Serious misconduct and neglect by guards at a New York City federal jail are what led to serial pedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s death by suicide in 2019. That’s according to a years-long investigation by the Justice Department, which released a 120-page report Tuesday accusing officials at the now-shuttered Metropolitan Correctional Center of creating an environment that allowed Epstein the opportunity to hang himself. DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz detailed the findings Tuesday.
Michael Horowitz: “Had Epstein’s cell been searched as required, it would have revealed that Epstein had excess prison blankets, linens and clothing in his cell. MCC New York staff also failed to ensure that the institution’s security camera system was fully functional, resulting in limited recorded video evidence. While we determined MCC New York staff engaged in significant misconduct, we didn’t uncover evidence contradicting the FBI’s determination that there was no criminality in connection with how Epstein died.”
At the time of his death, Epstein was awaiting trial for sex trafficking and other charges.