Epstein Files: Crist Denies Discussing 2010 Pardon Despite Transcript and Emails

Justice Department documents released last week show that Jeffrey Epstein sought a pardon in 2010 from then-Florida governor Charlie Crist. The files include an undated, 23-page transcript in which Epstein says he spoke with Crist about a pardon, and a series of emails documenting an aggressive lobbying effort that enlisted high-profile intermediaries, including then-New Mexico governor Bill Richardson (who died in 2023).

What the Files Say

The transcript, whose date is not specified but is placed by participants in late 2010, records Epstein telling a man identified only as 'Richard' that Crist had called former Palm Beach County state attorney Barry Krischer about the case. Epstein says Crist relayed Krischer's view that the earlier plea process produced a poor outcome for victims and that Krischer considered Epstein's treatment by the court to have been unfair.

Epstein, recounting the exchange, said Crist told him Krischer thought Epstein had been 'f-----.' Epstein also told the interlocutor that he was seeking a pardon to 'get rid of my sex offender status.'

Crist's Response

Crist has denied any direct conversation with Epstein. He told NBC News, 'I never talked to him. Why would I?' Crist — who was a Republican at the time and became a Democrat in 2012 — said it is possible Epstein or his lawyers contacted his office as part of routine clemency outreach, but that he personally never spoke with Epstein and has no knowledge of such a meeting.

Emails and Lobbying Efforts

The released emails show Epstein's team working to route a pardon petition to Crist before his term ended. A Nov. 3, 2010 email from a sender identified as 'drsra' urged Epstein to move quickly after election losses by Crist and Alex Sink, noting that a weakened political position might make a pardon more attainable. On Dec. 3, 2010, Epstein's longtime assistant Lesley Groff emailed that Epstein was 'to receive a call from Crist directly.' Other messages show Bill Richardson helping to schedule a call between governors in late December 2010.

Political Context

At the time, Crist was nearing the end of his term and had lost a U.S. Senate race to Marco Rubio. The files indicate Epstein's advisers felt a narrow late-2010 window remained before incoming governor Rick Scott took office and would be unlikely to grant clemency. Crist is now widely expected to seek the mayoralty of St. Petersburg; a political committee associated with him has already raised roughly $750,000.

What Remains Unclear

The transcript is undated and the portions of the files that name some recipients are redacted, leaving questions about who initiated contacts and which conversations actually took place. Crist insists he never spoke directly with Epstein, and the files do not contain incontrovertible proof of a direct call between the two men.

Bottom Line

The newly released documents add detail to Epstein's efforts to seek clemency in late 2010 and raise questions about the extent to which political figures were involved in those efforts. Crist denies a direct conversation, while the transcript and emails depict a concerted attempt by Epstein and his associates to press for a pardon before Crist left office.