Alan Dershowitz

Alan Dershowitz is a prominent Harvard Law School professor emeritus and criminal defense attorney who served as legal counsel for Jeffrey Epstein during Epstein's 2006-2008 Florida criminal case and continued advising him in subsequent litigation. The archive documents 216 emails between 2009 and 2019, which reveal extensive legal strategy coordination with Epstein's defense team. Dershowitz was himself accused of sexual misconduct by Virginia Giuffre (formerly Virginia Roberts) in a 2015 federal court filing, alleging she was trafficked to him as a minor. Giuffre's amended complaint alleged that "between 2000 and 2002, Defendant sexually abused Plaintiff on numerous occasions, including at least once in New York" and that she "had sex with Dershowitz at least 6 times, aged 16-19." In November 2022, Giuffre dropped her lawsuit and said in a joint statement: "I now recognize I may have made a mistake in identifying Mr. Dershowitz." Dershowitz said he had "come to believe that at the time she accused me she believed what she said."

These allegations were the subject of protracted litigation, including mutual defamation lawsuits between Dershowitz and Giuffre's attorneys Bradley Edwards and Paul Cassell. Edwards and Cassell initially included sexual misconduct allegations against Dershowitz in a federal court filing; Dershowitz counter-sued for defamation. In a 2016 settlement, Edwards and Cassell withdrew their allegations, stating "it was a mistake to have filed sexual misconduct accusations against Dershowitz," while Dershowitz withdrew his accusations that they had acted unethically. Dershowitz has categorically and repeatedly denied all allegations of sexual misconduct.

A second accuser, Sarah Ransome, also alleged that Epstein trafficked her to Dershowitz. In a March 2, 2019 tweet quoted in Giuffre's amended complaint, Dershowitz referenced Ransome's allegations while denying them, calling her a "perjuring accuser" and stating that she "reported that Epstein lent her out to Defendant for sex at the same time as Defendant was, at Epstein's request, representing Ransome as her lawyer." Dershowitz has denied Ransome's allegations.

Background#

Alan Morton Dershowitz is a prominent American lawyer, legal scholar, and political commentator who taught at Harvard Law School from 1964 to 2013. He became a full professor at age 28, one of the youngest in Harvard's history, and specialized in constitutional law, criminal law, and civil liberties. Dershowitz gained national prominence through his involvement in high-profile criminal cases, including his work on the defense teams for Claus von Bulow, O.J. Simpson, Mike Tyson, and numerous other celebrity clients. He is a prolific author of books on law, politics, and Jewish affairs, and has been a frequent media commentator on legal issues.

Dershowitz's connection to Jeffrey Epstein first became public through his representation of Epstein during the 2006-2008 Florida criminal investigation and prosecution. Court documents show Dershowitz was part of Epstein's legal "dream team" that negotiated the controversial non-prosecution agreement with then-U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta. In 2019, the Miami Herald's investigation into the Acosta plea deal brought renewed scrutiny to Dershowitz's role, winning a Hillman Prize for journalism.

Introduction to Epstein

Dershowitz testified in his 2016 deposition that he was first introduced to Epstein by Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild: "I remember that the Lady Rothschild asked me to meet Jeffrey Epstein, and when Jeffrey Epstein came to meet me, he was with Ghislaine Maxwell." Dershowitz also stated: "I wrote an article about her father's death years ago," referring to Robert Maxwell.

Following this introduction, Dershowitz testified that "I then flew with Jeffrey Epstein to Leslie Wexner's 59th birthday. I was presented to Leslie Wexner. Leslie would like to get as birthday gifts interesting people that his friends had met during the year, and so I was Jeffrey Epstein's intellectual gift to Leslie Wexner." This characterization reveals the nature of Dershowitz's early social relationship with Epstein and establishes connections to Epstein's primary financial patron.

Flights on Epstein's aircraft#

The archive contains pilot logbook pages, U.S. Customs records, and FBI interview transcripts that document Dershowitz as a passenger on Epstein's private aircraft between 1997 and 2006. The primary flight records come from pilot David Rodgers's handwritten logbook pages for aircraft N908JE (Boeing 727) and N909JE (Gulfstream G-1159B), both registered to Hyperion Air Inc., an Epstein-controlled entity.

In his 2016 deposition, Dershowitz acknowledged flying on Epstein's plane at least once, testifying about the Wexner birthday trip. When questioned about flight logs, Dershowitz stated: "What we have here is only the fraction of flights where Dave Rogers was one of the pilots. Can you help us get the flight logs from Larry Visosky..." He responded: "I would love to. It would all show that I wasn't on the plane."

Documented flight legs

The following table compiles every identified flight leg listing Dershowitz as a passenger. Dates are approximate where the handwritten logbook is ambiguous. "JE" = Jeffrey Epstein; "LV" = Larry Visoski (co-pilot); "AD" = Alan Dershowitz.

The December 1997 flights are the earliest documented. Per Dershowitz's own account in a Gawker article preserved in the archive: "It was just before Les Wexner's 60th birthday. My first substantive contact with him was to fly with him to Les Wexner's house to attend dinner with Shimon Peres and John Glenn." The flight to Columbus, Ohio with Senator John Glenn confirms this account.

