The Department of Justice has asked a federal judge to block NBC News from publishing the names of two Jeffrey Epstein associates who allegedly received six-figure payments from the disgraced financier in 2018 — transfers prosecutors say may have been aimed at influencing potential witnesses.
Court filings show one associate received $100,000 and another $250,000 from a trust controlled by Epstein. Prosecutors alleged the transfers were timed to influence potential witnesses amid renewed allegations.
NBC reported that prosecutors identified one recipient as an employee accused of arranging encounters with underage victims at Epstein’s homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach. Prosecutors characterized the transfers as possible witness-tampering.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, earlier DOJ disclosures included flight logs and contact lists documenting Epstein’s extensive travels. A March 2001 log listed Bill Gates on a flight from Teterboro to Palm Beach, while multiple 2002 entries showed former President Bill Clinton traveling with aide Doug Band. The records also contained Epstein’s “Phone Message Book,” which, despite heavy redactions, revealed high-profile names such as attorney Alan Dershowitz and media contacts.
Epstein’s controversial 2008 non-prosecution agreement with federal prosecutors in Florida shielded him and certain associates from additional charges — a deal widely criticized as overly lenient.
The DOJ has not responded to The Dallas Express’ request for comment.
