'Will That Work for You'? The Unredacted JPMorgan Document Exposing Epstein's Web of Influence in USVI's Political Class

On Wednesday, Consortium journalists viewed an unredacted version of a document filed by JP Morgan earlier this week. The bank's filing was a response to the Virgin Islands Government's attempt to dismiss some of the bank's defenses in the ongoing lawsuit. Although previously obscured by significant redactions, the document suggested involvement of senior political figures in the Virgin Islands in protecting convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

This enhanced access to the filing provides a clearer understanding of the unfolding legal drama.

What these newly uncovered details allege are cynical efforts by current and former public officials, even after his 2008 conviction for child prostitution, to facilitate a massive influence-buying operation and funnel Epstein-linked funds to children’s organizations and charities.

JP Morgan’s attorneys accuse Cecile de Jongh, wife of former Governor John De Jongh, of being Epstein’s “primary conduit for spreading money and influence throughout the USVI.” She is accused of guiding Epstein on “how to buy control of the USVI political class.” In the filing, JP Morgan claims to have evidence showing email correspondence between the then-First Lady and Epstein, in which she suggested that he could get “loyalty and access” from then-Senator Celestino White if Epstein put him “on some sort of monthly retainer.” Although it is not clear from the bank’s account when the transaction took place, evidence before the court purports to show that Epstein did pay White $10,000 “to consult on changing the name of one of Epstein’s islands.”