The Guards on Duty
On the night of August 9-10, 2019, two correctional officers were responsible for checking on Epstein in MCC’s Special Housing Unit: Tova Noel, 31, and Michael Thomas, 41. Both were charged with falsifying prison records in November 2019.
What They Were Charged With
Both were charged with falsifying prison records (logging checks never conducted) and conspiracy to defraud the United States. The government alleged they were sleeping and browsing the internet while Epstein should have been checked every 30 minutes.
Context: What Made His Situation Unusual
Epstein had been placed on suicide watch July 23 following an incident in his cell. He was removed from suicide watch July 29 — 11 days before death. His cellmate was removed shortly before his death, leaving him alone against standard protocol.
Charges Dropped
In May 2021, a federal judge dismissed charges after the DOJ agreed to a deferred prosecution agreement. Both guards completed community service. Victims’ advocates criticized the outcome as insufficient.