EFTA00078646.pdf

Smith VlllazorLw 250 West 55th Street, 30th Floor New York, New York 10019 viww.smithvillazor.com Patrick J. Smith SMITH I VILLAZOR November 19, 2021 BY E-MAIL to NathanNYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov The Honorable Alison J. Nathan United States District Judge Southern District of New York 40 Foley Square New York, New York 10007 Re: United States v. Maxwell. No. 20 Cr. 330 Dear Judge Nathan: We represent the independent, neutral administrator of the Epstein Victims' Compensation Program (the "EVCP"). Pursuant to the Court's memo-endorsement of our letter dated November 15, 2021, we respectfully move to quash defendant Maxwell's subpoena directed to for certain documents of the EVCP concerning four victims. The EVCP is a court-approved, litigation-alternative program established to resolve confidentially claims of sexual abuse against Jeffrey Epstein, his Estate, and other related individuals and entities. Protecting the confidentiality of EVCP claimants' information is a cornerstone of the program and essential to its success. In program documents, press releases, and on its website, the EVCP and repeatedly emphasized the program's promise of confidentiality. That promise allowed for participation by victims who otherwise would have been reluctant to share their stories. It also encouraged victims to compromise claims that might otherwise have taken up substantial judicial resources. Only a confidential program can EFTA00078646 November 19, 2021 Page Two effectively achieve the EVCP's important societal goals of providing redress to victims and efficiently resolving civil claims outside the glare of a public proceeding. Because Maxwell's subpoena would compromise that confidentiality and eviscerate the foundation of the EVCP and similar programs, compliance would be "unreasonable or oppressive" under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 17(c)(2). And because Maxwell's subpoena seeks information that is largely (if not entirely) inadmissible under Federal Rule of Evidence 408, it fails the test in United States v. Nixon, 418 U.S. 683, 702 (1974). Maxwell also seeks to subpoena statements of a witness or prospective witness that are not subject to subpoena under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 17(h). The subpoena should be quashed in its entirety. Background This background information comes principally from declaration, which is submitted with this motion,' and public documents about the EVCP, also attached as exhibits. A. Formation and Development of the EVCP In November 2019, the co-executors of Epstein's estate (the "Epstein Estate") sought approval from a U.S. Virgin Islands court (where the Epstein Estate is being probated) to create a voluntary claims resolution program for victims of Epstein's sexual abuse.' The program's design was led by Kenneth R. Feinberg, and Camille S. Biros—all nationally recognized claims-administration experts.' Mr. Feinberg is the nation's leading expert in crafting effective dispute resolution alternatives, and, with Ms. Biros, they have designed and ' Ex. A (Decl. of in Supp. of Mot. to Quash Rule 17(c) Subpoena a Decl.")). 2 Ex. B at 1 (Press Release, "Administrator Announces Proposed Establishment of the Epstein Victims' Compensation Program," dated Nov. 14, 2019 ("11/14/19 Press Release")). 3 Ex. C at 1 (Press Release, "Renowned Claims Resolution Experts Announce Commencement of the Epstein Victims' Compensation Program," dated June 25, 2020 ("6/25/20 Press Release")); see Ex. A ¶ 3 Decl.). EFTA00078647 November 19, 2021 Page Three administered other large-scale, complex compensation programs, including for the Catholic Church sexual abuse claims, the Penn State sexual abuse claims, and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.4 previously served as the Deputy Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.' is the independent, neutral third- party administrator of the EVCP, and she has "complete autonomy and decision-making authority over program operations and claim determinations."' Mr. Feinberg, and Ms. Biros designed the program with input and support from attorneys representing over 70 victims, the Attorney General for the Virgin Islands, the Epstein Estate, and other interested parties.' Among many other tasks, they developed a Protocol for administering the program and handling claims,' a set of frequently asked questions,' and a website providing information about the program (including the Protocol and FAQs) and through which individuals could register and submit their claims.10 The U.S. Virgin Islands court heard testimony from and Mr. Feinberg about the proposed Protocol in February 2020." Both witnesses publicly testified about the confidentiality protections the Protocol would provide to claimants.12 And the promise of confidentiality was necessary in gaining interested parties' support for the program.13 On June 2, 4 Ex. B at 1(1 Press Release); Ex. C at 1 (6/25/20 Press Release). 'Ex.AI3 Decl.). 6 Ex. B at 1 (11/14/19 Press Release). 7 Ex. C at 1 (6/25/20 Press Release). 8 Ex. D (the "Protocol," dated May 29, 2020). 9 Ex. E (the "FAQs," dated June 25, 2020). ' 1 See https://wwwir,cp.corn/ (last visited November 18, 2021). 11 See Ex. A 10 Decl.). 12 Ex. H at I I I:1-111:16, 118:9-118:24 (M testimony) and 170:25-171:25, 180:23- 182:8 MM. testitl . 13 See Ex. A 7-8, 12 Decl.). EFTA00078648 November 19, 2021 Page Four 2020, the U.S. Virgin Islands probate court approved the EVCP as designed.14 On June 25, 2020, the EVCP announced that individuals could begin the process of filing claims.15 In her motion seeking approval for the subpoena, Maxwell makes at least two mischaracterizations of the Protocol for evaluating a claimant's eligibility for compensation. First, she says that the Protocol "credits" victims "who have had charges filed against Epstein or any employee of Epstein."" The Protocol does no such thing. It simply identifies the existence of any information or findings of law enforcement as one factor to be considered, as part of a non-exhaustive list of "appropriate factors and corroborative support" that the administrator may consider in evaluating claims." Maxwell also mischaracterizes the Protocol when she says that it "rewards Accusers who have filed a lawsuit, legal action or claim of sexual abuse."18 This is inaccurate. As the Protocol makes clear, the existence of "lawsuit[s], legal action[s] or claim[s]" was used to identify individuals as potential victims to send them claim forms.19 Individuals who had not previously filed a lawsuit, legal action, or claim were also invited to register a claim with the EVCP.2° B. Key Features of the EVCP The EVCP was designed with non-exclusive "key features" to provide "an efficient and fair resolution of claims" on a "voluntary, non-adversarial, [and] confidential" basis.2' For example, the EVCP operates "entirely free from any interference or control by the Epstein " Ex. G (order of the Superior Court of t1 lit• in Islands Division of St. ( Virgin dated June 2, 2020); see Ex. A ¶¶ 8, 13 Decl.). " Ex. C (6/25/20 Press Release). 16 Maxwell's Mot. for an Order Authorizing a Subpoena Pursuant to Fed. dated Nov. 14, 2021 ("Maxwell Mot."), at 3, 5. " Ex. D at 5-6 (Protocol); see Ex. A ¶ 16 ( Decl.). 18 Maxwell Mot. at 3, 5. 19 Ex. D at 4 (Protocol); see Ex. A ¶ 16 Decl.). 2G Ex. D at 4 (Protocol). 21 See https://vvww.epsteinvcp.comf; see also Ex. D at 1-2 (Protocol). Thomas and St. John, Crim. P. 17(c)(3), EFTA00078649 November 19, 2021 Page Five Estate."22 The program is also "purely voluntary"; claimants' rights are not impacted unless and until they accept an offer of compensation and execute a release.23 Victims were also eligible to participate "regardless of where they were harmed, when they were harmed, whether the claim is time-barred by the applicable statute of limitations, and whether they have previously filed a lawsuit against or settled with Epstein and/or the Estate."24 And as critically relevant here, the EVCP is confrdential.25 The EVCP and repeatedly emphasized the importance of confidentiality to the integrity of the program and the assurance that the EVCP would keep confidential victims' participation in the program and any documents and other information submitted to, maintained by, exchanged with, or distributed by the program.26 probate-court testimony, the Protocol, the FAQs, the EVCP website, and EVCP press releases all highlight the program's promise to maintain confidentiality of claimants' information and how that promise is a "cornerstone" of the EVCP.27 Victims relied upon the condition of strict confidentiality in agreeing to support the existence of the Program and in deciding to participate in the claims process.28 22 See https://www.epsteinvcp.coml; see also Ex. D at 1 (Protocol). 23 Ex. D at 1 (Protocol). 24 Ex. D at 2 (Protocol). 25 Ex. D at 2, 6, 8-9 Protocol). 26 Ex. A 1118-12 Decl.). 27 See: • Ex. H at 111:1-111:16, 118:9-118:24 (testimony). • Ex. D at 8-9 (Protocol section on "Confidentiality/Privacy"). • Ex. E at 9 (FAQs no. 11). • https://www.epsteinvcp.corn/ (website noting claimant privacy of "paramount importance"). • Ex. C at 2 (6/25/20 Press Release noting claimant privacy of "paramount importance"). • Ex. F at 1 (8/9/21 Press Release noting confidentiality "critical to the success" and a "cornerstone" of the EVCP). 