A “Psychological Reconstruction of Inmate
Death” report prepared by the Bureau of Prisons National Suicide
Prevention Coordinator, Psychology Services Branch, Central Office, constructs
a timeline of events and circumstances prior to Epstein’s death and notes that
risk factors for suicide “specific to sex offenders,” as well as
“more general risk factors for suicide, were likely present” in
Epstein prior to his death.
“Despite his many associates, he had
limited significant or deep interpersonal ties. Although Mr. Epstein appeared
to cultivate a large social and professional network, he was estranged from his
only brother. Indeed, his identity appeared to be based on his wealth, power,
and association with other high-profile individuals,” the report states.
CNN obtained the documents from the BOP via a
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. The documents were first obtained by
the New York Times. The
release of the documents comes less than a week before Epstein-associate Ghislaine Maxwell is
set to face trial for criminal sex trafficking charges. Maxwell has
pleaded not guilty to all
charges against her.
BOP declined to comment on any specific inmate, but said in a statement to CNN that “the safe, secure, and humane housing of inmates is BOP’s highest priority.”
“As a general matter, BOP has launched a
task force that will address mental health implications of housing individuals
alone in a cell, and is committed to improving its suicide prevention program.
In addition, BOP is increasing the number of beds available as secure mental
health units, which will support moving inmates with serious mental illness out
of restrictive housing and into secure treatment programs. BOP is also taking a
number of other steps to address mental health issues, including enhancing peer
support programs, and continuing to train BOP staff on suicide prevention, risk
assessment, and emergency responses,” the agency said in its statement.
