The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has released a trove of government documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender whose connections to powerful figures have long fueled speculation.His contact list wasn’t just a collection of names; it was a roadmap of influence, secrecy, and corruption, spanning politics, royalty, Hollywood, and global finance. His influence wasn’t merely built on wealth; it was fueled by the compromising material he allegedly collected on those within his orbit.Labeled “The Epstein Files: Phase 1” and distributed to select conservative influencers, the files were expected to reveal new details about Epstein’s vast network and criminal activities. However, a closer examination revealed little fresh information, leaving critics frustrated by the lack of meaningful disclosures.With the DOJ’s first batch of unsealed court records now public, the world watches and waits for what comes next.Where is Epstein’s island?Jeffrey Epstein’s private retreat, known as Little St. James, spans 72 acres and is located approximately two miles off the coast of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Caribbean island housed multiple villas and served as Epstein’s secluded getaway. Beyond his real estate holdings, Epstein also had financial stakes in various businesses across the U.S. Virgin Islands, including Hyperion Air.A harbor worker previously told CBS News in 2020 that a boat marked with the initials “LSJ” was routinely used to transport supplies and staff members to and from the island. While Epstein made financial contributions to local government officials and educational institutions, he remained a controversial figure in the region.Denise George, the US Virgin Islands Attorney General in 2020, stated in an interview with CBS News that Epstein was never regarded as a “respected member of the community.” She further noted that: “It was public knowledge that he was a registered sex offender.”What happened there?In 2019, federal prosecutors charged Epstein with sex trafficking and conspiracy involving underage girls. He pleaded not guilty but died in a New York jail before facing trial, with his death officially ruled a suicide.Following Epstein’s death, Denise George—who had since taken over as attorney general—sued his estate, securing a $105 million settlement on behalf of the U.S. Virgin Islands. George asserted that Epstein used Little St. James to shield his illicit activities from scrutiny.When asked in 2020 why she pursued legal action posthumously, George responded, “Why not now?” She explained, “What I do know is that because of Epstein’s wealth and power, he was able to conceal a lot of this.”According to George’s lawsuit, Epstein frequently flew into St. Thomas on his private jet, which aided in hiding his movements. From there, he allegedly used two Hyperion Air helicopters to shuttle young women and underage girls between St. Thomas and Little St. James.Who owns the island now?After years of legal disputes, Epstein’s private islands were listed for sale with an initial asking price of $125 million.In May 2023, Forbes reported that billionaire Stephen Deckoff, founder of private equity firm Black Diamond Capital Management, had purchased both Little St. James and the larger neighboring Great St. James, which spans 160 acres. The total acquisition cost was $60 million.Deckoff has since announced plans to transform the infamous islands into an ultra-luxurious, five-star, 25-room resort, slated to open in 2025.
Jeffrey Epstein’s island: Where it is, who owns it, and what happened there
