Epstein’s Brother Stands to Inherit Fortune; Financier’s Will Leaves Room for Other Claims

Jeffrey Epstein arrest photo. (Source file photo)

The 65-year-old brother of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein stands to inherit a $577 million family fortune. Mark Epstein is listed in a newly published will and testament as the sole survivor of the late financier who owned two private islands in Pillsbury Sound.

Jeffrey Epstein, 66, died Aug. 10 of an apparent suicide while being held in custody at the Manhattan Correctional Facility. At the time of his death, he was charged with sex trafficking.

Although Epstein was born in Brooklyn, New York and owned a mansion in New York City, he listed himself in his will and testament as a resident of the Virgin Islands.

The 18-page last will and testament alludes to the possibility that more petitioners — described as beneficiaries — may turn up after the financier’s death. Epstein instructed the executors of his will to, “pay any property distributable to a beneficiary under a legal disability or who has not attained the age of 21, without liability to my Executor …”

Not much was known about Epstein’s personal life, but at the time of his death and for at least 15 years prior, Epstein was investigated for sexually assaulting dozens of young women and girls. He was convicted of abusing a 14-year-old girl in Florida in 2008 and became a registered sex offender.

“Petitioners are investigating potential debts and claims of the Estate and at this time they are unknown,” the will states.

As it stands today, the heir and next of kin, “who would be entitled to share the estate if he had left no will,” is Mark Epstein, who is listed as the decedent’s adult brother, entitled to a 100 percent share of Jeffrey Epstein’s cash and assets.

The younger Epstein has appeared in prior press reports, most unrelated to his infamous brother. He served as vice chairman of New York’s private college Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. He is also listed in an online profile as director of the Humpty Dumpty Institute, a New York-based non profit.

His name also appears on an attachment to Jeffrey Epstein’s will, as the informant for details included on the brother’s death certificate.

Among the assets the younger Epstein stands to inherit are: $56.5 million in cash; $127 million in fixed income investments and equities; fine arts, antiquities, collectables, valuables and personal property of an undetermined value; and $195 million in hedge funds and private equity investments.

There is also $163 million in real estate included in the will, all managed by corporations based in the U.S. Virgin Islands, except for an $8.7 million attributed to apartments in Paris managed by SCI JEP, a French company.

The late Jeffrey Epstein appointed Darren K. Indyke and Richard D. Kahn as executors of the will, and directed that they be paid $250,000 apiece for their services. Each signed documents authorizing St. Thomas attorney Erika Kellerhals to act on their behalf in the Virgin Islands.