Epstein Prison Guards Captured Wandering Near Cell in Newly Released CCTV Footage
Startling CCTV footage released by the Department of Justice has revealed two correctional officers strolling just feet from Jeffrey Epstein's prison cell at 3am on the night he was found dead. The video, which has intensified scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding the disgraced financier's demise, shows the guards apparently failing to conduct mandatory checks.
Guards Ignored Explicit Warnings and Procedures
According to Department of Justice documents, Epstein required a bunkmate at all times and regular thirty-minute check-ins due to his recent removal from suicide watch. Roberto Grijalva, an officer at the Metropolitan Correctional Centre in New York where Epstein was held, later testified that he left bright orange reminder notes for staff. These notes explicitly stated: "Manadatory [sic] rounds must be conducted every 30 minutes on Epstein, as per God!!!"
Grijalva placed the instructions directly next to the computer screen before leaving for the weekend at 2pm on August 9. He recalled, "It was something between us, that said, make sure rounds are conducted and he has a bunkie at all times." However, when he returned on Monday, the paper had vanished. The guards on duty that night seemingly disregarded these critical warnings.
The Fatal Night: A Chain of Failures
Epstein is believed to have taken his own life sometime between 10.30pm on August 9 and 6.30am the following day. He was found lifeless by officers during breakfast service. On that fateful night, Epstein was alone in his cell after his cellmate, convicted drug dealer Efrain Reyes, was transferred. Grijalva had stressed to staff that Epstein would need a new bunkmate upon returning from a meeting with his lawyers that evening.
In a chilling interaction, Grijalva recalled telling Epstein he was "going to get a bunkie," to which Epstein calmly replied, "No, I am good." The officer noted Epstein seemed relaxed, even joking about requesting a new jumper. Grijalva explained the oversight regarding the orange sheets Epstein used to hang himself, stating officers failed to remove Reyes' sheets during the transfer and likely gave Epstein extras after he complained of being cold. "They f***ed up," Grijalva admitted. "Sorry. That's a big no go."
Conspiracy Theories and Ongoing Investigations
While officially ruled a suicide, the negligence displayed—including guards allegedly sleeping and skipping mandatory rounds—has fueled persistent theories of murder or a staged event. The case continues to be plagued by multiple conspiracies, particularly concerning the conduct of the guards on duty.
Meanwhile, investigations into Epstein's activities remain active. Earlier this month, reports emerged that Epstein flew girls to the UK and paid for young women to stay in a luxury London flat up until his death. The Metropolitan Police are assessing whether victims were trafficked on his jet into commercial airports and RAF bases. At least six police forces are currently examining evidence from the Epstein files, including checks on up to ninety flights into Stansted's private terminal.
This newly released footage underscores the profound failures in prison protocol that contributed to one of the most controversial deaths in recent memory, leaving many questions unanswered and investigations ongoing.
