Jeffrey Schantz
Schantz occupied the central fiduciary layer in Epstein's financial architecture: an attorney who simultaneously held trustee, executor, corporate officer, and operational management roles across multiple jurisdictions, concentrating control over legal structures, asset flows, and personnel in a single individual — until the relationship ended and required two replacements to fill his position.
Jeffrey A. Schantz is a New York-based attorney who served as one of Jeffrey Epstein's most senior fiduciaries from at least 1996 until approximately 2003. Under Epstein's original 2001 estate plan, Schantz served as co-Trustee of both the Jeffrey E. Epstein 2001 Trust One and Trust Two, co-Executor of Epstein's will alongside Paul Hoffman, and held authority to designate and remove successor Executors and Trustees 1. Trust One designated a $10 million bequest to Schantz upon Epstein's death — equal to the bequest to Epstein's brother Mark Lawrence Epstein 2. Simultaneously, Schantz served as Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer of multiple Epstein USVI corporations based at 6100 Red Hook Quarter, Suite B-3, American Yacht Harbor, St. Thomas 3, and managed day-to-day operations at Epstein's NYSG LLC offices at 457 Madison Avenue, New York (Findings #1999, #2000).
Schantz's departure from Epstein's orbit occurred in 2003 through a rapid, systematic dismantling of all his fiduciary roles. The First Codicil to Epstein's will (June 27, 2003) replaced Schantz and Hoffman as executors with Henry Jarecki and Bruce Cayne. A Trust One amendment removed Schantz as co-Trustee and replaced him with Ghislaine Maxwell and Ira Zicherman 4. The Second Amendment to Trust One (December 2004) formally deleted the $10 million bequest: "I hereby delete Article FIRST, paragraph II, subparagraph c, which provides a bequest to JEFFREY A. SCHANTZ" 5. A 2016 email between Mark Epstein and Jeffrey Epstein confirmed the timeline: "Does Jeff Schantz still work for you?" — "Left 13 years ago" 6.
The circumstances of Schantz's departure remain investigatively significant. In October 2003, the same period as his exit, NYSG LLC transferred $500,000 to Schantz at his Hewlett, NY address, alongside a $200,000 transfer to Darren Indyke, both funded by a $1 million Epstein deposit the prior day 7. Schantz had also provided sworn declarations in FTC v. Citibank (D.V.I. Civ. No. 2002-108), a case concerning a $10 million AIG-managed investment made via Citibank loan 8. After leaving Epstein, a review of federal court records found no cases naming Schantz as a party, a pattern that appears unusual for an attorney described by the New York Post in 2003 as "Epstein's lawyer" 9. His post-Epstein career includes a 2006 lobbying registration for JGW International Ltd on behalf of Protonex Technology Corporation, focused on defense and homeland security matters 10.
Key Relationships
Schantz's position in the Epstein network was defined by his role as the primary fiduciary counterpart to Jeffrey Epstein himself. From November 8, 2001, when the estate plan was formalized, Schantz served as co-Trustee of both Trust One and Trust Two and co-Executor of Epstein's will. His backup in the trustee hierarchy was Darren Indyke, confirming that Schantz outranked Indyke in the original structure 1. The two men worked in proximity at NYSG LLC's 457 Madison Avenue offices, and both received large transfers from the entity in October 2003 — $500,000 to Schantz and $200,000 to Indyke 7. After Schantz's departure, Indyke would go on to become Epstein's primary attorney for the next sixteen years.
Ghislaine Maxwell and Ira Zicherman were named as Schantz's direct successors as co-Trustees of Trust One 4. Epstein named two replacements where one had previously sufficed. Maxwell's notarization was handled by Harry Beller in New York, while Zicherman's was handled by Anna Vero, and Paul Hoffman — Schantz's co-officer in multiple USVI entities — notarized the removal document from the Virgin Islands. Hoffman and Schantz together had served as the founding trustees of the J. Epstein Virgin Islands Foundation alongside Epstein 11, and as officers of at least three to four USVI corporations 3.
In the 2012 restructuring of both trusts, Andrew Farkas and Jes Staley were named alongside Indyke to fill the trustee positions Schantz had once held. Farkas executed the amended agreements; Staley did not 12. Kelly Bovino, the sole beneficiary of Trust Two upon Epstein's death, was a beneficiary of the trust structure that Schantz had co-administered. Joseph Pagano was named alongside Schantz as a potential director of a successor charitable organization under Trust One 2, suggesting Pagano occupied a similar advisory tier.
Jeffrey Schantz
The Fiduciary Architecture
The concentration of fiduciary authority in Schantz was atypical even by the standards of high-net-worth estate planning. Under Epstein's 2001 will and trust instruments, Schantz simultaneously held the roles of co-Trustee of Trust One, co-Trustee of Trust Two, co-Executor of the will, and was empowered to designate and remove successor Executors and Trustees 1. Alongside Epstein, Schantz therefore had effective control over the disposition of assets upon Epstein's death, the management of trust assets during Epstein's lifetime, and the governance succession of the entire estate apparatus.
Trust One contained the bulk of Epstein's known bequests: $10 million to Schantz, $10 million to Mark Lawrence Epstein, and provisions for a successor charitable organization. Trust Two, whose sole death beneficiary was Kelly Bovino at 100 percent, served as a separate vehicle, and the Second Amendment's redirection of $20 million from Trust One to Trust Two suggests the trusts functioned as a coordinated system rather than independent instruments 12. Schantz's co-trusteeship of both trusts simultaneously gave him visibility into the full architecture.