The November 2005 Montreal trip is the most extensively documented. Three flight legs on the same day show Dershowitz picked up from Bedford (near Harvard), flown to Montreal and back, then continuing to Teterboro with Epstein and a woman identified as "Tatianna." A Gawker summary noted: "a 2005 trip from Massachusetts to Montreal shows him traveling with Epstein, 'Tatianna,' and others." Dershowitz's wife does not appear in any of the flight logs.

U.S. Customs record

A TECS II (U.S. Customs) record independently confirms the November 2005 Montreal return flight:

This is a government customs filing, not a pilot's handwritten note. It is the most authoritative record placing Dershowitz on Epstein's aircraft.

FBI interview with pilot David Rodgers

Pilot David Rodgers was interviewed by the FBI on February 7, 2020 (17-page typed 302) with 30 pages of handwritten notes. Rodgers told the FBI that in the late 1990s, Epstein's planes almost never flew without Epstein aboard, with one exception: "96, 97, 98 — if JE not on flight, it not going w/ few exceptions — go Bedford, pick up A. Dershowitz." The typed FBI 302 records: "In 1996, 1997, 1998, if EPSTEIN was not on the flight, the plane was not being flown with a few exceptions. RODGERS flew to Bedford to pick up ALAN DERSHOWITZ."

This means that during this period, the plane was dispatched specifically to pick up Dershowitz from Bedford/Hanscom Field, near Harvard, even when Epstein himself was not aboard. Rodgers' personal logbook entry #935 also records a Florida trip: "Alan & Adam Dersh. JE, Natan Celina Middle fart" — passengers Alan Dershowitz, Adam Dershowitz (his son), Jeffrey Epstein, "Natan," and Celina Middlefart (later Celina Dubin). The flight was to watch a space shuttle launch.

FBI surveillance record

An FBI surveillance log documents agents observing Dershowitz meeting Epstein in person: "Epstein was observed exiting his vehicle and greeting Attorney Alan Dershowitz. They remained at the hotel for ten minutes, leaving with Dershowitz and traveling to the Intercontinental Hotel located at 201 South Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Florida."

Role in the 2008 Non-Prosecution Agreement#

The archive contains extensive evidence of Dershowitz's direct participation in negotiating the controversial 2008 Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) with federal prosecutors. Dershowitz was not merely a legal consultant but was physically present at key meetings with the U.S. Attorney's Office and received personal assurances from federal prosecutors about the NPA's terms and implementation.

Direct participation in NPA negotiations

A November 28, 2007 email from defense attorney Jay Lefkowitz to the U.S. Attorney's Office, copying then-U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta, explicitly documents Dershowitz's presence at NPA negotiation meetings: "when I told you of Judge Davis's selection during our meeting last Wednesday, November 21st, you and Professor Dershowitz seemed very comfortable, and certainly not surprised, with the selection." The same email notes: "Professor Dershowitz who said he knew Mr. Josephsberg from law school."

A September 24, 2007 email from the U.S. Attorney's Office lists Epstein's full legal team: "Gerald Lefcourt of New York, Ken Starr from California, Alan Dershowitz from Harvard, Lilly Ann Sanchez from Miami, Roy Black from Miami, Jack Goldberger from West Palm Beach, and Guy Fronstin from West Palm Beach."

Defense team correspondence from this period shows that "US Attorney Acosta expressly represented to both Jay Lefkowitz and Alan Dershowitz that the USAO would not involve itself in these matters" regarding state sentencing decisions. The same document records: "MV intervened in the PBSO's determination as to whether or not to grant JE work release, despite assurances from US Attorney given to Jay Lefkowitz and Alan Dershowitz after JE was sentenced that the USAO would neither object to nor interfere with work release." Acosta made personal representations directly to Dershowitz about how the NPA would be implemented, including specific commitments about non-interference with Epstein's work release privileges.

A June 26, 2007 NPA meeting record documents: "Meeting (US: [redacted], DEF: Alan Dershowitz, Roy Black, Gerald Lefcourt and Lilly Sanchez)."

Correspondence with prosecutors and judges

In December 2007 letters to U.S. Attorney Acosta, Ken Starr and Jay Lefkowitz of Kirkland & Ellis repeatedly referenced Dershowitz's involvement: "We respectfully request that you review Judge Stern's letter to Alan Dershowitz, faxed to you on December 7, 2007." A judge involved in the case was corresponding directly with Dershowitz about the NPA, and defense counsel expected prosecutors to review this correspondence as part of the negotiation process.

The same Starr/Lefkowitz letters show the defense team's coordinated strategy to characterize Epstein's conduct as consensual prostitution rather than trafficking of minors. The letters argued that "many of the masseuses were eighteen or over, including Johanna Sjoberg, Julie Brabon, Venero, and Christine at the time they visited Mr. Epstein's home," framing the case as involving adult sex workers.

Victim notification and secrecy

The Crime Victims' Rights Act summary judgment motion extensively documents how the NPA was secretly negotiated while victims were kept uninformed, and how defense counsel — including the team Dershowitz was part of — convinced the government to delay victim notification.

