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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT¶

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA¶

08-80736-Civ-MARRA/JOHNSON CASE NO.:¶

IN RE: JANE DOE,¶

Petitioner.¶

Emergency VICTIM’S PETITION FOR ENFORCEMENT OF CRIME VICTIM’S RIGHTS ACT, 18 U.S.C . SECTION 3771¶

COMES NOW the Petitioner, JANE DOE (hereinafter “Petitioner”), by and through her undersigned attorneys, pursuant to the Crime Victim’s Rights Act, 18 U.S.C. Section 3771 (“CVRA”), and files this Petition for Enforcement in the above styled action as follows:¶

1. Petitioner, an adult, as a minor child was a victim of federal crimes committed by JEFFREY EPSTEIN (hereinafter “Defendant”). These crimes included sex trafficking of children by fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1591, use of a means of interstate commerce to entice a minor to commit prostitution, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422, as well as wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343. The Defendant committed these crimes within the jurisdiction of the Southern District of Florida in Palm Beach County, Florida.

2. Upon information and belief, the Defendant is the subject of a federal criminal investigation conducted by the United States of America in the Southern District of Florida. The Defendant has recently been prosecuted and pleaded guilty, on June 30, 2008, in the Circuit Court for Palm Beach County to various similar state offenses including solicitation of minors for prostitution.

3. Upon information and belief, the Defendant is engaged in plea negotiations with the Office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida concerning federal

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crimes which he is alleged to have committed against minor children, including the Petitioner.¶

Such negotiations may likely result in a disposition of the charges in the next several days.¶

4. Under the CVRA, before any charges are filed against the Defendant, the Petitioner has the rights (among others) to notice of her rights under the CVRA, to confer with the prosecutors, and to be treated with fairness. As soon as charges are filed, the Petitioner has the rights (among others) to timely notice of court proceedings, the right not to be excluded from such proceedings, the right to be heard at such public proceedings regarding conditions of release, any plea, and any sentence, the right to confer with the attorney for the government, the right to restitution, and the right to be treated with fairness and with respect for her dignity and privacy.

5. The Petitioner has been denied her rights in that she has received no consultation with the attorney for the government regarding the possible disposition of the charges, no notice of any public court proceedings, no information regarding her right to restitution, and no notice of rights under the CVRA, as required under law.

6. The Petitioner is in jeopardy of losing her rights, as described above, if the government is able to negotiate a plea or agreement with the Defendant without her participation and knowledge.

WHEREFORE, for the reasons outlined above, the Petitioner respectfully requests this Court to grant her Petition, and to order the United States Attorney to comply with the provisions of the CVRA prior to and including any plea or other agreement with the Defendant and any attendant proceedings.¶

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MEMORANDUM¶

I. THE CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS ACT MAKES CRIME VICTIMS INDEPENDENT PARTICIPANTS THROUGHOUT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS.¶

In October 2004, Congress passed and the President signed into law the Crime Victims’ Rights Act, Pub. L. No. 108-405, 118 Stat. 2251 (codified at 18 U.S.C. § 3771). Because this appears to be the first case involving the Act to come before this Court, a bit of background may be in order.¶

A. The CVRA Gives Crime Victims Rights to Participate in the Criminal Justice Process.¶

Congress passed the CVRA “to give crime victims enforceable rights to participate in federal criminal proceedings.” Opinion at 14. Congress was concerned that in the federal system crime victims were “treated as non-participants in a critical event in their lives. They were kept in the dark by prosecutors too busy to care enough … and by a court system that simply did not have a place for them.” 150 CONG. REC. S4262 (Apr. 22, 2004) (statement of Sen. Feinstein).¶

To remedy this problem, Congress gave victims “the simple right to know what is going on, to participate in the process where the information that victims and their families can provide may be material and relevant … .” Id.¶

The CVRA gives victims of federal crimes a series of rights, including the right to notice of court proceedings, to be heard at plea and sentencing hearings, and to reasonably “confer with the attorney for the Government in the case.” 18 U.S.C. § 3771(a). Victims also have a “right of access to the terms of a plea agreement … .” In re Interested Party 1, 530 F.Supp. 2d 136, 2008 WL 134233 at *7 (D.D.C. 2008). The CVRA also assures victims broadly that they will “be treated with fairness.” 18 U.S.C. § 3771(a)(8).¶

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Of course, these rights would be of little use to most crime victims unless they were told about them. To ensure that victims are notified of their rights, the CVRA directs employees of the Justice Department “and other departments and agencies of the United States engaged in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime” to use their “best efforts to see that crime victims are notified of … the rights described [in the CVRA].” 18 U.S.C. § 3771(c)(1) (emphasis added).1¶

B. The CVRA Gives Victims Rights During the Investigation of a Crime.¶

The CVRA gives victims rights during the investigation of a crime. The Fifth Circuit recently reached this conclusion, holding:¶