The USVI corporate layer added further depth. Schantz held the triple role of Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer across multiple Epstein entities incorporated in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with Paul Hoffman and Epstein as co-trustees on the boards 3. This jurisdictional positioning — New York operations paired with USVI incorporation — is consistent with the tax and regulatory arbitrage strategies that characterized Epstein's broader financial structure. The 6100 Red Hook Quarter address at American Yacht Harbor, St. Thomas, served as the registered office for these entities.
Financial Flows and Compensation
The most direct evidence of financial flows to Schantz comes from the NYSG LLC JPMorgan Private Bank statement for October 2003 13. On October 16, Epstein funded NYSG LLC with a $1,000,000 transfer. The following day, October 17, NYSG executed a $500,000 book transfer to "Jeffrey A. Schantz, Hewlett NY 11557" and a $200,000 transfer to Darren Indyke 7. The timing — immediately following Schantz's removal from the will in June 2003 and coinciding with his departure — leaves open whether the $500,000 represented a separation payment, deferred compensation, or settlement of some other obligation.
The original $10 million bequest in Trust One 2 equaled the bequest to Epstein's brother Mark, placing Schantz at a comparable level in the estate hierarchy. The December 2004 Second Amendment that deleted this bequest 5 and simultaneously redirected $20 million to Trust Two coincided with a restructuring of the estate's financial architecture following Schantz's departure.
FEC records show Schantz made a $2,000 donation to the Kerry Committee in 2002, listing NYSG LLC as his employer and Hewlett, NY as his residence. More recent donations from 2023 to 2025 show a bipartisan pattern including contributions to Nikki Haley ($1,597.50), Trump/NRSC ($427), and other committees 14. The FTC v. Citibank litigation revealed that Schantz was involved in managing a $10 million investment originated August 2, 1999 via a Citibank loan, with the express condition that funds be used exclusively for an AIG-managed venture. This investment was amended on June 15, 2000, extending to August 2, 2001 8.
Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Footprint
Schantz's most substantive appearance in litigation records is his sworn declaration in FTC v. Citibank (D.V.I. Civ. No. 2002-108), a case arising from the Financial Trust Company's $10 million investment via Citibank in an AIG-managed fund. The court opinion 15 details Schantz's role as FTC advisor and counsel: he contacted Citibank employee Davison seeking help replacing AIG as fund manager, participated in information-gathering from Citibank, Salomon Smith Barney (SSB), and Chase Manhattan about AIG fund investor identities, and was present for a telephone conference in August 2001 where SSB disclosed an investment banking conflict with AIG 8. Court records indicate a parallel New York action, Citibank NA v. Epstein (SDNY 1:02-cv-05332, Judge Sidney H. Stein), was filed July 11, 2002, and terminated July 2003. Court records indicate Gerald Lefcourt entered an appearance in September 2003 representing both Epstein and Financial Trust Company — the same period Schantz departed 16.
A review of federal court records reveals zero cases with Jeffrey Schantz as a named party 9. For an attorney identified in the press as "Epstein's lawyer" (New York Post, February 4, 2003, EFTA02729242), this absence is notable. Records suggest Schantz operated behind the scenes — filing declarations, managing entities, and advising — rather than appearing as counsel of record or as a litigant. The Gerber v. Financial Trust Company case (SDNY 1:18-cv-07580, August 2018), while filed fifteen years after Schantz's departure, targeted the same entity where Schantz had served as advisor. According to court records, the case was dismissed with prejudice within six weeks 17.
A review of federal regulatory databases yields similarly sparse results. FARA records show zero registrations or foreign principal associations. LDA lobbying records reveal one registration: a "Jeff Schantz" (ID 29441) registered as a federal lobbyist for JGW International Ltd in 2006, lobbying on behalf of Protonex Technology Corporation on defense and homeland security matters 10. Whether this is the same Jeffrey A. Schantz has not been conclusively confirmed. If so, the name, timing (post-Epstein departure), and defense-sector focus would suggest a plausible post-Epstein career trajectory 18.
The 2003 Departure
The severing of Schantz from Epstein's legal and financial structures occurred rapidly and thoroughly in 2003. The First Codicil to Epstein's will, dated June 27, 2003, replaced Schantz and Paul Hoffman as executors with Henry Jarecki and Bruce Cayne. A Trust One amendment removed Schantz as co-Trustee and installed Ghislaine Maxwell and Ira Zicherman in his place, with the removal document notarized by Hoffman himself from the USVI 4. In October 2003, the $500,000 NYSG transfer to Schantz and $200,000 to Indyke were executed 7. A November 2003 message to Maxwell from "Michelle" references Schantz approving vacation for Lauren on October 21, suggesting he retained some operational role into late 2003 even as his fiduciary positions were stripped 19. The December 2004 Second Amendment completed the process by deleting his $10 million bequest 5.
The cause of the rupture is not documented in available records. The available evidence offers several contextual threads. The FTC v. Citibank litigation was active in 2002-2003, potentially creating legal exposure; the New York Post article of February 2003 publicly identified Schantz as "Epstein's lawyer" at a moment when Epstein's profile was attracting unfavorable attention 20; and the Citibank v. Epstein parallel action in SDNY terminated in July 2003, the same window as the estate restructuring. Whether Schantz departed voluntarily, was pushed out over a dispute, or left due to concerns about the direction of Epstein's activities remains an open question. The $500,000 transfer could represent a severance payment, the settlement of accumulated compensation, or the buyout of some other arrangement.
Schantz's departure preceded a reorganization of Epstein's fiduciary architecture. The replacement pattern — two trustees for one, new executors, eventual substitution of Indyke as the primary legal figure — suggests Schantz's role was distributed across multiple successors rather than simply reassigned. The 2012 restructuring that named Indyke, Andrew Farkas, and Jes Staley as trustees of both trusts further redistributed the fiduciary roles Schantz had once held, though both trusts were ultimately revoked in October 2012 12.