Giuffre's amended complaint alleged that Dershowitz "participated in the drafting of the NPA and worked to protect Epstein and other 'potential co-conspirators' (including himself) from prosecution." While this is an allegation in a complaint rather than established fact, the archive evidence confirms Dershowitz's presence at NPA negotiation meetings and his receipt of direct assurances from the U.S. Attorney.

Coordination with defense team

An investigation timeline shows the broader context of the federal investigation from May 2006 through 2011, documenting meetings between defense attorneys and prosecutors. A July 6, 2007 letter from Gerald Lefcourt to prosecutors argued against federal charges in a detailed 23-page submission. Dershowitz was part of a coordinated multi-attorney defense effort that included Lefkowitz, Starr, Lefcourt, Sanchez, Roy Black, Jack Goldberger, and Guy Lewis.

A defense team document from this period also records that "the AUSA personally contacted one of JE's principal business clients (Les Wexner), through his counsel, without a substantial investigatory justification," showing that prosecutors investigated Epstein's relationship with Leslie Wexner, the client to whom Dershowitz had been introduced at the 59th birthday party.

Correspondence with Epstein#

The archive contains 216 emails involving Dershowitz spanning March 2009 to April 2019, with 138 distinct threads. Dershowitz appears as sender in 78 emails and as recipient in 138. Additionally, over 1,000 emails across the full archive (including DOJ document releases) reference Dershowitz by name. The correspondence reveals sustained collaboration on legal strategy, personal favors, and financial arrangements spanning more than a decade.

Pre-indictment strategy (2006)

The Yahoo email archive captures Dershowitz and Epstein coordinating defense strategy before and during the 2006-2008 Florida case.

In March 2006, Epstein associate Mitch Webber emailed Epstein: "I have a draft letter to Krischer that Dershowitz wants you to review. Which is an appropriate e-mail address, read by you alone?" Epstein replied: "this one" — directing Dershowitz's work product to his private Yahoo account.

In June 2006, Epstein wrote to Dershowitz: "i think we shoulod beef it up by giving concrete examples of how the rue==les have changed... i.e. 1999, people that plead nolo to...., to not incur the risk of trial find themselves." On the same day, Dershowitz sent Epstein a draft labeled "CONFIDENTIAL": "Dear Jeffrey, Gerry, and Nat, Here is a draft of my declaration of war letter that I hope we will never have to use. But I wanted to have it ready just in case." Epstein replied: "i like it."

In September 2006, Dershowitz sent Epstein an analysis of federal statute 18 U.S.C. sec 2422(b). Epstein responded with a detailed self-assessment: "My read is that arranging for an unlicensed massage, with some sex connection would be sufficient.. IT doesn't say serious offense, as a minor could be prosecuted for being unlicensed, They could argue that I knowingly, arranged underage unlicensed massage."

The Krischer letter drafts (June 2006)

Between June 16-17, 2006, Epstein drafted and revised a letter to Palm Beach State Attorney Barry Krischer at least six times, sending versions to his private Yahoo address ([email protected]) and to his defense lawyers including Jack Goldberger and Gerald Lefcourt. The letter referenced a prior meeting with Krischer's office and argued the case should be dropped: "In the past you have been consistant with your pledge to Alan Dershowitz that if my client didn't get laid or get a blow job you wouldn't c[harge]." This indicates Dershowitz had personally obtained commitments from the local prosecutor.

The "letter to friends" (September 2006)

In September 2006, Dershowitz drafted a letter to Epstein's social circle defending him. Epstein edited it directly: "I would amend the place where it says he wishes I had cameras in the massage room... IT would be illegal... ANd I think we could do better thatn the last paragraph ,, JEffrey is a 'good person'.. great friend., loyal, funny, generous, not GOOD." Epstein also instructed: "he should also send a copy, when edited and before send out to Howard RUbenstein," referring to prominent New York publicist Howard Rubenstein.

The letter drafts preserved in Epstein's email show Dershowitz wrote in the first person: "I am writing this letter, not as a lawyer but, as are you, I am one of Jeffrey's close friends... I have had a very unique role in this saga as I have been an eye-witness and a participant in many of the discussions about which you have read. First let me answer the paramount question that is on your mind. NO, there was never any underage sex. Absolutely none."

Dershowitz and the car purchase (January 2006)

A January 2006 email reveals Epstein purchasing a car for Dershowitz's wife. An associate forwarded from [email protected]: "Mrs. Dershowitz has selected the following car. Silver exterior / stone leather (Gray) MSRP $71,895.00, 2,800.00 Dual DVD screen in headrests, 800.00 paint chip protectant, 995.00 Satellite radio." Epstein replied: "do the best but buy it."

Legal representation and strategy coordination

Dershowitz served as Epstein's attorney during the 2006-2008 Florida criminal case and continued advising on subsequent civil litigation. In February 2015, Epstein forwarded Dershowitz a billing invoice from attorney Kendall Coffey for work on "the federal case," with Dershowitz requesting that Epstein send him a check for the billed amount so he could forward payment to Coffey. Multiple emails show coordination with other members of Epstein's legal team, including Martin Weinberg, Darren Indyke, Roy Black, Jack Goldberger, and Ken Starr.

