Dismaying email exchanges between ex-JP Morgan executive Jes Staley and the infamous Jeffrey Epstein shed light on their substantial rapport, as per information obtained by Entertainment Times.
Staley, now 66, cultivated a significant affiliation with Epstein, the now-deceased financier mired in scandal, during his stint at JP Morgan. The magnitude of this association led to Staley stepping down from his role as CEO of Barclays in 2021 following intense scrutiny of his ties to Epstein. Epstein, awaiting trial on charges of minor sex trafficking, committed suicide in his Manhattan prison cell in 2019.
Initiating his career with JP Morgan in the early 90s, Staley remained a pivotal executive for over three decades before his exit in 2013.
Within his tenure at JP Morgan, Staley formed a robust friendship with Epstein and was frequently seen at his diverse properties, including Epstein's notorious Caribbean private island and his townhouse in Manhattan.
In correspondence reported by Bloomberg, Staley showed a preference for Epstein's island, suggesting a wish to retire there. The emails also revealed Staley was aware of Epstein's company of suspiciously young women from as early as 2006. In one email to Mary Erodes, then a senior executive at JP Morgan's private bank, Staley made a jocular comment about age disparities at a Huggy Bear concert he attended. "The age difference between husbands and wives would have fit in well with Jeffrey. What a joke," stated Staley.
Staley frequently extended his support to Epstein amidst his ongoing legal battles. After Epstein's 2008 guilty plea in a Florida court for procuring an underage individual for prostitution, Staley reached out to his friend. "I miss you," he wrote to Epstein. "The world is a tough place. Hang in there." Staley's admiration for Epstein seemed unshaken despite Epstein's criminal past and allegations.
Staley's relationship with Epstein continued to serve both parties, as Staley recommended JP Morgan to continue considering Epstein as a client. Between 2009 and 2015, Staley and Epstein met no fewer than 60 times at Epstein's diverse properties.
Even after Epstein was mandated to register as a sex offender in 2011, Staley expressed gratitude for their friendship. "Deby and I were talking tonight about what you have meant to me and to Alexa," Staley said, implying that Epstein may have assisted his daughter's entry into Columbia University.
"You have paid a price for what has been accused. But we know what u have done for us. And we count you as one of our deepest friends. And most honest of people," Staley concluded.