All Connections
16 total
All Connections
16 totalCo-founding trustees of J. Epstein Virgin Islands Foundation; co-Executors in Epstein original will; both at 6100 Red Hook Quarter Suite B-3 St Thomas VI
Kwintner was NYSG admin who sent FedEx to Schantz. Schantz approved her holiday requests.
Maxwell replaced Schantz as co-trustee of 2001 Trust One (First Amendment Jun 2003)
Both at NYSG/457 Madison. Both received JPMorgan transfers. SDNY grouped them as Epstein money handlers. Indyke replaced Schantz on accounts and trusts.
Both worked at Gold & Wachtel law firm before becoming Epstein in-house counsel. SDNY prosecutors named them together as the likeliest people to send money on Epstein's behalf. Both hired criminal defense attorneys after Epstein's death.
Schantz was co-trustee (with Epstein) of Trust Two (Nov 8, 2001) which named Bovino as 100% beneficiary. Bovino later accused by Giuffre of sexual abuse and identified as Epstein procurer.
Co-founding trustees of J. Epstein Virgin Islands Foundation Inc alongside Epstein. Both co-Executors in Epstein's original will. Hoffman acted as notary on trust amendments including the one removing Schantz. Hoffman was a USVI-based attorney for Epstein connected to VI Governor De Jongh.
Schantz served as Epstein's transaction counsel from at least 1996 while at Wachtel & Masyr LLP (successor to Gold & Wachtel). Conducted OFM negotiations for 34 E 69th St sublease April 1996.
Schantz served as Epstein's 'transaction counsel' in the 34 E 69th subletting, meeting with OFM on Apr 19, 1996 to discuss sublease approval. Schantz is a former Gold & Wachtel associate who became Epstein's long-term personal attorney alongside Darren Indyke.
Schantz served as Epstein's 'transaction counsel' negotiating the 34 E 69th St sublease with OFM in April 1996. Also served as VP, Secretary, and Treasurer of Epstein USVI entities at 6100 Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas. Long-term legal relationship.
FedEx shows Schantz as primary contact for Wexner Limited Inc entities and Columbus OH network
Mark asked Jeffrey about Schantz in Dec 2016; Jeffrey said Left 13 years ago No bad guy
Schantz sent FedEx packages from NYSG to Chris-Craft Industries (Siegel company) in Boca Raton FL 2001
FedEx records show Schantz sending documents from J Epstein & Co/NYSG to TIC Limited (The Limited Inc HQ, Gahanna OH), to Herb Wolman at Columbus OH insurance office, and to On Jaffe in Columbus OH — establishing at least 3 separate NYSG-to-Wexner-orbit delivery channels between 1999-2002.
Multiple FedEx invoices (EFTA01319164, EFTA01319325) show Schantz at NYSG sending priority overnight envelopes to Vicki Sweigart at Chris-Craft Industries Inc, 5355 Town Center Rd, Boca Raton FL — Herbert Siegel's company. At least 2 shipments (May 2001, Aug 2001) confirm ongoing business relationship.
FedEx invoice (EFTA01316638) shows NYSG LLC sending to Bob Pepro at Ranieri & Co Inc in Uniondale NY. Ranieri pioneered mortgage-backed securities. Previously unknown Epstein-Ranieri business connection established through Schantz logistics.
All Findings
38 total
All Findings
38 totalfinancial (13)
Jeffrey A. Schantz from Hewlett NY donated ,000 to Kerry Committee (2x ,000 on 2002-06-30) listing employer as NEW YORK STRATEGY GROUP LLC. This is the same Epstein entity (NYSG) listed by Indyke and Groff. Schantz is now in Delray Beach/Bradenton FL, lists occupation as architect/retired, and is an active political donor to both parties. Schantz is a previously unidentified Epstein associate who was employed at NYSG alongside Indyke and Groff.
Schantz was authorized signatory on FirstBank Puerto Rico commercial checking account for Epstein Virgin Islands Foundation Inc T/A Enhanced Education, opened 09/07/2000. Account authorized signatories were Jeffrey Epstein and Jeffrey A Schantz. This was the ONLY FirstBank account listing Schantz - all later accounts (2001+) list Darren K Indyke instead, showing the transition period.
Oct 2003 JPMorgan Private Bank statement for NYSG LLC (account 739-123B0) shows book transfer to 'JEFFREY A SCHANTZ, HEWLETT NY 11557-251, ORG: NEW YORK STRATEGY GROUP, LLC' alongside transfer to Darren K Indyke. Statement shows NYSG maintained money market investment account with JPMorgan with balance around $335-960K. Schantz's Hewlett NY 11557 address appears repeatedly across FedEx records.
FedEx records show Schantz handling tax and legal correspondence: Mar 28, 2002 shipment to Karen Zimmerman at Internal Revenue Service, 200 N High St, Columbus OH; Dec 21, 2001 to Susan A Cohen at Vorys Sater Seymour Pease (Columbus OH law firm); multiple shipments to Dan Jaffe at same firm. Also sent packages to Ed Spector at Merrill Lynch and Herb Wolman at Insurance Office (Columbus OH). The Columbus OH focus suggests Wexner-related tax/legal work since Wexner HQ is there.
FedEx records (Nov 29, 2001) show Schantz sending packages from NYSG to Stangelber Sons Heating & Cooling, 1079 Front Street, Uniondale NY 11553 - a personal HVAC contractor. The use of NYSG's FedEx account for what appears to be personal contractor correspondence mirrors the pattern seen with other Epstein employees who mixed personal and business expenses on Epstein accounts.
Deutsche Bank (Chase Manhattan) account opening document for what appears to be Epstein Virgin Islands Foundation shows Jeffrey E. Epstein as President and Jeffrey A. Schantz as VP/Sec (Vice President/Secretary). Account address: 6100 Red Hook Quarter Suite B-3, St. Thomas USVI 00802. This confirms Schantz held dual VP/Secretary roles across banking relationships, not just the corporate charter.
