Mega Edition: The Palm Beach Officials Who Refused to Let The Epstein Case Die (6/12/26)

Summary

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Episode Summary: Mega Edition – The Palm Beach Officials Who Refused to Let The Epstein Case Die

Podcast: The Epstein Chronicles
Host: Bobby Capucci
Date: June 11, 2026
Episode Theme:
A deep dive into the dogged efforts of Palm Beach law enforcement officials, especially former Police Chief Michael Ryder and Detective Joseph Ricari, to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's crimes despite institutional obstacles, legal loopholes, and interference from powerful interests. The episode draws heavily on NBC News reporting and direct deposition excerpts to illustrate how justice was obstructed—and how certain officials refused to let Epstein's case be swept under the rug.

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Main Theme and Purpose

Bobby Capucci highlights the integrity and persistence of the Palm Beach Police Department and specific officials like Chief Michael Ryder and Detective Joseph Ricari. Despite overwhelming efforts from state and federal prosecutors (and influential defense lawyers) to minimize Epstein’s crimes and shield him from consequences, these law enforcement officers persevered in seeking real accountability. The episode combines recounting chronology with excerpts from pivotal depositions and underscores the systemic failures that allowed Epstein’s abuse to go on unchecked.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Role of Palm Beach Police in the Epstein Investigation

• Dedication and Integrity:

  • Chief Michael Ryder and Palm Beach detectives took survivor allegations seriously, compiled extensive evidence, and pressed prosecutors for indictments.
  • “Michael Ryder was one of the only good guys, if there were any good guys, if you will, in the whole entire Epstein saga. This guy listened to what these girls said, compiled a whole bunch of evidence and then turned that evidence over to the prosecutors.” (Bobby Capucci, 01:20)

• Initial Complaint and Police Reaction:

  • The case began in March 2005 with a call from a distressed mother reporting her 14-year-old daughter’s abuse by Epstein.
  • Police were immediately aware of the risk in challenging a wealthy, connected suspect but pressed ahead regardless.

2. The Failure of Prosecutors and Systemic Injustice

• Prosecutorial Inaction and Interference:

  • Despite robust police work, state and federal prosecutors (led by people like Barry Krischer and Alex Acosta) derailed efforts for serious charges.
  • “The prosecutors in Florida, failed the police officers in Palm beach who worked this case originally. They did great work. The investigators were all over this. They compiled all kinds of evidence. When it comes to Jeffrey Epstein, it was the prosecutors once again who decided not to pursue it.” (Capucci, 02:26)

• Backroom Deals and "Get Out of Jail Free" Cards:

  • Epstein exploited loopholes and high-society connections.
  • “They know that the small folk, us, are going to be the ones who have to live up to these laws, not them, not their friends... It amounted to get out of jail free cards.” (Capucci, 03:35)

3. Evidence and Patterns of Abuse

• Investigation Uncovers Widespread Abuse:

  • The police quickly uncovered that Epstein’s predation was a pattern, not a one-off.
  • “The interview with the initial young girl led to another and another... The investigators were immediately struck by the consistency... They all could describe the house in detail, they could describe what happened, and they didn't know each other.” (Capucci, 07:15 & 08:17)

• Hierarchy & Organization:

  • Police discovered adult accomplices, including assistants and other women, who helped enable and perpetuate Epstein’s abuse.
  • “This was a financially successful, smart, capable, well-networked and well-financed individual who built an organization around him that supported his criminal enterprise.” (Chief Ryder via Capucci, 11:54)

4. Obstruction, Tipping Off, and Systemic Sabotage

• Evidence Destruction:

  • When police executed a search warrant, electronic evidence (notably, surveillance system footage) was missing—indicating Epstein or his allies had been warned in advance.
  • “The place had been cleaned up. Ryder said it wasn't completely devoid of evidence, but a computer that contained all of the home surveillance camera footage was gone and all the wires were left hanging there.” (Capucci, 15:12)

• Inside Information Leaked to Defense:

  • Prosecutors’ offices appeared to leak details of the investigation to Epstein’s defense team, frustrating police efforts.
  • “Minute details that nobody else knew that were in those documents were being refuted and contrary information provided by the defense. This, Ryder said, never happened to me before in my career.” (Capucci, 17:46)

5. Turning to the FBI and Federal Complicity

• The FBI's Entrée – Hope Dashed:

  • After losing faith in the state prosecutor, Ryder turned to the FBI, hoping for intervention—but ultimately ran up against federal inertia or obstruction.
  • “They said, this is an easy case. This is a horrific situation. We'll put him away for the rest of his life. Ryder recalled... But Ryder's renewed enthusiasm didn't last long. In time, it became clear that the federal probe was stalling.” (Capucci, 19:07 & 20:00)

• Acosta’s Backroom Deal:

  • U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta decided not to file federal charges, instead negotiating a “non-prosecution agreement” that allowed Epstein to avoid real prison time.
  • “In 2007, Acosta made the decision not to charge Epstein in federal court. Instead, he sent the case back to the local prosecutors... Acosta agreed to sign a non prosecution deal that ended the federal sex crimes investigation and spared Epstein the prospect of serving several years in prison.” (Capucci, 21:12 & 22:10)

6. Continued Outrage and Calls for Reform

• Case Rekindled in the Press:

  • Miami Herald’s 2018 reporting re-spotlighted official failures, leading to renewed public pressure.
  • “Epstein was released from jail in the summer of 2009, the case seen behind him until 2018 when, when the Miami Herald published an expose...” (Capucci, 23:30)

• Michael Ryder’s Message:

  • Ryder called for changes in law and practice, including prohibiting the labeling of minors as “prostitutes” and closing legal loopholes.
  • “The criminal justice system needs to learn from this and make sure it can't happen again, said Ryder... Ryder wants to see legislation that bars minors from being labeled as prostitutes in the justice system.” (Capucci, 26:23)

• Cynicism & Frustration:

  • Despite these pleas, Capucci expresses skepticism about politicians’ willingness to address the systemic problems revealed by the case.
  • “Folks, I am very cynical about our justice system, as you all know, and the more I see, the more cynical I become.” (Capucci, 29:51)

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Key Deposition Excerpts: Detective Joseph Ricari (Palm Beach Police)

(Segments from 29:53 onward)

• On Maxwell’s Role and Recruitment System:

  • Maxwell was described as involved in recruitment, but Ricari found the majority of massage recruits had no training and were under 18.
  • “During the interviews, Ms. Maxwell was involved in seeking girls to perform massages and work at Epstein's home.” (Ricari deposition, ~31:30)
  • “Of the 30 or 33 or so girls, how many had massage experience?... I believe only one.” (Ricari, ~32:15)
  • Majority of girls were underage, and only usually one out of all interviewed had formal massage training.

• The Pyramid Scheme of Recruitment:

  • Girls were paid to bring in new girls (“victims… asked to bring their friends”).
  • “Each of the victims that went to the home were asked to bring their friends to the home. Some complied and some didn't... the victim would come to the home and could give a massage and get paid for it... And at the end... she would get paid for the recruitment of those friends.” (Ricari/Edwards, ~33:00–34:00)

• What "Massage" Meant:

  • “It was for sexual gratification.” (Ricari, ~35:30)
  • Ricari noted the pattern: Epstein would receive a massage, fondle or masturbate on girls; they’d be paid and either stopped coming or, in some cases, continued.