In his 2016 deposition, Dershowitz confirmed his ongoing legal relationship with Epstein and disclosed the existence of joint defense agreements: "My understanding is that I am still Jeffrey Epstein's lawyer. Jeffrey Epstein, I understand, has a common interest or joint defense agreement with Ghislaine Maxwell, so I have — my understanding is that I am bound by a common agreement." When asked if he'd spoken to Maxwell since January 2015, Dershowitz's attorney Darren Indyke invoked privilege, stating: "There's a common interest agreement in effect with respect to the New York case and a common interest agreement with respect to this case."

In a November 21, 2007 email, a member of the defense team wrote: "I just found out that The Anti-Defamation League awarded its 2007 Jurisprudence Award at a luncheon at Miami's Radisson Hotel yesterday. The recipient was Judge Davis, and the keynote speaker was none other than Alan Dershowitz." Judge Davis was the judge selected for the NPA process.

Epstein and Dershowitz strategy (2007-2008)

In August 2007, Epstein emailed Martin Weinberg, Roy Black, Alan Dershowitz, Jay Lefkowitz, and others with a strategic outline: "Broad topics.. Starr needs to explain his appearing. He is not defending my conduct he is defending the constitution."

In October 2006, Epstein wrote to Mitch Webber (cc: Dershowitz): "In the new brief,, we need legislative history, trafficking, intent to target minors,, case law on scienter, precedent, we should deal with the large numbers, no direct contact, in many instances the girls called us.., purpose for travel..etc."

In a November 21, 2007 email, Jay Lefkowitz wrote to Epstein, Weinberg, and Dershowitz: "The state investigation issue is a very good hook for alan. It is something that continues to bother alex and is, at least arguably, his justification for continuing to hover over the state process. Alan can clear all that up."

Post-plea coordination (2008-2010)

After Epstein's plea deal, Dershowitz continued as counsel. A December 2009 email from Dershowitz to Epstein: "Can you pick me up at 3. I will confirm with Sloman" — referring to federal prosecutor Jeff Sloman.

In December 2009, Epstein emailed Roy Black, Martin Weinberg, Dershowitz, and Jack Goldberger about post-sentencing matters: "Well the conversation with marie went as you suggested it would, Now it is more clear that we need to have a Sloman / Bob Senior meeting. Sloman will leave in march... I would like to commute the community control portion of the sentence."

An internal USAO email from December 2009 records: "Met with Alan Dershowitz: 1. He asked for us to terminate his community control/supervision early. I said no. I said that we would also object to any attempt to transfer his supervision to Jeff's Island. 2. He wants assurance that the Government won't indict him for a 'minor' breach." A follow-up from an AUSA noted: "So, Professor Dershowitz wasn't looking for a purely social visit. What a shock."

The Dershowitz-Sloman drink

In March 2009, Dershowitz emailed federal prosecutor Jeff Sloman directly: "Dear Jeff, It was so nice having a relaxed drink and conversation on the porch of our neighborhood bistro. Now you see why we love this location so much and want to make it our second (and perhaps our first) home. I appreciate your kind words of advice, encouragement and friendship. I also appreciate your candoir and directness about the difficult and emotioally exhausting case we both went through." In a follow-up, Dershowitz wrote: "I really appreciate your willingness to make the call. You are a real mensch." Epstein forwarded these emails internally.

Dershowitz's daughter and Prince Andrew (June 2009)

In June 2009, Dershowitz asked Epstein for help arranging a London trip for his 19-year-old daughter. He first tried to email Prince Andrew directly but it didn't go through, so he asked Epstein: "I tried to send this to Andrew but it didn't go thru. Can you help." His original message to Prince Andrew read: "Dear Prince Andrew, Its been a while since you participated in my class at Harvard Law School... At that time you generously offered to arrange a tour of the Palace when I next came to London... Now my 19 year old daughter and he[r friend...]." Epstein forwarded the request to his network: "hey, alan dershowitz 19 year old daughter and friend are in london, is there something special we can do for her.. vip tour. access to something special etc." The response came back: "fergie the duchess of york, andrews ex wife." Dershowitz provided his daughter's cell number.

The Giuffre allegations and coordinated defense

The most intensive correspondence occurred in February 2015, immediately after Virginia Giuffre filed a motion to join ongoing Crime Victims' Rights Act litigation, which included allegations that she had been sexually trafficked to Dershowitz. The archive contains extended email exchanges between Epstein and Dershowitz on February 9, 2015, discussing response strategy.

Dershowitz wrote: "I say I'm not afraid if fbi has videos because I know I'm not on them. A guilty person would be frightened of videos, not knowing whether he is on any. An innocent person like me wants there to be videos because he knows he can't be on any. It's a powerful point." Epstein responded with concern about calling for release of videos, stating "they are no videos ,, you are asking them to release MY PERSONAL photos. ? mine, what are you thinking?" Martin Weinberg mediated the dispute, informing Epstein that Dershowitz "agreed out of respect for you to eliminate the paragraphs that he was considering regarding challenges directed to obtaining evidence from the Govt whether pictures, tapes, videos, etc."

