David Schoen

Schoen relationship with Epstein began by 2010 through mutual friend Bernard Kruger. By 2013 they had enough rapport that Schoen asked Epstein advice on private investigators. By 2018-2019 Schoen was deeply embedded in Epstein legal strategy: reviewing op-ed drafts, advising on media, directing defense counsel Weinberg, discussing case strategy including lie detector tests and mediation. Post-Epstein death, Schoen became Trump 2nd impeachment lawyer (Feb 2021), represented Steve Bannon, and became ZOA chairman. Schoen publicly stated he specifically asked Epstein whether he had information to hurt Trump.

Doug Schoen was a registered FARA agent for Ukrainian oligarch Victor Pinchuk (FARA #6071, registered 10/19/2011, terminated 11/06/2019) during the same period he served as Epstein's embedded defense advisor (Dec 2018 onward). Monica Crowley was a short-form registrant under Schoen's FARA registration (03/10/2017). Schoen's dual role as foreign agent and Epstein defense advisor raises questions about foreign influence on Epstein's legal strategy.

The Starr/Dershowitz op-ed draft reviewed by Schoen (EFTA02609032) is a remarkable document. It: (1) characterized Epstein's crimes as 'solicitation of prostitution' and 'sexual favors for hire,' (2) claimed 'no coercion, violence, alcohol, drugs,' (3) claimed victims 'lied about being eighteen years old,' (4) argued Epstein 'took full responsibility' and 'led a life characterized by responsible citizenship, numerous acts of generosity and good deeds,' (5) called challenges to the NPA also 'challenges to the millions Mr. Epstein paid to the asserted victims,' effectively threatening victims' settlements. This draft represents the coordinated legal/PR strategy of Epstein, Starr, Dershowitz, and Schoen in Dec 2018 -- just months before the Miami Herald's investigation led to re-arrest.

Schoen was deeply embedded in Epstein's legal/PR strategy from at least Dec 2018 to his death in Aug 2019, not a last-minute hire as often portrayed. On Dec 20, 2018, Schoen reviewed a full op-ed draft defending Epstein's NPA, originally intended for Ken Starr's signature. Schoen warned that Starr's Baylor scandal (dismissed for overlooking sexual harassment) would 'undercut the piece.' Schoen offered to write it himself 'as not part of the defense team.' In Feb-Mar 2019, Schoen met Epstein in person at 9 E 71st St, discussed case strategy, told Epstein to 'make sure Weinberg stays focused,' suggested college admissions defendants (Varsity Blues) would need Weinberg's services. Mar 18, 2019: Schoen questioned why press focus was on NPA rather than lenient state sentence, discussed Epstein's lie detector test. Mar 27: discussed 'Mediation.' Aug 1: five-hour meeting at MCC to take over defense. Aug 10: Epstein dead.

Doug Schoen's FARA registration (#6071) for Victor Pinchuk reveals a Ukraine-Epstein nexus. Schoen registered as Pinchuk's agent 10/19/2011 and terminated 11/06/2019 -- just 3 months after Epstein's arrest. Pinchuk is Ukraine's second-richest oligarch with documented Clinton Foundation ties. Schoen was simultaneously advising Epstein's defense (embedded from Dec 2018), creating a pipeline between Ukrainian oligarch interests and Epstein's legal strategy. Schoen later became Trump's impeachment lawyer -- a trajectory that began within the Epstein defense team.