BOP Internal Review: MCC Operational Failures

BUREAU OF PRISONS — INTERNAL REVIEW OF MCC OPERATIONAL FAILURES Source: BOP Internal Review / DOJ Records Following Jeffrey Epstein's death at the Metropolitan Correctional Center on August 10, 2019, the Bureau of Prisons conducted an internal review of operational conditions at the facility. The review documented systemic failures that preceded and contributed to the circumstances of Epstein's death. STAFFING FAILURES: - MCC was operating at approximately 40% of required staffing levels - Correctional officers were routinely required to work mandatory overtime (16-hour shifts) - Some officers worked multiple consecutive double shifts - Training requirements were not being met due to staffing shortages - Non-correctional staff (teachers, case workers) were being pressed into service as guards SPECIFIC FAILURES ON AUGUST 9-10, 2019: - Two officers assigned to Epstein's unit (Tova Noel and Michael Thomas) failed to conduct required rounds - Officers allegedly slept during portions of their shift - Officers falsified log entries indicating rounds had been conducted - No supervisor checked on the unit during the overnight shift FACILITY CONDITIONS: - Physical plant was in severe disrepair - Surveillance camera systems had documented maintenance issues - Climate control and sanitation were substandard - The facility was subsequently closed in 2021 and inmates transferred OFFICER PROSECUTION: Officers Noel and Thomas were charged with conspiracy and falsifying records. In May 2021, they entered into deferred prosecution agreements requiring community service. The BOP review contributed to the subsequent decision to permanently close MCC Manhattan. Source: BOP / DOJ Available at: https://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/nym/