HOW TO THINK ABOUT IT Money matters. Questions remain about how Epstein amassed his wealth — he recently listed assets worth $559 million, though without independent verification — and about his connections in the world of finance. For instance, both JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank reportedly kept servicing Epstein’s fortune — even after internal warnings that legal trouble could result. Among those who did sever ties with Epstein after his first charge of sexual misconduct in 2006 was Leslie Wexner, CEO of Victoria’s Secret parent company L Brands, and whose money Epstein managed for years. While Wexner claims the financier stole “vast sums” of cash, he never pressed charges. But in 2011, $56 million from an Epstein-linked trust showed up in the account of Wexner’s charitable fund, according to The New York Times. So far, the 81-year-old hasn’t answered any questions about it. Back in 2002, one insider called their ties “a weird relationship,” adding that it was strange Wexner entrusted such a low-profile money manager with so much cash. Suspicious socialite. Fresh attention has also fallen on British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell (pictured), who’s been described variously as Epstein’s assistant, lover and best friend. Whatever their relationship, the Oxford-educated Maxwell, 57, is believed to have played a leading part in his criminal exploits. Just hours before his death, her name cropped up in newly released court documents suggesting she’d helped coordinate his sex trafficking operation. “We can train you,” she’s alleged to have told a minor she recruited. “We can get you educated.” But Maxwell also appears elusive: Her whereabouts are currently unknown. Legal means. Epstein’s death complicates the restitution process in the federal case against him because it makes the criminal forfeiture of his assets technically impossible, experts say. A civil forfeiture case might still be possible, and indeed it’s been done before: The Department of Justice did the same in 2007 after disgraced Enron CEO Kenneth Lay died. Meanwhile, at least some of his accusers — distraught as they may be over the lack of justice — are pushing forward with legal cases against Epstein’s estate, which includes a $77 million New York City mansion and an island in the Caribbean. While the fact that he’s dead could prove to be an obstacle because he’s not around to defend himself, that hasn’t dampened the survivors’ drive. “We're just getting started," said the attorney for several of them. Grassy knoll. There are also multiple investigations into what exactly happened to Epstein, with Attorney General William Barr on Monday saying he “was appalled ... and frankly, angry” at the jail’s lapses. Given the powerful men whom Epstein was tied to — from President Donald Trump to former President Bill Clinton — his death let loose a flood of conspiracy theories on the internet. Trump himself fanned the flames by retweeting an unfounded theory connecting Clinton to Epstein’s death. New York City’s top medical examiner, Barbara Sampson, is awaiting “further information” after conducting an autopsy. Forensic pathologist Michael Baden — who often investigates high-profile deaths — witnessed Sampson’s autopsy and is conducting an inquiry of his own on behalf of Epstein’s representatives. |