28 See Ex. A ¶¶ 7-8, 12 Decl.). EFTA00078650 November 19, 2021 Page Six C. The Critical Importance of Confidentiality to the EVCP and Similar Programs declaration explains why confidentiality is so critical to programs like the EVCP.29 As she notes, "it can be incredibly difficult for victims of sexual abuse to share such deeply personal, intimate, private information about their experiences and the impact it has had on their lives," and many victims "suffer from a loss of trust and confidence in individuals in positions of authority.s30 The EVCP sought to create an environment where claimants did not feel a need to "censor themselves" about their experiences." Creating that environment simply would not be possible without strong assurances of confidentiality. As expressed to by victims' attorneys and victims themselves, "many victims were initially reluctant to participate in the EVCP — or would have refused to participate — without an express assurance of confidentiality."32 Any intrusion on that promise would threaten the foundation of the program. As explains, "[c]ompromising confidentiality in any way would eviscerate the very foundation and fabric of the EVCP, and would have a disastrous chilling effect on victims."33 Compelling the EVCP to disclose the information it promised to keep confidential would be "anathema to the integrity of this Program and others like it" and "would turn the Program on its head with far-reaching consequences to this victim population and beyond"—meaning for the EVCP and the viability of other past, existing, and future litigation-alternative victim compensation programs.34 is unaware of any other instance in which an 29 See Ex. A ill 5-14 "Ex. A 16 31 Ex. A 8-12 32 Ex. A ¶ 7 33 Ex. All 13 34 Ex. A ¶¶ 13-14 Decl.). Decl.). Decl.). Decl.). Decl.). Decl.). EFTA00078651 November 19, 2021 Page Seven administrator of a program like the EVCP was required to disclose materials like those Maxwell seeks here.35 D. The EVCP's Success As of August 2021, when the EVCP announced that it had concluded its claimant-facing operations, the EVCP had awarded nearly $125 million to approximately 150 eligible claimants; ninety-two percent of eligible claimants accepted their offers, and the EVCP paid over $121 million to those claimants.36 The EVCP received about 225 claims, which far exceeded the original expectation of about 100 claims.37 E. Procedural History In April 2021, Maxwell sought authorization to subpoena the law firm Boies Schiller for materials it submitted to EVCP on behalf of certain claimants. This Court denied the request, finding that Maxwell appeared to seek the materials for impeachment purposes, and that "the mere fact that certain documents might be impeachment evidence does not render them `relevant' for purposes of Rule 17(c); if at all, those documents would become relevant only after a witness testifies."38 The Court also held that Maxwell "may renew her request for these documents once she identifies specific individuals whose submissions she seeks and spells out with specificity the relevance of all requested materials. At that time, the Court will determine whether it is proper to require production of these materials to the Court so that the information 35 Ex. A ¶ 14 Decl.); see also Ex. H at 180:23-182:8 (testimony of Mr. Feinberg noting that, in his forty years of experience, no law enforcement agency had sought materials from a program and, invoking his experience with the compensation programs to resolve sexual abuse claims against the Catholic church, cautioning against attempts to obtain claimant information when "individual victims have participated in a program on the absolute guarantee of the administrator that information that have been submitted will not be disclosed to anybody"). 36 Ex. F at 1 (8/9/21 Press Release). 37 Ex. F at 1 (8/9/21 Press Release). 38 Order, dated Apr. 27, 2021, at 7 (ECF No. 252). EFTA00078652 November 19, 2021 Page Eight may be made available to Maxwell, if appropriate, at the conclusion of each witness's direct testimony."39 Maxwell also appears to have sought subpoenas directed to "four individuals seek[ing] similar materials," including EVCP materials, a request this Court denied in August 2021, again without prejudice to renewal.40 On November 15, 2021, we learned that Maxwell sought leave to serve a subpoena on for certain EVCP documents and that the Court intended to authorize the subpoena. That same day, we informed the Court that we were authorized to accept service of the subpoena and that intended to move to quash it. We received a copy of the subpoena on November 16, 2021. The subpoena requests four categories of materials from four individual victims: (i) "EVCP Material" (as defined in the subpoena) for the four victims; (ii) communications between the EVCP and the four victims "and/or their Attorneys"; (iii) copies of payments to the victims "and/or their Attorneys"; and (iv) any releases that the four victims executed. The government filed its motion to quash the subpoena yesterday, which provides ample basis to quash the subpoena. sets forth the following additional reasons to quash the subpoena. 