• On Other Associates:

  • Sarah Kellen named as arranging girls, paying, and recruiting, but despite strong evidentiary links, was not charged or seriously investigated.
  • “Once again, Sarah Kellen's name's brought up as somebody directly involved and no investigation... Ask yourselves why.” (Capucci, 50:50)

• Limits and Gaps:

  • Ricari and his investigation did not find Palm Beach high-school-aged victims being trafficked outside Florida, to New York, Little St. James, or to other men—contrary to later, wider allegations.
  • “None of these alleged victims claim to have ever traveled with Mr. Epstein... None ever reported being trafficked by Mr. Epstein to other men, Correct?... Yes.” (56:10–61:09)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Legal Loopholes and Elites:

  • “It's like when you have a computer programmer who creates software, they leave themselves a little back door so they can access it, right? Same thing here.” (Capucci, 03:34)

• On Evidence Destruction:

  • “They did a dump and pump, came in, ripped everything out real quick, all of the monitoring equipment, because somebody in the government tipped them off, one of their buddies.” (Capucci, 15:12)

• On Systemic Change:

  • “If you're a legislature and you're listening to this right now, fix this. It needs to be fixed.” (Chief Ryder via Capucci, 27:15)

• On Cynicism and Hope:

  • “I'd like to believe that, but, man, I have a hard time believing it.” (Capucci, 29:51)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:00 – Capucci introduces the key themes and players (Michael Ryder, NBC News context).
• 05:18 – The first victim's complaint: details of initial police response and attitudes.
• 08:00–10:00 – Patterns in victim testimonies and investigative findings.
• 11:35 – Discovery of physical evidence (notes, flowers, phone messages).
• 15:09 – Police find surveillance system cleaned out: evidence of a tip-off.
• 17:45 – Probable cause affidavit leaks: defense gets inside info from prosecution.
• 18:47 – Ryder appeals to FBI; initial hope, then federal stall.
• 21:12 – Acosta's non-prosecution agreement: the case returns to state hands.
• 23:29 – Ryder reflects on gender bias and societal response to victims.
• 26:23 – Ryder calls for legal reform (ending the “child prostitute” label, closing loopholes).
• 29:53 – Beginning of deposition excerpts from Detective Ricari.
• 31:30–34:00 – Ricari details recruitment, payment schemes, and Maxwell/Kellen involvement.
• 41:00–63:20 – Detective Ricari discusses limits of his investigation; victims' experiences did not extend to other states or countries according to police records.

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Tone & Style

The episode’s tone is both doggedly factual and deeply frustrated—reflecting both Capucci’s respect for diligent investigators and his ongoing exasperation with systemic injustice. The presentation wavers between detailed, methodical recitation of evidence and pointed, often sarcastic commentary aimed at officials and elites who enabled Epstein’s impunity. The readouts from depositions and police interviews are direct, documentary-style, occasionally broken up by Capucci’s emphasis and clarifications.

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Conclusion

This episode of The Epstein Chronicles provides a comprehensive, inside look at how local Palm Beach officials built a meticulous, courageous case against Jeffrey Epstein—only to have it sabotaged by prosecutors, connected lawyers, and federal complicity. Through vivid narration, key quotes, and primary source material, Capucci exposes both the strengths of honest law enforcement and the utter failure of the justice system to protect vulnerable victims when threatened by immense wealth and influence.

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For further reading and documentation, see links in the description box.

Transcript

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[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

Welcome back to the Epstein Chronicles. In this look back episode, we're going to hear from former Police Chief Michael Ryder of the Palm Beach Police Department. This article was published by NBC News and and it was published on September 20th of 2019. The authors of this piece, Sarah Fitzpatrick and Rich Shapiro. Former Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Ryder spent years trying to convince state and federal prosecutors in Florida to bring serious charges against Jeffrey Epstein. Now the retired lawman wants to tackle a new to persuade lawmakers to take action to prevent the next Jeffrey Epstein from perverting the criminal justice system. Now, Michael Ryder was one of the only good guys, if there were any good guys, if you will, in the whole entire Epstein saga. This guy listened to what these girls said, compiled a whole bunch of evidence and then turn that evidence over to the prosecutors. Now once the prosecutors have that evidence, it's up to them to do the right thing with it.

[Podcast Co-host]

Right?

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

It's up to them to make sure that they get indictments. And then after they get the indictment,

[Podcast Co-host]

it's up to them to make sure

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

that these people are convicted. So they failed the prosecutors in Florida, failed the police officers in Palm beach who worked this case originally. They did great work. The investigators were all over this. They compiled all kinds of evidence. When it comes to Jeffrey Epstein, it was the prosecutors once again who decided not to pursue it. Epstein found every loophole, Ryder told NBC News as part of a months long Dateline investigation. I want some system in the future that this can't happen again.

[Podcast Co-host]

He's not wrong.

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

One of the ongoing conversations we've had about these people, all of them, is how they navigate loopholes, how they navigate technicalities, and somehow harness them always to work in their favor. Now, I guess that's what they were put into these laws for in the first place, right? So the rich people can navigate them and not get in trouble when they're the ones who get slapped with them. Like we said previously several times, it's like when you have a computer programmer who creates software, they leave themselves a little back door so they can access it, right? Same thing here. They know that the small folk, us are going to be the ones who have to live up to these laws, not them, not their friends. Ryder said he believes the state and federal prosecutors handling of the Epstein case amounts to the worst failure of the criminal justice system in modern times. Look, he's not wrong. It's the reason we're still talking about this right now. It's that impactful, it's that important about how the criminal justice system is conducted moving forward. We need something that provides equitable law for everybody. If you're a girl from the quote unquote, other side of the tracks and you say you were abused by a rich and powerful man and there's evidence to back that up, you should be listened to. And for way too long, these guys had all of their loopholes, all of their technicalities, and they were able to navigate the criminal justice system by using those and harnessing the relationships that they built with the other so called elite. And it amounted to get out of jail free cards. The story begins in March of 2005 when the Palm Beach Police Department received a call from the distraught mother of a 14 year old girl. Now imagine being the cop on the other, the other end of that phone call. Yeah, this is the Palm Beach Police Department, Sergeant Stanton speaking.

[Podcast Co-host]

Oh my God. My daughter has been abused by.

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

Okay, hold on, ma', am, slow down. And then you start processing the details and the name that's being dropped. And all of a sudden, you know, right away you have yourself a big problem. Because when rich people are accused of stuff like this, they automatically strike back and there's, you know, problems for the people who bring this stuff up. So I'm sure the cops weren't too happy to hear the name Jeffrey Epstein. But what I will say about the Palm Beach Police Department, they didn't shy away from it. They did their job. They did their duty. The woman Ryder recalled said her underage daughter was having Sex with an adult who lives in a mansion in Palm Beach. Palm beach police detectives immediately launched an investigation. Yeah, that's probably the right thing to do. You got some guy living in a mansion and he's having a relationship with a 14 year old girl. It probably a good idea to launch an investigation. And I don't care who that person is in the mansion. I don't care if it is the most famous person in the world. You can't be abusing children. Okay, so the Palm Beach Police Department, they started going hard and if you know the story, we, well, you know that they really were kicking in some doors and asking some very uncomfortable questions. Do you think it's just a shock, just a coincidence that this got kicked away to the feds and then back

[Podcast Co-host]

down to the state level?