Post-Epstein entity Hewlett Bay Associates LLC established in Rye Brook NY (800 Westchester Ave S414) circa 2007 per BBB records. Schantz used this entity for FEC donations in 2020-2022 listing occupation as LAWYER: 2500 to NRSC (Nov 2020) and 500 to Marco Rubio for Senate (Sep 2022), both from Boca Raton FL. Entity name references his former Hewlett Bay Park NY residence, suggesting continuity of Epstein-era identity.
FEC donation history (2002-2025) reveals bipartisan pattern tracking Epstein network interests. Pre-departure: 2K to Kerry (2002) as NYSG employee. Post-departure via Hewlett Bay Associates LLC: 2.5K NRSC (2020), 500 Rubio (2022). Recent retirement donations (2024-25) from Delray Beach/Boca Raton FL totaling ~15K to both parties (WinRed, NRSC, Ted Cruz, Dave McCormick AND ActBlue, Harris for President, George Latimer). Consistent with maintaining bipartisan access network.
Trust One (Nov 8 2001) designated 10M bequest to Jeffrey A. Schantz upon Epstein death, equal to bequest to Mark Lawrence Epstein (brother). Also named Schantz and Joseph Pagano as directors of successor charitable org if Epstein Interests ceased to qualify.
NYSG LLC JPMorgan Private Bank statement Oct 2003 (EFTA01514000) shows Book Transfer of 500000 to Jeffrey A Schantz Hewlett NY 11557 from NYSG LLC on Oct 17. Same statement shows 200000 transfer to Darren K Indyke. Epstein funded NYSG with 1000000 transfer on Oct 16.
Second Amendment to Trust One (EFTA01266322) deleted the 10M bequest to Schantz: I hereby delete Article FIRST paragraph II subparagraph c which provides a bequest to JEFFREY A SCHANTZ. Combined with First Codicil removing Schantz as Executor (Jun 2003) and trust amendment replacing him with Maxwell/Zicherman as co-Trustees this represents complete severance from all Epstein legal structures.
FEC records show Schantz donated 2000 to Kerry Committee in 2002 listing NYSG LLC as employer from Hewlett NY. Recent donations (2023-2025) show bipartisan pattern: Nikki Haley 1597.50, Trump/NRSC 4277, Harris 1000, George Latimer 2500, Ted Cruz 250. Current addresses Delray Beach FL and Lakewood Ranch/Bradenton FL. Occupation listed as architect or retired.
Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management Corporate Account Authorization (EFTA01282376) for J Epstein Virgin Islands Foundation Inc shows Schantz authorized on the brokerage account at Deutsche Bank Securities Inc with powers to deposit deliver assign withdraw and transfer funds and securities. Account opened September 2000 per document checklist (EFTA01268689).
communication (6)
Dec 6, 2016 email exchange: Mark Epstein asked Jeffrey 'Does Jeff Schantz still work for you?' Jeffrey replied 'Left 13 years ago' and 'No bad guy.' This dates Schantz's departure to approximately 2003, consistent with the Second Amendment to Trust One (Dec 2004) deleting Schantz's bequest. Epstein's characterization 'No bad guy' suggests amicable separation, not termination for cause.
FedEx invoice (EFTA01319611, May 18 1999) shows Schantz sending priority overnight envelope from J EPSTEIN & CO INC at 457 Madison Ave to TIM LYONS at TIC LIMITED WC, THREE LIMITED PKWY, GAHANNA OH 43230 — this is The Limited Inc (L Brands) world headquarters, Leslie Wexner's company. Combined with shipments to 'ON JAFFE' at 2209 Frenleaf Lane Columbus OH and 'HERB WOLMAN' at 38 Jefferson Ave Columbus OH, establishes at least 3 separate NYSG-to-Columbus/Wexner-orbit delivery channels.
FedEx invoice (EFTA01316638, Dec 26 2003) shows NYSG LLC sending to BOB PEPRO at RANIERI & CO INC, 50 CHARLES LINDBERGH BLVD 500, UNIONDALE NY 11553. Ranieri & Co was founded by Lewis Ranieri, the pioneer of mortgage-backed securities. This establishes an Epstein-Ranieri business link through NYSG, extending the network beyond previously known financial connections. Schantz was operational intermediary for these transmissions.
FedEx shipping analysis reveals Schantz as central logistics node: sent packages from NYSG/J. Epstein & Co to at least 3 Columbus OH addresses (TIC Limited/Wexner HQ, Herb Wolman/insurance, On Jaffe), Chris-Craft Industries/Boca Raton (Herbert Siegel), Ranieri & Co/Uniondale (Lewis Ranieri), Sales Austin Brown & Wood/Chicago (Silas Findley), Anne Hailey, and Shannon at Zorro Ranch NM. Also received packages at his home (1257 Veeder Dr, Hewlett NY) and at El San Juan Hotel (Puerto Rico, Mar 2002) and Ritz Carlton San Juan (per F1996). Shipping account transitioned from 'J EPSTEIN & CO INC' (1999) to 'NYSG LLC' (2001+), both at 457 Madison Ave.
Dec 6 2016 email: Mark L Epstein asks Jeffrey Epstein Does Jeff Schantz still work for you? Epstein responds Left 13 years ago placing departure at approximately 2003. This aligns with First Codicil (Jun 27 2003) replacing Schantz/Hoffman as executors with Jarecki/Cayne.