39 Order at 7-8 (ECF No. 252). Opinion and Order, dated Aug. 13, 2021, at 2, 5, 10 (ECF No. 334). EFTA00078653 November 19, 2021 Page Nine Argument The subpoena should be quashed because (i) compliance would be unreasonable or oppressive; (ii) it seeks documents that are inadmissible under Rule 408 of the Federal Rules of Evidence; and (iii) it seeks "statements" of a witness that are not subject to subpoena under Rule 17(h) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. A. Compliance with the subpoena would be unreasonable or oppressive. Under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 17(c)(2), the Court "may quash or modify the subpoena if compliance would be unreasonable or oppressive." Fed. R. Crim. P. 17(c)(2). The determination of whether compliance would be unreasonable or oppressive is "committed to the sound discretion of the trial court." United States v. Nixon, 418 U.S. 683, 702 (1974). Compliance may be unreasonable or oppressive if the subpoena seeks information protected by "constitutional, statutory, or common-law privilege[s]," or if the subpoena is "irrelevant, abusive or harassing, overly vague, or excessively broad." In re Grand Jury Subpoena for THCF Med. Clinic Recs., 504 F. Supp. 2d 1085, 1088 (E.D. Wash. 2007) (citations omitted) (quashing subpoena under Rule 17(cX2)). In addition, "[c]ourts have relied on Rule 17(c) to quash a subpoena that intrudes gravely on significant interests outside the scope of a recognized privilege, if compliance is likely to 'entail consequences more serious than even severe inconveniences occasioned by irrelevant or overbroad requests for records.' THCF Med. Clinic Recs., 504 F. Supp. 2d at 1088 (quoting In re Grand Jury Matters, 751 F.2d 13, 18 (1st Cir. 1984)). Here, it would be unreasonable or oppressive to require a court-approved victims' compensation program whose effectiveness depends on maintaining the confidentiality of victims' information to produce the very information it promised to keep confidential. EFTA00078654 November 19, 2021 Page Ten Confidentiality was a "cornerstone" of the EVCP,41 "critical" to its success," and of "paramount importance."43 Confidentiality was an indispensable term necessary to interested parties' support for the EVCP.44 Without the expectation of confidentiality, many victims would not have participated, and the whole purpose of the program would have been frustrated.' The Supreme Court in Nixon recognized—in the context of a President's claim of confidentiality over communications with advisors—that the "interest in preserving confidentiality is weighty indeed and entitled to great respect." Nixon, 418 U.S. at 712. And while the Supreme Court ultimately upheld the denial of a motion to quash given that the President's confidentiality concerns were "general in nature" and would "not be vitiated by disclosure of a limited number of conversations," id. at 713, the facts here show that the EVCP has a particularized interest in maintaining the confidentiality of sexual-abuse victims' information and that opening the door to any such disclosures poses a real risk of "vitiat[ingr such a program's effectiveness, id., and would "turn the Program on its head with far-reaching consequences to this victim population and beyond."" Indeed, as another district court held in quashing a subpoena under Rule 17(cX2), "individuals could be deterred from participating in the program if it were possible for" outside parties "to obtain this type of information." THCF Med. Clinic Recs., 504 F. Supp. 2d at 1090- 91 (quashing subpoena under Rule 17(cX2) that sought information about participants in state- run medical marijuana program and recognizing the state's interest in "keeping its contract with its citizens to preserve the confidentiality of their records"). The existence of the U.S. Virgin 41 Ex. F at 1 (8/9/21 Press Release) (statement of 42 Ex. F at 1 (8/9/21 Press Release). 43 Ex. C at 2 (6/25/20 Press Release). 44 See Ex. A IV -8, 12 Decl.). 45 See Ex. A ¶¶ 7-14 Decl.). 