Mentioned in 2 documents. Roles: Managing Assistant United States Attorney, Chief, Criminal Division, USAO
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Matthew I. Menchel is mentioned in documents or reporting related to the Epstein case. Being mentioned does not imply any wrongdoing, criminal conduct, or inappropriate behavior.
This dossier was generated by AI (Claude) from court filings, government releases, and other documentary sources in our database. It may contain errors or misattributions. Always verify claims against the linked source documents.
Background
Matthew I. Menchel is a lawyer who served as Managing Assistant United States Attorney and Chief of the Criminal Division at the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Southern District of Florida. In that capacity, he was involved in the federal investigation and plea negotiations concerning Jeffrey Epstein between approximately 2006 and 2009. He later entered private practice at the international law firm Kobre & Kim LLP, which has offices in New York, London, Hong Kong, Washington DC, Miami, the Cayman Islands, and the British Virgin Islands.
After leaving the USAO, Menchel maintained contact with Jeffrey Epstein over a period of years. Extensive email correspondence in the documentary record, spanning from at least early 2011 through mid-2016, shows a social relationship between the two men involving lunches, dinners, and personal exchanges. Menchel's dual role -- first as a senior federal prosecutor involved in the Epstein plea deal, and later as a social associate of Epstein -- is a notable feature of his profile in these case files.
Epstein Connection
Menchel's connection to the Epstein case is twofold. First, in his official capacity as Managing AUSA and Chief of the Criminal Division at the USAO (Southern District of Florida), he was involved in the federal investigation of Jeffrey Epstein from 2006 to 2009, including drafting a letter from U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta to Epstein's counsel Lilly Ann Sanchez setting out the government's position on a plea deal with a firm two-year minimum sentence. Second, after leaving the USAO, Menchel developed a social relationship with Epstein, as evidenced by extensive personal email correspondence from approximately 2011 to 2016 in which the two arranged meals, discussed personal matters, and socialized with mutual acquaintances.
Key Allegations(5)
Menchel drafted and sent a letter from U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta to Lilly Ann Sanchez conveying the USAO's position on a plea deal for Jeffrey Epstein, including a firm two-year minimum sentence.
documentedMenchel was involved in the USAO's roles and responsibilities during the Epstein investigation from 2006 to 2009, including key events such as the opening of the federal investigation, signing of the Non-Prosecution Agreement, and Epstein's guilty plea and release.
documentedAfter leaving the USAO, Menchel maintained a social relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, including regular lunches, dinners, and personal correspondence, spanning from at least 2011 through 2016.
documentedMenchel was invited to lunch with Jeffrey Epstein and Lord Mandelson.
documentedEpstein told Menchel that his name came up at 'AJ disclaers depo' in connection with an 'IME issue.'
documentedLegal Status
Menchel is not known to have been charged with any crime. He appears in case documents as a former federal prosecutor involved in the Epstein plea negotiations and later as a social associate of Epstein. He is referenced in DOJ and EFTA records.
Notable Statements(8)
“Just wanted to say I enjoyed the lunch the other”
“The kid's awesome, thanks for asking. Unfortunately, my dad just passed”
“In London doing an ICC arbitration. Should be back in NY February”
“Long time, no speak. How are things?”
“Lunch, lord MANDELSON will join if ok with you”
“you well? are you involved in the IME, issue, your name came up at AJ disclaers depo”
“Ken Starr, has now seen the other side”
“Tom pritsker and I met your wife and son--- you are very blessed”
Contradictions(1)
Menchel served as a senior federal prosecutor (Managing AUSA, Chief of the Criminal Division) responsible for the Epstein investigation and plea negotiations at the USAO from 2006 to 2009.
Email records from 2011 through 2016 show Menchel maintained a social relationship with Epstein after leaving the USAO, including regular meals, personal correspondence, and socializing with Epstein's other associates. Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff also coordinated appointments between Menchel and Epstein.
Key Relationships(6)
Extensive email correspondence from 2011 to 2016 documents a social relationship including lunches, dinners, and personal exchanges. Epstein met Menchel's wife and son. Previously, Menchel was involved in the USAO investigation and plea negotiations involving Epstein (2006-2009).
Menchel drafted a letter from U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta to Epstein's counsel regarding the plea deal terms, as documented in DOJ records.
Lesley Groff, Epstein's assistant, coordinated appointments between Menchel and Epstein, including emails and phone messages to schedule meetings.
Epstein proposed that Lord Mandelson join a lunch with Menchel.
Epstein referenced Kenneth Starr in an email to Menchel dated July 31, 2016, stating 'Ken Starr, has now seen the other side.'
Tim Zagat is referenced in a contact/scheduling list alongside Menchel in connection with arranging food for 'Sultan and JE.'
Timeline(15 events)
Menchel was involved in the opening of the federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein as Managing AUSA, Chief of the Criminal Division, USAO.
Menchel drafted and sent a letter from U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta to Lilly Ann Sanchez conveying the USAO's position on a plea deal for Jeffrey Epstein, including a firm two-year minimum sentence.
Email to 'Matthew I. Menchel' with subject 'RE: Did the letter go out on Friday?' suggesting follow-up on correspondence related to Epstein plea negotiations.
Menchel, now at Kobre & Kim LLP, emails Epstein that he is in London doing an ICC arbitration and should be back in NY in February.
Menchel replies to Epstein about scheduling, noting he is in court downtown.
Epstein emails Menchel asking 'Are we still on?'
Epstein emails Menchel saying 'Tom pritsker and I met your wife and son--- you are very blessed.' Menchel responds asking about meeting in NYC on Wednesday.
Epstein confirms Sunday meeting with Menchel and 'jeff.'
Epstein emails Menchel asking if he is 'involved in the IME issue' and states his name came up at 'AJ disclaers depo.'
Menchel emails Epstein reconnecting: 'Long time, no speak. How are things?'
Lesley Groff emails Menchel regarding Jeffrey.
Menchel emails Epstein saying he 'enjoyed the lunch' they had.
Epstein emails Menchel asking 'when are you in ny next?'
Epstein emails Menchel: 'just thinking of you, hows the kid.' Menchel responds: 'The kid's awesome, thanks for asking. Unfortunately, my dad just passed.'
Epstein emails Menchel referencing Kenneth Starr: 'Ken Starr, has now seen the other side.'
At a Glance
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External Records
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Document Mentions
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