Acosta

Person
Mentions
475
Relationships
189
Events
247
Documents
232
Also known as:
U.S. Attorney Acosta

Relationship Network

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Interactive Network: Click nodes or edges to highlight connections and view details with action buttons. Drag nodes to reposition. Node size indicates connection count. Line color shows relationship strength: red (8-10), orange (6-7), yellow (4-5), gray (weak). Use legend and help buttons in the graph for more guidance.
189 total relationships
Connected Entity Relationship Type
Strength (mentions)
Documents Actions
person Villafaña
Business associate
22 Very Strong
22
View
person Sloman
Business associate
19 Very Strong
16
View
person Sloman
Professional
11 Very Strong
30
View
person Menchel
Professional
10 Very Strong
11
View
person Epstein
Professional
10 Very Strong
6
View
person Lourie
Professional
10 Very Strong
8
View
person Lefkowitz
Professional
10 Very Strong
8
View
person Villafaña
Professional
10 Very Strong
37
View
person Epstein
Prosecutor defendant
10 Very Strong
6
View
person Epstein
Legal representative
9 Strong
4
View
person Lourie
Business associate
9 Strong
5
View
person Villafaña
Subordinate supervisor
9 Strong
5
View
person OPR
Investigative
9 Strong
4
View
person Epstein
Adversarial prosecutor defendant
8 Strong
3
View
person Lefkowitz
Professional adversarial
8 Strong
4
View
person Epstein
Professional prosecutor defendant
8 Strong
4
View
person Starr
Professional
8 Strong
3
View
person Lefkowitz
Adversarial negotiating
7
3
View
person Kenneth Starr
Professional connection
7
1
View
person Sloman
Subordinate supervisor
6
2
View
person Jeffrey Epstein
Legal representative
6
2
View
person Jay Lefkowitz
Acquaintance
6
2
View
person Menchel
Subordinate supervisor
6
2
View
person Villafaña
Supervisory
6
2
View
location United States
Legal representative
6
1
View
Date Event Type Description Location Actions
N/A N/A OPR's criticism of Acosta's decision to approve the NPA and a specific provision within it, witho... N/A View
N/A N/A OPR investigation into email gaps, questioning Acosta and administrative staff. N/A View
N/A N/A Federal investigation resolved through a Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA). N/A View
N/A N/A Epstein's plea agreement and sentencing for an 18-month incarceration, reduced from a 'non-negoti... N/A View
N/A N/A OPR's investigation and report on Acosta's handling of the Epstein case, including the decision t... N/A View
N/A N/A Menchel made substantive changes to Villafaña's draft letter concerning Epstein's plea deal, incl... N/A View
N/A N/A Lourie informed Villafaña that Acosta did not want to pursue a Rule 11(c) plea. N/A View
N/A N/A Negotiation of plea deal to avoid federal sex trafficking charges for Epstein. N/A View
N/A N/A Negotiations regarding Epstein's case N/A View
N/A N/A Meeting involving Acosta, Menchel, Marie, and Andy N/A View
N/A N/A Investigation and management of Epstein's case suffered from absence of ownership and communicati... N/A View
N/A N/A Acosta's decision to resolve the matter through a state-based plea, interpreting state indictment... N/A View
N/A N/A Early meeting with Acosta, Sloman, and Menchel where Villafaña raised victim consultation issue a... N/A View
N/A N/A NPA negotiations and post-signing efforts by Epstein's counsel to challenge portions of the NPA. N/A View
N/A N/A Discussion between Acosta and OPR regarding his letter not being an 'inviting' Departmental review. N/A View
N/A N/A Federal investigation of Epstein resolved through a state-based plea and NPA. N/A View
N/A N/A Negotiation and approval of the NPA (Non-Prosecution Agreement). N/A View
N/A N/A Acosta provided 'thoughts' on the USAO's proposed 'hybrid' federal plea agreement to Lourie. N/A View
N/A N/A USAO investigation into Epstein, which ran for more than a year. N/A View
N/A N/A Decision-making process regarding a state-based resolution and a Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) ... N/A View
N/A N/A Breakfast meeting between Acosta and Lefkowitz N/A View
N/A N/A Prosecution of Epstein N/A View
N/A N/A Victim notification process regarding Epstein's case. N/A View
N/A N/A Trial considerations for Epstein case, including victim trauma and evidentiary challenges N/A View
N/A N/A Acosta reviewing and approving the final NPA (Non-Prosecution Agreement). N/A View

