USVI Files Civil Lawsuit Against Epstein's Estate for $190 Million
The US Virgin Islands, under Attorney General Denise George, files a civil lawsuit against Jeffrey Epstein's estate seeking $190 million in damages for trafficking activities conducted on Little Saint James and Great Saint James islands in USVI territory. The lawsuit alleges Epstein exploited USVI's Economic Development Commission tax program by claiming business activity while using the islands exclusively for trafficking. The case will eventually settle for $105 million after a dramatic series of events including the firing of AG George immediately after filing.
People Involved
The Filing
On January 9, 2020, USVI Attorney General Denise George filed a civil lawsuit against Epstein’s estate:
- Seeking $190 million in damages
- Alleging systematic sex trafficking at Epstein’s USVI properties
- Arguing Epstein fraudulently obtained approximately $300 million in USVI tax benefits under the EDC program while using the island as a trafficking base, not a legitimate business
The Dramatic Firing
In a remarkable turn of events:
- AG George filed the lawsuit on January 9, 2020
- Two days later, she appeared before the USVI Senate for a previously scheduled hearing
- Within days of the filing, USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. fired Denise George
This firing created significant public attention and concern about whether political pressure contributed to removing an AG who had just filed a major Epstein lawsuit.
Subsequent Replacement AG
A subsequent AG was appointed and the lawsuit continued (though initial reports suggested the firing might lead to its withdrawal).
The $105 Million Settlement
The USVI lawsuit settled for $105 million from Epstein’s estate — significantly less than the $190 million sought, but still one of the largest estate-related settlements.
Significance
The USVI lawsuit was the most significant government enforcement action directly targeting Epstein’s estate, and the AG George firing became one of the more politically charged moments of the post-death accountability period.