46 Ex. A ¶¶ 13-14 Decl.). EFTA00078655 November 19, 2021 Page Eleven Islands' probate court order approving the program—and the associated, mandatory confidentiality protections of the Protocol—provides yet another reason to quash the subpoena.47 See THCF Med. Clinic Recs., 504 F. Supp. 2d at 1090 (quashing subpoena in part where, by complying, state "would be violating its own laws"). Because compliance would be unreasonable or oppressive, this Court should quash the subpoena. Compliance would also be unreasonable or oppressive because all the information Maxwell seeks is "otherwise procurable" or, indeed, already in Ms. Maxwell's possession. See United States v. Pena, No. 15 Cr. 551 (AJN), 2016 WL 8735699, at *2 (S.D.N.Y. Feb. 12, 2016) (subpoena proponent must show materials are "not otherwise procurable" (citation omitted)). As noted, Maxwell previously sought to subpoena Boies Schiller and four individuals for EVCP material and was denied without prejudice,48 but she apparently has not sought to renew those requests. Instead, she decided to direct her subpoena at a different source: the EVCP's administrator. While the EVCP cannot divine the reason behind that shift in legal strategy, it appears as if she is attempting to do an end run around the Court's prior rulings or believes that renewing those requests will be unfruitful. The EVCP is not suggesting that Ms. Maxwell renew her earlier requests directed at EVCP claimants. The EVCP believes that no participant should be required to turn over their confidential submissions against their wishes. But there are alternative ways to obtain the information she seeks, such as on cross-examination at trial, to the extent permissible. And—in the case of releases Maxwell seeks—at least two courts in this 47 See Ex. A ¶ 13 ( Decl.). ECF Nos. 252, 334. EFTA00078656 November 19, 2021 Page Twelve district have ordered plaintiffs to produce their EVCP releases to Maxwell (in one case with the amount redacted), so she is already aware of the content of the EVCP's general release.49 Forcing the EVCP to turn over information it promised all claimants it would keep confidential—an indispensable condition that victims relied upon—would "disembowel the very core" of this program and others like it.S° Compliance would be unreasonable and oppressive and, accordingly, this Court should quash the subpoena. B. The documents sought are inadmissible under Federal Rule of Evidence 408. The subpoena should also be quashed because the records sought are inadmissible under Federal Rule of Evidence 408. Rule 17(c), in general, authorizes subpoenas returnable before trial, as well as subpoenas returnable at trial "to obtain impeachment material." United States v. Donziger, No. 19-CR-561 (LAP), 2021 WL 1865376, at *4 (S.D.N.Y. May 10, 2021). The test set forth in Nixon "governs both varieties" of subpoenas. Donziger, 2021 WL 1865376, at *4. Under Nixon, the subpoena must "clear three hurdles: (1) relevancy; (2) admissibility; (3) specificity." Nixon, 418 U.S. at 700. Here, Maxwell's subpoena fails, at a minimum, to clear the admissibility hurdle, because Rule 408 makes the documents sought largely, if not entirely, inadmissible. Under Rule 408(a), evidence of accepting a valuable consideration to compromise a claim, as well as statements or conduct made in connection with negotiations about the claim, are "not admissible—on behalf of any party—either to prove or disprove the validity or amount of a disputed claim or to impeach by a prior inconsistent statement or a contradiction." Fed. I. Evid. 408(a). Inadmissibility under Rule 408 provides a basis to quash a Rule 17(c) subpoena. See 49 See Order, dated Feb. 16, 2021 (ECF No. 120), at 2 in Farmer v. Indyke, 19 Civ. 10475 (S.D.N.Y.); Order, dated Mar. 19, 2021 (ECF No. 102)1 2, in Doe v. Indyke, 20 Civ. 484 (S.D.N.Y.). 5° Ex. A ¶ 14 ( Decl.). EFTA00078657 November 19, 2021 Page Thirteen United States v. Carton, No. 17 CR 680 (CM), 2018 WL 5818107, at *5 (S.D.N.Y. Oct. 19, 2018) (quashing subpoena seeking a "forbearance agreement," citing Rule 408). The documents Maxwell seeks here fit within the exclusionary provisions of Rule 408.51 The documents sought—submissions to the EVCP, including claim forms; communications between the EVCP and the victims or their attorneys; records of payments; and releases— constitute evidence of either "furnishing, promising, or offering—or accepting, promising to accept, or offering to accept—a valuable consideration in compromising or attempting to compromise the claim," Fed. I. Evid. 408(a)(1), or "conduct or a statement made during compromise negotiations about the claim," Id. 408(aX2). The Protocol makes clear that by submitting a claim, "a Claimant is seeking to resolve all claims relating to allegations of sexual abuse against Epstein and/or the Estate, and related entities and individuals as set forth in the Release."52 And it also makes that clear that "[a]ll parties agree that they are using the services of a third-party administrator to help reach a resolution of individual claims of sexual abuse."53 The Protocol provides that "this Program is entitled to confidentiality, privileges (mediation, settlement and all other pertinent privileges), S1 It is true that, in 1996, the Second Circuit held that Rule 408 "does not require exclusion of evidence relating to a civil