The Bail Hearings
Epstein’s arrest on July 6, 2019 triggered two bail hearings before U.S. District Judge Richard Berman in the Southern District of New York.
The Defense Offer
Epstein’s legal team, led by Marc Agnifilo, offered what at the time was described as one of the largest bail packages in U.S. history:
- A million bail bond
- His Manhattan townhouse (valued at ~) as collateral
- Electronic ankle monitoring
- Restrictions on his private aircraft
- Surrender of travel documents
The Government’s Arguments
SDNY prosecutors argued Epstein should be detained for two independent reasons:
1. Flight Risk
- His 23 private aircraft were fueled and available for immediate departure
- He possessed foreign bank accounts in multiple jurisdictions
- A fake Austrian passport (discovered in 1997) bearing his photo under a Saudi address was found
- His estate meant no bail amount would deter him
2. Danger to the Community
- Epstein had used cash payments to witnesses and victims to influence prior proceedings
- The recording equipment found in his home suggested capacity to intimidate
- His pattern of conduct showed he continued offending even after his 2008 conviction
Judge Berman’s Rulings
Berman denied bail on July 18, 2019, and again denied a renewed motion in late July/early August 2019. He concluded that no combination of conditions could adequately protect the community or ensure appearance at trial.
The Outcome
Epstein remained detained at MCC New York from his arrest until his death on August 10, 2019a period of roughly five weeks.