On February 12, 2015, Lesley Groff coordinated a meeting between Epstein and Dershowitz at Epstein's Manhattan townhouse, scheduling it for 3:30 PM that afternoon.

Dershowitz and Epstein also coordinated on discrediting Giuffre's claims by highlighting alleged inconsistencies. The February 9 emails show Epstein advising Dershowitz to "hit clinton gore. and focus", referring to Giuffre's claims about Bill Clinton and Al Gore visiting Epstein's island, which both Epstein and Dershowitz maintained were false.

Media management

In April 2007, Dershowitz forwarded Epstein a media inquiry from Sharon Churcher of the Mail on Sunday. Epstein responded with detailed instructions: "mr epstein took and passed an extensive lie detector test,, the girls making the alegation of police impersonation, refused to do so when asked by the state to do so under oath, The girls admitted that they had lied... put them on notice.. Both The state and the grand jury did not believe the girls." He then added: "no question,, there is a report on ghislaine's father this week, and she told roy's office she was writing because of my friendship with prince andrew. but with no comment, she will print the police report."

In July 2006, when asked about PR strategy, an email to Roy Black, Dershowitz, Guy Fronstin, Jack Goldberger, and Jerry Lefcourt discussed whether to engage crisis PR firm Sitrick.

In March 2016, Dershowitz forwarded a New York Post inquiry about Epstein allegedly importing young women from Russia, noting "I refused to talk to Johnson". In June 2016, he forwarded a Fox News inquiry about Epstein's involvement with the Clinton Global Initiative.

In September 2016, Epstein forwarded Dershowitz excerpts from the James Patterson book about Epstein, noting "this is the part that contains more about you."

In April 2019, after the Miami Herald's investigation renewed attention on the case, Dershowitz forwarded Epstein an announcement of the 2019 Hillman Prize winners, which included the Herald's Julie K. Brown for her Epstein reporting.

In December 2018, Epstein circulated to his legal team — including Dershowitz — a draft defense of the 2008 plea agreement authored by Ken Starr. The draft argued that Epstein had been subjected to "an unprecedented federal intrusion" and characterized the case as "solicitation of prostitution," a state crime. Starr's draft described Epstein as "our former client -- and now-friend."

In March 2019, after renewed criticism of the Acosta plea deal, Epstein coordinated a response to a New York Times editorial, emailing Dershowitz, Starr, Weinberg, Kathy Ruemmler, and Indyke with talking points.

Non-legal interactions

Beyond legal matters, emails document a personal relationship. In October 2018, Epstein emailed Dershowitz about a New York Times article on Trump's finances, complaining about the use of inflation-adjusted figures. In August 2017, when Epstein sought recommendations for a Florida civil litigator, Dershowitz recommended Chuck Lichtman, noting "He helped settle my case with Edwards".

In April 2006, Dershowitz sent Epstein his academic work: "The Kennedy School has agreed to post my detailed response to the working paper on the Israel lobby by its Academic Dean and Professor Stephen Walt and University of Chicago Professor John Mearsheimer. I believe that my response devastates their paper..." Epstein replied: "terrific ... congragulations."

In January 2003, Isabel Maxwell emailed about receiving a "GREAT fax from alan dershowitz!!!!"

Financial records#

The email archive contains detailed billing records showing what Epstein paid Dershowitz for legal work. A billing dispute in September-October 2009 between Epstein's accountant Harry Beller and Dershowitz produced a detailed accounting.

Total payments

Per Harry Beller's September 22, 2009 email to Epstein:

The $600,462 included:

Billing rates and hours

Specific invoices in the archive include:

• January 2008 corrected bill: "74.25 hours @ $1150 per hour: $83,387.50; 20.5 hours @$1500 (12/14 trip to Florida): $25,500.00; Expenses: $1,312.40"
• December 2007 bill: "98 hours @ $1150 per hour: $112,700.00; 17 hours @$1500 (trip to Florida): $25,500.00; Expenses: $628.00; Total: $138,828.00"
• April 2008 bill: forwarded by Rich Kahn for payment

The billing dispute

In September 2009, Beller flagged that Dershowitz had billed 147 hours in a single month (June-July 2007) and that a $178,000 payment from January 2, 2007 lacked backup documentation. Dershowitz denied seeing Beller's prior requests for documentation.

Beller wrote to Epstein: "I am sorry that Dershowitz is angry with me, He has presented many claims that are obviously incorrect... You will find the exact two bills that you said Dershowitz categorically said, 'never happened'. he billed 3 to five times more than anyone else for this one trip alone."

Epstein dictated a letter to Dershowitz through Beller: "Dear Mr. Dershowitz, I just spoke to Mr. Epstein, he told me you represented that we 'were very close on the numbers'. This is a misleading statement. We are only close on the total amount of money transferred to you. not whether the billing is correct, documented, or an accurate reflection of the agreement."

Dershowitz responded: "I am dealing directly with Jeffrey from now on." He demanded Beller's calculations "in preparation for my call with jeffrey." After the dispute, Epstein wired additional payment. Dershowitz confirmed: "Same place. Thanks."

A bank record also shows a CHIPS debit to "Dershowitz Eiger And Adelson" through Citibank.