DOJ-OGR-00023129.tif

This document details negotiations and communications surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's guilty plea and the Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) addendum in late 2007. It highlights disagreements and strategies among prosecutors (Acosta, Sloman, Villafaña, Lourie) and defense counsel (Lefkowitz), including the postponement of Epstein's plea and concerns about Epstein's alleged attempts to discredit victims and influence the legal process. The text also includes Acosta's perspective on not dictating to the state attorney's office.

Report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023127.tif

This document details discussions and events surrounding the settlement process for victims related to Epstein. It highlights disagreements between Lefkowitz and Villafaña regarding victim communication and legal procedures, and records meetings and email exchanges between Acosta, Sloman, and Lefkowitz concerning an addendum to a Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) and a breakfast meeting in West Palm Beach in October 2007.

Report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023122.tif

This document details the finalization and signing of Jeffrey Epstein's Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) on September 24, 2007. It highlights the edits made by Acosta, including changes to Epstein's plea and sentencing requirements, and communications between various parties like Villafaña, Lourie, and Lefkowitz regarding the agreement's language and confidentiality. The document also notes the USAO's duty to redact protected information before disclosure.

Report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023120.tif

This document details communications and events surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's potential plea deal and sex offender registration in September 2007. It highlights objections from Sanchez and Lefkowitz to the registration requirement, citing a 'misunderstanding' at a prior meeting where prosecutors Krischer and Belohlavek initially stated the offense was not registrable. The document shows efforts by Epstein's defense to avoid registration and secure an 18-month federal camp sentence.

Report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023118.tif

This document details negotiations and internal communications surrounding a Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) related to Epstein, focusing on the involvement of Villafaña, Lefkowitz, Acosta, and Lourie. Key points include Villafaña's revised NPA which proposed a 30-month sentence for Epstein and included non-prosecution for co-conspirators, and a dispute with Lourie over the inclusion of an immigration waiver for Epstein's foreign national assistants. The document also touches on the USAO's general stance on immigration issues and the reluctance to charge Epstein's accomplices.

Report/memo excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023116.tif

This document excerpt details the breakdown of negotiations for a federal plea agreement for Epstein by September 20, 2007, shifting focus to a state-only resolution to which the defense wanted to avoid sexual offender registration. It describes communications between Villafaña, Lefkowitz, Acosta, Lourie, and Krischer regarding proposed plea terms, sentencing, and deadlines, highlighting Villafaña's firm stance against further delays and Epstein's apparent goal to avoid sexual offender registration.

Report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023115.tif

This document details ongoing negotiations and disagreements surrounding a federal plea agreement for Mr. Epstein in September 2007. It highlights the involvement of Assistant State Attorney Villafaña, who communicated with Belohlavek and sent revised agreements to Lefkowitz, and Acosta, who provided feedback on the USAO's 'hybrid' plea agreement to Lourie, emphasizing the trial team's support is crucial. A key point of contention was the change in offense description from solicitation of minors to forcing adults into prostitution, which made the agreement unacceptable to Villafaña.

Report excerpt / legal document
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023090.tif

This document details discussions and drafts surrounding a non-prosecution agreement for Epstein, focusing on victim compensation and the requirement for Epstein to register as a sex offender. It mentions key individuals like Acosta, Menchel, and Villafaña, and highlights changes made to Villafaña's initial draft before presentation to defense counsel. The text also references relevant legal statutes concerning civil remedies for victims of certain crimes and a memorandum from Acting Deputy Attorney General Craig S. Morford.