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

They wanted it to look like, ah, yeah, we're going to take action, we're going to kick it up to the feds.

[Podcast Co-host]

But really they never had any intention

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

of the feds prosecuting this case. They said this is credible, this is believable, said Ryder, speaking in his first

[Podcast Co-host]

in depth TV interview.

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

Our sense just from sitting in the room with the first survivor, was that this is something we've absolutely got to get on. So right from jump street, the Palm Beach Police department knew that this was something way bigger. And Michael Ryder, the chief here, he didn't spare any expenses, right? He, he was all over this. He had his investigators looking into it, chasing down leads and what they uncovered. What they found was terrifying. The interview with the initial young girl led to another and another. I have no problem telling you everything that I know. One of the girls told the police in a videotaped interview obtained by NBC News. Another told police that Epstein pulled out this vibrator thing and he pulled down my panties. Now remember, they only listened to had one girl speak in front of the grand jury. Why? If all of these girls came forward with all of these credible allegations, why only have the one girl speak in front of the grand jury? That does not make sense. The investigators were immediately struck by the consistency of the accounts. Writer said the stories were all the same. He said they all could describe the house in detail, they could describe what happened and they didn't know each other. It wasn't like all these girls got together and said, all right, we're gonna take down Jeffrey Epstein, the guy who lives in the mansion down the block. Nobody even knew who Epstein really was at this point. He wasn't a celebrity. So that whole line of thinking has always been garbage to me. These were just young kids, high school kids, younger in some cases. But the detectives also observed that the accounts weren't perfectly aligned. That would have been a red flag that the stories were coordinate, were coordinated, writers said. The investigators also noting noted something else of significance. Many of the survivors didn't know each other, so there was little chance that they would have come together to concoct false allegations. And that, of course, was the bedrock of Epstein's defense. Right. This is all fake. Everyone's looking for a payday. I'm like a piggy bank, blah, blah, blah, blah. Within those first few weeks, the investigation was already bearing fruit. We realized this was basically a way of life for Epstein, Reiter said.

[Podcast Co-host]

And it didn't take long to realize

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

that a lot of people were involved in this. This was a very prolific sexual predator. Now listen to what the, the chief of police is saying here, okay? And this is what I always tell you to do. Don't listen to me. Don't listen to Joe Schmo who has the other podcast. Listen to what these policemen say. Listen to what these investigators say. Listen to what the survivors say. There were a lot of people that were involved in this. This was a very prolific sexual predator.

[Podcast Co-host]

That.

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

That's not someone making up a story. That's not some guy who just got involved in the case yesterday. That's Michael Ryder, the man who investigated this as the police chief in Palm beach who blew this open. He even knows how much more and how deeper this goes. Detectives picked through Epstein's trash and discovered incriminating messages on scraps of paper documenting phone calls. She is wondering if 2:30 is okay.

[Podcast Co-host]

She needs to stay in school.

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

Red one. Imagine. And whoever took that note down is another piece of shit. What do you mean she needs to stay in school? Why are any school age girls calling Jeffrey Epstein in the first place? The note, it was clear to police were about massages and sex, Ryder said. And it, it just wasn't phone messages. Ryder said Epstein had flowers delivered to one of the survivors who was in a performance, a performance at her high school, congratulating her at the end of the performance. Now imagine how brazen you must be. This high school age girl that you're sexually abusing, she has this high school performance and you send her flowers. Now I know if I was the dad of that girl, there would be problems, conversations would be had. This dirty son of a was so brazen in his behavior, so brazen in his activity, that he would send flowers to a girl after her performance. NBC News has spoken with nearly two dozen women who allege that Epstein didn't operate alone. Ryder said the investigation identified adult women who had sexual contact with underage girls and in some cases performed sexual battery on children. This was a financially successful, smart, capable, well networked and well financed individual who built an organ organization around him that supported his criminal enterprise, ryder said.

[Podcast Co-host]

Now if you're wondering why I always

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

talk about RICO and how this isn't a RICO case, folks, what more do you need? I mean, honestly and again, this is another reason why I've chosen the format that I have chosen to follow along with these articles this week at Safeway.

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[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

that way everything is uniformed. It's not me making this stuff up right? Or oh, this is just a guess by me. This is from curating all of these articles and following all of this, this evidence and listening to what the key players had to say for me. Survivors Lawyers and the law enforcement agents on the ground, not the jerk offs in the back room, not the Acostas of the world, guys like Michael Ryder. And when you listen to what they have to say, it is rather obvious that this was a criminal enterprise that should have been ricoed and everybody involved should have seen a prison cell. But as the months wore on with police building their case, odd things began to happen. When detectives armed with a search warrant entered his home with a video camera. What they found made them suspect he had been tipped off. The place had been cleaned up. Ryder said it wasn't completely devoid of evidence, but a computer that contained all of the home surveillance camera footage was

[Podcast Co-host]

gone and all the wires were left

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

hanging there, Ryder said. So they did a dump and pump, came in, ripped everything out real quick, all of the monitoring equipment, because somebody in the government tipped them off, one of their buddies. But nah, Jeffrey Epstein wasn't connected. He wasn't an asset. After six months of investigation, Ryder said the local police department noticed a shift in attitude from the state prosecutors. Ryder said the prosecutors told him the witnesses were not credible. The prosecutors, Ryder said, suddenly seemed dismissive of the case and were uncooperative in approving critical investigative techniques that hindered the Palm Beach Police Department's investigation. No shit. No shit. They were. These guys were working behind the scenes with Epstein's lawyers to make sure this went nowhere. Or at the very least, make sure Epstein got just a little smack on the ass. No real jail time. 13 months in a stockade.

[Podcast Co-host]

Are you kidding me right now?

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

I've had punishments from my parents that were worse than that. Epstein, who had a massive bankroll and extensive connections, had assembled a high power team of lawyers, including Kenneth Starr, Alan Dershowitz, Jack Goldberger, and Jay Lefkowitz. Around this time, Ryder said, the investigation took another strange turn. Epstein's defense team seemed to know details about the probe before they were made public. Whoa, what do you know? Just take your pick from Ken Starr, Alan Dershowitz, Jack Goldberger, or Jay Lefkowitz about who could have manipulated their influence, their relationships behind the scenes to turn it into something like this.

[Podcast Co-host]

Folks, we talk about it all, all the time.

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

When you go to Harvard and you get your law degree and then you're practicing law, people aren't really paying you because you went to Harvard per se. They're paying you because now you have access to all of the other scoundrels who went to Harvard.

[Podcast Co-host]

So you have inside connections you have

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

access to, and that's what you're paying for. When you get a high profile lawyer, your lawyers are going out to eat and dinner and who knows what else with these prosecutors down here in Florida, at least and at the federal level, when we're talking about Mukase and the others. And then we wonder why Epstein doesn't get punished like the rest of us would. How many of you gotten an invite to go play around the 18 with insert federal official here?