settlement in a criminal trial." Manko v. United States, 87 F.3d 50, 51 (2d Cir. 1996). But in 2006, the rule was amended to make clear that it applies in that circumstance. As the Seventh Circuit has noted: "In 2006 the Supreme Court promulgated an amendment to Rule 408 demonstrating that at least the new version (which took effect on December 1, 2006) applies to criminal cases." United States v. Roti, 484 F.3d 934, 936 (7th Cir. 2007); see 2006 advisory committee note to Rule 408 (noting "statements made during compromise negotiations of other disputed claims are not admissible in subsequent criminal litigation, when offered to prove liability for, invalidity of, or amount of those claims"); see also Fed.. Evid. 1101(b) (rules of evidence apply in criminal proceedings). And the Second Circuit has since addressed the substance of a Rule 408 argument on a criminal appeal, without reference to Manko or to any possibility that Rule 408 was inapplicable in criminal cases. See United States v. Wahl, 563 F. App'x 45, 50-51 (2d Cir. 2014). 52 Ex. D at 7 (Protocol). 53 Ex. D at 8 n.1 (Protocol). EFTA00078658 November 19, 2021 Page Fourteen and protection from disclosure under applicable law."S4 That the EVCP was designed to invoke the exclusionary protections of provisions like Rule 408 is plain. As such, the documents Maxwell seeks are not admissible "on behalf of any party" to either prove or disprove the validity of a claim or—as especially important here, given the Court's prior recognition that Maxwell sought EVCP Material from Boies Schiller "for impeachment"'—to "impeach by a prior inconsistent statement or a contradiction." Fed. R. Evid. 408(a). Because the documents are inadmissible, the subpoena fails to meet the Nixon test and should be quashed. Rule 408's limited exceptions to inadmissibility are not applicable here and do not favor upholding the subpoena. First, while Rule 408(a)(2) provides a limited exception to inadmissibility for statements or conduct "when offered in a criminal case and when the negotiations related to a claim by a public office in the exercise of its regulatory, investigative, or enforcement authority," that exception does not apply here, where the underlying claims (Le., the victims' claims for sexual abuse against Epstein) were private matters, not "related to a claim by a public office." See United States v. Davis, No. Crim. 09-343, 2009 WL 3646459, at *3 (E.D. Pa. Nov. 4, 2009) ("Since the agreement was entered into between private parties, it does not fall into the limited exception enunciated in 408(a)(2) involving compromise negotiations with a public agency."). And while under Rule 408(b), the Court "may admit this evidence for another purpose, such as proving a witness's bias or prejudice," we are unaware of Maxwell having demonstrated how the materials she seeks would demonstrate "bias or prejudice" (including for the reasons in the government's motion) as opposed to being impermissibly used to "impeach by a prior 54 Ex. D at 8 n.1 (Protocol). ss ECF No. 252 at 7. EFTA00078659 November 19, 2021 Page Fifteen inconsistent statement or a contradiction." Fed... Evid. 408(a). The Court should decline to uphold the subpoena based on a possible permissible use under Rule 408(b) when the most readily apparent purpose for the materials is one barred by Rule 408(a). C. Rule 17(h) bars Maxwell from subpoenaing statements of a witness or potential witness. Under Rule 17(h), Maxwell is barred from subpoenaing "a statement of a witness or of a prospective witness," as the production of any such statements is governed by Rule 26.2. Fed.. Crim. P. 17(h). Many of the documents Maxwell seeks are statements of the four victims, such as their claim forms or any communications they sent to the EVCP (or statements from representatives of the EVCP). As courts have held, such statements are not subject to subpoena, even when sought from a third party. See United States v. Yudong Zhu, No. 13 Cr. 761 (VM), 2014 WL 5366107, at *3 & n.3 (S.D.N.Y. Oct. 14, 2014) (quashing request under Rule 17(h) for materials that "likely constitute" statements of a witness or prospective witness and rejecting argument "that Rule 17(h) applies only to witness statements already in the Government's possession" (citing United States v. Vasquez, 258 =. 68, 73 (E.D.N.Y.2009)). The Court should quash the subpoena to the extent it seeks statements of witnesses or prospective witnesses. For the foregoing reasons, the Court respectfully should quash the subpoena. We also respectfully request oral argument on this motion, and we are available should the Court have any questions. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Patrick J. Smith Patrick J. Smith Smith Villazor LLP EFTA00078660 November 19, 2021 Page Sixteen CC: EFTA00078661