Overview
- FBI logs show Tova Noel searched “latest on Epstein in jail” at 5:42 a.m. and 5:52 a.m. on August 10, 2019, about 40 minutes before officer Michael Thomas found Epstein unresponsive around 6:30 a.m.
- A JPMorgan Chase suspicious-activity report flagged multiple cash deposits to Noel’s account, including a $5,000 cash deposit on July 30, 2019, with additional deposits dating back to 2018.
- An internal FBI briefing indicated investigators believed Noel was likely the orange-clad figure on blurry surveillance near Epstein’s cell around 10:40 p.m., carrying linen or inmate clothing.
- In a 2021 sworn interview, Noel denied making the Epstein-related searches and questioned the accuracy of the FBI’s computer records.
- Noel and fellow guard Michael Thomas were fired for skipping required checks and falsifying logs, charges against them were later dropped, and the new DOJ records have not altered those outcomes.