[Podcast Co-host]

We believe that the content of our

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

probable cause affidavit, eventually, sometime after we presented it to the state's attorney's office, ended up with the defense attorney's writer said because minute details that nobody else knew that were in those documents were being refuted and contrary information provided by the defense. This, Ryder said, never happened to me before and in my career. And this is a guy again. He's in Palm beach dealing with rich, powerful people. Never in his life has he dealt with something like this. However. But no, continue to tell me that Epstein wasn't getting hooked up, that nobody was there helping him make sure that the walls don't fall in, and then tell me that this wasn't a RICO case. Ryder was so frustrated that he took the unusual step of asking the state attorney, Barry Krishcher, to remove himself from the case, citing the office. Highly unusual treatment of the investigation. When that didn't work, the police chief turned his evidence over to the FBI.

[Podcast Co-host]

And you would think, right?

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

The G men are coming. This is awesome. All right, Perfect. The FBI, they're gonna save the day. And look, don't get it twisted again, folks. I'm not talking about your average agent that's working his tail off or her tail off to try and keep us safe. There's a lot of those people that are going after some horrible fucking criminals.

[Podcast Co-host]

My.

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

My problem isn't with them. My problem is with the command structure, the bureaucracy that runs this whole entire monolith. They look at us like we're just numbers, like we don't matter as far as, you know, the citizens of this country. And they feel like they've been given the. The charter to do as they wish. And how many times do we see good agents like. Or good cops in this instance, like Mike. Mike Ryder get screwed by prosec and these federal minions at the Department of Justice. Those are the people I have a problem with, not the rank and file. And they said, this is an easy case. This is a horrific situation. We'll put him away for the rest of his life. Ryder recalled that's what the U.S. attorney, Assistant U.S. attorney told us as well. But Ryder's renewed enthusiasm didn't last long. In time, it became clear that the federal probe was stalling. Though he believes the FBI agents were invested in the case, Ryder arranged to meet face to face with the prosecutor in charge of the case, U.S. attorney Alex. I have no spine, bitch ass Acosta. Acosta would go on to be named U.S. labor Secretary under President Donald Trump. Another brilliant move by old Trumpy, huh? Alex Acosta, I mean, you don't have this conversation with him and then even if you do, you still go through with it. There's not a better person in the whole entire country that could have been Labor Secretary, huh? But I have to say this, I'm thankful that Trump in a weird way, put him there. Because if Alex Acosta wasn't in this position and there weren't, you know, a bit of politicism happening around this, we probably would have never had the second arrest of Epstein. Because would Julie Brown really been as interested if this didn't have the political bend to it, if it wasn't a Trump appointee? Again, maybe, I don't know.

[Podcast Co-host]

We can't tell one way or the other.

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

The future was what it was. But I have a funny feeling that if it wasn't for Trump appointing Alex Acosta as Labor Secretary, in a weird way, we would have never been at the point we are now. But Ryder left Acosta's office hoping for the best after the prosecutor told him they were moving forward with the investigation. I left that meeting thinking this guy hopefully is going to do his job. Ryder said it didn't turn out the way Ryder had hoped. In 2007, Acosta made the decision not to charge Epstein in federal court. Instead, he sent the case back to the local prosecutors. Now, again, I don't think this was Acosta on his own. You can't make this decision as a mid level bureaucrat. This was a decision that was made on high and Acosta was just the trigger man. Ryder was crushed. The same office that seemingly refused to pursue Epstein aggressively was now back in charge. And again, you could say, oh, this is a coincidence. It's just, you know, the way things happen sometimes. But there sure are a lot of coincidences around Jeffrey Epstein, isn't there? The cameras, the missing emails, all of this nonsense. At what point is it not coincidence and is it just what it is? Acosta agreed to sign a non prosecution deal that ended the federal sex crimes investigation and spared Epstein the prospect of serving several years in prison. Instead, Epstein pleaded guilty to state charges for soliciting a minor for prostitution and served 13 months at Palm Beach County Jail. Epstein was also required to register as a sex offender and pay his restitution to his survivors. Eh, didn't have to register in New Mexico, huh? I've never seen anything like it, ryder said. It was extremely unusual and disappointing. Ryder said he believes the result would have been different had the victims been underage boys. That would have shocked the senses more, ryder said. Somehow this hits in a different place, that they were young women on the way to being women, and he's not

[Podcast Co-host]

really wrong about that.

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

How many people have set these girls up as prostitutes? Or why do they keep coming back the brain dead narrative that they wanted this to happen? You know, the same folks that will say, oh well, she was wearing a miniskirt. So way more nuanced than that. When you have all of the different things that went in to grooming these girls and normalizing all of this, it's a whole different ball game. But he's not wrong. Boys would have really shocked the emotions and shocked the senses. Epstein was released from jail in the summer of 2009, the case seen behind him until 2018 when, when the Miami Herald published an expose highlighting the government's kid glove treating of a man accused of preying on dozens of underage girls, Acosta defended the way his office handled what he described as a complicated case. We believe we proceeded appropriately, acosta said during a July 2019 press conference. We did what we did because we wanted to see Epstein go to jail. So you mean to tell me the federal government couldn't have done that if you really wanted to see. And, and again, let me back up, you might want to see him go to jail. We want to see him go to prison. Okay. And you not running the federal charges, you and your bosses taking the step back that made sure that Epstein was never going to federal prison. But Acosta resigned as li oh, excuse me. Acosta defended the way his office handled what he described as a complicated case. We believed we proceeded appropriately, acosta said during a July 2019 press conference. We did what we did because we wanted to see Epstein go to jail. But Acosta resigned as labor secretary two days later amid mounting criticism. Krisher, the former state attorney, didn't return a request for comment from MDC News, but he released a statement in July defending his office and pushing back against Acosta, suggesting that state prosecutors were driving the case. Nobody wants to take responsibility ever, right? It's always somebody else's fault. It's always someone else who did something wrong. In reality, the feds fucked up and

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[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