FedEx and physical correspondence#

Multiple FedEx shipping records show packages between Epstein and Dershowitz:

Additional duplicate records appear in VOL00010 batches.

Epstein-Bannon iMessages mentioning Dershowitz#

Three iMessages between Epstein and Steve Bannon reference Dershowitz:

1. December 6, 2018 (Epstein to Bannon): "Considering op ed, by ken Starr and or Dershowitz. Considering a law review article... an independent inquiry into the fact that this penalty was for prostitution and harshest ever meted out. I've been asked, what can I give them on djt."
2. March 7, 2019 (Bannon to Epstein): Shared a Daily Beast article — "Jeffrey Epstein, Alan Dershowitz and Pals Accused of Sex Trafficking Ring"
3. June 13, 2019 (Epstein to Bannon): Shared a Daily Caller link about "Alan Dershowitz Trump Biden"

The December 2018 message is notable: Epstein was considering deploying Dershowitz or Ken Starr to write a public defense of the plea deal, and in the same message asked Bannon "what can I give them on djt" — an apparent reference to providing information about Donald Trump.

Sexual Misconduct Allegations#

Virginia Giuffre's allegations

Virginia Giuffre (formerly Virginia Roberts) alleged in a 2015 federal court filing that Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell trafficked her to Dershowitz for sexual purposes. Giuffre's amended complaint provided specific details: "Between 2000 and 2002, Defendant sexually abused Plaintiff on numerous occasions, including at least once in New York" during a period "beginning when Plaintiff was 16." An Epstein accusations compilation document in the archive summarizes Giuffre's claims as stating she "had sex with Dershowitz at least 6 times, aged 16-19."

The amended complaint alleged that "during 2000-2002, beginning when Plaintiff was 16, Plaintiff was the victim of sex trafficking" and that Dershowitz "participated in the drafting of the NPA and worked to protect Epstein and other 'potential co-conspirators' (including himself) from prosecution."

In his 2016 deposition, Dershowitz specifically denied being at Epstein's New Mexico ranch, stating: "She's lying when she said she met me at the ranch." The deposition defined the relevant time period as "August of 1999 through October of 2002."

In November 2022, Giuffre dropped her lawsuit and issued a joint statement with Dershowitz: "I now recognize I may have made a mistake in identifying Mr. Dershowitz." Dershowitz responded that he had "come to believe that at the time she accused me she believed what she said."

Sarah Ransome's allegations

A second accuser, Sarah Ransome, also alleged that Epstein trafficked her to Dershowitz. A Wikipedia compilation document in the archive summarizes: "In 2017, Sarah Ransome filed a suit against Epstein and Maxwell, alleging that Maxwell had hired her to give massages to Epstein and later threatened to physically harm her or destroy her career prospects if she did not comply with their sexual demands at his mansion in New York City and on his private Caribbean island, Little Saint James. The suit was settled in 2018 under undisclosed terms."

In Giuffre's amended complaint, Dershowitz's own public statement is quoted. In a March 2, 2019 tweet, Dershowitz referred to "My perjuring accusers are [Giuffre] and Sarah Ransomme [sic] [who reported that Epstein lent her out to Defendant for sex at the same time as Defendant was, at Epstein's request, representing Ransome as her lawyer]." This statement acknowledges that Ransome alleged Epstein trafficked her to him sexually while Dershowitz was simultaneously serving as Ransome's attorney at Epstein's request.

Digital evidence in the archive shows screenshots of Sarah Ransome's Yahoo Mail account with folders containing documents labeled "Sarah Ransome" including legal documents (W8BEN forms, CV, case files).

Additional witness testimony

The Epstein accusations compilation references another accuser who reported being "shown into a room with Alan Dershowitz and Epstein. Dershowitz left the room. Rena and Epstein took off their clothes. 'sexually assaulted by both Rena and Epstein.'" This account places Dershowitz physically present in a room at Epstein's residence immediately before an alleged assault on a victim, though it does not allege Dershowitz participated in the assault.

Epstein's housekeeper Alfredo Rodriguez testified that "Dershowitz stayed at Epstein's house during the years when Epstein was assaulting minor females on a daily basis; Rodriguez testified that Dershowitz was at Epstein's house at times when underage females where there being molested by Epstein" (Rodriguez deposition at 278-280, 385, 426-427).

FBI witness/investigator notes record: "Dershowitz always around JE's house — not aware."

Johanna Sjoberg as witness

Johanna Sjoberg was identified as a witness who visited Epstein's properties. The December 11, 2007 Kirkland & Ellis letter to U.S. Attorney Acosta — signed by Starr and Lefkowitz as part of the defense team Dershowitz participated in — specifically mentioned "Johanna Sjoberg" by name, arguing that "many of the masseuses were eighteen or over, including Johanna Sjoberg, Julie Brabon, Venero, and Christine at the time they visited Mr. Epstein's home." An investigation timeline shows a "Subpoena to Johanna Sjoberg (return date 3/13/07)" issued on March 2, 2007, confirming she was a witness in the federal investigation.

