The Vault: The Epstein Files MCC Corrections Officer Michael Thomas And His OIG Interview Related To Epstein's Death (Part 11) (3/4/26)
Mar 5, 2026
Michael Thomas, a veteran MCC correctional officer who worked the overnight SHU shift on Aug 9–10, 2019. He discusses OIG questioning about missing counts, handwriting on count slips, supervisor roles, who actually performed checks that night, and how fatigue and staffing shortages affected rounds. The conversation probes procedural gaps and why required monitoring went undocumented.
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Thomas Signed A Wrong 3 A.M. Count Slip
- Michael Thomas admits he prepared and signed a count slip that showed "72" for a 3 a.m. count while claiming not to recall conversations correcting the number.
- He repeatedly says he doesn't remember who called counts or spoke with supervisors, insisting any corrected slip "would have been sent down."
Lieutenants Filled In For Counts Without Clear Requirement
- Supervisors sometimes performed institutional counts informally to help shorthanded officers rather than following a strict written requirement.
- Thomas explains lieutenants would "just take the three count" when available, indicating ad hoc practices substituted formal procedures.
Enforce Formal Supervisor Presence For SHU Counts
- Ensure supervisors follow and document formal requirements for SHU rounds instead of informally "helping out" when shorthanded.
- Thomas's testimony shows supervisors sometimes took counts ad hoc, so formal enforcement would reduce ambiguity.