Madison County Judge Linked to Epstein Files

Judge says he was unaware of client's connection to Epstein case.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:37am

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A Madison County, Illinois judge has found his name included in the files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, despite being unaware of his client's connection to the disgraced financier at the time he provided legal representation.

Why it matters

The revelation that a local judge's name appears in the Epstein files raises questions about the extent of the late financier's web of connections, even in smaller jurisdictions far from the centers of power where Epstein operated.

The details

Judge Andrew Carruthers says he was assigned to serve as local counsel for attorneys in another jurisdiction who were seeking to enforce a civil money judgment for their client. Carruthers claims he was unaware at the time that the client had any connection to Jeffrey Epstein.

  • The Epstein files were made public in 2026.

The players

Andrew Carruthers

A Madison County, Illinois judge who was unaware of his client's connection to the Jeffrey Epstein case when providing legal representation.

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What they’re saying

“I was assigned to serve as local counsel for attorneys in another jurisdiction seeking to enforce a civil money judgment for their client who, at the time, was completely unknown to us, just as he was unknown to most of the country 13 years ago.”

— Andrew Carruthers, Madison County Judge

What’s next

The judge says he is cooperating fully with any inquiries related to his connection to the Epstein case.

The takeaway

This case highlights how the tentacles of the Epstein scandal may reach into unexpected corners, underscoring the need for continued scrutiny and transparency around the late financier's web of connections.