Denise George’s Role
Denise George served as Attorney General of the U.S. Virgin Islands and was the driving force behind the USVI’s civil lawsuit against the Epstein estate. The case pursued accountability for Epstein’s decades of abuse conducted at his USVI properties.
The Million Settlement
In November 2022, George’s office reached a million settlement with the Epstein estate. The settlement required: the sale of Little Saint James and Great Saint James islands, with proceeds to a USVI victims’ compensation program; dissolution of Epstein’s USVI-based foundation; and estate cooperation with investigations.
The Firing
Within days of the settlement’s announcement, USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. fired Denise George. The governor said the termination was administrative; George and her supporters believed the firing was politically motivated retaliation.
Controversy
The firing generated immediate controversy. Why would an attorney general be dismissed immediately after achieving a historic accountability settlement? The circumstances were widely covered in media.
Legacy
George’s work the lawsuit and settlement remained in full effect. The USVI VCP continued to operate. George’s case became a reference point in discussions about the political vulnerabilities of officials who pursue Epstein accountability aggressively.