Report excerpt / legal document
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023094.tif

This document details changes made by Menchel to a draft letter by Villafaña regarding Jeffrey Epstein's potential plea deal, focusing on the shift from a federal plea to a state imprisonment term. It highlights the involvement of several individuals including Acosta, Sloman, and Lourie in discussions and decisions surrounding the Rule 11(c) plea, with an email from Villafaña to Sloman on September 6, 2007, suggesting Acosta's ultimate decision to nix the federal plea.

Report excerpt / legal document analysis
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023326.tif

This document details findings from an investigation by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) into email records related to the Epstein case. It covers email migration, an email gap in Acosta's inbox attributed to a technological error, and OPR's efforts to obtain email and calendar data from various Department of Justice entities, including the FBI, Criminal Division, CEOS, and the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, to reconstruct communications concerning the Epstein investigation.

Report section
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023325.tif

This document is a review of documents obtained by OPR from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida (USAO), the FBI, and other Department components related to the Epstein investigation and the CVRA litigation. It details the types of records reviewed, including emails, correspondence, and investigative materials, and notes a data gap in Acosta's email records.

Document review
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023322.tif

This document is an excerpt from an OPR report analyzing the handling of the federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. It concludes that former U.S. Attorney Acosta, while not committing professional misconduct, exercised 'poor judgment' in resolving the case through a Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) with a state-based plea, citing his failure to complete investigative steps and agreeing to problematic terms. The report states that Acosta's decision was not found to be based on corruption or Epstein's wealth, status, or associations.

Report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023320.tif

This document discusses issues related to victim communication and transparency surrounding the Epstein case, highlighting how the non-prosecution agreement (NPA) was kept secret, leading to victims feeling ignored and public criticism. It criticizes the USAO for not prioritizing victim communications and notes that decisions by Acosta, Sloman, and Villafaña contributed to these problems, emphasizing the need for more unified and transparent engagement with victims. OPR recognizes inconsistencies in communication between the FBI and USAO and suggests greater oversight in future cases involving multiple Department components.

Report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023315.tif

This document analyzes legal conduct related to the Epstein case, focusing on prosecutor Villafaña's alleged misrepresentations and omissions regarding a Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) to victims and attorney Edwards in early 2008. It discusses whether her actions violated Florida Rules of Professional Conduct (FRPC) concerning false statements and dishonest conduct, referencing the Eleventh Circuit's findings on the government's handling of victim notifications. The text cites several Florida Bar legal cases to support its analysis of attorney conduct and intent.

Legal analysis / report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023310.tif

This document details the Office of Professional Responsibility's (OPR) findings and criticisms regarding Acosta's handling of victim notification in the Epstein case. It focuses on Acosta's personal involvement in the notification process, his decision to defer responsibility to the State Attorney, and his failure to ensure victims were properly informed of Epstein's state court pleas, despite his staff's efforts. The document highlights the inadequate communication and coordination between the USAO, Acosta, and the State Attorney's Office concerning victim notification.

Report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023306.tif

This document, an excerpt from a legal report, discusses the handling of victim notification in the Jeffrey Epstein case, specifically focusing on the roles of Sloman, Villafaña, and PBPD Chief Reiter, and the subsequent review of prosecutor Acosta's actions by OPR. It analyzes whether federal victim notification laws (CVRA/VRRA) applied to state court proceedings and concludes that Acosta's deferral of victim notification to the State Attorney's Office did not constitute professional misconduct. Legal citations and quotes from individuals involved are provided to support the analysis.

Report excerpt / legal analysis
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023303.tif

This document analyzes Acosta's decision regarding victim notification in the Epstein case, concluding that while he didn't violate clear standards by deferring to state authorities, he exercised poor judgment by failing to ensure federal investigation victims were notified. The report details the USAO's initial stance, Epstein's attorneys' challenges in late 2007, and the subsequent decisions made by Acosta, including a strategic postponement of NPA notification based on Villafaña and case agents' concerns. OPR's findings were met with strong disagreement from Acosta regarding the applied standard.

