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Document DOJ-OGR-00023095

AI Analysis

Summary: The letter from US Attorney R. Alexander Acosta to Lilly Ann Sanchez outlines the terms of a proposed plea deal for Jeffrey Epstein, emphasizing that a two-year state prison sentence is the minimum required to avoid federal prosecution, and clarifying other aspects of the negotiations.
Significance: This document reveals the negotiations between the US Attorney's Office and Jeffrey Epstein's lawyers regarding a potential plea deal, including the insistence on a two-year state prison sentence and the scope of liability under Section 2255.
Key Topics: Plea negotiations for Jeffrey Epstein Terms of imprisonment for Epstein Federal vs. state prosecution
Key People:
  • R. Alexander Acosta - United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida
  • Lilly Ann Sanchez - Attorney for Jeffrey Epstein
  • Jeffrey Epstein - Defendant in a criminal case

Full Text

U.S. Department of Justice United States Attorney Southern District of Florida R. ALEXANDER ACOSTA UNITED STATES ATTORNEY 99 N.E. 4 Street Miami, FL 33132 (305) 961-9100 - Telephone (305) 530-6444 - Facsimile August 3, 2007 VIA FACSIMILE Lilly Ann Sanchez, Esq. [Redacted] Re: Jeffrey Epstein Dear Lilly: Thank you for your letter of August 2nd regarding your proposal on how to resolve the Epstein matter. As we explained at our meeting on July 31, 2007, the Office believes that the federal interest will not be vindicated in the absence of a two-year term of state imprisonment for Mr. Epstein. That offer was not meant as a starting point for negotiations, it is the minimum term of imprisonment that will obviate the need for federal prosecution. The Office has never agreed that a state prison sentence is not appropriate for Mr. Epstein. Rather we simply stated that if Mr. Epstein preferred to serve his sentence in a federal penitentiary, we would be willing to explore a federal conviction that may allow that in lieu of any state resolution. Further, as I made clear in our follow up telephone conversation after the meeting, a plea to two federal misdemeanors was never extended or meant as an offer. We also would reiterate that the agreement to Section 2255 liability applies to all of the minor girls identified during the federal investigation, not just the 12 that form the basis of an initial planned charging instrument. As you know, the ability to engage in flexible plea negotiations is dramatically changed upon the return of an indictment. Once an indictment is returned, the Office does not intend to file a Superseding Information containing a lesser charge or to dismiss the case in favor of state prosecution. 57 DOJ-OGR-00023095