A New York court on Wednesday released an alleged suicide note written by the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
District judge Kenneth Karas granted a request from The New York Times, which had previously reported on the letter and sought the document's release.
The note's authenticity cannot be independently verified. Until now, the document had not been part of the US Department of Justice's investigation.
A cellmate of Epstein reportedly found the letter in a graphic novel following the sex offender's first alleged suicide attempt in July 2019, the Times reported, citing the fellow inmate. The cellmate is said to have given the letter to his lawyers to refute allegations that he had attacked Epstein.
The document, purportedly written by Epstein, states: "They investigated me for months — FOUND NOTHING!!! It is a treat to be able to choose one's time to say goodbye."
It continues: "Watcha want me to do — Bust out cryin!!"
The author finishes the note with the words "NO FUN" underlined and then "NOT WORTH IT!!"
Epstein's name is not mentioned in the note, which is not signed.
Years of abuse
Epstein, a New York financier, moved for years within elite social circles and cultivated ties with powerful figures. Prosecutors say the US multimillionaire ran an abuse network over many years in which dozens of young women and minors were victimized. Epstein was accused of sexually abusing women and girls in locations including New York and Florida.
The allegations first reached court around two decades ago, when Epstein pleaded guilty to some charges. Years later, the case was reopened and Epstein was arrested again.
Before a further verdict could be reached, Epstein died in his New York jail cell in 2019 at the age of 66. An autopsy ruled his death a suicide.
