The Vault: The Epstein Files MCC Corrections Officer Michael Thomas And His OIG Interview Related To Epstein's Death (Part 5) (3/3/26)
Mar 4, 2026
Michael Thomas, a veteran Metropolitan Correctional Center correctional officer who testified in probes of Jeffrey Epstein’s death. He discusses not reviewing the hot list, awareness that Epstein was a suicide risk, rules about assigning cellmates, communication and notification procedures, and why he did not report the missing cellmate during his shift.
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Officer Knew Suicide Risk Required A Cellmate
- Michael Thomas knew Epstein was a suicide risk and should have had a cellmate according to institutional practice.
- Thomas says he learned this over years on the job but cannot recall formal training or where the requirement was documented.
Cellmate Assignments Come From Higher Ups
- Thomas repeatedly states that assigning a new cellmate is not something a line officer does independently and usually comes from a lieutenant or higher.
- He emphasizes officers avoid placing inmates together without authorization because of risks like race, affiliations, or prior incidents.
Seen Inmates Return From Suicide Watch Alone
- Thomas recalls seeing inmates return from suicide watch without a cellmate, showing inconsistent application of the rule.
- He cannot explain why this happens and attributes responsibility to psychology or administrative processes.