The Bail Application
Epstein’s attorneys filed an extraordinary bail application when he was arrested in July 2019. The application offered:
- million personal recognizance bond
- Security of all real estate
- 24-hour home confinement with electronic monitoring
- Private security guards at his own expense
Judge Berman’s Reasoning
The Honorable Richard M. Berman denied bail on two separate occasions. His reasoning:
- Epstein had the means and ability to flee substantial cash, properties in foreign jurisdictions, private aircraft
- The charges were extremely serious
- He was facing potential decades of imprisonment
- Electronic monitoring could not adequately manage flight risk for someone of his means
The Private Jet Issue
Epstein owned a Boeing 727 a large international-capable aircraft. The judge found that electronic anklet monitoring was meaningless when the defendant could board his own aircraft and leave at will.
The Second Denial
After the first denial, Epstein’s lawyers returned with a modified proposal. Judge Berman again denied bail, finding the modifications insufficient.
The Result
Epstein remained detained at MCC from July 6, 2019 until his death on August 10, 2019 a total of 34 days.