If Mr. Acosta was truly concerned with the state's case and felt he had to rescue the matter, he would have moved Forward with the 53 page indictment that his own office once drafted, Krisher said. Epstein was arrested on fresh charges in July. New York federal prosecutors charged him with sex trafficking and conspiracy in a case that featured similar allegations to those a decade earlier. Never far enough, right? How, again, how isn't this rico, considering not what I said to you, but what Michael Ryder laid out to you just previously in this article? Epstein pleaded not guilty, but he committed suicide in his federal jail cell last month. The death left Ryder thinking about the survivors and their lost chance to see him held accountable. I feel so badly for the survivors, ryder said. I realize that there's a catharsis in confronting Epstein and they'll never have that opportunity. Buddy hopes that the entirety of the case will lead to systemic change. The criminal justice system needs to learn from this and make sure it can't happen again, said Ryder, who still lives in Palm beach, where he runs a security consulting firm. Ryder wants to see legislation that bars minors from being labeled as prostitutes in the justice system. He also called on Florida lawmakers to close loopholes that allow people like Epstein to get away with misdemeanors for child sex crimes. I mean, is he wrong? Does a. Does a cop, a former cop, have to call for this? Why wouldn't our politicians, the ones who make the laws do it, do it themselves? Oh, they're the ones who put this law on the books. Oh, that's right. If you look at the first dozen victims and their accounts of what happened to them, it's clear to me he was coached by a lawyer on how to only commit a misdemeanor, ryder said. If you're a member of the legislature and you're listening to this right now, fix this. It needs to be fixed. And I'm guessing That lawyer. I don't have proof of this, but I'm guessing it was Darren Indyke. Ryder also delivered a message to all of those girls whose lives were upended by a middle aged sexual predator with endless resources available to him. I don't have any contact with the survivors and if they're listening now, I. I'm embarrassed for the way the criminal justice system treated them back then in Florida, Ryder said. But I want them to know that not every part of the system failed them. We did our job in Palm beach and at the Palm Beach Police Department, and everything that happens here should lead to in the future, if any of these things happen again to some other victim, that the system won't fail them. And I'd like to believe that, but, man, I have a hard time believing it. Folks. I am very cynical about our justice system, as you all know, and the more I see, the more cynical I become. So while I hope that Michael Rider's plea will find its way to the ears of our legislators, for some reason, I still have my doubts. If you'd like to contact me, you can do that@bobby capuchirotonmail.com that's B O B B Y C C A P U c c [e-mail] you can also find me on Twitter at B O B b y/cap ucci the link that we discussed can be found in the description box.

[Podcast Co-host]

What's up, everyone? And welcome back to the Epstein Chronicles. In this episode, we're going to take a look at the deposition of Joseph Ricari, the detective who, who was in charge of the investigation in Palm beach after the initial claims against Jeffrey Epstein were made. And he goes into detail about how Jeffrey Epstein was recruiting girls and how he was getting them from the local high school. So for all the people out there talking about conspiracy theories, my suggestion is you do yourself a favor and dive into these court documents and learn a thing or two. Alright, so we have Joseph Ricari, who is going to be questioned by Brad Edwards, who is a lawyer for multiple survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and someone that was engaged in a struggle against Epstein for years. And the deposition starts right off with Mr. Ricari speaking. I wanted to speak with everyone related to this home, including Ms. Maxwell. My contact was through Gus attorney Gus Frondsten, and at the time who initially had told me that he would make everyone available for an interview. And subsequent conversations later, no one was available for an interview and everybody had an attorney and I was not going to be able to speak with them. Okay, during Your investigation, What did you learn in terms of Ghislaine Maxwell's involvement, if any? Tagliucca Objection to form and the foundation? Ms. Maxwell, during her research, was found to be Epstein's longtime friend. During the interviews, Ms. Maxwell was involved in seeking girls to perform massages and work at Epstein's home. Pagliucca, object to the form and the foundation. Did you interview how many girls did you interview that were sought to give or that actually gave massages at Epstein's home? Mr. Pagliuca, object to form and the foundation? Pagliuca Same objection. I would say approximately 30. 30 or 33, Mr. Edwards. And of the 30 or 33 or so girls, how many had massage experience? Objection to the form and the foundation. The witness? I believe two of them. May have been two of them. Okay. And as we go through this report, you may remember the names, correct? Let me correct myself. I believe only one had Edwards. And that was. Was that one of the similar age to the other girls? Objectiform and the Foundation? No. Okay. The one with massage experience was older. Mr. Pagliucca, objective form and foundation. Correct. The remainder. Of the 30 girls that went to this house for the purpose of massage or recruited for massage, is it my understanding that that they had no massage experience? Mr. Pagliucha, object to the form and the foundation? That's correct. Edwards. And were the majority of those girls that you interviewed over or under the age of 18? Mr. Pagliucca, object to the form and the foundation? Ricari. The majority were under Mr. Edwards. And how was it that Mr. Epstein gained access to that number of underage girls? Pagliuca, Objectiform and the foundation. Each of the victims that went to the home were asked to bring their friends to the home. Some complied and some didn't. Okay, so the victim would come to the home and could give a massage and get paid for it. Is that right? Mr. Pagliucca, object to form and the foundation. Correct. Edwards. And at the end of the massage, if that victim brought other friends, she would get paid for the recruitment of those friends. Pagliuca Objective form and foundation. Ricari. Correct. Edwards. Additionally, did your investigation reveal that the assistance of Jeffrey Epstein would call and set up for these girls to come over to the house for the massage? Pagliuca, object to form and foundation. Ricari. Correct. Edwards. And as well, certain people that that were friends or girlfriends or assistants of Jeffrey Epstein would recruit girls under the pretense of giving a massage. Mr. Pagliucca, object to the forum and the Foundation. Correct. Edwards. Is that what your investigation revealed in terms of the system of getting these girls over to the house. Mr. Pagliucca object to the form and the FOUNDATION Yes. Okay, talking about the massages, when, when these, the various girls that you interviewed described the massages, was there a pattern of what occurred during these massages? PAGLIUCA Object to the form and the FOUNDATION yes, there was. EDWARDS okay, describe for me what the pattern was that was told to you by the 30 or so girls that you interviewed. PAGLIUCA Object to the form and the FOUNDATION Initially, when the victims when would come into the home and were brought upstairs to provide the massage, Epstein would lay on his massage table where they would start to rub his back and the back of his legs. Epstein would either attempt to fondle the girls or touch the girls inappropriately, and at which point he would masturbate. And when he was done, he would get up, go wash off, while the girl would get dressed and go back downstairs and get paid. Okay, so did you determine that massage was actually a code word for something else? PAGLIUCCA Object to the form and the foundation RIKARI when they went to perform a massage, it was for sexual gratification. EDWARDS and when the assistants would call and ask these girls to work, did you learn the term work meant with respect to these girls coming to the house? Objectiform and the Foundation Ricari weren't meant to come and provide Epstein a massage. EDWARDS and massage, how often would these massages, based upon your investigation, turn into something sexual? Mr. Pagliucca object to form and the FOUNDATION RICARI during the investigation, it was determined that he would have multiple massages during the day. He would have some in the morning and some in the afternoon, sometimes into the evening. EDWARDS alright. And so when you went to speak with the victims, what did these victims say about their experience with Jeffrey EPSTEIN Objective form and and FOUNDATION RIKARI Once they were recruited, they were brought to the home, they were to provide a massage. Some of the victims did not want to be touched. Some of the victims did not want to partake in any of that. So it was, I believe, for a couple of them, it was only a one shot deal. But others continued to come. EDWARDS okay, and as you interviewed some of these victims, did you learn that some of these victims also brought additional girls? PAGLIUCA Objective form and foundation. EDWARDS so as you're investigating this case, as part of your investigation, you're learning information from these victims and then going to talk to the next person down the line, if you will. Objective form and the foundation RIKARI Correct. EDWARDS and what is the purpose of that? RIKARI to identify further victims and acquire additional information. EDWARDS and in doing that, were you able to corroborate the accuracy of what the first victim told you? PAGLIUCCA Objection to the form and the foundation Correct. EDWARDS okay. And did you learn of Sarah Kellen's involvement with respect to the various girls? Objective form and FOUNDATION Yes. EDWARDS what was her role? PAGLIUCA Objective form and foundation. RICARI that is correct. EDWARDS and did you turn all of your files over to either the state attorney's office or the FBI? RICARI that is correct. EDWARDS and through the state's attorney's office, was the information contained within the probable cause affidavit and the incident reports a publicly available document? PAGLIUCA Object to the form and the foundation? RICARI yes. EDWARDS and around the time of your investigation, around the time you ended your investigation and thereafter, were various newspaper articles written about the substance of some of your investigation?