Nov 26 2003 GMax Message from Michelle states I spoke to Lauren and she says that on Oct 21 Jeff Schantz approved her holiday request for Dec 22 to Jan 2. This shows Schantz had staff management authority at NYSG, approving vacation for Lauren (likely Lauren Kwintner notary who appears on Will documents).
relationship (3)
FedEx records (1999-2004) show Schantz shipped dozens of packages from J Epstein & Co/NYSG at 457 Madison Ave to Wexner-connected entities: Tim Lyons at The Limited Inc/Three Limited Pkwy, Gahanna OH; Steve Hutkai at The Limited Inc; Peg Ugland at NA Property Inc (New Albany); Paul Burkhardt at New Albany Property Inc; Karl Koon at Abigail House, New Albany OH; Donna Larsen at The Limited Inc; Vickie Sweigart at Chris-Craft Industries (Boca Raton). Also shipped to Zorro Ranch (Gary Kerney), USVI (Marjorie Robert at Opal Rise Executive Office), and personal items to Bob Gold (LA).
FedEx records show at least 2 shipments from Schantz at NYSG to Vicki/Vickie Sweigart at Chris-Craft Industries Inc, 5355 Town Center Rd Suite 200, Boca Raton FL (May 1, 2001 and Jul 28, 2001). Chris-Craft was controlled by Herbert Siegel, billionaire media mogul who sold to Viacom in 2000 for $16B. Siegel was known Epstein associate. This links Schantz to the Epstein-Siegel financial relationship.
Trust One amendment (EFTA01266298) states: I hereby remove JEFFREY A SCHANTZ as a co-Trustee of the trust and designate GHISLAINE MAXWELL and IRA ZICHERMAN as successor co-Trustees in his place. Executed in 2003 with notarization by Paul Hoffman (USVI) Harry Beller (NY for Maxwell) and Anna Vero (NY for Zicherman). Schantz was the only person whose removal required replacement by TWO successors.
legal (22)
Epstein's original will (undated, pre-2003) named Schantz and Paul Hoffman as co-Executors and gave Schantz singular authority to designate/remove successor Executors. The will directed ALL property to Trust One (Epstein + Schantz as Trustees). This is the most powerful fiduciary position in the entire estate structure - Schantz controlled both the trust AND the will's execution.
Schantz provided sworn declaration (Schantz Decl. para 5) in Financial Trust Company vs Citibank litigation over AIG investment fund management. Declaration confirmed FTC advisors contacted Citibank employees to coordinate replacement of AIG fund manager in spring 2001. This establishes Schantz had direct operational role in FTC's investment activities, not merely administrative.
Schantz held multiple officer positions in J. Epstein Virgin Islands Foundation: Vice President, Secretary, and listed address as 6100 Red Hook Quarter Suite B-3, American Yacht Harbor, St. Thomas VI 00802 (same as FTC/Epstein office). Paul Hoffman held VP and separate address at 41-42 Kongens Gade. Epstein was Treasurer. Articles show Schantz as founding trustee alongside Hoffman and Epstein.
1998 SDNY court opinion (USA v. Epstein re: lease dispute) identifies Schantz as 'Epstein's transaction counsel' who conducted telephone conference with OFM's Richard Massey on April 19, 1996 regarding Epstein's exercise of right of first refusal on a lease and request to sublet to Fisher. This confirms Schantz was acting as attorney for Epstein in real estate transactions by 1996 at latest.
The Hart Trust agreement (dated 199_ - year partially illegible) between Jeffrey E. Epstein as Grantor and Trustee names Schantz as successor trustee: 'If at any time no Trustee is acting and no successor has been designated or no successor who has been designated is available to act, JEFFREY A. SCHANTZ is appointed as successor Trustee.' This pre-dates the 2001 Trust and shows Schantz was embedded in Epstein's trust architecture from at least the late 1990s.
Second Amendment to Trust One (Dec 2004, notarized by Lauren J. Kwintner) explicitly deleted the subparagraph providing bequest to 'JEFFREY A. SCHANTZ or if he is not then living to his then living issue.' Same amendment increased Trust Two distribution from original amount to $20M. This formalized the financial separation after Schantz's ~2003 departure.
Trust Two agreement (Nov 8, 2001) gave Schantz extraordinary power: JEFFREY A. SCHANTZ was 'authorized to designate one or more additional or successor Trustees' and 'further authorized to remove any Trustee acting hereunder.' If Schantz resigned or could not act, Epstein would assume these powers. This made Schantz the de facto controller of both trusts - he could appoint and fire trustees at will.
Trust Two (Nov 8, 2001) named Kelly Bovino as 100% beneficiary upon Epstein death, with Schantz as co-trustee alongside Epstein. Bovino was later accused by Virginia Giuffre of sexual abuse, ignored a federal subpoena in the Maxwell case, and was identified as an Epstein procurer. Schantz thus administered a trust vehicle whose sole beneficiary was an alleged co-conspirator in Epstein's trafficking operation, suggesting potential knowledge of or complicity in the broader scheme.
1998 federal case USA v. Epstein (96-cv-8307 SDNY, 27 F.Supp.2d 404) reveals Schantz role as Epstein's 'transaction counsel' in State Department property dispute over 401 Broadway lease. On April 19, 1996 Schantz negotiated with Richard Massey of OFM (Office of Foreign Missions), allegedly obtaining oral consent for subletting. Schantz also granted power of attorney over property (1996). Case type 230 (Rent Lease & Ejectment) shows Schantz handled even routine real estate matters for Epstein, consistent with total in-house counsel role.
FTC v. Citibank D.V.I. opinion (EFTA01386058) reveals full scope of Schantz role as FTC advisor/counsel: (1) FTC advisors including Schantz contacted Citibank employee Davison seeking help replacing AIG as fund manager (Schantz Decl para 5); (2) Schantz participated in information-gathering from Citibank, SSB (Salomon Smith Barney), and Chase Manhattan trustee about AIG fund investor identities (Schantz Decl paras 6-8); (3) FTC attorney arranged telephone conference with Citibank/SSB reps in Aug 2001 where they learned SSB had investment banking conflict with AIG. The 10M investment originated Aug 2, 1999 via Citibank loan with express condition money be used exclusively for AIG-managed venture. Amended June 15, 2000 extending to Aug 2, 2001.
