Relationship Details

Acosta Business associate Villafaña

Connected Entities

Entity A
Acosta
Type: person
Mentions: 475
Also known as: U.S. Attorney Acosta
Entity B
Villafaña
Type: person
Mentions: 551

Evidence

They worked on the same prosecution team. Acosta urged Villafaña to continue negotiations when Villafaña recommended stopping, and Acosta edited the plea agreement that Villafaña then sent to the defense.

Acosta directed Villafaña; Villafaña emailed Acosta.

They are listed together as government officials who made decisions regarding victim consultation in the Epstein case.

Villafaña forwarded an external email to Acosta for awareness and guidance, and Acosta provided direction on how to handle the matter, suggesting a call to finalize strategy.

Acosta is copied on an email where Villafaña thanks him for his 'support,' and Acosta directs negotiations to Villafaña (as an AUSA), suggesting a supervisory or senior role for Acosta.

They worked together at the USAO on the Epstein case. Acosta had previously instructed Villafaña on aspects of the NPA negotiations.

Villafaña sent an email to Acosta providing a detailed update on the status of the Epstein plea negotiations, indicating they are on the same prosecution team.

Villafaña reports to Acosta via email about the status of the case and takes direction from him regarding communications with the defense.

Both identified as federal prosecutors who tried to keep Epstein's crimes out of the public eye.

Listed together as decision makers contributing to problems.

Villafaña faced negotiation problems with Lourie, continued negotiating with Acosta/Sloman/Lefkowitz, instructed by Acosta regarding NPA language.

Villafaña also raised with Acosta... the question whether...

Villafaña and others were involved in the legal matter alongside Acosta, lacking experience in state court system.

OPR concludes that neither Villafaña, Sloman, nor Acosta was responsible for FBI letters.

Villafaña advocated to end negotiations Acosta was pursuing; Villafaña included Acosta in emails; information traveled through multiple layers between them.

Negotiated NPA.

Villafaña told OPR that she and Acosta 'understood that the state would notify the state victims'.

OPR considered whether Acosta, Sloman, Menchel, Lourie, or Villafaña failed to comply with professional ethics standards.

Decisions made by Acosta, Sloman, and Villafaña contributed to the problems.

Participated in a discussion together.

Villafaña raised issue with supervisors (Acosta among them); Acosta had no recollection.

Both are USAO representatives, present at the meeting.

Source Documents (22)

DOJ-OGR-00021484.jpg

DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) Report • 1010 KB
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This page from a DOJ OPR report criticizes the USAO and FBI for their lack of coordination and transparency in communicating with victims during the Epstein investigation, specifically regarding the Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA). It notes that the failure to inform victims created a public perception of collusion and ignored the victims' rights under the recently passed CVRA. The report highlights contradictory communications sent to victims, including instances where the FBI stated the case was under investigation while the USAO stated it was resolved via a state guilty plea.

DOJ-OGR-00023137.tif

Report Excerpt • 62.4 KB
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This document details interactions between Jeffrey Epstein's defense team and the USAO in late 2007, focusing on submissions, a key meeting in Miami on December 14, 2007, and the defense's threat to pursue a Department of Justice review. The discussions revolved around defense complaints, a proposed revised indictment, and a new argument by Epstein's attorneys regarding the applicability of the state charge he agreed to plead guilty to. The document also highlights the USAO's internal review processes and Acosta's communication with Assistant Attorney General Fisher regarding the case.

DOJ-OGR-00023271.tif

Report Excerpt • 65.5 KB
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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.

DOJ-OGR-00023175.tif

Report Excerpt • 77 KB
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This document is an excerpt from a report by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) analyzing former U.S. Attorney Acosta's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. It details OPR's findings that Acosta's decision to approve a non-prosecution agreement (NPA) requiring Epstein to plead guilty to state charges, resulting in an 18-month sentence, did not violate any clear and unambiguous standards or constitute professional misconduct, despite OPR criticizing certain decisions made during the investigation.

