A former correctional officer who was on duty the night financier Jeffrey Epstein died in federal custody is scheduled to testify before Congress as lawmakers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
Key Details of the Investigation
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Witness | Tova Noel |
| Former Role | Correctional officer at Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC), New York |
| Committee | House Oversight Committee |
| Scheduled Testimony | March 26 in Washington, D.C. |
| Case Focus | Circumstances surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s death in 2019 |
The House Oversight Committee has requested testimony from Tova Noel, one of the guards assigned to monitor Epstein during the night he was found dead in his jail cell.
Why Tova Noel Is Being Called to Testify
According to reports, lawmakers believe Noel may have information relevant to the committee’s ongoing investigation.
A letter from Committee Chairman James Comer stated that public reporting, Department of Justice documents, and materials obtained by the committee suggest Noel could help clarify events surrounding Epstein’s death.
Epstein died on August 10, 2019, while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
Questions About Activity Before Epstein’s Death
Recently released documents have raised additional questions about Noel’s actions on the night Epstein died.
Reports indicate that Noel allegedly searched Epstein’s name online roughly 40 minutes before he was discovered unresponsive in his cell.
Financial records also reportedly drew attention from investigators after Noel’s bank alerted the FBI about unusual account activity in late 2019, including 12 cash deposits beginning in April 2018.
Authorities have not publicly stated that the deposits were connected to Epstein’s death.
Allegations of Falsified Prison Records
Noel and another correctional officer were previously charged with falsifying records related to inmate monitoring.
According to a Department of Justice press release from 2019, the guards allegedly failed to perform required prisoner checks in the Special Housing Unit at the Metropolitan Correctional Center.
Epstein was supposed to be checked every 30 minutes because he had been classified as a suicide risk.
Prosecutors alleged the officers documented rounds that had not actually taken place.
The charges against the guards were later dropped as part of an agreement with federal prosecutors.
Claims About Guard Activity
Investigators said the guards spent significant time at their desk rather than conducting required checks.
Documents suggested they browsed the internet, moved around the housing unit, and may have rested during portions of their shifts.
Computer records also reportedly showed Noel browsing online shopping websites.
Noel’s Response to Allegations
During a 2021 deposition, Noel said she did not recall searching Epstein’s name online.
“I don’t remember doing that,” she said.
She also stated she had limited experience working in the Special Housing Unit.
Epstein’s Statements Before His Death
Newly released Justice Department documents also include a psychological report describing statements Epstein reportedly made weeks before his death.
According to the report, Epstein told officials he had “no interest in killing myself” and described suicide as something that would be “crazy.”
He reportedly said he was focused on fighting the charges against him and wanted to return to his life.
Ongoing Congressional Scrutiny
Epstein’s death has remained the subject of public scrutiny and conspiracy theories for years.
Congressional investigators are seeking additional testimony and records as they attempt to determine whether failures or misconduct contributed to the circumstances surrounding his death.