Trust Two revocation document (EFTA01266357) confirms Schantz was co-trustee of BOTH Trust One AND Trust Two simultaneously from Nov 8, 2001. Both trusts were restructured on Jan 27, 2012 replacing Schantz with Darren K. Indyke, Jes Staley, and Andrew Farkas as Trustees. Staley never executed the Amended agreements. Both trusts revoked October 2012. The Second Amendment to Trust One (Dec 2004, EFTA01266322) deleted Schantz bequest AND redirected 20M to Trust Two, suggesting Trust Two was the vehicle for assets Schantz had been designated to receive.
Citibank NA v. Epstein (SDNY 1:02-cv-05332, Judge Sidney H. Stein) identified on CourtListener as the parallel New York action to FTC v. Citibank (D.V.I. 2002-108). Filed July 11, 2002, terminated July 26, 2005. Parties: Citibank NA (plaintiff), Jeffrey E. Epstein and Financial Trust Company Inc (defendants). Defense attorneys: Gerald B. Lefcourt (criminal defense legend), Marshall Howard Fishman. Citibank alleged Epstein defaulted on TWO separate 10M promissory notes (total 20M). Epstein/FTC filed preemptive suit in USVI where Schantz provided sworn declaration. SDNY docket entry 21 (Oct 24, 2002) references supplemental declaration of Edward S. Feig describing Citibank's actions as mudslinging tactics.
LDA lobbying records reveal 'JEFF SCHANTZ' (ID 29441) registered as federal lobbyist for JGW INTERNATIONAL LTD in 2006, lobbying on behalf of PROTONEX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION on Defense and Homeland Security issues. Registration filed 2006 Year-End (July-Dec 2006), with a Year-End 2007 report showing No Activity. Co-lobbyist was Andrew Wilson. This is the only federal lobbying registration for any Schantz matching this profile. Protonex was a portable fuel cell maker (later acquired by Ballard Power). JGW International was a DC lobbying firm.
Gerber v. Financial Trust Company (SDNY 1:18-cv-07580, Judge Oetken) filed Aug 20, 2018, terminated Oct 5, 2018. Plaintiffs Marvin Gerber and Kalma Koenig sued FTC and Jeffrey E. Epstein (federal question jurisdiction). Defense filed motion to dismiss with prejudice. Epstein and FTC represented by Bennet J. Moskowitz of Troutman Sanders LLP. Case dismissed within 6 weeks. This is the LAST known federal litigation involving Financial Trust Company -- filed just weeks before Epstein's July 2019 arrest. The quick dismissal and the obscure plaintiffs warrant further investigation.
CourtListener federal court search reveals ZERO cases with Jeffrey A. Schantz as a named party. This is investigatively significant: the 2003 NY Post identified him as Epstein's lawyer; he provided sworn declarations in FTC v. Citibank (D.V.I. 2002-108); SDNY prosecutors (2019) identified him as a potential financial conduit; he was co-trustee of trusts holding tens of millions. Yet no federal litigation under his own name. Combined with zero FARA registrations, zero investigations DB hits, and zero CourtListener opinions mentioning him, this suggests Schantz maintained an unusually low legal profile for someone with these fiduciary responsibilities.
Comprehensive federal regulatory search (Feb 2026) yields negative results across multiple databases: FARA -- zero registrations or foreign principal associations. LDA Lobbying -- one 'Jeff Schantz' registration (JGW International/Protonex, 2006-2007, defense/homeland security) that may be a DIFFERENT Jeffrey Schantz given the post-Epstein timeframe and different industry. Investigations DB (FOIA reports, MCC records, CBP files) -- zero mentions. CourtListener opinions -- zero federal judicial opinions citing Jeffrey A. Schantz. This pattern of regulatory invisibility is consistent with Schantz operating primarily through Epstein entities (FTC, NYSG, J Epstein VI Foundation) rather than in his own name.
Original 2001 Will and Trust One granted Schantz extraordinary fiduciary powers: co-Trustee of both Trust One AND Trust Two; co-Executor of Will; power to designate and remove successor Executors and Trustees. Backup trustee was Darren Indyke confirming Schantz outranked Indyke in original hierarchy.
J Epstein Virgin Islands Foundation Inc articles of incorporation and bylaws (EFTA01298351 EFTA01298347) show Schantz as founding Trustee alongside Paul Hoffman and Jeffrey Epstein. The Foundation was organized under USVI Nonprofit Corporations Law as a 501c3 for charitable educational and scientific purposes with principal office at 41-42 Kongens Gade St Thomas.
The Hart Trust (EFTA01295536 and EFTA01385730) dating to approximately 1998-1999 names Schantz as successor Trustee if no other trustee is acting: If at any time no Trustee is acting and no successor has been designated JEFFREY A SCHANTZ is appointed as successor Trustee. This predates the 2001 trusts and shows Schantz was embedded in Epstein financial architecture from at least 1998.
Trust Two agreement (EFTA01266334) shows Schantz was also co-Trustee with Epstein of Trust Two dated Nov 8 2001. Trust Two sole beneficiary on Grantor death was KELLY BOVINO at 100 percent. Trust Two later revoked along with Trust One when Indyke/Farkas became trustees and both trusts were terminated.