DOJ-OGR-00023296.tif

Report Excerpt • 82 KB
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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.

DOJ-OGR-00021191.jpg

Unknown type • 772 KB
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This document is a table of contents from a legal filing, detailing the timeline of plea negotiations in the Jeffrey Epstein case from July to September 2007. It outlines key events, including meetings between the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO), the FBI, and Epstein's defense team, and chronicles the evolution of the plea agreement terms, such as the reduction of the proposed incarceration period. The document highlights the roles of specific attorneys, including Acosta, Villafaña, and Lourie, in the negotiation process.

DOJ-OGR-00023221.tif

Report Excerpt • 78.8 KB
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This document is an excerpt from a report by OPR detailing issues with the handling of the Epstein case, specifically focusing on Acosta's role. It highlights Acosta's decision-making, his perceived distance from the details of the case, and communication failures among key participants like Villafaña, Lourie, and Menchel. The report suggests Acosta's actions were driven by concerns about state authority interference, rather than an intent to benefit Epstein.

DOJ-OGR-00023129.tif

Report Excerpt • 76.7 KB
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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.

DOJ-OGR-00023320.tif

Report Excerpt • 77.7 KB
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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.

DOJ-OGR-00023276.tif

Report Excerpt • 61.3 KB
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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.

DOJ-OGR-00023204.tif

Report Excerpt • 83.5 KB
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This document, an excerpt from a report, analyzes the non-prosecution provision within Jeffrey Epstein's Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA), specifically examining whether key individuals (Villafaña, Lourie, Acosta) acted to improperly protect Epstein's associates. It details the evolution of the provision's language, from a narrow defense request to a broad clause covering 'potential co-conspirators of Epstein,' and notes the limited internal discussion within the USAO regarding its implications. The report concludes that emails and records do not establish improper favoritism but highlight a lack of substantive debate on the provision's broad scope.

DOJ-OGR-00023225.tif

Report Excerpt • 71.7 KB
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This document is an excerpt from a report analyzing the handling of a case involving Epstein, focusing on decisions made by U.S. Attorney Acosta. It critiques Acosta's judgment and the flawed decision-making process that led to a Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA), which allowed Epstein to manipulate the system to his benefit and left victims and the public questioning justice. The OPR concludes that Acosta exercised poor judgment in his approach to the case.

DOJ-OGR-00023315.tif

Legal Analysis / Report Excerpt • 74.5 KB
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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.

DOJ-OGR-00003281.jpg

Unknown type • 1.04 MB
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This document, part of a legal case filed in 2021, details communications and negotiations from September 2007 concerning a potential plea deal for Mr. Epstein. It highlights discussions among various legal professionals regarding charges, sexual offender registration, and the scope of a Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA). A key aspect is the USAO's agreement, as part of a draft NPA, not to criminally charge Epstein's female assistants, employees of his corporate entity, and 'potential co-conspirators' in an ongoing federal investigation.

DOJ-OGR-00003293.jpg

legal document • 1.12 MB
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This document, a page from a legal filing, details the contentious negotiations between federal prosecutors (led by Acosta) and Jeffrey Epstein's defense counsel (Lefkowitz) regarding an addendum to a Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) in October 2007. It describes the defense's successful request to postpone Epstein's state guilty plea and the prosecution's growing frustration with the defense for revisiting settled issues. The prosecutors also express suspicion that the defense's delay tactics were motivated by a new civil lawsuit filed against Epstein in New York.

DOJ-OGR-00021283.jpg

legal document • 827 KB
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This legal document details the negotiations for a Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) for Epstein. It shows Epstein's attorney, Lefkowitz, arguing against certain terms and proposing alternatives to prosecutors Acosta, Lourie, and Villafaña. The document includes a direct email from Lefkowitz to Acosta questioning the rejection of a plea deal and concludes with the defense introducing a confidentiality clause into the NPA for the first time.

