1998: Jeffrey Epstein Purchases Little Saint James
In 1998, Jeffrey Epstein acquired the 70-acre island known as Little Saint James in the U.S. Virgin Islands for $7.95 million, transforming it into a secluded luxury retreat complete with a mansion, cottages, and various other structures.
2005–2008: Initial Investigations
In 2005, authorities in Palm Beach, Florida, initiated an investigation into Epstein following allegations of him sexually abusing underage girls. By 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to procuring a minor for prostitution in Florida, serving 13 months in jail, yet he continued to visit Little Saint James after his release.
2011–2015: Allegations Surface
During this period, survivors and witnesses, including Virginia Giuffre, made public allegations that Epstein trafficked minors to the island, labeling it a hub for his illicit activities. Little Saint James began to attract media attention as the site of alleged abuse.
July 2019: Epstein Arrested
In July 2019, Epstein was arrested on federal charges of sex trafficking of minors, which reignited scrutiny of Little Saint James as one of the alleged locations where victims were transported and abused. Shortly after his arrest, FBI agents raided the island, searching for evidence of sex trafficking operations and illicit financial dealings.
August 2019: Epstein’s Death
Epstein died in his Manhattan jail cell under suspicious circumstances, officially ruled a suicide. Following his death, legal proceedings shifted to focus on his estate and associates.
2020: Ghislaine Maxwell Arrested
In 2020, Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Epstein, was arrested and charged with aiding his trafficking operations. During her trial, testimonies implicated Little Saint James as a central location for the exploitation of victims.
2020–2021: Legal Action Against Epstein's Estate
Survivors began filing lawsuits against Epstein’s estate, citing the island as a site of abuse. Epstein's assets, including Little Saint James, were targeted to provide compensation to victims through a victim compensation fund.
2022: Maxwell Convicted
In 2022, Maxwell was convicted on multiple counts of sex trafficking and conspiracy, with evidence and testimonies highlighting her role in facilitating crimes on the island.
2023–2024: Sale of the Island
The Epstein estate agreed to sell Little Saint James alongside an adjacent property, Great Saint James, in order to fund settlements with survivors and creditors. These properties were sold to a private buyer.
Ongoing: Public and Legal Interest
Investigations into others potentially involved in crimes on Little Saint James continue, with unsealed documents revealing names of individuals associated with Epstein’s activities. The DOJ Epstein release of these documents has kept the public and legal interest alive.
Little Saint James has transformed from a luxurious retreat into a symbol of exploitation and criminality, remaining a focal point of legal and public scrutiny long after Jeffrey Epstein's death.
