Epstein Paid $350,000 to Possible Witnesses Against Him, Prosecutors Say – The New York Times

The lawyers also proposed that he would pay for round-the-clock security guards to ensure he did not flee. They said he would wear an ankle bracelet that monitors his location, surrender his passport and ground his jet.

The lawyers cited what they called Mr. Epstein’s “spotless 14-year record of walking the straight and narrow, complemented by an exemplary 10-year history of diligent sex offender registration and reporting” as compelling proof that he was able to “conform his conduct to the law’s dictates.”

But in their response on Friday, prosecutors said there had been “extensive allegations of obstruction and tampering” in connection with civil lawsuits brought against Mr. Epstein following his conviction in Florida.

“Epstein’s efforts to influence witnesses continue to this day,” the prosecutors said.

The evidence of the payments, which were sent from a trust account Mr. Epstein controlled, was contained in records obtained by the government from a financial institution identified only as “Institution-1,” the memorandum said.

The prosecutors, in asking Judge Richard M. Berman of Federal District Court to deny Mr. Epstein’s bail request, offered new information about his holdings. They described him as “extravagantly wealthy,” saying he was worth more than $500 million and earned at least $10 million per year, according to the records.

Mr. Epstein faces up to 45 years in prison if he is convicted of sex-trafficking and conspiracy charges, and the long sentence, the government argued, provided a motive for him to flee.

“There would be little to stop the defendant from fleeing, transferring his unknown assets abroad, and then continuing to do whatever it is he does to earn his vast wealth from a computer terminal beyond the reach of extradition,” the prosecutors wrote.