Report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023301.tif

This document details investigative activities related to Jeffrey Epstein in late 2007 and 2008, focusing on Villafaña's role in preparing for a potential trial and federal charges, despite an existing Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA). It highlights efforts to identify new victims, revise prosecution strategies, and secure legal representation for victims, while also noting internal communications about the likelihood of charges and the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023297.tif

This document excerpt details discussions among USAO personnel regarding victim notification and consultation prior to the signing of a Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) on September 24, 2007. Key individuals like Villafaña, Sloman, Acosta, and Menchel debated the necessity of victim involvement, with some believing it was not required or that disclosures would be confidential, while concerns were raised about victims seeking damages from Epstein. The text highlights differing interpretations of CVRA obligations and internal communications leading up to the NPA.

Report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023296.tif

This document discusses the application of victim rights legislation (VRRA and CVRA) to the Epstein investigation, specifically focusing on victim notification and consultation. It details how the VRRA's provisions regarding victim services and notice may have applied to Epstein's case, and OPR's findings on whether the lack of victim consultation was intended to silence victims, highlighting conflicting recollections among individuals involved.

Report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023276.tif

This document details the process of victim notification following Jeffrey Epstein's plea agreement in July-August 2008. AUSA Villafaña played a central role, sending letters to victims, coordinating with the FBI, and proposing language for victim contact, while also addressing disputes over the final victim list with the defense counsel and her supervisors.

Report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023271.tif

This document excerpt details discussions and concerns surrounding victim notification and the handling of Jeffrey Epstein's case. Key figures like Sloman, Villafaña, and Acosta provided accounts to OPR regarding the federal plea process, communication between federal and state authorities, and the challenges of victim identification and notification, including a potential $150,000 payment for victims. The text also highlights discrepancies in victim counts and the impact of Epstein's defense team on inter-agency communications.

Report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023263.tif

This document details FBI interviews of Jeffrey Epstein's victims in early 2008, focusing on victim Wild's willingness to testify and confusion regarding the case's status. It also describes the emotional distress of other victims and communications between officials like Villafaña, Acosta, and Sloman regarding victim management and the difficulties of prosecution. The text references contemporary news articles about the case and highlights discrepancies in FBI reporting of victim interviews.

Report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023262.tif

This document details the efforts of FBI agent Villafaña, the FBI, and a CEOS Trial Attorney in organizing the case against Epstein and interviewing victims between January and May 2008. It describes an attorney's attempt to file civil litigation against Epstein and the reporting of a $50 million civil suit and an anticipated plea deal by the New York Post. The document also notes that the FBI and prosecutors interviewed additional victims and that an FBI report indicates a victim's belief that Epstein should be prosecuted.

Report excerpt
2025-11-20

DOJ-OGR-00023254.tif

This document excerpt details legal arguments and communications surrounding victim notification in the Epstein case in late 2007. It highlights disagreements between legal representatives (Starr, Lefkowitz) and the USAO (Acosta, Villafaña) regarding victim status, notification requirements, and the appropriate compensation mechanisms, with a specific focus on an individual referred to as 'Jane Doe #2' whose attorney was paid by Epstein.

Legal document / report excerpt
2025-11-20
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As Sender
95
As Recipient
63
Total
158

This has to stop

From: Acosta
To: Villafaña, Sloman

Acosta's email stating "Just read the letter" and outlining refusal to include a gag order provision and concerns about the agreement's purpose.

Email
N/A

No Subject

From: Acosta
To: Lefkowitz

Acosta's reply about being happy to talk but wanting [M]arie on the call to avoid undermining staff during negotiations and allowing interlocutory appeals.

Email
N/A

Victim notification, state vs. federal victims

From: Acosta
To: OPR

Acosta believed the state would notify victims and was unsure about overlap or list sharing with USAO.

Statement/interview
N/A

Emails relating to Epstein matter

From: Acosta
To: Sloman

Acosta instructed Sloman to stop copying him on emails relating to the Epstein matter due to potential conflict of interest.

