Dallas — A North Dallas private school, the Texas Torah Institute, received a total of $28,000 in checks from an account controlled by Jeffrey Epstein, according to federal records released as part of the “Epstein Files.”
Payments to School Coincided with Legal Troubles
The Texas Torah Institute, a school for boys, received two checks in 2008 and one in 2009. The first two checks, totaling $13,750, were issued after lawsuits alleging abuse by Epstein had become public, and while he was incarcerated following a guilty plea for solicitation. A check for $14,400 followed in August 2009, approximately one month after Epstein’s release from custody.
Representatives from the Texas Torah Institute have not responded to inquiries regarding the payments. A reporter with The Dallas Morning News provided copies of the checks to the school last week and followed up via phone and email.
Broader Network of Connections
The payments to the school are among numerous financial transactions detailed in the recently released “Epstein Files” from the U.S. Department of Justice. These records indicate other payments and transfers to various schools, often listed as tuition for the children of Epstein’s employees.
Beyond the school payments, the files reveal other connections to the Dallas area. Merrie Spaeth, a Dallas-based crisis communications expert, offered assistance to Epstein via email after his 2008 guilty plea. Dallas-based Match.com provided Epstein with potential dating profiles in 2012. A letter from Dallas businessman Terry Kafka, described as “raunchy and obscene,” was as well made public.
Epstein was required to register as a sex offender weeks before the first check was written to the school. In 2019, he faced charges of sex trafficking of minors and accusations of abuse. He died in jail while awaiting trial, and his death was ruled a suicide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Texas Torah Institute?
The Texas Torah Institute is an all-boys Jewish private school located in North Dallas.
When were the checks issued to the school?
The Texas Torah Institute received two checks in 2008 and one check in 2009.
Who signed the checks?
The checks appear to be signed by Harry Beller, identified as Epstein’s accountant.
As more details from the Epstein Files emerge, what further connections and implications will come to light regarding individuals and institutions linked to Jeffrey Epstein?
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