Question
Who bought Little Saint James Island after Epstein’s death?
Answer
Little Saint James Island — the approximately 75-acre private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands that served as a central site of Epstein’s alleged criminal activity — was sold following his death and as part of the larger legal settlements involving his estate.
The USVI Settlement
In 2024, the U.S. Virgin Islands government and the Epstein estate reached a landmark settlement, resolving the territory’s lawsuit that had alleged Epstein operated a sex-trafficking enterprise from the island and that the USVI had been complicit in enabling it through financial incentives given to his companies.
As part of the settlement terms, the Epstein estate agreed to transfer the island to the USVI government. The settlement was valued at approximately $105 million.
The Island’s Fate
The Virgin Islands government has not publicly finalized long-term development plans for the island as of early 2025. There have been discussions about what the site should become — including considerations for a memorial or educational use — given its history as an alleged crime scene.
The distinctive blue-and-white striped structure (widely photographed) and other structures on the island have drawn public interest about their eventual disposition.
Great Saint James
The adjacent Great Saint James island, which Epstein purchased separately, was also part of the estate sale process.
Sources
- US Virgin Islands v. Epstein Estate litigation, 2020–2024
- Settlement agreement announced 2024
- Associated Press and Reuters reporting on the settlement