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James E. Staley, the former top executive at JPMorgan Chase who was closest to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein at the bank, relied on him for many years as almost a sort of personal advisor, a document shows.
The two men discussed a variety of topics over email, including a possible meeting between Chinese officials and executives at the country’s largest bank, deals Mr. Staley was working on, a possible promotion for Mr. Staley and the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, said a document the bank produced shortly after Mr Epstein’s 2019 arrest on federal sex trafficking allegations.
The document, reviewed by The New York Times and added as sealed evidence to a court filing, also revealed the personal nature of Mr Staley’s relationship with Mr Epstein. Mr Staley has told Mr Epstein several times that he misses him, spoke of mutual friends and helping his daughter get into grad school.
In an email, Mr Staley boasted to Mr Epstein about his plans for New Year’s Eve 2011: “I’m here in Brazil with three beautiful women. Happy New.”
In another email exchange in 2010, according to the document, Mr. Staley wrote to Mr. Epstein, “Maybe they’re following you??” That was fun. Say hello to Snow White.” Mr. Epstein replied, “What character would you like next?” In 2009, Mr. Epstein emailed Mr. Staley with a photo attached of “a young woman in a revealing outfit in a model pose,” the document reads .
Mr. Staley, better known as Jes, is a central figure in two civil lawsuits filed against JPMorgan last year over the bank’s nearly 15-year business relationship with Mr. Epstein. The lawsuits allege that JPMorgan has turned a blind eye to allegations that Mr Epstein trafficked in teenage girls and young men and has continued to do so, even as he was required as a sex offender after pleading guilty in 2008 for inciting a young girl into prostitution.
Mr Staley has repeatedly denied in court filings any wrongdoing or awareness that Mr Epstein had sexually abused young women and teenage girls while the bank had him as a customer. Mr Staley’s lawyers did not respond to requests for comment. JPMorgan, which also said it was unaware of Mr. Epstein’s activities, sued Mr. Staley this year to ensure he could be held liable for damages the bank might pay if he was found to actually be committing improper activities had .
The 22-page document also summarizes other emails regarding communications between Mr. Epstein and other JPMorgan employees.
In some emails, Mr Epstein mentioned all the rich and famous people he met or spoke to, including Prince Andrew. He spoke of having ties to British politicians and Middle East leaders. He also discussed an art transaction he had helped Leon Black, the billionaire Wall Street investor, complete. Mr. Black was another close associate of Mr. Epstein for many years, paying him $158 million for tax and financial advice.