Epstein’s ‘excessive bed linens’ and missing cellmate puzzle investigators – US News – News

Jeffrey Epstein had an excessive number of sheets in his prison cell where he ended his life, according to a Justice Department report.

A 2023 Department of Justice report found that the Metropolitan Correction Center failed to conduct and document searches of Epstein’s cell, allowing several security risks to persist. “A search of Epstein’s cell after his death revealed that Epstein had excess blankets, sheets, and clothing in his cell, and that some had been torn to create nooses,” the report said.

The report also covered other failings by prison staff, such as Epstein being left alone in his cell and unsupervised, although the prison told the Justice Department otherwise. On August 9, Epstein’s cellmate was transferred to another facility; however, “no steps were taken to ensure that Epstein was assigned another cellmate,” the report reads.

“On August 9 at approximately 8 p.m., SHU inmates were locked in their cells for the night, including Epstein, who was without a cellmate,” the report states. None of the 30-minute rounds took place after about 10:40 p.m., according to the report.

“Tally slips and patrol sheets were falsified to show that they had been carried out,” the report reads. The next morning, two guards, Tova Noel and Michael Thomas, went to deliver breakfast to Epstein, but received no response.

After unlocking the cell door, guards found Epstein hanging in his cell. “Epstein was suspended from the top bunk in a nearly sitting position, with his buttocks approximately 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches off the floor,” the report states.

Thomas allegedly called for help and removed the orange cord from around Epstein’s neck – believed to have come from a shirt or sheet. This caused Epstein’s body to fall to the ground.

Thomas attempted to administer chest compressions until staff members arrived about a minute later. Epstein was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Noel and Thomas were charged with multiple counts of falsifying records and conspiracy to falsify records. At the time, they claimed they were “scapegoats” for larger problems within the federal prison system.

In 2021, a judge approved a deferred prosecution agreement, which allowed guards to avoid conviction and sentencing if they met specific conditions.

If you are in the United States, you can call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to 988 Lifeline