US Scholar Admits $750,000 Fraud Against Epstein Victims Fund

Jennifer Percival entered her guilty plea before a federal judge in Manhattan on Monday, admitting to fraudulently obtaining $750,000 from the Epstein Victims' Compensation Program. Percival, who has authored multiple scholarly works on autism spectrum disorders, faces potential prison time following her admission of guilt.

The compensation fund was created to provide financial redress to individuals harmed by Epstein's documented crimes. Epstein, a wealthy financier, died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. The fund has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to verified victims since its establishment.

Prosecutors did not immediately disclose specific details about the methods Percival allegedly used to defraud the program or how the fraudulent claims were ultimately discovered. The case represents one of several instances of fraud attempts targeting victim compensation funds.

Percival's guilty plea avoids a trial and typically results in a sentencing hearing where federal judges determine appropriate penalties based on statutory guidelines and case circumstances. Her sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.