Mystery Figure Detected Near Epstein Cell Hours Preceding His Death
Documents released within a massive trove exceeding 3 million Epstein-connected files show investigators examining video from New York's Metropolitan Correctional Center spotted an orange-hued figure advancing toward Epstein's secluded L Tier around 10.39 pm (0339GMT) on August 9, 2019—mere hours before his lifeless body was discovered.
An FBI memorandum entry recorded: "A flash of orange looks to be going up the L Tier stairs — could possibly be an inmate escorted up to that Tier."
Interpretations diverged sharply among federal entities.
While an FBI log characterized the indistinct image as "possibly an inmate," the Justice Department's Office of Inspector General determined it might represent "an unidentified [corrections officer]" or an individual transporting prisoner bedding.
The inspector general's conclusive report stated: "At approximately 10.39 pm, an unidentified CO appeared to walk up the L Tier stairway, and then reappeared within view of the camera at 10.41 pm (0341GMT)."
'He's only person in there': deputy FBI director
Prior official evaluations had firmly maintained no individual accessed Epstein's confinement tier throughout that evening. Former deputy FBI director Dan Bongino declared in an interview: "There's video clear as day, he's the only person in there and the only person coming out. You can see it."
CBS News, which previously examined the recording alongside independent specialists, noted the motion seemed more aligned with a prisoner or someone dressed in orange institutional clothing, compounding inconsistencies between footage analyses and public declarations.
The recently disclosed materials additionally illuminate circumstances within the Special Housing Unit (SHU) holding Epstein.
Inmate interviews described rampant narcotics activity, while two assigned guards, Tova Noel and Ghitto Bonhomme, admitted monitoring failures. Noel reported Bonhomme dozed during portions of the shift, and investigators determined mandatory prisoner tallies and 30-minute welfare inspections went unfulfilled overnight.
Both officers subsequently faced charges for record falsification, though prosecutors abandoned prosecution in return for their cooperation.
No precise time of death
Epstein's remains were located shortly past 6.30 am (1130GMT) on August 10, 2019, with authorities declaring the death self-inflicted, although no exact death time was determined. Under interrogation, officer Michael Thomas stated he discovered Epstein suspended and "ripped" him down, yet noted: "I don't recall taking the noose off. I really don't."
The restraint purportedly employed was never conclusively pinpointed, and the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner indicated the surveillance recording proved insufficiently clear for identifying persons.
The surfacing information, partially documented by CBS News and included within newly released federal materials, has reignited examination of investigative findings and the chronology encompassing Epstein's terminal hours.
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