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Yes.

[Podcast Co-host]

EDWARDS did it become well known to the public that Jeffrey Epstein had recruited high school girls to his house for the purpose of some sexually involved massage? PAGLIUCCA Object to the form and the foundation. RICARI that is correct. And in fact, haven't you read many of these newspaper articles? That is correct. That was not a hidden secret from the public beginning in 2006, right? No. Edwards and from your overall investigation, kind of just a big picture, what was the criminal activity, as specific as you can, that you learned that Jeffrey Epstein and others were involved in? PAGLIUCA Objection to form and and foundation. RICARI it was sexual battery and lewd and lascivious conduct for under the age of 16. Now remember folks, this is Joseph Ricari giving you his account. This was the lead detective on the case down in Palm beach. And if you wonder where I get my receipts from, well, you have now cracked the case. These court documents are a treasure trove of information, and not just these, but the ones that came previously. EDWARDS and what was the specific system of engaging in this type of activity? Pagliuca Objectiform and foundation. RUKARI as to Edwards interrupts him from the recruitment to the how did you get them? What did you do? How did you keep it going? Rukari wants the he's interrupted by Pagliuca Object to the forum and foundation Sorry, no, no. As it became known to us that the victims were recruited, brought to the home, provided the massage was paid, whether there was inappropriate touching, whether there was sexual activity, whether there was actually intercourse, all of that was documented and was asked whether they brought anyone to the home whether they had any formal training in massage therapy. And once, once additional victims were identified, we continued the same, the same method of investigation. And this is a big hole in Maxwell and Epstein's stupid ass plot. There's no 15 or 16 or 17 year old girl that's giving you the quality of a massage that you'd get from a professional. These people are rich. They have all the money in the world. They could get the best massage therapists going to come over and get them worked on, but that wasn't what they were looking for, is it? EDWARDS okay, and one of the earliest victims in terms of the chronology of the pyramid of girls, for lack of a better word. You understand what I mean by that, right? Mr. Pagla object to the form and, and the foundation. RICARI yes. EDWARDS that's, there's, there's, one of the earliest victims that you interviewed was Haley Robson, is that right? PAGLIUCA Objective form and foundation. RICARI it was actually sg, I think was the first one that was interviewed and then HR was the one that I interviewed. EDWARDS okay, my question was bad. I know that the first person interviewed that kind of kicked off the investigation was was SG but and just to create a picture of what we have here, this is, and tell me if I characterize it wrong, a scheme that Jeffrey Epstein engaged in by using assistance to recruit girls, right? RICARI Correct. Edwards under the Pagliuca Object to form and foundation. EDWARDS under the pretense of giving a massage. PAGLIUCA Object to form and foundation. RIKARI Correct. Either a massage and, or become a model for Victoria's Secret and, or connections. So when you hear people talking about, oh well, they were just hanging around. EPSTEIN that's not that big of a deal. Yes it is. They enabled this bullshit and anybody saying any different has no idea what they're talking about. EDWARDS and when he was able to get these girls to his home, he would then offer them money to also become recruiters for him. PAGLIUCCA Object to form and the foundation. RIKARI Correct. EDWARDS and that created this, if you mapped it out, kind of a spider web or a pyramid of girls bringing girls to Jeffrey Epstein's house. Object to the form and the foundation. Mr. Edwards Right. Ricari Correct. EDWARDS all right, so when I say one of the first, I mean the top of the pyramid, one of the earliest people that you interviewed that brought girls to Jeffrey Epstein's house was HR RICARI Correct. Objective form and the foundation. EDWARDS and I think that you testified that Molly and Tony drove HR to Jeffrey Epstein's house the first time. Right. Pagliucca object to the form and the foundation. Correct. Edwards, did you ever trace all the way up to the highest level to determine who it was that started this particular chain of Palm beach girls coming over to Jeffrey Epstein's home?

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

Objective form and foundation. Ricari. I did not. And that's where the document cuts off. But from that little brief exchange, you can see what Ricari is saying here. And you can see just how disgusting Jeffrey Epstein's bullshit was. And this is before we're even talking about the highly publicized cases. These are the high school girls in Palm Beach. And if you want to hear it right from the horse's mouth, I think that Detective Ricari and his account here in this deposition is. Is a good place to start, considering this man was the lead investigator on the original case down in Florida. So this was the original investigation that we're talking about. And this mainly had to do with girls from Palm Beach High School. So keep that in mind when you're listening to this or you hear anything from Detective Ricari. Alright, folks, that's going to do it for this one. All the information that goes with this episode can be found in the description box. What's up, everyone? And welcome back to the Epstein Chronicles. In this episode, we're picking up where we left off with the deposition of Detective Joseph Ricari. This report, the Palm Beach Police Department incident report. Exhibit 1 is a summary of your investigation, correct? Ricari? Correct.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

And these recitations of your interviews are abbreviated summaries, correct? Correct.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

And so you typing into this report parts of it, but not every word verbatim into the report, Correct? Right. And again, the originals of these tapes are somewhere with the FBI at this point, correct? Schultz. Objective form and the foundation. Ricari. Correct. Or at the State Attorney's office.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliucha.

[Podcast Co-host]

Are you aware of any of these originals? Unfortunately, it jumps right there from page 196 to page 203. So we don't get an answer from Detective Ricari right into the next line of questioning. That would be one, probably victim JB would be another. I believe there was a victim ML as well. Okay, let me ask this question as you sit here today. Do you know who the subjects of the four counts are that are referenced on the first page of Exhibit 7? Rukari. If I went through the entire PC affidavit, I could. I could tell you who. But I just named three Pagliuka. Ok, Rukari So like I said, I can go through it and tell you who exactly those four counts were for. Ok, we are limited to four though, right? Four instances. Schultz Objective form.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

Right. And then throughout this entire 22 page Palm Beach Police Department affidavit, Ms. Maxwell's name does not appear in here once, does it? Schultz Objective form. Ricari I don't believe so, no. And then again here we have another jump from page 203 to page 211.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

And then Mr. Epstein is arrested and ends up pleading guilty and all of that, right? Schultz object to form I think there was a non prosecution agreement prepared between the Feds and some kind of agreement was made. But yes, he did end up pleading guilty. Alright. Now, based on the questions that were asked of you in the grand jury, it's fair to say that Ms. Maxwell was not a target of the grand jury's investigation, correct? Mr. Schultz object to the form and the foundation. Ricari. Not based on the questions that the state was asking me. No, the state wasn't. He gets interrupted here by Pagliuca. In fact, it's fair to say that you never said Ms. Maxwell's name in the grand jury, right? Schultz Objective form and the foundation. No. Based on the questions that the state was asking, no. Were you aware of who was being issued subpoenas by the grand jury? No, but it wasn't the actual subpoena from the grand jury. It. It came from the State's Attorney's office.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

At the direction of the grand jury though, right? Shultz Objective form and the foundation. Rikari? I don't know. Again, I don't know. I would like to talk a little bit about the house. Okay, can you tell me when the surveillance began? It would have started under Detective Bhagan and gone through. He gets interrupted here by Pagliuca. The entire investigation, then Rikari answers. Pretty much trash pulls. We stopped the actual physical surveillance sometime during the investigation, but it would have started under Pagan. Okay. Do you recall in what? Well, how was surveillance conducted, if you recall? Rikari I didn't conduct it personally, no. That would have been under a plainclothes unit team. They would have sent out a vehicle and recorded vehicles coming and going. An actual physical surveillance.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

So physical surveillance means eyes on the property, correct? Right.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliucha.