DOJ-OGR-00021483.jpg

Unknown type • 1.09 MB
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This legal document details an Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) investigation into the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, specifically the failure of government officials Villafaña, Acosta, and Sloman to consult with victims before or after signing a Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA). The OPR found that while the officials' actions were not intended to protect Epstein, their decision to withhold information from victims—stemming from a concern about creating impeachment evidence for a potential trial—was flawed and negatively impacted the victims' sense of fairness. The document highlights the experience of victim Wild, who felt misled, and notes that a more straightforward approach with victims would have been better practice.

DOJ-OGR-00021272.jpg

Unknown type • 866 KB
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This legal document from a court filing details plea negotiations concerning Jeffrey Epstein on September 18, 2007. Prosecutor Villafaña rejected a proposal from Epstein's attorney, Lefkowitz, for a 12-month sentence, insisting the U.S. Attorney required at least 18 months. The document includes a detailed email from Villafaña to her colleagues outlining the stalled negotiations and subsequent discussions with Lefkowitz about an alternative plea structure involving two separate charges.

DOJ-OGR-00023297.tif

Report Excerpt • 75.5 KB
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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.

HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_021737.jpg

Investigative Report / News Article (Evidence in House Oversight investigation) • 2.74 MB
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This document, likely an excerpt from a report or article submitted to the House Oversight Committee, details the prosecutorial misconduct surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case. It contrasts a previous case (McDaniel) where prosecutors were criticized for lack of candor with the Epstein negotiations in September 2007, where prosecutors Villafaña and Acosta actively worked to hide the scope of Epstein's crimes from the judge and the public. It highlights an email where Villafaña explicitly states she prefers not to highlight other crimes or potential co-defendants to the judge during sentencing.

DOJ-OGR-00021407.jpg

Unknown type • 1000 KB
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This document details communications from September 2007 concerning a Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA). Case Agent Villafaña, prosecutors Acosta and Lourie, and defense attorney Lefkowitz discussed how to handle the NPA's disclosure, with a focus on preventing it from becoming public while navigating legal requirements and informing victims. Villafaña also attempted to coordinate the appointment of an attorney representative for the victims and sought guidance on what information could be shared with them and other agents.

DOJ-OGR-00021279.jpg

Unknown type • 934 KB
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This legal document details plea negotiations in the case against Mr. Epstein on and around September 21, 2007. It reveals intense back-and-forth communication between prosecutors (Acosta, Villafaña, Lourie) and defense attorneys (Lefkowitz, Sanchez) over critical terms, including whether Epstein would have to register as a sex offender and the scope of a non-prosecution agreement for his alleged co-conspirators. The document highlights internal prosecution strategies and their dismissive view of some members of Epstein's legal team.

Mutual Connections

Entities connected to both Acosta and Villafaña

Lefcourt (person)
OPR (person)
MR. EPSTEIN (person)
Andy (person)
Menchel (person)
Epstein (person)
USAO (organization)
Lourie (person)
Lefkowitz (person)
Chief Reiter (person)

Acosta's Other Relationships

Business associate Sloman
Strength: 19/10 View
Professional Sloman
Strength: 11/10 View
Prosecutor defendant Epstein
Strength: 10/10 View
Professional Epstein
Strength: 10/10 View
Professional Lefkowitz
Strength: 10/10 View

Villafaña's Other Relationships

Business associate Sloman
Strength: 22/10 View
Business associate Lourie
Strength: 19/10 View
Business associate Menchel
Strength: 14/10 View
Professional Sloman
Strength: 11/10 View
Professional Lourie
Strength: 10/10 View

Relationship Metadata

Type
Business associate
Relationship Strength
22/10
Strong relationship with substantial evidence
Source Documents
22
Extracted
2025-11-20 14:32
Last Updated
2025-12-26 15:25

Entity Network Stats

Acosta 189 relationships
Villafaña 267 relationships
Mutual connections 10

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