Instruction
N/A

Reiterating concerns with § 2255 provision

From: Lefkowitz
To: Acosta

Lefkowitz sent a second letter to Acosta, asserting the § 2255 provision was 'inherently flawed and becoming truly unmanageable'.

Letter
N/A

USAO's concern about Epstein's delays

From: Lefkowitz
To: Acosta

Lefkowitz sent a follow-up letter to Acosta asserting that Epstein was intentionally delaying plea entry and that defense counsel was making efforts to resolve issues.

Letter
N/A

Management awareness of victim notifications

From: Acosta
To: OPR

Acosta stated he's unaware of victim notifications rising to management level.

Discussion
N/A

No Subject

From: Acosta
To: OPR

Acosta told OPR about discussions with senior managers regarding victim credibility, reluctance to testify, and evidentiary strength, and his belief that a trial would pose challenges.

Interview
N/A

Addendum Language

From: Acosta
To: Sloman

Immediately after a breakfast meeting, Acosta phoned Sloman regarding the Addendum language.

Phone call
N/A

Issues regarding the Agreement

From: Acosta
To: Department Headquarters

Acosta's letter concluded on NPA negotiations and post-signing efforts. It expressed surprise at a letter to Department Headquarters raising issues already resolved or not raised previously to his office.

Letter
N/A

No Subject

From: Starr and Lefkowitz
To: Acosta

Response to Acosta's letter, with copies to Sloman and Assistant Attorney General Fisher, on the day after Acosta's letter was received.

Correspondence
N/A

Thoughts on USAO's 'hybrid' federal plea agreement

From: Acosta
To: Lourie

Acosta commented that the USAO's proposed 'hybrid' federal plea agreement seemed 'very straightforward' and that they were 'not changing our standard charging language.' He also stated he didn't typically sign plea agreements and that this shouldn't be the first, emphasizing that the USAO should only proceed if the trial team supports it.

Internal communication / thoughts
N/A

No Subject

From: Villafaña
To: Acosta

Villafaña included Acosta directly in emails, but often information traveled through multiple layers.

Email
N/A

Substantive case details

From: Unknown
To: Acosta

Acosta was copied on many substantive emails.

Emails
N/A

Breakfast meeting follow-up

From: Acosta
To: Sloman

Acosta phoned Sloman regarding the meeting.

Call
N/A

Plea Postponement

From: Lefkowitz
To: Acosta

Request to postpone plea from Oct 26 to Nov 20 due to scheduling conflict.

Email
N/A

Potential Defense Appeal

From: Acosta
To: Assistant Attorney Gen...

Notified that defense might appeal to her and asked her to grant expedited review to preserve plea date

Notification
N/A

Management decisions

From: Acosta
To: OPR

Discussed reliance on team and evidentiary strength.

Interview
N/A

Court Order regarding withheld information

From: Judge William J. Zloch
To: Acosta

Judge Zloch copied Acosta on an order criticizing the US Attorney's Office for withholding information.

Court order / notification
N/A

State notification of victims

From: Acosta
To: OPR

Acosta stated he believed the state would notify victims.

Interview
N/A

Epstein Case Handling

From: Acosta
To: OPR

Acosta explained his reasoning for the plea deal, citing witness issues, legal issues, and the preference for state resolution.

Interview/testimony
N/A

Management oversight

From: Acosta
To: OPR

Stated he was unaware of notifications and assumed it didn't rise to management level.

Interview / statement
N/A

Investigation into Epstein case handling

From: Acosta
To: OPR

Acosta explained his reasoning regarding the Petite policy and state vs federal jurisdiction.

Interview
N/A

Decision Making

From: Acosta
To: OPR

Acosta confirmed he endorsed the resolution and viewed the federal role as a backstop.

Interview
N/A

Sentence reduction

From: Acosta
To: OPR

Acosta told OPR he understood his attorneys needed flexibility to reach a final deal.

Conversation
N/A

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