Jeffrey Epstein Denies Suicidal Thoughts, Prison Documents Reveal

UK police to review Epstein-Maxwell case 0:41

 (CNN) -

Jeffrey Epstein has denied having suicidal thoughts before dying by suicide, despite some prison staff noticing signs of troubling behavior, according to documents recently released by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP, for his acronym in English).

Additionally, BOP staff made a litany of procedural errors prior to the convicted pedophile and wealthy financier's death on August 10, 2019, documents show.

A "Psychological Reconstruction of Prisoner Death" report, prepared by the National Coordination for Suicide Prevention of the Bureau of Prisons, Branch of Psychology Services, Central Office, elaborates a chronology of the events and circumstances prior to the death of Epstein and notes that "sex offender-specific" suicide risk factors, as well as "more general suicide risk factors, were likely present" in Epstein.

"Despite his many associates, he had limited deep or meaningful interpersonal ties. Although Mr. Epstein seemed to cultivate a great social and professional network, he was estranged from his only brother. In fact, his identity seemed to be based on his wealth, power and association with other high-profile people, "the report states.

• Bill Gates says he regrets the time he spent with Jeffrey Epstein: "It was a big mistake"

CNN obtained the BOP documents through a Freedom of Information Act request.

The documents were first obtained by The New York Times.

The release of the documents comes less than a week before Epstein's associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, faces trial on criminal sex trafficking charges.

Maxwell has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

The BOP declined to comment on any specific inmates, but said in a statement to CNN that "safe and humane housing for inmates is the BOP's top priority."

advertising

"Overall, the BOP has launched a task force that will address the mental health implications of housing people alone in a cell and is committed to improving its suicide prevention program. In addition, the BOP is increasing the number of Beds available as safe mental health units, which will help move seriously mentally ill inmates from restrictive cells to safe treatment programs. The BOP is also taking a number of other steps to address mental health issues, including improving mental health conditions. peer support programs and continued training of BOP staff on suicide prevention, risk assessment and emergency responses, "the agency said in its statement.

The text of the BOP report notes that it is an "interim report" due to "the inability to collect all the necessary data," in particular the lack of formal interviews because an effort was made to avoid interference with the Department's pending investigations. of Justice, and the lack of video since it was confiscated by the FBI before the report.

Epstein's mansion, sold for almost $ 51 million 0:35

Documents reveal Epstein denied having suicidal thoughts, despite signs

When Epstein arrived at the Metropolitan Correctional Center on July 6, 2019, it is noted in the report that a facilities assistant describes Epstein as "distraught, sad and a little confused." Although Epstein said he was fine, she was unconvinced of this and wrote that he "seems dazed and withdrawn." She warned in an email that someone from Psychology would come talk to him to "be safe and avoid any suicidal thoughts", but there is no evidence that the recipient of the email, a lieutenant, has contacted the psychologist of guard at the time, according to the report.

According to the report, after court proceedings on July 8, Epstein denied having suicidal tendencies, but was placed on Psychological Observation, less restrictive than Suicide Risk Watch, due to his risk factors.

The next day, a BOP psychologist formally assessed Epstein's suicide risk and determined that he should remain under observation "as a precaution."

On July 10, the report says that Epstein was removed from psychological observation.

The report also claims that Jeffrey Epstein "denied any history of mental health, substance abuse, and treatment issues" during a routine intake evaluation at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan (MCC) facility, the July 8, and denied any suicidal thoughts.

Later that month, Epstein was placed on suicide risk watch on July 23, but was removed and placed under psychological observation again a day later.

It is unclear when he was removed from "psychological observation" due to a discrepancy in paperwork, but he did attend a court hearing on July 31 when the US Marshals Service noted "suicidal tendencies," according to the report.

However, the report goes on to say that "Epstein was experiencing challenges adjusting to his environment and lifestyle changes," including trouble sleeping, complaints about noise in the facility and concerns for his safety.

On two occasions, the report says that Epstein described himself as a "coward" and someone "who does not like pain."

• Barclays CEO resigns after investigation into his ties to Jeffrey Epstein

The report also states that the release of documents alleging new details of the allegations of sexual abuse against Epstein, the day before his death, "further eroded his previously elevated status and potentially implicated some of his associates. of meaningful information, interpersonal connections, total loss of status both in the community and among associates, and the thought of potentially spending his life in prison were likely factors that contributed to Mr. Epstein's suicide. "

Procedural errors by BOP staff prior to death

CNN previously reported that prison guards did not monitor Epstein for several hours the night of his suicide death, but the BOP report also points to several additional mistakes made by BOP staff in the time leading up to his death.

On one occasion, the report indicates that someone who was filling out a "Psychology Services Admission Evaluation" form for Epstein checked a box that said "No convictions for sex offenses" when, in fact, Epstein had prior convictions related to soliciting. minors for prostitution.

The report also says that Jeffrey Epstein, who was white, was mistakenly identified as a black man.

In addition, a review of the prison records "revealed a series of incomplete entries" regarding the provision and receipt of basic services such as recreation, medical records, showers and food consumption.

The report indicates that there were several instances where it was unclear whether Epstein ate, showered, or was offered recreation.

In addition, according to the report, a review of the notebooks showed "significant discrepancies" with the approved procedural memorandum for the facility.

The BOP report also states that the day before his death, Epstein ended his legal visit early to make a phone call.

He told BOP staff that he was calling his mother, but records show that she died in 2004.

CNN's Brian Vitagliano and Lauren del Valle contributed to this report.

Jeffrey Epstein