Jeffrey Epstein’s private island, Little St James, located in the US Virgin Islands, gained infamy as a ‘pedophile island’ and was a central focus during Epstein’s trial for sex trafficking. Here’s a detailed exploration of the island and its sordid history:
Acquisition and Naming:
- Jeffrey Epstein purchased Little St James from venture capitalist Arch Cummin through a shell company in 1998 for just under $8 million.
- Epstein later referred to the island as “Little St Jeff,” while locals dubbed it “Pedophile Island.”
- In criminal complaints, it was described as a “perfect hideaway and haven for trafficking young women and underage girls for sexual servitude, child abuse, and sexual assault.”
Location:
- Little St James is situated in the US Virgin Islands, surrounded by coral reefs and blue waters. It lies off the southeastern tip of St Thomas, one of the main islands in the Caribbean archipelago.
Additional Property:
- Epstein purchased the nearby island of Great St James in 2016 for $22.5 million, intending to shield Little St James from surveillance.
Island Features:
- Epstein extensively developed the island, removing native vegetation and planting palm trees.
- The property included a plush mansion, outside terraces, cottages, beach houses, swimming pools, docks, utility buildings, a helipad, a tennis court, slipways, a desalination system, and more.
- A blue and white striped structure, often called a “temple,” was likely a private study and music room for Epstein.
- Satellite photos revealed a sprawling network connected by palm-lined roads, where golf buggies transported guests.
Activities on the Island:
- Epstein’s mansion had an outside terrace connecting the master bedroom to the swimming pool.
- A former employee described the atmosphere as a “Zen-like retreat,” with meditative music, sunbathing topless women, and Epstein strolling in flip-flops.
- The island had a staff of approximately 70, sworn to secrecy, and forbidden from entering Epstein’s offices or being in his sight during work.
- Epstein had a fascination with “pirate treasure,” referring to old rum bottles and crockery found on the island.
Sale of the Island:
- Following Epstein’s involvement in Ghislaine Maxwell’s sex trafficking trial, Little St James was sold for $60 million.
- The investment firm led by billionaire Stephen Deckoff purchased the two islands, intending to transform them into luxury homes.
Despite its notorious history, the island is now under new ownership, marking the end of an era tainted by Epstein’s heinous crimes.