[Podcast Co-host]

And eyes on the property by a police officer, correct? Correct.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuka.

[Podcast Co-host]

And that police officer would be charged with the obligation of recording the incoming and outgoing of people to the property, correct? Correct. Is there a Log that's maintained during surveillance. I'm not sure who if there was a log or not. I know that they set up a vehicle with cameras facing Epstein's residence.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

And so these were video cameras. Answer. Correct.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

And Soever was coming and going. Whenever an officer saw somebody coming or going, they would videotape that person, is that correct? Or they would just leave the video rolling. Time lapse. And did you have the opportunity to observe any of that video? I did observe a couple, but the person who actually set it up would review it and then submit a supplement to the report. Okay. It's true that none of the video of the surveillance led to the identification of Glenn Maxwell as coming or leaving the house during the time of surveillance, correct? Ms. Schultz. Object to the form and the foundation? Rikari. I don't know. I didn't see all the videos, so I can't attest to that. Okay. Did anybody report to you that Ms. Maxwell was seen coming or going? Schultz. Object to form and foundation. Rikari. I don't recall. If someone had reported to you that Ms. Maxwell was. Was seen coming or going, you would have recorded it in your Palm Beach Police Department Incident report, exhibit one. Correct. Ms. Schultz. Objective form and foundation.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

I would have told the officer who was conducting the surveillance or reviewing the video to document it in the supplements. And there is no documentation in the supplement of Ms. Maxwell either coming or going from Mr. Epstein's house during this time frame, correct? Ms. Schultz, object to the form? I don't believe so. I don't. I don't. I don't believe so. And again, so we're on the same page. When you say I don't believe so, I interpret that as you saying no. Then again, we have another jump here from page 215 all the way down to page 241.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

And none of these individuals was employed as a massage therapist at the time of their alleged involvement with Mr. Epstein, correct? Ricari. Correct.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliucha.

[Podcast Co-host]

Each of these individuals, as I recall, claim to have been paid directly by Mr. Epstein or Ms. Kellen. Correct? Ms. Schultz. Object to the form and the foundation. Mr. Acari. Correct.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

Most often, these individuals, these 17 individuals, were paid directly by Mr. Epstein. Correct? Ms. Schultz. Object to the form and the foundation. Ricari. Mr. Epstein or Sarah Kellen. And just to interject here, once again, Sarah Kellen's name's brought up as somebody directly involved and no investigation. She's not brought in. She's not facing Charges. Ask yourselves why. Okay. None of These individuals identify Ms. Maxwell as someone who was paying them money, correct? Ms. Schultz, objective form and foundation? I don't believe so, no.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

And each of these individuals identified receiving cash, correct? Ms. Schultz, object to the form. Ricari. Correct.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

Each of these individuals claim varying amounts, generally between 200 and up to $1,000. Correct. Schultz object to form. Ricari. Correct.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliucca.

[Podcast Co-host]

According to each of these individuals, Mr. Epstein, when the massage was over, would either hand them the money or that happened according to these individuals, right? Ms. Schultz, objective form Ricari at times, yes. Mr. Pagliuca or Mr. Epstein had laid the money somewhere and directed them where to go get it. Correct. We have another jump here from page 242 to page 257. Pagliuca, was clothing seized? I don't believe clothing was seized. Pagliuca, to your knowledge, did you seize any property belonging to Glenn Maxwell from the home? Ms. Schultz, object to the forum and the foundation? I'm not sure. Not to my knowledge. Okay. No one ever came up to you and said could you please return these items to Ms. Maxwell? Correct. Schultz, objective form. No. Alright. You did that with Janush?

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Yes.

[Podcast Co-host]

He had photos. And to this Rikari's cut off by Pagliuca. But nothing like that ever happened with Ms. Maxwell, correct? Schultz, objective form? No. Now we're jumping to page 259. Any way that you get contacted by a police officer, if they put that into your database, it will come up when you do the CAD search, correct? Right.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuka.

[Podcast Co-host]

And that's all that came up with regard to Ms. Maxwell was her name was. Was somewhere in the system. Do you know or not know? Ms. Schultz, objective form and foundation? Rikari? I don't know.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

Okay. And they're referencing a document that was marked by the court reporter for identification as deposition exhibit 12. Pagliuca, I've handed you what has been marked as deposition exhibit 12, which I will represent to you are the plaintiff in this case. Ms. Roberts. Rule 26, disclosure. I want to just go through this very quickly and ask you if you know any of these individuals. So let's start with one. Virginia Roberts. Have you ever met Virginia Roberts? No. Have you ever talked to her? I don't recall. Do you know what information that she may have that's referenced below conducted in the subject of this action? Do you have any knowledge of that? Ms. O', Connor, objective form, the witness? No. Pagliucca 2 Ghislaine Maxwell. I'm going to come back to her. 3. Juan Alessi. You did interview Mr. Alessi, correct?

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Yes. Pagliucca.

[Podcast Co-host]

I have seen a transcript of that interview and I have seen exhibit number two, which is a transcript of the interview with Ms. Redacted. I want to ask you a couple of questions about the transcription process. As I understand your testimony, previously, the electronic recordings are sent somewhere, you don't know where for transcription, is that right? Ms. Schultz, objective form. And again we have another jump here, and this time we're Moving to page 260. Have you ever talked to her? I don't recall. Do you know what information she may have had that's referenced below, conducted as the subject of this action is. Do you have any knowledge of that? O' Connor Objective Form? No.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliucca. 2.

[Podcast Co-host]

Ghislaine Maxwell. I'm going to come back to her. 3. Juan Alessi. You did interview Mr. Alessi, correct? Yes. Ricari. I have seen a transcript of that interview and I have seen Exhibit 2, which is a transcript of the interview with Ms. Redacted. I want to ask you a couple of questions about that transcription process. I understand your testimony previously the electronic recordings are sent somewhere, you don't know where for a transcription, is that right? Ms. Schultz? Objective form. The witness. I didn't request a new team to transcribe them. Then we bounced to 274 different investigators Mr. Black uses in a particular calendar year.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Do you?

[Podcast Co-host]

Schultz? Objective form. Ricari. No, Pagliuca. And so you don't know whether Mr. Black's association with this law firm with was in connection with Mr. Epstein's case or some other case, do you? Ms. Schultz Objective. I worked this case. Nothing. Nothing but this case for an entire year. This was my only case for a year. Ok, that's it. Well, if it walks like a duck. Schulz. Objection. OK, so we're finished with Dershowitz. Keep on going. 28. Obviously. Okay. And you've talked about her. Rikari. Right. And again, she's never discussed Ghislaine Maxwell with you. Correct?

