A U.S. federal judge has determined that Bank of America will face part of a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging the bank knowingly profited from its financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the financier at the center of extensive sex-trafficking controversies. At the same time, claims against another major financial institution, Bank of New York Mellon, were thrown out entirely. The decision advances pivotal legal arguments over banks’ responsibilities in detecting and preventing exploitation.
Judge Narrows Claims Against Bank of America
In Manhattan, U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff approved two out of six allegations brought by a woman identified as “Jane Doe,” representing Epstein’s survivors. The surviving claims accuse Bank of America of knowingly benefiting from Epstein’s trafficking network and hindering enforcement of the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
Rakoff dismissed the four additional claims that sought to hold the bank directly responsible for participating in or failing to prevent sex trafficking, including allegations that it negligently failed to limit non-routine services to Epstein.
BNY Mellon Case Dismissed, Trial Date Set for Bank of America
In contrast to Bank of America, the entire lawsuit against Bank of New York Mellon was dismissed by the judge, meaning the plaintiffs cannot refile those claims.
Bank of America expressed that it was pleased with the reduction of claims and looks forward to presenting its defense when the case heads to trial, scheduled to begin on May 11, 2026.
Background: Ongoing Litigation Over Epstein Banking Ties
The lawsuits were filed in October by a Florida woman on behalf of herself and other accusers of Epstein. They follow earlier litigation in which other major banks including JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank reached substantial settlements with Epstein victims.
Epstein, a financier with high-profile connections, died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. His financial networks and the role of institutions that serviced his accounts have since become focal points of civil litigation.
