DOJ IG Review: MCC Camera Evidence

DOJ OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL — MCC CAMERA EVIDENCE REVIEW Subject: Preservation and Chain of Custody of Security Camera Footage Facility: Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC), New York Incident Date: August 10, 2019 BACKGROUND: Following Jeffrey Epstein's death at the Metropolitan Correctional Center on August 10, 2019, the DOJ Office of Inspector General initiated a review of the facility's security camera system, including the preservation of footage from the night of Epstein's death. CAMERA SYSTEM STATUS: SHU TIER CAMERAS: The MCC's Special Housing Unit (SHU), where Epstein was housed, had multiple security cameras. The OIG review found: - Two cameras positioned to capture the area outside Epstein's cell malfunctioned on the night of his death - The camera footage that should have documented any approach to or departure from Epstein's cell was unusable - Technical staff determined the cameras had a history of malfunctions and had not been properly maintained PRESERVED FOOTAGE: Some camera footage from other areas of the facility was successfully preserved and showed: - No one entering the SHU tier where Epstein was housed during the relevant time period - General facility activity during the overnight hours EVIDENCE HANDLING: The OIG examined whether: - Camera footage was promptly preserved following the incident - Chain of custody protocols were followed - Any footage was lost, destroyed, or tampered with - Backup systems functioned properly FINDINGS: The OIG determined that the camera failures were the result of equipment malfunctions and inadequate maintenance rather than deliberate tampering. However, the failure of cameras at the precise location and time of Epstein's death contributed significantly to public skepticism about the official account. Source: DOJ Office of Inspector General Available at: https://oig.justice.gov/