Washington, D.C. – In a significant development reigniting scrutiny over the 2019 death of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the House Oversight Committee is today interviewing former prison guard Tova Noel, the correctional officer widely believed to be the last person to have seen Epstein alive before he was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell.
The closed-door deposition with Noel is taking place on Monday, May 18, 2026, as part of the committee’s ongoing investigation into Epstein’s death and the federal government’s handling of high-profile cases linked to him and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Key Details and Controversies
Tova Noel was one of two guards on duty at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in New York on the night of August 9-10, 2019. Epstein was discovered unresponsive in his cell the following morning and pronounced dead. The New York City medical examiner ruled the death a **suicide by hanging**, but a cascade of documented failures at the facility — including malfunctioning cameras, falsified check logs, and guards failing to perform required rounds — has fueled persistent conspiracy theories for years.
According to reports:
– Noel and fellow guard Michael Thomas were charged in 2019 with conspiracy and falsifying records for allegedly failing to conduct required inmate counts while Epstein was in their care. Both later reached deferred prosecution agreements, avoiding jail time.
– Prosecutors alleged Noel spent significant time browsing the internet instead of performing her duties that night.
– Documents released by the Department of Justice show Noel conducted internet searches about Epstein, including “latest on Epstein in jail,” on the night he died. She later told investigators she did not recall the searches but may have read an article.
– Bank records revealed approximately **$12,000** in cash deposits into Noel’s account between April 2018 and July 2019, though the FBI reportedly found no evidence of bribery.
– Surveillance footage reportedly captured a flash of orange (consistent with a guard’s uniform) near Epstein’s cell, and Noel denied providing excess linen that could have been used in the hanging.House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has stated that some lawmakers “aren’t confident 100% that Epstein’s death was by suicide.” He emphasized that Noel is not being accused of wrongdoing but possesses critical information.
Why This Interview Matters
The session comes amid fresh public interest following the DOJ’s recent release of additional Epstein files. The committee aims to clarify lingering questions about prison protocols, potential lapses or cover-ups, and broader accountability in the federal corrections system.
Noel previously told investigators she was present when Epstein’s body was found around 6:30 a.m. and witnessed CPR efforts. She claimed she heard nothing unusual from his cell overnight.
This high-profile interview is expected to generate intense public and media attention, as Epstein’s case continues to captivate global audiences due to his connections to powerful figures in politics, business, and entertainment.
Further updates from the House Oversight Committee are anticipated following today’s deposition. The full scope of findings from this and related inquiries may be released in coming weeks or months.