The accusations compilation also documents Sjoberg's account of an incident involving Prince Andrew, in which she described a photograph being taken with a puppet: "I just remember someone suggesting a photo, and they told us to go get on the couch...and so Andrew and [Sjoberg] sat on the couch, and they put the puppet, the puppet on her lap. And so then I sat on Andrew's lap, and I believe on my own volition, and they took the puppet's hands and put it on [Sjoberg's] breast, and so Andrew put his on mine."

Dershowitz's denials

Dershowitz has categorically and repeatedly denied all allegations of sexual misconduct. Giuffre's amended complaint catalogs dozens of specific public statements Dershowitz made across multiple media outlets from November 2018 through December 2019, defending himself and attacking his accusers' credibility.

Visits to Epstein properties and evidence of contact#

Dershowitz's public statements about massages and visits

Between January and July 2015, Dershowitz made a series of public statements about whether he received massages at Epstein's properties and whether his family was present during visits. Several of these statements contradict each other; others are contradicted by evidence in the archive. The following table compiles the statements as quoted in Edwards and Cassell's court filings and public interviews.

Statements #3, #4, and #5 are mutually inconsistent: #4 denies any massage occurred; #3 and #5 both confirm a massage occurred but offer different details. Statement #2 (wife "goes with me everywhere") is contradicted by the flight log table above, which shows Dershowitz's wife on zero of the 13+ documented flights on Epstein's aircraft. The Edwards/Cassell motion noted this directly: "the available flight logs for Epstein's planes do not show Dershowitz's wife on a single flight while showing Dershowitz traveling without his wife on numerous flights — including a flight with [redacted] on it."

Statement #1 ("never been alone with Jeffrey Epstein") is contradicted by the flight logs. The October 21, 1998 leg from Bedford to Teterboro (logbook page) lists only two passengers: "JE, Alan Dershowitz."

FBI and witness evidence on massages

Two FBI proffer sessions produced testimony about Dershowitz receiving massages at Epstein's properties.

Proffer #1 (July 2019): An Epstein employee who traveled with Epstein to his island, Boston, New Mexico, and Paris told the FBI that "they traveled a lot to Boston, specifically visiting Harvard. They met with MARTIN NOVACK and ALAN DERSHOWITZ." The witness stated: "The individuals who traveled with EPSTEIN, including [redacted] were given massages. ALAN DERSHOWITZ received a massage from [redacted] — she had a tattoo." The witness "understood these massages to be more professional massages. These massages were different than the massages the girls gave." (FBI 302)

Proffer #2 (September 10, 2019): A second Epstein employee told the FBI that she "saw on Twitter that ALAN DERSHOWITZ stated that he was with his wife and kids when he was at EPSTEIN's home. [She] met DERSHOWITZ and he was alone in the house with no wife and no kids when he received a massage." (FBI 302; handwritten interview notes)

This contradicts statements #2, #6, and #7 in the table above — all of which claim family members were present during visits.

An FBI internal summary email from July 2025 compiled both proffers and added the editorial note "[indicating he lied on Twitter]" after recording the second witness's account. The same FBI summary stated: "Dershowitz was not considered a subject in this investigation and no evidence was uncovered during the investigation to suggest Dershowitz was involved in the abuse of minors."

Handwritten interview notes from the September 2019 session record in shorthand: "saww on twittee he said w/ wife & kid" and "Met Alan Dershowitz - (alone in house) / no wife, no kids when he received Massage."

Manhattan townhouse

The archive documents at least one confirmed visit:

1. February 12, 2015 - 3:30 PM meeting (email coordination)

Additional visits are implied by the witness testimony documented in the FBI 302 and interview notes, which place Dershowitz at Epstein's properties receiving massages, though specific dates for these visits are not provided in the available documents.

Palm Beach mansion

The interview notes and FBI 302 testimony about Dershowitz receiving massages "alone in house" likely refer to Epstein's Palm Beach mansion, where most of the alleged abuse occurred and where Epstein employed the household staff who served as witnesses.

Connections and relationships#

Defense team network

Dershowitz's correspondence places him at the center of Epstein's legal defense network. His most frequent co-correspondents were:

• Jeffrey Epstein (127 shared emails): Principal client relationship
• Martin Weinberg (43 shared emails): Boston-based defense attorney who frequently coordinated strategy
• Darren Indyke (29 shared emails): Epstein's estate attorney
• Lesley Groff (21 shared emails): Epstein's assistant who coordinated meetings
• Jack Goldberger (19 shared emails): Florida defense attorney
• Roy Black (16 shared emails): Prominent Miami defense attorney
• Kathy Ruemmler (13 shared emails): Former White House Counsel who joined Epstein's legal team
• Ken Starr (10 shared emails): Former independent counsel and Epstein attorney

The correspondence shows coordination with this extended legal team on media strategy, litigation tactics, and public statements throughout the 2015-2019 period.

Leslie Wexner connection

Dershowitz's relationship with Leslie Wexner, Epstein's primary financial patron, is documented in multiple contexts. As previously noted, Dershowitz testified that his introduction to Wexner occurred when he flew with Epstein to Wexner's 59th birthday party, where he characterized himself as "Jeffrey Epstein's intellectual gift to Leslie Wexner."

In his 2016 deposition, Dershowitz referenced Wexner's attorney when discussing Giuffre's allegations: "I know that Sigrid McCawley said that she said that Leslie Wexner made her dress up... Leslie Wexner's lawyer regards that as a [false] statement."

Giuffre's amended complaint documents that Dershowitz publicly characterized the allegations against him as "part of an extortion plot to get a billion dollars from Leslie Wexner."

Prince Andrew

Dershowitz's 2016 deposition revealed his connection to Prince Andrew. Dershowitz testified: "I have seen a photograph of Prince Andrew and Virginia Roberts and Ghislaine Maxwell. I have myself met Prince Andrew. He came to my class at Harvard Law School and there was a dinner for him, and he asked about Jeffrey Epstein. We discussed Jeffrey Epstein." When asked if he'd contacted Prince Andrew since January 2015, Dershowitz stated: "No. I got a Christmas card from him."

Dershowitz's testimony also included victim-blaming language regarding allegations against Prince Andrew: "Under the age of consent, that would be an act of prostitution. If she was paid $15,000 to have sex with Prince Andrew at the age of 17 in England, she would be guilty of prostitution."

As documented above, in June 2009 Dershowitz asked Epstein for help arranging a VIP London experience for his daughter through Prince Andrew's network.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Dershowitz met Ghislaine Maxwell at his first meeting with Epstein, and as documented above, was bound by a common interest/joint defense agreement that included Maxwell. This legal arrangement meant that communications between Dershowitz and Maxwell about the case were privileged and coordinated, allowing them to share information and strategy without waiving attorney-client privilege.

Isabel Maxwell

An early 2003 email shows Isabel Maxwell (Ghislaine's sister) excitedly referencing Dershowitz: "pheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew... they lost my bag... meanwhile, GREAT fax from alan dershowitz!!!! thanks you !!!!"

Document references and legal proceedings#

The 2015 joinder motion

In a 2015 motion to join the CVRA case, Virginia Giuffre alleged that Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell trafficked her to multiple powerful men, including Dershowitz. Judge Kenneth Marra subsequently ordered these allegations stricken as "immaterial and impertinent" to the narrow question of joinder, finding the "lurid details" about sexual acts with non-parties unnecessary to determining whether the government violated the victims' rights under the CVRA.

Defamation litigation

Following the joinder motion, Dershowitz filed a defamation lawsuit in Broward County, Florida, against attorneys Bradley Edwards and Paul Cassell, alleging they had made false and defamatory statements about him. Edwards and Cassell counterclaimed, arguing they had a good faith basis for including their client's allegations and that Dershowitz's public attacks on their professional conduct were defamatory. The Florida court filings document Dershowitz's extensive media campaign defending himself, including statements that the attorneys "will be disbarred" and were "virtually the equivalent of perjurers".

In April 2016, the parties reached a settlement. The joint statement announced that Edwards and Cassell "acknowledge that it was a mistake to have filed sexual misconduct accusations against Dershowitz; and the sexual misconduct accusations made in all public filings (including all exhibits) are hereby withdrawn." Dershowitz "also withdraw[drew] his accusations that Edwards and Cassell acted unethically." The settlement stated that "Dershowitz completely denies any such misconduct, while not disputing Roberts's statements that the underlying alleged misconduct may have occurred with someone else."

Giuffre v. Maxwell references

Dershowitz is also referenced in Giuffre v. Maxwell civil litigation documents, where both sides discussed his role in the broader allegations. In Maxwell's motion to dismiss, her attorneys characterized Giuffre's claims as targeting multiple "notable public figures, such as Prince Andrew and Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz." In Giuffre's opposition, her attorneys noted that another federal judge had found it unnecessary for Giuffre to detail sexual encounters with non-parties like Dershowitz in the CVRA case, but this did not preclude her from offering such testimony as a witness.

The 2016 deposition

Dershowitz's four-volume deposition in April 2016 provides extensive testimony about his relationship with Epstein, his role in the legal defense, his contacts with other figures in the case, and his response to allegations. The deposition reveals the common interest agreements binding Dershowitz, Epstein, and Maxwell; his acknowledgment of flying on Epstein's plane; his contacts with Prince Andrew; and his characterization of his introduction to Epstein and Wexner. Throughout the deposition, Dershowitz's attorney Darren Indyke frequently invoked attorney-client privilege and common interest privilege to prevent disclosure of communications.

Key document catalog

The following documents in the archive contain references to Dershowitz. Over 2,000 documents mention him across DOJ datasets 8-11, House Oversight releases, and court filings. The most significant are listed below.

Flight logs and travel records:

Witness testimony and FBI interviews:

NPA and plea negotiations:

Court filings and depositions:

Financial records:

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Note: This profile incorporates evidence from the Jeffrey Epstein document archive. All allegations of sexual misconduct against Dershowitz are denied by him. In November 2022, Giuffre dropped her lawsuit against Dershowitz and issued a statement acknowledging she may have been mistaken. The 2016 settlement resulted in the withdrawal of allegations filed in court documents. The archive evidence documents Dershowitz's role in Epstein's legal defense, his flights on Epstein's aircraft, his financial arrangements with Epstein, his presence at Epstein properties, and witness testimony about his conduct, but does not resolve disputed questions of fact regarding the allegations against him.