Newly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice have revealed that two families once reached out to Jeffrey Epstein while their daughters were applying to the University of Michigan. The communications, which took place between 2013 and 2014, show that Epstein was asked to provide guidance and possible connections during the college admissions process.
The documents contain emails and messages showing how Epstein reviewed application essays and shared suggestions on improving them. Although the files describe conversations about admissions, the University of Michigan has stated that its undergraduate admissions process is independent and based on a thorough review of each applicant’s academic achievements and credentials.
Emails Show Eric Roth Asked Epstein for Admissions Connections
One of the families mentioned in the released files includes Eric Roth, the president and CEO of International Jet Interiors. In May 2013, Roth sent an email to Jeffrey Epstein asking whether he had any connections who could help his daughter, Rachel Roth, gain admission to the University of Michigan.
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At the time, Rachel Roth was a high school junior who had already decided that the university was her preferred choice for college. Roth asked Epstein directly if he knew anyone associated with the university who might help guide the application process.
The records released by the Department of Justice indicate that Roth and Epstein had a long history of communication. Roth’s name reportedly appears more than 5,400 times in the files connected to Epstein, suggesting that the two had frequent contact about various matters.
During Rachel Roth’s application process, Epstein reviewed her essays and pointed out several writing issues. He identified spelling errors and grammatical problems and suggested ways to improve the essays. Roth later thanked Epstein for reviewing the material and helping his daughter during the application process.
The files also mention that Roth once offered Epstein a $7,500 discount on an entertainment system as a gesture of appreciation if he could assist Rachel with the admissions process. Epstein responded that he would try to help but stated that he did not want the discount.
Rachel Roth’s Application Was Rejected Despite Advice
Despite receiving feedback and guidance, Rachel Roth’s application to the University of Michigan was ultimately rejected. After the rejection, Eric Roth contacted Epstein again seeking advice about a possible appeal.
In his message, Roth mentioned that some universities keep a small number of spots available after the initial admissions decisions. He asked whether Epstein’s connections could create another opportunity for Rachel to gain admission.
The Roth family then prepared an appeal letter to the university and sent it to Epstein for review. Epstein responded that the letter required significant editing and offered suggestions to improve it.
According to the documents, Epstein later told Roth that he had met with an unnamed individual connected to the University of Michigan to discuss the situation. After the meeting, Epstein described the circumstances as “complicated but not hopeless.”
The documents do not indicate whether the appeal letter was officially submitted to the university. Shortly afterward, Roth informed Epstein that Rachel Roth had decided to attend Syracuse University instead. She later graduated from Syracuse University in 2018.
Anthony Barrett Also Asked Epstein for Guidance
The documents also reveal that another parent contacted Epstein during the same admissions period. Anthony Barrett, who worked for Epstein’s brother Mark Epstein as an executive at Ossa Properties, emailed Epstein in October 2013 regarding his daughter Gabriella Barrett’s application to the University of Michigan.
Barrett sent Epstein a copy of Gabriella Barrett’s application along with her SAT scores and asked for feedback. Records show that Barrett and Epstein were also in frequent communication during the 2010s, with Barrett’s name appearing more than 1,000 times in the released files.
Epstein reviewed Gabriella Barrett’s supplemental essays and provided advice on improving them. Shortly afterward, Gabriella contacted the university’s admissions office and asked whether she could revise her essays. The admissions office allowed her to resubmit the updated essays.
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Gabriella Barrett later emailed Epstein asking what direction she should take while rewriting the essays. Epstein replied that admissions officers often pay close attention to writing quality, grammar, organization, vocabulary, and overall presentation.
Gabriella Barrett was deferred during the early admissions decision round and later placed on the waitlist.
University of Michigan spokesperson Paul Corliss later stated that the University of Michigan follows a rigorous and holistic admissions process. According to Corliss, each undergraduate application is reviewed multiple times by admissions staff, and decisions are made independently based on the qualifications and achievements of each applicant.
