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By Marni Rose McFall
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Little St. James, the infamous 70-acre island previously owned by Jeffrey Epstein, is still largely shrouded in mystery, but images offer a glimpse of what it looks like.
The Context
Earlier this week, the FBI and Department of Justice announced that the results of a joint review, concluding that the disgraced financier had died by suicide in August 2019 in a New York jail while awaiting further sex trafficking charges.
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Epstein is estimated to have abused various numbers of girls, with accounts ranging from a few dozen to more than 100, and the total number of victims may be much higher.
He had well-documented connections to public and powerful figures, and his death prompted numerous conspiracy theories. The agencies said they found "no incriminating 'client list'" related to Epstein and "no credible evidence" that he had blackmailed prominent individuals.
What To Know
Epstein purchased Little St. James in 1998 for a reported $8 million. He purchased the island from venture capitalist Arch Cummin via a shell company.
It is located off the shores of St. Thomas, the second-largest island in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In 2007, Epstein began a program of renovation, building and remodeling. The main compound almost doubled in size.
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In satellite imagery taken by Google Earth in 2023, the compound can be seen on the island. The image also shows multiple swimming pools and tennis courts on the island, which is also equipped with a helipad and several guest villas.
Epstein lived in a large mansion on the island, which has been dubbed "Pedophile Island" because of its role in Epstein's trafficking ring.
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Stephen Deckoff, the billionaire founder of the private equity firm Black Diamond Capital Management, purchased the island and Great St. James, which Epstein also owned, in 2023.
Newsweek has contacted Deckoff for comment via email.
Deckoff purchased the Caribbean islands for $60 million, less than half of the initial $125 million asking price.
He told Forbes in 2023 that he intended to develop a 25-room luxury resort on the property and was "tremendously pleased to be able to bring the area a world-class destination benefiting its natural grace and beauty." He added, "I very much look forward to working with the U.S. Virgin Islands to make this dream a reality."
Deckoff also told Forbes that he had never met Epstein and had never set foot on the islands until they were marketed.
In 2020, the urban explorer Andy Bracco sneaked onto the island and shared his experience in a series of videos on his YouTube channel.
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Bracco spoke with Newsweek about his visit, saying at the time: "We stayed away from the main dock, the main house, and the infrared cameras. We got a little bit more bold on the second daytime mission but still got out without a problem."
A focal point of his vlog is the blue and white temple on the island. NBC previously reported, citing permit records, that it was supposed to be a music pavilion. However, the building has become the subject of conspiracy theories, with some believing there are tunnels underneath it.
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In 2021, Nick Heinemann, a photographer and videographer in the U.S. Virgin Islands, shared aerial footage of the island on YouTube. The video offered a further glimpse at the island, showing the same palm trees, swimming pools and blue-topped buildings seen in other imagery.
What People Are Saying
Urban explorer Andy Bracco told Newsweek about his 2020 visit: "Security most definitely existed on the island during both of my visits."
He added: "I have had multiple 'copycat' explorers contact me telling me they attempted to gain entry to the island recently. All have been stopped by either coast guards, armed private security on the boats, or the two that made it to the island told me that an automated PA system yelled at them saying coast guards had been contacted and to turn back immediately."
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen how Deckoff's renovation on the island will develop.
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