Never-before-seen emails were included in the newly-released Jeffrey Epstein case files on Friday.
The emails from the U.S. Justice Department files show the convicted sex criminal gave former Obama White House counsel Kathryn Ruemmler luxury gifts, including a Hermes-branded Apple Watch, a $9,400 Hermes handbag, and a spa treatment package at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Correspondence between Washington Commanders and Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris and Epstein were included in the latest files released.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Harris had correspondence with Epstein after his guilty plea in 2008 for solicitation of prostitution with a minor, but prior to his arrest on child sex trafficking charges in 2019.
Reacting to the release of the files, a spokesperson for Harris said the businessman “never had an independent relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.”
He said Harris had "sought to avoid meeting with Epstein, canceling meetings and having others return his calls.”
Based on the emails released, it appears Harris met with Epstein in November 2014.
“Did you have fun at breakfast?” Epstein wrote to Harris.
“Yes very much,” he responded. “Thank you for inviting me.”
Epstein mentioned the meeting in a later email with Bank of America president Paul Morris.
“as you might know I had a recent breadkfst at the hosue with ron baron. josh harris, and billgates,” Epstein wrote in January 2015.
Newly disclosed communications showed that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnickcoordinated a trip to Jeffrey Epstein’s private island, Little St. James, in December 2012. The emails indicate Lutnick and his family, along with friends and children, arranged to meet Epstein for a meal on the island.
Based on the correspondence, which is part of a large document release mandated by Congress, the visit took place several years after Lutnick previously said he had ended contact with Epstein following an uncomfortable encounter in 2005. In public statements last year, Lutnick described Epstein as manipulative and said he and his wife chose to avoid him thereafter.
Records also show other interactions between Lutnick and Epstein dating back to at least 2011, including social engagements and communications about shared interests. A subsequent message from Epstein’s team, sent after the 2012 gathering, read “nice seeing you,” according to the documents released on Friday.
A Commerce Department spokesperson stressed that Lutnick was never accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and characterized his interactions as limited and social.
Source: