Government

Denise George Encouraged to Run for Office; Plaskett Expresses Regret, Bryan Celebrates as USVI Reaches $75M Settlement With JPMorgan

Amidst the recent settlement of a $75 million lawsuit between JPMorgan Chase and the U.S. Virgin Islands over alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking operations, two prominent figures, Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett and former USVI Attorney General Denise George, are reflecting on their respective involvements with the now-deceased financier. Epstein, who it is believed used his private island in the USVI as a base of operations for his criminal activities, donated directly to Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett’s campaign at least twice before his 2019 arrest, detention, and subsequent death. The $30,000 donation was part of apparent efforts to cultivate influence in the territory, efforts led by former First Lady Cecile De Jongh, who worked in Epstein’s local companies while her husband John de Jongh sat as governor.  Ms. Plaskett said recently that her campaign was aware that Epstein was “convicted of something in Florida,” when the funds were donated, but was tol...