Show 2 more legal findings
Will codicil progression shows systematic Schantz removal: Original Dec 2001 names Schantz and Hoffman as Executors. First Codicil Jun 2003 replaces with Jarecki and Cayne. Trust amendment same period removes Schantz as co-Trustee replacing with Maxwell and Zicherman. Second Amendment deletes 10M bequest. Complete severance circa mid-2003.
Jeffrey A. Schantz was deeply embedded in Epsteins legal structure: (1) Co-Trustee with Epstein of Jeffrey E. Epstein 2001 Trust One and Trust Two (Nov 8, 2001); (2) Named Executor of Epsteins will with Paul Hoffman; (3) Authorized to designate successor Executors and remove Executors; (4) VP of JEGE Inc (aircraft holding); (5) VP at 6100 Red Hook Quarter, Suite B-3, St Thomas VI. Schantz was later removed as co-Trustee and replaced by Ghislaine Maxwell and Ira Zicherman. A December 2004 amendment deleted bequest to Schantz.
intelligence (3)
Internal SDNY email (Aug 17, 2019) between prosecutors identifies Schantz alongside Darren Indyke as persons 'who would (or would potentially be able to) send money on his behalf.' The email references Deutsche Bank index spreadsheet (2000 rows), AmEx records, and discusses Epstein associates who might 'communicate with, or who would send money on his behalf.'
FEC records show ONLY 3 people ever listed New York Strategy Group LLC as employer: Jeffrey A Schantz (2x$1K to Kerry 2002, Hewlett NY), Darren Indyke ($2K to Gephardt 2003, NY), and Lesley Groff ($2.3K to Chris Dodd 2007, $2.6K to Plaskett 2014). This is the complete known employee list for NYSG - all three are known Epstein inner circle. The Kerry donations suggest Schantz was still employed at NYSG as late as mid-2002.
SYNTHESIS: Jeffrey A. Schantz (b.1957, BS SUNY Albany 1979, JD Fordham 1983) was Epstein's ORIGINAL #1 operative from May 1995 to ~2003, predating and outranking Darren Indyke. Both came from Gold & Wachtel, a now-defunct boutique NYC firm. Key evidence: (1) 1996 ACRIS power of attorney over 11 E 71st St — earliest documented connection. (2) 1996 flight log places him on Epstein flight PBI->TEB with a minor. (3) Co-trustee of BOTH Trust One and Trust Two (Nov 2001), successor trustee of pre-existing Hart Trust. (4) Trust One Art XII gave Schantz singular authority to appoint/remove ALL executors and trustees — Indyke was his backup. (5) $10M bequest equal to Epstein's brother Mark. (6) $500K NYSG payment Oct 2003 vs $200K for Indyke (2.5:1 ratio). (7) VP/Secretary/Treasurer of USVI Foundation entities. (8) Only authorized signatory besides Epstein on FirstBank PR accounts. (9) SDNY prosecutors in Aug 2019 still identified him alongside Indyke as likeliest person to send money on Epstein's behalf. (10) Trust Two sole beneficiary was Kelly Bovino at 100% — later accused by Giuffre of procurement/abuse. (11) 50+ FedEx invoices document operational role shipping to Wexner HQ, Chris-Craft/Siegel, Ranieri & Co, Zorro Ranch, USVI, IRS. (12) Black Book entry with email [email protected], 6 phone numbers, AA frequent flyer. (13) Departure ~2003 (Left 13 years ago / No bad guy), replaced by Maxwell+Zicherman on Trust One Jun 2003, bequest deleted Dec 2004. (14) Martindale lists him as in-house counsel at J. Epstein & Co, not independent attorney. (15) Post-departure: formed Hewlett Bay Associates LLC, currently retired in FL, bipartisan donor. (16) ZERO personal corporate registrations, court cases, SEC filings, FARA, sanctions across all databases — extraordinary legal invisibility for someone with this level of fiduciary power.
FL SunBiz re-verified Feb 15 2026 after entity-name search fix (corprindata→cordata). Generic name matches found but none connected to Epstein network (no known associates as officers, no known addresses). Original conclusion unchanged.
identity (12)
Feb 2003 NY Post article 'HOTSHOT EPSTEIN NOT SO HOT: VF' (Paul Tharp) identified Schantz as Epstein's 'lawyer' - not merely employee or trustee. Article reports Citibank suing Epstein for defaulting on $20M loans from private banking arm. Schantz 'couldn't be reached for comment.' This is the earliest public media identification of Schantz's role.
Nov 26, 2003 message taken by Ghislaine Maxwell's assistant Michelle confirms Schantz had supervisory authority: 'I spoke to Lauren & she says that on Oct 21 Jeff Schantz approved her holiday request for Dec 22 - Jan 2.' This shows Schantz was approving employee leave at NYSG as late as Oct 2003, and that Maxwell's staff were coordinating with NYSG about Lauren Kwintner's schedule.
Multiple FedEx records (2001-2004) confirm Schantz's home address as 1257 Veeder Drive (also rendered as Veeder Street), Hewlett NY 11557. Lauren Kwintner regularly sent packages to this address from NYSG. JPMorgan records list same zip code (11557-251). Later FedEx records show address as 31 Oak Hill Lane, East Hampton NY 11937, suggesting Schantz had a second residence in the Hamptons by Jul 2000.
FEC records (2024-2025) show Schantz now in Florida at multiple addresses: Delray Beach FL (retired), Bradenton FL (retired), and Lakewood Ranch FL (self-employed). Remarkably bipartisan donor: Harris for President ($1K Jul 2024), Ted Cruz ($250), NRSC ($1K), WinRed ($1559), ActBlue ($1644), George Latimer for Congress ($500 via ActBlue). Employment listed as retired, self-employed, and not employed in different filings.
