JPMorgan settlement with Epstein accusers draws objection from US states
By Jonathan Stempel
NEW YORK (Reuters) — JPMorgan Chase's $290 million class-action settlement with Jeffrey Epstein's accusers has drawn an objection from many U.S. states, which say the accord could limit their ability to seek compensation for sexual abuse victims.
In a letter made public on Monday in Manhattan federal court, the attorneys general of 16 states and Washington, D.C., complained about settlement language that prevents «any sovereign or government» from seeking damages arising from sex trafficking by Epstein and the late financier's associates.
The attorneys general said including such language without their consent would deter them from seeking damages for sex trafficking victims, not just Epstein's, under the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
They also said Deutsche Bank's similar $75 million agreement with Epstein's accusers did not contain the offending language.
«Jeffrey Epstein's surviving victims should be fully compensated for the profound harm they have suffered,» New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez wrote. «However, as it now stands, the settlement agreement improperly seeks to release (the states') claims for victim-specific relief.»
The attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah and Vermont also signed the letter.
JPMorgan did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Lawyers for Epstein's accusers did not immediately respond to similar requests.
The settlement requires approval by U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff.
He ordered JPMorgan and Epstein's accusers to address the states' objection by Nov. 6. A hearing to consider final
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