrar, on August 28, 2019. Limited public information is available about his specific role or connection to the case.

What does this document reveal about the FBI investigation?

The document shows the FBI was actively collecting electronic devices from individuals connected to Jeffrey Epstein in the immediate aftermath of his death. The seizure and subsequent return of Michael Thomas's iPhone suggests he was cooperative with investigators and that his phone either provided needed evidence or was deemed not essential to retain.

Why was the phone returned?

The document indicates the phone (evidence item 1B44) was permanently returned to the owner's lawyer, suggesting the FBI either completed their forensic analysis of the device or determined it was not material to their investigation. Standard FBI procedure requires updating evidence status when items are permanently returned rather than temporarily released.

EFTA00033574 - EFTA00033575

FBI electronic communication documenting the return of an iPhone XS to defense counsel representing Michael Thomas, dated August 29, 2019.

This is an FBI evidence control document from the Jeffrey Epstein death investigation. On August 28, 2019, an FBI Special Agent returned an Apple iPhone XS (evidence item 1B44) to Shannon Farrar, an associate at the Law Offices of Montell Figgins representing Michael Thomas. The phone was permanently returned to the defense attorney, and the FBI's Evidence Control Unit was requested to update the evidence status accordingly. Michael Thomas is identified in the document header as a victim in the Epstein death investigation.

Key Highlights

•iPhone XS belonging to Michael Thomas was seized as evidence in the Jeffrey Epstein death investigation
•Phone was returned to defense counsel Shannon Farrar on August 28, 2019, just weeks after Epstein's death on August 10, 2019
•Michael Thomas is listed as a 'victim' in the case file header, suggesting he may have been a victim of Epstein
•Document shows FBI was collecting electronic devices from individuals connected to the case

Frequently Asked Questions

Books for Further Reading

Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story

Julie K. Brown

Investigative journalism that broke the Epstein case open

Filthy Rich: The Jeffrey Epstein Story

James Patterson

Bestselling account of Epstein's crimes and network

Relentless Pursuit: My Fight for the Victims of Jeffrey Epstein

Bradley J. Edwards

Victims' attorney's firsthand account

Document Information

Bates Range

EFTA00033574 - EFTA00033575

Pages

Document Content

Page 1 - EFTA00033574

90A-NY-3151227 Serial 68 FD-1057 (Rcv. 5-8-I0) UNCLASSIFIED FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Electronic Communication Title: (U) Return of Property belonging to MICHAEL Date: 08/29/2019 THOMAS From: NEW YORK NY-C19 Contact: Approved By: SSA Drafted By: Case ID #: 90A-NY-3151227 (U) UNSUB(S); JEFFREY EPSTEIN - VICTIM; DEATH INVESTIGATION Synopsis: (U) Return of property to SHANNON FARRAR, Defense Counsel of MICHAEL THOMAS Enclosure(s): Enclosed are the following items: 1. (U) FD-1004 2. (U) FD-597 Details: On August 28, 2019, at approximately 12:32 p.m., Special Agent (SA) returned the below property to SHANNON FARRAR, Associate at the LAW OFFICES OF MONTELL FIGGINS, business address 17 Academy Street, Suite 305, Newark, New Jersey, telephone number (973) 242-4700. The property belonged to FARRAR's client, MICHAEL THOMAS: (1) APPLE iPhone XS, IMEI The signed FD-597 is included in the 1A section of this report, as is UNCLASSIFIED SDNY_MT_00000209 EFTA00033574

Page 2 - EFTA00033575

90A-NY-3151227 Serial 68 UNCLASSIFIED Title: (U) Return of Property belonging to MICHAEL THOMAS Re: 90A-NY-3151227, 08/29/2019 a copy of the FD-1004 Chain of Custody. Due to the permanent return of item 1B44 to the owner's lawyer, SA Wheeler requests the FBI New York's Evidence Control Unit change the status of evidence item 1B44 to reflect its permanent return. .• UNCLASSIFIED 2 SONY_MT_00000210 EFTA00033575