New York Attorney General Seeks Information on Billionaire Epstein’s “Philanthropy”
The New York Attorney General’s Office has sent letters to the charitable foundation of financier Jeffrey Epstein seeking information on whether it is complying with state registration requirements.
Epstein, 62, has been a tabloid sensation since allegations arose in a court proceeding in December that he forced an underage girl to have sex with Britain’s Prince Andrew, prominent U.S. lawyer Alan Dershowitz, and other high-profile men. Prince Andrew and Dershowitz have denied the allegations. A lawyer for Epstein has called them old and discredited.
Epstein spent 13 months in a Florida jail after pleading guilty in 2008 to procuring an underage girl for prostitution. Since well before then he has cultivated a reputation as a philanthropist through websites and press releases about his donations, especially to Harvard University.
In a letter dated Monday and reviewed by Reuters, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s Charities Bureau asked Epstein’s lawyer Darren Indyke to explain why Epstein’s foundation, which is incorporated in the U.S. Virgin Islands, should be considered exempt from New York law.
A charity based outside New York is required to register with the New York Charities Bureau if it does business in New York or holds property in the state. It must also file annual financial reports with the bureau. Other U.S. states have similar requirements. (Read more about the New York attorney general seeking this information HERE)
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