JPMorgan Chase & Co. former executive Jes Staley asked a judge to dismiss the bank’s lawsuit that seeks to hold him responsible for any damages stemming from other suits accusing the company of facilitating Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking.
(Bloomberg) — JPMorgan Chase & Co. former executive Jes Staley asked a judge to dismiss the bank’s lawsuit that seeks to hold him responsible for any damages stemming from other suits accusing the company of facilitating Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking.
In a filing late Monday, Staley said he had no decision-making authority over Epstein’s accounts and accused JPMorgan of using him as “a public relations shield.”
The bank contends Staley should be held liable for any damages it faces due to his relationship with Epstein and alleged frequent visits to his properties.
A Jane Doe victim of Epstein and the US Virgin Islands sued the bank last year, alleging that its 15-year financial relationship with Epstein aided his years of abuse of underage women and girls.
Staley’s lawyers deny their client had any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and claim the bank is trying to make him a scapegoat.
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It “remains to be seen” whether JPMorgan should be liable for damages, according to Monday’s fling. “What is certain is that the bank cannot treat Mr. Staley as its public relations shield by asserting claims that lack any legal (or factual) basis.”
The cases are USVI v. JPMorgan Chase Bank, 22-cv-10904, and Jane Doe 1 v. JPMorgan Chase Bank, 22-cv-10019, US District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).
–With assistance from Joe Schneider.
(Updates with background on dispute)
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