The Vault: The Epstein Files

MCC Corrections Officer Michael Thomas And His OIG Interview Related To Epstein's Death (Part 7) (3/3/26)

Mar 5, 2026
Michael Thomas, a veteran federal correctional officer who worked in the Metropolitan Correctional Center SHU, discusses his role on the night Jeffrey Epstein died. He talks about who oversaw the unit, shift handoffs and supervisory responsibilities. He describes who worked the overnight shift and clarifies the distinct duties of shoe one versus shoe two.
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INSIGHT

SHU Oversight Fell To Operations Lieutenant

  • Chain of command for the SHU was layered: captain then operations lieutenant then activities lieutenant, with operations called most often for issues.
  • Michael Thomas repeatedly explains responsibility shifts and that operations typically oversees the SHU when the shoe lieutenant is absent.
INSIGHT

Lieutenant Presence Varied Across Shifts

  • Supervisory roles overlap and vary by shift, and lieutenants may not be co-located in the building.
  • Thomas describes that activities and operations lieutenants "can be anywhere in the building," which complicates immediate oversight.
ANECDOTE

Thomas Says He Received No Special Instructions About Epstein

  • Thomas had no special communications or instructions from multiple lieutenants about Epstein, and says he never was told Epstein required a cellmate in the SHU.
  • He repeatedly answers "no" when asked about verbal or email instructions concerning Epstein from various supervisors.
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