DOJ memo concludes Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide and finds no evidence of a client list or broader blackmail operation.

DOJ Memo Addresses Epstein’s Death and Alleged Client List

A recently obtained Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI memo has concluded that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide and that no client list exists tying him to the exploitation of others. The internal two-page document, reviewed by federal authorities, states, "This systemic review revealed no incriminating ‘client list.’ There was also no credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals as part of his actions." The DOJ emphasized that investigators did not find sufficient grounds to pursue criminal charges against uncharged third parties.

The memo directly addresses public speculation about the existence of such a list. In February, Attorney General Pamela Bondi had suggested in a televised interview that a client list was "sitting on my desk," following a directive from President Trump. However, in recent press exchanges, White House officials clarified that Bondi’s comments referred to the totality of paperwork related to Epstein’s crimes, not a specific list of clients.

Investigation Finds No Foul Play in Epstein’s Death

The DOJ memo also reaffirms the official determination that Epstein’s 2019 death at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City was a suicide. "After a thorough investigation, FBI investigators concluded that Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City on August 10, 2019," the document notes.

This conclusion aligns with earlier findings by the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and the DOJ’s Office of the Inspector General. Security footage reviewed by the FBI further supported the determination, showing that no one entered the Special Housing Unit tier where Epstein’s cell was located from 10:40 p.m. on August 9, 2019, until 6:30 a.m. the following morning.

Epstein had previously been placed on suicide watch after being found with injuries in his cell but was removed from suicide watch days before his death. Surveillance video released by the DOJ showed the area outside his cell but did not capture him entering the cell at 10:40 p.m. The Inspector General’s report in 2023 emphasized that anyone entering the tier would have been recorded on camera.

No Further Evidence of Broader Trafficking Operation

Epstein, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution and was arrested again in 2019 for allegedly exploiting more than 250 underage girls, was connected to high-profile figures in politics and royalty. In 2022, Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years for her role in procuring minors for Epstein but the DOJ announcement on her sentencing made no mention of a broader trafficking network run by Epstein himself.

Requests for further comment from the DOJ and FBI regarding the memo were not immediately returned. The DOJ maintains that its investigation is consistent with all prior findings and continues to be committed to prosecuting those responsible for exploitation and abuse.