SDNY prosecution email (Aug 17, 2019) identifies Schantz alongside Indyke as the likeliest individuals who would send money on Epstein's behalf. AUSA email states: 'In terms of people who would (or would potentially be able to) send money on his behalf, I think the likeliest individuals would be Darren Indyke, Jeffrey Schantz, and/or [redacted].' Email also references 60+ separate Deutsche Bank accounts and 5,000+ AmEx-funded flights.
Martindale.com legal directory lists Schantz's professional affiliation as 'J. Epstein & Co., Inc.' — not a law firm but Epstein's personal company. Practice areas: International Law, Corporate Law, Tax Law, Securities Law, Litigation. Address: 800 Westchester Ave Ste S414, Rye Brook, NY 10573. Born 1957. Education: BS SUNY Albany (1979), JD Fordham University School of Law (1983). Bar admission 1984.
Both Schantz and Indyke came from Gold & Wachtel, a now-defunct boutique NYC law firm. Schantz stated he worked with Epstein since May 1995. Gold & Wachtel represented Epstein at least as far back as 1988 per Yahoo Finance investigation. Schantz signed correspondence as 'Jeffrey A. Schantz, J. Epstein & Company, Inc.' in April 1996 State Department letters. After Epstein's death in Aug 2019, both Indyke and Schantz hired criminal defense attorneys (Indyke hired Marc Agnifilo).
Epstein Black Book (p.79) lists Schantz with comprehensive contact info: address 1257 Veeder Drive, Hewlett Bay Park, NY 11557. Work/fax 212-371-0320, home/fax 516-791-7214, e-fax 212-504-8083, home 516-791-0044, cell 516-578-7888. Email: [email protected] (NYSG LLC domain). American Airlines FF: 1T5R416. The six phone numbers and dedicated email domain confirm his central operational role.
Comprehensive timeline reconstruction: Schantz joined Epstein via Gold & Wachtel (now defunct) in May 1995. Active period 1995-2003: transaction counsel (1996 State Dept case), trust architect (Nov 2001 Trust One/Two, Hart Trust), corporate officer (USVI Foundation VP/Sec/Treas), FTC litigation counsel (2001-2003 Citibank), NYSG LLC employee/fund disbursement recipient (500K Oct 2003). Departure circa 2003: Epstein told brother 'Left 13 years ago' in Dec 2016 but added 'No bad guy.' Bequest removed Dec 2004 Second Amendment. Replaced as trustee by Maxwell/Zicherman. Post-departure formed Hewlett Bay Associates LLC (2007) in Rye Brook NY. Currently retired in FL.
Schantz served as Vice President Secretary and Treasurer of multiple Epstein USVI corporations at 6100 Red Hook Quarter Suite B-3 American Yacht Harbor St Thomas VI 00802. Articles of incorporation show at least 3-4 separate entities with Schantz Paul Hoffman and Epstein as initial Board of Trustees.
NY Post Feb 4 2003 article Hotshot Epstein Not So Hot VF by Paul Tharp identifies Schantz as Epsteins lawyer: Epstein and his lawyer Jeffrey Schantz couldnt be reached for comment. Despite FEC filings listing him as architect and multiple USVI corporate roles this is first reference to legal capacity.
FEC records confirm only 3 individuals ever listed New York Strategy Group LLC as employer: Schantz (2002 2x1000 to Kerry), Indyke (2003 2000 to Gephardt), Groff (2007 2300 to Chris Dodd, 2014 2600 to Plaskett USVI). Groff donation to Plaskett matches known USVI bundling pattern (Indyke/Groff to Plaskett).
location (4)
Grand jury testimony (SDNY Nov 2019) confirms Schantz was passenger on Epstein flight from Palm Beach FL to Teterboro NJ on Nov 11, 1996. Witness identified passengers as 'J.E.' (Epstein), 'friend, Jeff Schantz (ph.)', family members, and a minor. This places Schantz in Epstein's inner circle 5 years earlier than his 2001 trust appointment.
FedEx record (Mar 27-Apr 1, 2002) shows Jeffrey E. Epstein sending package to 'JEFFREY SCHANTZ C/O EL SAN JUAN HOTEL' - shipped internationally with customs entry. This shows Schantz traveled to Puerto Rico on Epstein business, consistent with his signatory role on FirstBank PR accounts. Package was 2.0 lbs, FedEx Intl Priority.
FedEx record (Aug 9-10, 2002) shows Lauren Kwintner at NYSG sending package to 'JEFFREY SCHANTZ C/O THE RITZ CARLTON SAN FRANCISCO CA 94108.' This travel to luxury hotel on NYSG account suggests Schantz was conducting business travel on Epstein's behalf, not merely performing administrative office work.
ACRIS record FT_1490005138449 shows PAT document recorded 1996-04-26 on BBL 1/1386/12 (11 East 71st Street NYC) with Epstein and 11 East 71st Trust as grantors and Schantz as grantee. Places Schantz in fiduciary role over Epstein adjacent property 5 years before Trust One.
document (1)
Schantz appears as FedEx sender on 38 plus invoices from NYSG LLC and J Epstein and Co Inc at 457 Madison Ave spanning May 1999 through Aug 2004. Destinations include Morgan Stanley Dean Witter West Palm Beach and Chris-Craft Industries confirming Schantz handled operational logistics for Epstein entities.
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Full Timeline
2 events- 1.Finding #1990
- 2.Finding #1987
- 3.Finding #1992
- 4.Finding #2005
- 5.Finding #2003
- 6.Finding #1995
- 7.Finding #1994
- 8.Finding #2013
- 9.Finding #2010
- 10.Finding #2009
- 11.Finding #2002
- 12.Finding #2014
- 13.EFTA01514000
- 14.Finding #2006
- 15.EFTA01386058
- 16.Finding #2011
- 17.Finding #2012
- 18.Finding #2017
- 19.Finding #2000
- 20.Finding #1997