After Bryan Texts and Plaskett ‘Friend’ Exchange Emerge, Donastorg Calls for Full Senate Investigation

Renewed scrutiny is unfolding in the Virgin Islands following the release of Department of Justice documents that include text exchanges between Jeffrey Epstein and Governor Albert Bryan Jr., as well as correspondence in which Delegate Stacey Plaskett referenced Epstein as a “friend,” prompting a former lawmaker to call for a public legislative investigation.

Former Senate President Adlah “Foncie” Donastorg has written to Senate President Milton Potter urging the 36th Legislature to convene a “full, public investigation” into Epstein’s activities in the Virgin Islands. In his letter, Donastorg calls for examination of “both the economic and social impacts of Epstein’s presence” in the territory, specifically referencing “the tax exemptions and special concessions granted by the USVI government.”

His request follows reporting by CNN detailing text message exchanges between Epstein and Governor Albert Bryan Jr. related to construction enforcement issues on Little St. James and Great St. James. According to correspondence included in the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent release of millions of Epstein-related documents, Epstein reached out to Bryan in April 2019 after the Department of Planning and Natural Resources issued violations tied to unauthorized development.

“I’m told that JP is now going to issue fines against me,” Epstein texted on April 9, 2019. “He is not aware of any fines,” a man identified as “Albert” responded. “He mentioned a notification of violations but I asked him to hold everything until he and the attorney spoke to me.”