Pitty Ricu Another one of Epstein’s bosses, James “Jimmy” Cayne, will say, “Jeffrey Epstein left Bear of his own volition.” Epstein wanted to strike out on his own, Cayne explains. But given the timing, some questions remain. Then there’s Epstein’s own testimony, given on April 1, 1981, before SEC investigators Jonathan Harris and Robert Blackburn: CHAPTER } Q: Sir, are you aware that certain rumors may have been circu- | lating around your firm in connection with your reasons for ; leaving the firm? £ A: I'm aware that there were many rumors. 2 Q: What rumors have you heard? . £ A: Nothing to do with St. Joe. i Q: Can you relate what you heard? b A: It was having to do with an illicit affair with a secretary. n that his resignation had noth- = tigation into Bear Stearns and cr As far as the investigators are concerned, this is new informa- vestlg; Ey ‘ ; t to take over St. Joe’s. B a tion; the first time a secretary's name has come up. But they have attemp ; . 4 s ; “ch ; question: Why di d Epstein resign 4 4 no interest in Epstein’s office romance and press on: EC, Epstein says he was offended “f Q: Mr. Epstein, did anyone at Bear Stearns tell youin words or — ) 5 ; a ‘ : fa twenty-thousand-dollar loan 3 substance that you should not divulge anything about St. Joe ola ™ a ; 2 548 Fisenstein. Epstein didn’t know 7 3 Minerals to the staff of the Securities and Exchange Com- 1 Fise . 4 q = _— g ; if used to buy stock, such a loan 4 mission? Has anyone indicated to you in any way, either tif us ; 4 _— ; illegal 4 c directly or indirectly, in words or substance, that your com- ot illegal. Be: a : Fpstein’s expenses had come up. . q pensation for this past year or any future monies coming to rut 4 , , d a $7 500—an embarrassing 7 . you from Bear Stearns will be contingent upon your not e im. ’ rl 4 a * r ; F ices king full partner anytime soon. = divulging information to the Securities and Exchange waking : 4 ae vor even $25,000. Who'd give up a 4 q Commission? i in A: