Journalist Who Exposed Epstein Criticizes DOJ Failure to Investigate His Death

House Oversight Committee requests testimony from prison guard Tova Noel amid new revelations about Epstein's final days

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:35am

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The House Oversight Committee has requested that prison guard Tova Noel testify about her role in monitoring Jeffrey Epstein during his detention before his controversial death in 2019. Recently released Justice Department files reveal Noel made suspicious internet searches immediately before Epstein's body was discovered and deposited $5,000 in cash 10 days prior, a transaction flagged by her bank. Miami Herald journalist Julie K. Brown, whose reporting led to the arrests of Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, criticized the DOJ's failure to thoroughly investigate Epstein's death, which was ruled a suicide despite ongoing questions.

Why it matters

Epstein's death sparked widespread suspicion and controversy, with many questioning whether it was truly a suicide or if there was foul play involved. Brown's criticism of the DOJ's investigation raises concerns about potential corruption and lack of oversight at the Metropolitan Correctional Center where Epstein was held.

The details

The recently released FBI documents include an interview with a fellow inmate who reported hearing guards discussing covering up Epstein's death, as well as other inmates claiming "Miss Noel killed Jeffrey." However, the DOJ failed to pursue these leads, according to Brown.

  • Epstein died in his jail cell in 2019.
  • The House Oversight Committee requested Tova Noel's testimony on Friday.

The players

Tova Noel

A prison guard who was monitoring Jeffrey Epstein at the time of his death.

Julie K. Brown

A Miami Herald journalist whose reporting led to the arrests of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

House Oversight Committee

A congressional committee that has requested Tova Noel's testimony regarding Epstein's death.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.