Florida Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Epstein Victims' Fund

A Florida woman has pleaded guilty to falsifying records in her application for funds designated for victims of Jeffrey Epstein. Jennifer Percival, 46, entered the plea in federal court in New York on Monday, admitting she made misstatements to obtain $750,000 from a compensation fund established by JPMorgan Chase.

Percival, director of Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, applied to the JPMorgan Chase fund in 2024. This fund was created to settle legal claims against the bank for its dealings with Epstein. In her application, Percival falsely claimed that a separate fund administered by Epstein's estate had found her eligible for compensation and had already paid her $500,000. She submitted a doctored rejection letter from the estate fund to appear as though she had been approved.

"The purpose of these actions was to obtain money, which gave me a sense of validation," Percival told a magistrate judge, according to a court transcript. The JPMorgan Chase fund then wired her $750,000.

Her deception came to light when the FBI began an investigation. When confronted by agents in late 2025 with the original rejection letter, Percival falsely stated she had successfully appealed and been deemed eligible. She also provided fabricated emails to her lawyer, which were then submitted to a federal prosecutor.

Percival admitted in court, "I know that my actions were wrongful, and I accept full responsibility." She has brought a check for $776,031 to cover restitution.

Federal sentencing guidelines suggest a prison term of three to four years, although the judge is not bound by this recommendation. Percival was released pending her sentencing, the date for which has not yet been set. Her defense is likely to highlight her career work assisting individuals with disabilities in arguments for leniency.

Evidence that would have been presented at trial included Percival's financial records, email account data, and testimony from the administrators of the Epstein settlement funds, according to a prosecutor.