Denise George, Jeffrey Epstein, and Governor Albert Bryan.
Editor’s Note
Portions of this article reference information contained in official U.S. Department of Justice investigative records that were released Friday as part of a court-ordered disclosure of materials connected to the federal investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. Some of the information contained in those records is attributed to confidential informants and is presented as unverified allegations. These records do not constitute prosecutorial findings and do not reflect determinations, charges, or conclusions by the Department of Justice. Statements attributed to former U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George are presented in their original context and do not serve as verification of the allegations contained in the investigative files.
The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday released more than three million pages of records tied to the federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, a disclosure that included a previously undisclosed FBI interview detailing allegations and internal disputes described by former U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George.
George’s statement to federal authorities, memorialized in a four-page FBI report, outlines a series of events she says occurred during her tenure as attorney general beginning in 2019, the same year Governor Albert Bryan Jr. took office. The document emerged publicly on January 30, the same week Bryan delivered his final State of the Territory Address and as he enters the final year of his administration.
In the interview, George recounts her involvement in matters related to Epstein, subsequent estate litigation, and other unrelated legal disputes, while alleging political pressure and interference in the handling of high-profile cases.
Epstein Waiver Request During Early Months of Bryan Administration
George told investigators that shortly after she assumed office in 2019, Governor Bryan informed her that Jeffrey Epstein was seeking a waiver from a 21-day reporting requirement. According to her account, Bryan later texted her, stating, “you need to make a decision on the Epstein matter.”
Epstein’s attorney, Erika Kellerhals, submitted a written request for the waiver, citing examples of prior waivers being granted. George said she asked for documentation supporting the request and ultimately declined to issue the waiver. She stated that she notified both Kellerhals and the governor of her decision on the same day and that Bryan responded, “Thank you for your work on this.”
George said Epstein was arrested in New York shortly before a scheduled meeting between her and his attorney and later died while in federal custody.
Estate Litigation and Change in Direction
Following Epstein’s death, George said she informed Governor Bryan of her intent to pursue legal action related to Epstein’s assets and conduct. She stated that Bryan responded, “He’s dead go for it.”
George said she then contacted the law firm Motley Rice to assist with a civil investigation, including potential claims under the Criminally Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute. She told investigators she believed Epstein was involved in Economic Development Commission fraud and that proceeds from criminal activity were tied to his financial operations in the territory.
According to George, forensic accountants identified numerous companies and limited liability entities linked to Epstein’s Southern Trust Company. She said the investigation expanded and led to the identification of Richard Kahn and Darren Indyke as participants in a human trafficking operation associated with Epstein. Both were later added as co-conspirators in a second amended complaint, according to her statement.
George said evidence uncovered during the investigation included the movement and housing of victims on Epstein-owned properties, travel between locations, and related conduct. She further alleged that Indyke coordinated female-to-female marriages to obtain immigration status and threatened women if they attempted to divorce.
George told investigators that Epstein employees were subject to non-disclosure agreements and were instructed that if questioned by law enforcement, they should remain silent and notify Kellerhals.
She stated that after initially supporting pursuit of the estate, Governor Bryan’s position shifted. George said the governor began questioning her about interviews, document requests, and filings and later expressed concern that the case had expanded beyond what he anticipated. She recounted Bryan saying words to the effect that when he authorized the effort, he “didn’t think it was going to go this far,” and asked why she would not “let this go.”
George told investigators that Bryan instructed her to settle the estate litigation for $80 million, pursue mediation, and select Henry Smock as mediator. She said Bryan told her the estate “just wanted to clear people,” and later told her he was tired of her not doing what she was told.
According to a document released by the U.S. Department of Justice, a confidential informant told federal investigators — as reflected in the records — that Jeffrey Epstein allegedly wired campaign-related funds to the Bryan/Roach campaign during the 2018 election cycle, with possible activity extending into 2019. The informant claimed the transfers totaled more than $380,000, including one reported wire of approximately $70,000, and alleged the funds were routed to Sebastiano Cassinelli Paiewonsky, Esq., through a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that was used to pay campaign-related expenses.
Separate VIPD Officer Lawsuit
The report also documents George’s account of a separate and unrelated lawsuit involving a Virgin Islands Police Department officer who sued the government for false arrest and imprisonment. George said the officer was later fired and subsequently became Governor Bryan’s chief of security.
According to George, Bryan sought frequent updates and inside information while the lawsuit was pending. She said the officer’s attorney had close ties to the governor and that Bryan at one point called her on speakerphone with the officer present and discussed settlement amounts.
An agent note in the report states that the officer was later identified as Anderson Poleon.
Southland Gaming Dispute and Internal Tensions
George also described a dispute involving Southland Gaming, telling investigators that Governor Bryan called her early one morning and was “extremely angry.” According to her account, Bryan said he was hearing that she was “going after people who are members of our team,” referencing “Joseph,” Epstein, and Southland Gaming during the call.
George said the Virgin Islands government later offered Southland Gaming rights at a new racetrack on St. Thomas in exchange for the withdrawal of its lawsuit.
She further identified a group she referred to as “Generation Now,” naming Jason Charles, John Engerman, and David Bornn as members. However, none of these individuals were part of Gen Now, a group that was based on St. Croix. Engerman told The Consortium on Friday that he returned to St. Thomas from the mainland in 2014 and met Bryan in 2015.
According to George, Bornn contacted her to say he was receiving calls from Kellerhals asking what George was investigating. George said she responded that the matter was none of Kellerhals’ business.
George also stated that Jenifer O’Neal later told her she had contacted the governor to complain about the Southland Gaming matter. George described O’Neal and Charles as close friends who were often seen dining together.
JP Morgan Filing and Termination
George told investigators that she filed an action against JP Morgan on December 27, 2022. She said that four days later, on December 31, 2022, she was informed that she had been terminated as attorney general.
According to George, one reason later given to the press was that no attorney general would file a legal action without first notifying the governor.
She further stated that after giving interviews to two newspapers about her tenure, she received a cease-and-desist letter. George also reported that an unknown man later appeared at her home, which she interpreted as a message that “we can reach you at your home.”
George told investigators that she believed Epstein relocated assets to the Virgin Islands due to his relationship with former Governor John de Jongh. She also stated that she believed de Jongh pressured former Attorney General Vincent Frazer to grant Epstein a waiver, despite Frazer initially stating that Epstein should be subject to the same reporting requirements as others.
According to George, the waiver was later rescinded by Acting Attorney General Carol Thomas-Jacobs following Epstein’s detention in the Dominican Republic.
She also referenced a probate petition filed in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands shortly after Epstein’s death, which was overseen by Judge Carolyn Hermon-Percell. An agent note in the report states that Hermon-Percell was later appointed by Governor Bryan to a five-year term on the Casino Control Commission.
George said she believed Governor Bryan sent Carlton Dowe to speak with her. She stated that Dowe told her that he helps the governor but that he has a line he will not cross and warned that firing her would be “political suicide,” at least before an election. George said communication with Dowe ceased after that meeting.
The FBI report indicates that the interview was conducted in person and documents George’s statements as provided to investigators. An agent note at the conclusion of the report states that George expressed willingness to remain in contact with federal authorities.
Governor Bryan, when contacted, declined to offer an official comment, stating only that his campaign fundraising records are public. Mr. Paiewonsky said the matter involving campaign donations occurred eight years ago and that he would need to review the document before responding. The Consortium provided the document, but no response had been received as of publication.
The disclosure of the interview comes as part of the Justice Department’s sweeping release of Epstein-related records, shedding new light on alleged internal government actions and disputes during a period that continues to reverberate through the Virgin Islands’ political and legal landscape.
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