The district court acknowledged that “[t]here are clearly rights under the CVRA that apply before any prosecution is underway.” BP Prods., 2008 WL 501321 at *11, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 12893, at *36. Logically, this includes the CVRA’s establishment of victims’ “reasonable right to confer with the attorney for the Government.” 18 U.S.C. § 3771(a)(5). At least in the posture of this case (and we do not speculate on the applicability to other situations), the government should have fashioned a reasonable way to inform the victims of the likelihood of criminal charges and to ascertain the victims’ views on the possible details of a plea bargain.¶

In re Dean, 527 F.3d 391, 394 (5^{th} Cir. 2008).¶

The position that CVRA rights apply before charges have been filed is consistent with the Justice Department regulations under the CVRA, which explain that government officials “must advise a victim [about their rights under the CVRA] … at the earliest opportunity at which it may be done without interfering with an investigation.” A.G. GUIDELINES FOR VICTIM AND WITNESS¶

1 Further supporting this requirement is another statute, 42 U.S.C. § 10607(c)(3), which directs government officials to provide victims with “the earliest possible notice of,” among other things, “the filing of charges against a suspected offender.”¶

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ASSISTANCE 23 (May 2005). And the plain language of the CVRA undergirds this conclusion, as it applies not simply to prosecutors but to government agencies “engaged in the detection [and] investigation … of crime … .” 18 U.S.C. § 3771(c)(1). Indeed, if there were any doubt, the plain language of the CVRA extends victims’ right to situations “in which no prosecution is underway.” 18 U.S.C. § 3771(d)(3).¶

II. PETITIONER IS A “VICTIM PROTECTED BY THE CVRA.¶

Under the CVRA the crime victim is defined as “a person directly and proximately harmed as a result of the commission of a Federal offense …” 18 U.S.C. Section 3771(e). In particular, Defendant called Petitioner when she was a minor over a telephone (a means of interstate communication) requesting that she perform a massage in exchange for payment. As Defendant well knew, that request was fraudulent, as he not only intended to receive a massage, but also intended to have her perform sexual acts in exchange for a cash payment to Petitioner. Only when Petitioner arrived at a Defendant’s mansion as directed by Defendant, did Defendant reveal his true purpose of obtaining sexual favors in exchange for payment. This conduct violated 18 U.S.C. § 2422, which forbids using a means of interstate commerce to knowingly “induce” or “entice” a minor “to engage in prostitution.” In addition, this conduct was both a use of “fraud” to obtain a commercial sex act, in violation of 18 U.S.C § 1591, and use of wire communications to perpetrate a “scheme and artifice to defraud,” in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343.¶

It appears obvious that Petitioner was “directly and proximately” harmed by these crimes, thereby making her a victim under the CVRA. It should be emphasized that the CVRA “was designed to be a ‘broad and encompassing’ statutory victims’ bill of rights.” United States¶

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Degenhardt, 405 F.Supp.2d 1341, 1342 (D. Utah 2005) (quoting 150 Cong. Rec. S4261 (daily ed. Apr. 22, 2004) (statement of Sen. Feinstein)). Congress intended the CVRA to dramatically rework the federal criminal justice system. In the course of construing the CVRA generously, the Ninth Circuit observed: “The criminal justice system has long functioned on the assumption that crime victims should behave like good Victorian children — seen but not heard. The Crime Victims’ Rights Act sought to change this by making victims independent participants in the criminal justice process.” Kenna. U.S. Dist. Court for C.D. Cal., 435 F.3d 1011, 1013 (9th Cir. 2006). Accordingly, because the CVRA is remedial legislation, courts should interpret it “liberally to facilitate and accomplish its purposes and intent.” Elliott Industries Ltd. Partnership. BP America Production Co., 407 F.3d 1091, 1118 (10th Cir. 2005) (noting remedial legislation should be “interpreted liberally to facilitate and accomplish its purposes and intent”). The CVRA itself suggests this conclusion by requiring that courts must treat crime victims with “fairness.” United States. Patkar, 2008 WL 233062 at *3 (D. Haw. 2008) (citing United States. Turner, 367 F.Supp.2d 319, 335 (E.D.N.Y. 2005))).¶

Not only must the CVRA as a whole be interpreted liberally, but its definition of “crime victim” requires a generous construction. After reciting the direct-and-proximate-harm language at issue here, one of the Act’s two co-sponsors — Senator Kyl — explained that “[t]his is an intentionally broad definition because all victims of crime deserve to have their rights protected …” 150 Cong. Rec. S10912 (Oct. 9, 2004) (emphasis added). The description of the victim definition as “intentionally broad” was in the course of floor colloquy with the other primary sponsor of the CVRA and therefore deserves significant weight. See Kenna, 435 F.3d at 1015-16 (discussing significance of CVRA sponsors= floor statements).¶

