Epstein Guard Googled Him Right Before His Death

Newly released DOJ documents reveal correctional officer's online searches minutes before Epstein's death

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Newly released Department of Justice documents show that one of the correctional officers responsible for monitoring Jeffrey Epstein conducted Google searches for information about Epstein just minutes before his body was discovered in his jail cell in August 2019. The documents were part of a broader review of Bureau of Prisons computer activity leading up to Epstein's apparent suicide.

Why it matters

Epstein's death in custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center sparked widespread scrutiny over the conditions and monitoring practices at the facility. These new revelations about the actions of the correctional officers on duty that night add to the ongoing questions and investigations surrounding the high-profile inmate's death.

The details

According to the DOJ records, correctional officer Tova Noel conducted Google searches for 'latest on Epstein in jail' at 5:42 a.m. and again at 5:52 a.m. on August 10, 2019. Less than 40 minutes later, Epstein was found dead in his cell. Noel and fellow officer Michael Thomas were previously accused of falsifying prison logs to indicate they had conducted required security checks on Epstein throughout the night, when they were allegedly browsing the internet and sleeping instead.

  • Noel conducted Google searches at 5:42 a.m. and 5:52 a.m. on August 10, 2019.
  • Epstein was found dead in his cell around 6:30 a.m. on August 10, 2019.

The players

Tova Noel

A correctional officer responsible for monitoring Jeffrey Epstein on the night he died.

Michael Thomas

A correctional officer who was on duty with Tova Noel the night Epstein died.

Jeffrey Epstein

The high-profile inmate who died by apparent suicide while in custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I did not recall performing the Google searches and questioned the accuracy of the FBI's records.”

— Tova Noel (Department of Justice statement)

What’s next

Investigators are continuing to review surveillance footage and financial records related to the correctional officers on duty the night of Epstein's death.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny and unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances of Jeffrey Epstein's death in federal custody, which sparked widespread concerns about the conditions and monitoring practices at the Metropolitan Correctional Center.