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Document DOJ-OGR-00023034

AI Analysis

Summary: This chapter discusses the government's interactions with victims during the Epstein investigation, focusing on their interpretation of the CVRA and their notification practices. It highlights the roles of various officials and the concerns raised about consulting victims during plea discussions. The document provides a detailed factual background on these issues.
Significance: This document provides insight into the government's handling of victim interactions and notifications during the Epstein investigation, potentially revealing shortcomings or controversies in their practices.
Key Topics: Crime Victims' Rights Act (CVRA) Government interactions with victims during the Epstein investigation Victim notification practices by USAO and FBI
Key People:
  • Villafaña - Case agent or victim specialist involved in the Epstein investigation
  • Menchel - USAO official involved in discussions about victim consultation
  • Oosterbaan - USAO official who expressed opinion on consulting victims
  • Sloman - USAO official informed by Villafaña about victim consultation
  • Acosta - US Attorney or high-ranking official informed about victim consultation concerns
Document Type
Report
Date
Unknown
Pages
1
Folder
IMAGES008

Full Text

CHAPTER THREE: ISSUES RELATING TO THE GOVERNMENT'S INTERACTIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS WITH VICTIMS....................................................................................................................189 PART ONE: FACTUAL BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................189 I. OVERVIEW ...............................................................................................................................................................189 II. THE CVRA, 18 U.S.C. § 3771...............................................................................................................................189 A. History............................................................................................................................................................189 B. Enumerated Rights..........................................................................................................................................191 III. THE DEPARTMENT'S INTERPRETATION OF THE CVRA'S DEFINITION OF "CRIME VICTIM" AT THE TIME OF THE EPSTEIN INVESTIGATION ................192 A. April 1, 2005 Office of Legal Counsel "Preliminary Review"............................................................................192 B. 2005 Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance...............................................................193 IV. USAO AND FBI VICTIM/WITNESS NOTIFICATION PRACTICE AT THE TIME OF THE EPSTEIN INVESTIGATION ................194 A. USAO Training................................................................................................................................................194 B. The Automated Victim Notification System ....................................................................................................195 C. FBI Victim Notification Pamphlets ....................................................................................................................196 V. THE INTRODUCTORY USAO AND FBI LETTERS TO VICTIMS....................................................................................196 A. August 2006: The FBI Victim Notification Letters............................................................................................196 B. August 2006: The USAO's Letters to Victims ....................................................................................................198 C. USAO and FBI Letters Are Hand Delivered ......................................................................................................200 VI. AUGUST 2006 - SEPTEMBER 2007: FBI AND USAO CONTACTS WITH VICTIMS BEFORE THE NPA IS SIGNED............................200 A. The Case Agents and Villafaña Solicit Some Victims' Opinions about Resolving the Federal Investigation................201 B. Before the NPA Is Signed, Villafaña Expresses Concern That Victims Have Not Been Consulted............................202 1. July 2007: Villafaña's Email Exchanges with Menchel ................................................................................202 2. Villafaña Asserts That Her Supervisors Gave Instructions Not to Consult Victims about the Plea Discussions, but Her Supervisors Do Not Currently Recall Such Instructions ............................................................................................................................204 3. September 6, 2007: Villafaña Informs Sloman, Who Informs Acosta, of Oosterbaan's Opinion That Consultation with Victims Was Required............................................................................................................................................................204 VII. SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 - JUNE 30, 2008: AFTER THE NPA IS SIGNED, THE USAO MAKES VARIOUS VICTIM NOTIFICATION DECISIONS................206