Professors' ties to Epstein underscore private money's pull in research funding

Justice Department documents show Jeffrey Epstein cultivated relationships with many academics and provided private funding to some researchers; several professors are now under institutional review or have resigned.

Newly released Justice Department documents show Jeffrey Epstein had closer ties to many prominent academics than was previously known. The files include e-mails, records of meetings, and notes of donations that connected him with researchers, college leaders and museum figures. Some academics accepted funding or maintained friendly contact with Epstein over years. The disclosures have renewed attention on how private donors interact with university research. Key facts: - The Justice Department released a trove of documents containing e-mail exchanges and records of Epstein's contacts with academics. - Some researchers received money from Epstein or corresponded with him about projects and meetings. - Since the documents surfaced, at least one scholar has resigned and a Yale professor has been removed from teaching while the university reviews his conduct. Summary: The disclosures have prompted institutional reviews and public scrutiny of academics who had ties to Epstein. Undetermined at this time.