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The definition of “crime victims” must thus be construed broadly in favor of Petitioner. She obviously qualifies as a “victim” under the CVRA.¶

III. PETITIONER IS ENTITLED TO NOTICE OF HER RIGHTS, AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONFER WITH THE PROSECUTORS AND TO BE TREATED WITH FAIRNESS.¶

Because Petitioner is a “victim” under the CVRA, she has certain protected rights under the Act. Most important, the Act promises that she will have an opportunity to “confer with the attorney for the Government in the case.” To date, Petitioner has not been given that right. This raises that very real possibility that the Government may negotiate and conclude a plea agreement with the Defendant without giving Petitioner her protected rights.2¶

Petitioner is entitled to have this conference with prosecutors before any final plea agreement is reached. The Fifth Circuit reached exactly this conclusion in a very recent case. In In re Dean, 527 F.3d 391 (5th Circ. 2008), the Government negotiated a plea agreement with the well-heeled corporate defendant without conferring with the victims. When the Government’s failure was challenged in the Fifth Circuit, the Fifth Circuit concluded that the Government had indeed violated the CVRA. The Fifth Circuit observed: “In passing the [CVRA], Congress made the policy decision-which we are bound to enforce-that the victims have a right to inform the plea negotiation process by conferring with prosecutors before a plea agreement is reached.”¶

Id. at 394.¶

This Court is obligated to protect the rights of Petitioner. The CVRA directs that “[i]n any court proceeding involving an offense against a crime victim, the court shall ensure that the¶

2 On information and belief, roughly the same crimes were committed against several other young females. These victims, too, are in danger of losing their right to confer under the CVRA.¶

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crime victim is afforded the rights described in [the CVRA].” 18 U.S.C. § 3771(b)(1). The CVRA also confers on crime victims the right to “assert the rights described in [the CVRA].” 18 U.S.C. § 3771(d)(1). Therefore, this Court has its own independent obligation to intercede and ensure that the Government respects the rights of Petitioner under the CVRA.¶

CONCLUSION¶

The Petitioner requests the intervention of this Court to ensure that her rights are respected and accorded, as promised in the Crime Victims’ Rights Act.¶

DATED this 7th day of July, 2008.¶

Respectfully Submitted,¶

THE LAW OFFICE OF BRAD EDWARDS & ASSOCIATES, LLC¶

Brad Edwards, Esquire¶

Attorney for Petitioner¶

Florida Bar #542075¶

2028 Harrison Street¶

Suite 202¶

Hollywood, Florida 33020¶

Telephone:

954-414-8033

| Facsimile: | 954-924-1530 |¶

| :--- | :--- |¶

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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE¶

I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the above and foregoing has been provided by United States mail and via facsimile to: ANN MARIE C. VILLAFANA, AUSA, United States Attorney’s Office, 500 South Australian Avenue, Suite 400, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401, this 7th day of July, 2008.¶

Brad Edwards, Esquire¶

Attorney for Petitioner¶

Florida Bar No. 542075¶

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08-80736.Ciy Case 9.08-cy¶

JS 44 (Env. 2.08)¶

RRA/JOHNSON¶

CIVIL COVER SHEET¶

F1688by10 BJ10 D.C.¶

ELECTRONIC¶

The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk the civil cocket sheet. (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE REVERSE OF THE FORM.) NOTICE: Attorneys MUST Indicate All Re-filed¶

(1. (a) PLAINTIFFS¶

JULY 7, 2008¶

In re: Jane Doe¶

(b) County of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff Palm Bch.¶

(EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES)¶

DEFENDANTS United States of¶

STEVEN M. LARIMORE¶

CLERK U.S. DIST. CT.¶

S.O. OF FLA. - MIAMI¶

Law office of Brad Edwards & Associates¶

2028 Harrison Street¶

Suite 202¶

Hollywood, FC 33020¶

County of Residence of First Listed Defendant¶

(IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY)¶

NOTE: IN LAND CONDEMNATION CASES, USE THE LOCATION OF THE TRACT LAND INVOLVED.¶

Attorneys (if Known)¶

Ann marie C. Villafaria, U.S. atty’s office¶

(1) Check County Where Action Arose: MIAMI-DADE MONROE BROWARD PALM BEACH MARTIN ST. LUCIE INDIAN RIVER OKEECHOBEE HIGHLANDS¶

II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an “X” in One Box Only)¶

III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES (Place an “X” in One Box for Plaintiff and One Box for Defendant)¶

		PTF	DEF	PTF	DEF
1 U.S. Government Plaintiff	3 Federal Question (U.S. Government Not a Party)	❌ 1	❌ 1	Incorporated or Principal Place of Business In This State	❌ 4
2 U.S. Government Deferant	4 Diversity (Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item III)	❌ 2	❌ 2	Incorporated and Principal Place of Business In Another State	❌ 5

