FIRST Robotics Founder Dean Kamen Resigns from Board Amid Epstein Files Revelations
Key Takeaways
- ▸Dean Kamen has resigned from FIRST Robotics, the youth science organization he founded, following revelations of his decade-long contact with Jeffrey Epstein
- ▸An independent review found no evidence of misconduct by Kamen, and he was cleared by other organizations including ARMI and Sequel Med Tech
- ▸Justice Department files revealed Kamen visited Epstein's private island in 2013, five years after Epstein's conviction, and sent emails thanking Epstein and describing the visit as 'magical'
Summary
Dean Kamen, the founder of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), has resigned from his board position at the youth robotics organization in the wake of revelations about his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Kamen had voluntarily taken leave from FIRST in January after Department of Justice documents revealed that he maintained contact with Epstein for over a decade, including visiting Epstein's private Caribbean island in 2013—five years after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for sex.
An independent review found no evidence of misconduct by Kamen, who has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing. However, FIRST's board chair Laurie Leshin stated that Kamen acknowledged "errors in judgment by not avoiding any connection with Jeffrey Epstein and his associates after Epstein's conviction in 2008." The resignation comes as Kamen maintains his positions at other organizations, including ARMI (a government-funded biotech startup) and Sequel Med Tech, both of which cleared him of wrongdoing this week.
The released Justice Department files revealed troubling details, including Kamen visiting Epstein's island in 2013 and thanking him for the "magical place," as well as emails referencing Epstein's efforts to encourage connections with FIRST. Some documents also contained communications between Epstein and individuals identified as his abuse victims discussing opportunities at the FIRST organization.
- Kamen acknowledged errors in judgment for maintaining connections with Epstein and his associates after Epstein's 2008 conviction
