In a significant development, a recent investigation conducted by Inspector General Michael Horowitz found that severe mishandling by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) allowed Jeffrey Epstein to commit suicide while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The report painted a picture of negligence, misconduct, and performance failures that ultimately led to Epstein's death at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in Lower Manhattan, which has since closed.
Horowitz pointed out several systemic failures that facilitated Epstein's suicide on August 10, 2019. These include an unmonitored cell, flawed surveillance, and an excessive number of bed linens - which Epstein used to end his life. The report further indicated that the MCC had neglected to replace Epstein's previous cellmate and that chronic staffing shortages and burnout led to lax inmate supervision.
The inquiry by Horowitz singled out 13 BOP employees for poor job performance and recommended disciplinary action against six. Two correction officers - Nova Noel and Michael Thomas - who were on duty at the time of Epstein's suicide, have already been charged with falsifying logs. Instead of performing the required half-hourly checks on Epstein, they were allegedly asleep and engaged in online shopping.
Horowitz's report aligns with other investigations in dismissing conspiracy theories suggesting foul play in Epstein's death. Epstein, a multimillionaire, had been in MCC for over a month, and was under suicide watch for two weeks prior to his death following the discovery of self-inflicted injuries. His suicide robbed his victims, many underage at the time of abuse, of their chance to face him in court.
BOP spokesperson, Scott Taylor, said the agency had since implemented "several enhanced practices" in response to Epstein's suicide. These include surveillance video reviews, more regular inmate headcounts in restrictive housing units, and mandatory reports on solitary inmates. Further, any decision to place an inmate on suicide watch must now involve the warden, and all prison staff will undergo suicide prevention training.
"The BOP takes seriously our ability to protect and secure individuals in our custody while ensuring the safety of our correctional employees and the surrounding community," said Taylor. He added, "We make every effort to create a controlled environment within our facilities that is both secure and humane, prioritizing the physical and emotional well-being of those in our care and custody."