Denise George Encouraged to Run for Office; Plaskett Expresses Regret, Bryan Celebrates as USVI Reaches $75M Settlement With JPMorgan

Amidst the recent settlement of a $75 million lawsuit between JPMorgan Chase and the U.S. Virgin Islands over alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking operations, two prominent figures, Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett and former USVI Attorney General Denise George, are reflecting on their respective involvements with the now-deceased financier.

Epstein, who it is believed used his private island in the USVI as a base of operations for his criminal activities, donated directly to Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett’s campaign at least twice before his 2019 arrest, detention, and subsequent death. The $30,000 donation was part of apparent efforts to cultivate influence in the territory, efforts led by former First Lady Cecile De Jongh, who worked in Epstein’s local companies while her husband John de Jongh sat as governor.

Ms. Plaskett said recently that her campaign was aware that Epstein was “convicted of something in Florida,” when the funds were donated, but was told that the check came from Epstein’s legitimate business, and this is why the money was accepted.

In 2008, Epstein faced potential federal charges related to operating a sex trafficking ring that involved dozens of underage girls. However, in a controversial plea deal with federal prosecutors, Epstein avoided those federal charges and instead pleaded guilty in Florida to one count of solicitation of prostitution, and one count of solicitation of prostitution involving a minor.

These state charges were considerably less severe than the potential federal charges he was facing. As part of the plea deal, Epstein was sentenced to 18 months in jail, of which he served only 13 months. He was also granted work release, which allowed him to leave the jail for 12 hours a day, six days a week. The plea deal, and especially its leniency, was controversial and came under significant scrutiny, particularly when investigative journalism in subsequent years revealed the extent of Epstein's alleged crimes and the number of victims involved.