Retired UVA professor appears to have met with Jeffrey Epstein in 2018, according to Epstein files

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WRIC) -- Neal Kassell, a retired University of Virginia (UVA) professor and former vice chair of neurosurgery, appears to have scheduled and attended a meeting with Jeffrey Epstein in New York in 2018, according to exchanged communications within the Epstein files. It's unclear what the pair discussed.

Background

In 2008, after federal officials found that Epstein had allegedly sexually abused dozens of children as young as 14, Epstein was convicted in Florida for procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute as part of a plea deal.

He was arrested again in July 2019 on federal charges for sex trafficking of minors in Florida and New York. Officials said he killed himself in his jail cell on Aug. 10, 2019.

The U.S. Department of Justice has since publicly released millions of documents relating to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, his sexual abuse of young girls and the people he interacted with.

8News previously compiled a short list of Virginia connections that appear within a recently released batch of the files, and noted a 2022 allegation of child sex trafficking operations out of the Richmond Omni hotel.

8News has since identified several records of communication within the files regarding Neal Kassell, including messages between Kassell and Epstein himself that indicate the two met in New York in 2018.

According to a spokesperson for the University of Virginia, Kassell served as a professor and vice chair of neurosurgery within the School of Medicine before he retired in 2011 and resigned from part-time clinical work in 2016 -- years before the apparent meeting with Epstein.

Multiple news outlets have reported that Kassell was part of the team of surgeons who performed procedures on former President Joe Biden in 1988 after he reportedly had two brain aneurysms.

Kassell is also the founder and chairman of Focused Ultrasound Foundation, according to the organization's website.

It's important to note that Kassell faces no criminal charges, the topic or purpose of their meeting is not specifically addressed in available files that contain Kassell's name, and the extent of his relationship with Epstein remains unclear.

Below is a timeline of communications involving Kassell that 8News discovered within the Epstein files.

2016: Kassell's work mentioned

Back on Nov. 30, 2016, Kassell's name appears in an iMessage exchange between Epstein and a redacted person that applauds Kassell's work using ultrasound on cancer.

"Also some AMAZING work on cancer mets by dude using ultrasound dr Neal Kassell," the message said.

September 2018: Meeting plans

Roughly three years later, on Sept. 3, 2018, a redacted email address of messages between Epstein and Kassell to introduce them to each other, suggesting that Epstein and Kassell would "both enjoy spending time together."

The redacted email address said they met Epstein decades ago through now-President Donald Trump, and that they met Kassell through someone named Bob Pririe.

"Jeffrey - Neal Neither of you requires introduction," the email states. "I've known Jeffrey 28 years and this isn't a joke - Donald Trump introduced us. I first met Neal in 16 years ago when Bob Pirie introduced us … Neal will be visiting NYC end of month. I think you would both enjoy spending time together - Thanks to you both for always supporting me. You are both copied."

Kassell responded by saying that he looked forward to meeting Epstein, adding that he will be in New York later in the month from Sept. 25 through Sept. 28, 2018, and then asked Epstein to let him know if he will be available.

Epstein then confirmed that he would be in town during that time and that he looked forward to their meeting.

Epstein's assistant, Lesley Groff, then suggests in a reply on behalf of Epstein that Kassell follow up closer to their meeting for confirmation.

Days later, on Sept. 17, 2018, Groff notifies Epstein in an email that she has a reminder to make an appointment with Kassell for the week of Sept. 24. The email states that Kassell is a friend of someone whose name is redacted.

Epstein confirms with Groff in a reply by saying, "yes," after which Groff reiterated when Kassell and Epstein will meet.

"Neal is confirmed to come see you on Tues. Sept. 25th at 5pm," Groff said in the email.

Days before their scheduled meeting, on Sept. 20, 2018, a Focused Ultrasound Foundation employee attaches Kassell's "biosketch" in an email to Epstein, for which Epstein thanks them in a reply.

The next day, on Sept. 21, 2018, Groff emails Epstein his schedule for Sept. 25, which lists a 5 p.m. appointment with Neal Kassell and other redacted names.

The day after their scheduled meeting, on Sept. 26, 2018, Kassell emails Epstein with the subject line, "Enjoyed our meeting. Thanks for taking the time."

November 2018: Suggested dinner in Charlottesville

Roughly two months later, on Nov. 9, 2018, a redacted email address ropes in both Epstein and Neal again through an email with the subject line, "Dinner in Charlottesville."

The email referenced a recent science-related visit in Charlottesville at UVA, where the emailer said they saw Kassell and Ted Weschler. The redacted email suggests that a "quiet and private dinner" be scheduled between Epstein, Kassler and others at Kassler's home.

"A quiet and private dinner at Neals estate with the four of you would be a lot of fun Please find a time soon No particular focus but science is something you all share," the email states.

Epstein then expressed interest in a reply: "im alwasy in."

Kassler also agrees, saying, "let's talk" in a reply the next day.

Epstein replies by saying he can speak at Kassell's convenience, and Kassell says, "anytime from now on."

Days later, on Nov. 15, a person, whose name is redacted, exchanges iMessages with Epstein that Kassell said other people were discussing a plan to "start a colony on the moon."

"Neal Kassell told me that peter Gabriel and a few others at MIT are trying to start a colony on the moon and are having a brainstorming session," the message stated.

A reply to the message regarding Kassell then appears to compare him to Epstein.

"Sometimes Neal reminds me of you 'in philanthropy you are either the donor or the donors entertainment,'" the message states.

Another message that mentions Kassell is later shared by a person whose name is redacted, which describes that Kassell spoke of other people attempting to "start a colony on the moon." It's unclear to what the message refers.

"Neal Kassell told me that peter Gabriel and a few others at MIT are trying to start a colony on the moon and are having a brainstorming session," the message states.

January 2019: A redacted person's request for funds

Then, on Jan. 4, 2019, a redacted emailer sends a message with the subject line "Neurosurgery" addressing both Neal and Jeffrey. The redacted emailer cites their work and research in the field through a fellowship.

"[REDACTED]. As of now I've completed about 1,000 cases (most complete 200), published, conducted original research and tried my best to keep pushing the field. I don't know what's next after this fellowship but I do want to continue in science and maybe even be a good role model for women with skills," the email states. "Feel like [REDACTED] is a good home for at least another few years but I need some help. do want to continue in science and maybe even be a good is a good home for at least another few years but I need In July I will be the departments first female endovascular faculty, which is cool. Not sure I want to stay here forever but want a 3-5 year window to have backstopping and institutional support. Would you two be willing to help me do this."

The emailer then appears to ask for a $80,000 to $100,000 to go to a redacted university.

"This is an $80-100,000 commitment and would go to the [redacted]. It would be provide me with nothing except a title and a space to keep working (credibility)," the message states. "The university rules say That me and first degree relatives can't endow a professorship for me so I have to find non relatives. Would still try to find my next rainbow and plan to do bigger things within 3 years. Hopefully faster. What do you think? July 1."

The next day, on Jan. 5, 2019, Neal replies and calls providing the funds a "good idea," but appears to suggest that they shouldn't be made in his name.

"Good idea but nothing should ever be named after me........" Kassell said.

It's unclear whether or not those funds were committed.

8News has reached out to Kassell and UVA for comment. Kassell did not respond, as of reporting.

A UVA spokesperson responded by noting that Kassell had retired prior to the apparent meeting and said the university has no comment.