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

Say goodbye.

[Podcast Co-host]

And then here we have another jump and this time it's going to page 278.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliucca.

[Podcast Co-host]

Right. So you're 75. So I want you. I want you to take a moment and read what's under 75. Detective Ricari was the chief investigator of the crimes committed at Jeffrey Epstein's Palm beach mansion. Is that true? Schultz? Objective form. Ricari.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Yes, Pagliucca.

[Podcast Co-host]

And has information about Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein's Sexual trafficking conduct and interaction with underage minors. Tell me everything that you believe you know about Ghislaine Maxwell's sexual trafficking conduct. Ms. Schultz. Objective. The witness. I don't. So that's inaccurate, then. I mean, you have no knowledge about Ghislaine Maxwell sexually trafficking anybody, do you? Ms. Schultz? Objective form. Rikari. Not with. Not with the girls that I spoke with, no.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

But that's your investigation, right, Rukari? Right. Okay. Right, let's see. 76.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

Okay. And you've talked about her. Whatever happened to her? Do you know Ms. Schultz, objective form?

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

Haley Robson. No. She was never charged, as I understand it, correct? Correct.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuka.

[Podcast Co-host]

And after you spoke to her in connection with your investigation, did you ever speak to her again? No. Okay. Rikari. David Rogers. 77 Pagliuka. And you know him because he was identified as one of the pilots for Mr. Epstein, right? Rikari Wright. And you're a peace officer obligated to arrest when a felony is committed in your presence, correct, Ricari? Correct.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

And the possession of child pornography is a felony, correct? Ricari? Correct, Pagliuka. And had you seen any child pornography in Mr. Epstein's house when you were there installing these cameras, you would have done something about it, correct? Mr. Schultz? Objective form. Rikari Wright.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliucca.

[Podcast Co-host]

You wouldn't just walked out and said, nice pics, have a nice day. Correct? Correct. So is it fair to say the entire time you were in Epstein's house, whether it's 2002, 2003, you did not observe any child pornography, Right, Schultz? Object to the form. Not in the areas I was in. Don't recall seeing any pictures of naked women. Do you, Schulz? Object to the form. I was only confined to where that desk was. That's where I set up the camera. And then after it was set up, I left. Okay, but again, all I'm asking you is wherever you were, you didn't see any pictures of naked women, right? No, I didn't see any.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliucca.

[Podcast Co-host]

And at the time, you recall that he had the surveillance cameras already installed, Is that true? Other cameras, the clock cameras. Schultz, Objective form. Rikari. I'm not sure if he had the cameras installed or not. I can't recall.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliucca.

[Podcast Co-host]

Why would he need cameras if he already had cameras? And again, we're taking a jump here, and this time we're jumping to page 300. None of these alleged victims claim to have ever traveled with Mr. Epstein, correct? Ms. Schultz? Object to form. No.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliucha.

[Podcast Co-host]

No, they did not. They did not travel with Mr. Epstein. Right. Schultz? Object to form. Rikari. I don't believe so, no.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuka.

[Podcast Co-host]

None of them reported that to you. Not reported. Correct.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuka.

[Podcast Co-host]

None of them reported to you that they ever spent the night with Mr. Epstein, did they? Schulz? Objective form. Rikari. I don't believe so. None of them ever reported being trafficked by Mr. Epstein to other men, Correct? Schultz. Objective form and foundation. The witness? I don't believe so. The only other men that any of these alleged victims. The only men that any of these alleged victims ever claimed to have had any contact with that was sexual in nature was Mr. Epstein, correct? Ms. Schultz? Object to form and foundation. Yes. Okay. None of these alleged victims ever claimed to have been sent to another location to have sex with another man. Correct? Schultz. Objective form and foundation. I don't believe so. Meaning my statement is correct. Is that right? Ms. Schultz? Objective form.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

I'm just trying to. He gets interrupted by Rikari here. Meaning? I don't believe they've ever said that. I don't recall any of them ever saying it. Had they claimed that they were sent somewhere else to have sex with another man, you would have followed up on that. Correct? Schultz. Objective form. Ricari. Correct.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliucha.

[Podcast Co-host]

And none of them ever claimed to have been sent to another location to give another man a massage. Correct? Ms. Schultz. Objectiform. Ricari. No, not the victims.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliucha.

[Podcast Co-host]

Right. That's who I'm talking about. Ricari. I believe. Redacted. Did.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

Who was an adult. Right. Schultz. Objective form. Ricari. Right. We covered this. I believe none of them ever was on Mr. Epstein's airplane. Correct. Schultz. Objective form. Ricari. I believe one of the victims were. But not on a private island. I think they went. They didn't go to a private island. They went on some other trip. I think you may be referring to.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Ah.

[Podcast Co-host]

Who went to New York but on a commercial flight. Does that jog your memory? Ms. Schultz? Objective form. Rikari. No. Okay. Do you recall who it is? It would have been FP. OK, so FP was on Mr. Epstein's airplane. Schultz. Objective form. Rikari. I believe so. Would that be reflected in Exhibit 1, Schultz. Objective form. Rikari. But she flew alone. It wasn't like Epstein was there. She went someplace else. Not to his private island. Nothing to do with Epstein. It was something she wanted to do. And I think she flew on the plane. But it was like by herself. Alone. Rikari? Right.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuka. With a pilot.

[Podcast Co-host]

Right. Schultz. Objective form Pagliucha. None of the alleged victims in your investigation claim to have gone to the Caribbean island of Little St. James, correct? Ms. Schultz? Object to form. Ricari. No.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca?

[Podcast Co-host]

No. Meaning they never went there. Correct. Schultz. Objective form Ricari. Not that I'm aware of.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliucha.

[Podcast Co-host]

None of the alleged victims ever went to Mr. Epstein's New York residence, to your knowledge, correct. Schultz? The objective form, Ricari. Not that I'm aware of.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Grainger Commercial Announcer]

The.

[Podcast Co-host]

None of them ever reported that to you, Ms. Schulz? Objective form? No. OK. And none of them ever claim to have ever been outside the country with Mr. Epstein, ever, correct. Ms. Schultz? Object to the form. Rikari? Not that I'm aware of. Can we go off the record for a second? So they go off the record for a second, then they come back and Pagliuca is still asking questions. Can you take a look at exhibit four, please, Rukari? Which one is four?

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Pagliuca.

[Podcast Co-host]

Four is the true copy. That's it. It says it at the top. Exhibit four. Six pages. Rikari. Yes, Pagliuca.

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Do you have that?

[Podcast Co-host]

Rikari?

[Attorney Pagliuca]

Yes, sir.

[Podcast Co-host]

There's yellow highlighting on the exhibit that's in front of you. Do you know how it got there? Rikari? No, Pagliuca. And there's a. There's a number. Number, item numbers. Do you see that on the left column? And unfortunately, that's where the deposition cuts off. All right, folks, that's going to do it. For the deposition of Joseph Ricari, the lead detective during the initial investigation down in Palm Beach. All of the information that goes with this episode can be found in the description box. Psst.

[Podcast Host Bobby Capucci]

Hey.