Citizen or Subject of a Foreign Country	❌ 3	❌ 3	Foreign Nation	❌ 6	❌ 6

IV. NATURE OF SUIT (Place on “X” in One Box Only)¶

CONTRACT¶

CONTRACT	TOBTS
110 Insurance	PERSONAL INJury
120 Marine	310 A plane
130 Miller Act	315 A plane Product Liability
140 Negotiable Instrument	320 Labels, Label & Shipping
150 Recovery of Depletion & Injunction of Damage	330 Federal Employers’ Liability
152 Recovery of Defined Studiom Laws	340 Marine
152 Recovery of Department of Veterans’ Benefits	350 Motor Vehicle
160 Snookers’ Suits	355 Water Vehicle Product Liability
190 Other Contract	360 Other Personal Employment
195 Conduct Product Liability	360 Other Personal Employment
REAL PROPERTY	CIVIL RIGHTS
210 Land Condemnation	441 Voting
240 Foreclosure	442 Employment
280 Rent Lease & Ejection	443 Housing
245 Ten Product Liability	444 Welfare
290 AB Aller Real Property	445 Amer. & Disabilities Other
290 AB Aller Real Property	446 Amer. & Disabilities Other
290 AB Aller Real Property	448 Other Civil Rights

TOBTS	FORPRISE/PERSONALITY
310 A plane	362 Personal Injury Medication
315 A plane Product Liability	365 Personal Injury
320 Labels, Label & Shipping	368 Assembled Personal Injury Product Liability
330 Federal Employers’ Liability	370 Personal Property
340 Marine	370 Tender Funding
350 Motor Vehicle	380 Other Personal Property
355 Water Vehicle Product Liability	385 Property Damage Product Liability
PRISONER PETITIONS	510 Motions to Vacate Sentence
Habeas Corpus	535 Death Penalty
548 Mandamus & Other	550 Civile Rights
555 Prison Condition	555 Prison Condition

FORPRISE/PERSONALITY	BANKRUPTCY
410 Agriculture	420 Other Food & Drug
420 Other Food & Drug Related Seizure of Property 21 USC 891	420 Other Food & Drug
420 R.R. & Truck	450 Airline Regs.
460 Occupational Safety Health	490 Other

LABOR	SOCIAL SECURITY
710 Four Labor Standards Act	710 Four Labor Standards Act
720 Labor/Mgmt. Relations	720 Labor/Mgmt. Relations
740 Railway Labor Act	740 Railway Labor Act
791 Emp. Rel. Inc. Securities Act	791 Emp. Rel. Inc. Securities Act
IMMIGRATION	FEDERAL TAX SUITS
465 Naturalization Applicant	465 Habeas Corpus-Alt Denature
465 Habeas Corpus-Alt Denature	465 Habeas Corpus-Alt Denature
465 Habeas Corpus-Alt Denature	465 Habeas Corpus-Alt Denature

BANKRUPTCY	OTHER STATEMENTS
422 Appeal 28 USC 158	422 Appeal 28 USC 158
423 Withdrawal 28 USC 157	423 Withdrawal 28 USC 157
820 Copyrights	820 Patents
820 Trademark	820 Trademark
861 HLA (1935D)	861 HLA (1935D)
863 DWC DIWM (4050G)	863 DWC DIWM (4050G)
864 SSId Tile XVI	864 SSId Tile XVI
865 IRS (4050G)	865 IRS (4050G)
870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff or Defendant)	870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff or Defendant)
871 Third Party 28 USC 7600	871 Third Party 28 USC 7600

ORIGIN¶

(Place an “X” in One Box Only)¶

1. Original Procedure ing.
2. Removed from State Court
3. Re-filed (see VI below)
4. Reinstated or Reopened
5. Transferred from another district (specify)
6. Multidistrict Litigation
7. Appeal to District Judge from Magistrate Judgment

VII. RELATED/RE-FILED CASE(S).¶

(See instructions, record pages)¶

JUDGE¶

DOCKET NUMBER¶

Citit the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing and Write a Brief Statement of Cause (Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity): Crime Victim’s Rights Act 18 USC § 3771¶

Partition on behalf of victim of sex offenses to be accrued her rights under the CVRA¶

LENGTH OF TRIAL via days estimated (for both sides to entire case)¶

VIII. REQUESTED IN COMPAINTA:¶

CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS ACTION¶

UNDER F.R.C.P. 23¶

DEMAND $¶

JURY DEMAND: Yes No¶

ABOVE INFORMATION IS TRUE & CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE¶

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORITY OF RECORD¶

DATE¶

7-7-08¶

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY¶

AMOUNT 350 ₽ RECEIPT # 724403 IFP¶

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