Jennifer Percival, a Florida woman and director of Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, has pleaded guilty to falsifying records to fraudulently obtain $750,000 from a compensation fund for victims of Jeffrey Epstein.
Percival entered her plea in federal court in New York on Monday. She admitted to altering a rejection letter from an initial Epstein estate fund to appear as though she had been approved and paid $500,000. This misrepresentation was then used in a subsequent application to a new fund created by JPMorgan Chase, which had agreed to pay $290 million to Epstein victims.
Based on these falsified records, the JPMorgan Chase fund wired Percival $750,000 in 2024. The FBI began investigating the matter shortly thereafter. When confronted by agents with the original rejection letter, Percival falsely claimed she had successfully appealed the decision. She also submitted fabricated emails to a federal prosecutor as part of a request for a deferred prosecution deal.
"The purpose of these actions was to obtain money, which gave me a sense of validation," Percival told a magistrate judge, according to court transcripts. "I know that my actions were wrongful, and I accept full responsibility."
Percival brought a check for $776,031 to her plea hearing, representing the restitution she owes. Sentencing is scheduled for a later date. Federal guidelines suggest a prison sentence of three to four years, though the judge is not bound by this recommendation. Percival was released from custody pending sentencing.
Court records and statements made in court did not explicitly state why Percival initially applied for compensation or why she was denied by the Epstein estate fund. Her defense is expected to highlight her career assisting individuals with disabilities during sentencing proceedings.