Editor’s Note
This article references information contained in official U.S. Department of Justice investigative records released Friday as part of a court-ordered disclosure related to the federal investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. Some material cited in these records originates from confidential informants or whistleblowers and is presented as unverified allegations. These documents do not constitute prosecutorial findings and do not reflect determinations, charges, or conclusions by the Department of Justice.
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 sweeping disclosure that has renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s interactions with political, business, and social figures in the United States, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere.
Among the newly released materials are documents referencing multiple members of the Virgin Islands political class, with a significant portion detailing years of direct contact between Epstein and former Governor Kenneth Mapp. The records include sworn deposition testimony, extensive text-message exchanges, emails, and internal electronic communications compiled during the course of federal investigative activity.
Extensive Communications and In-Person Meetings Involving Former Gov. Kenneth Mapp
The documents show sustained and direct communications between former Governor Kenneth Mapp and Jeffrey Epstein—referred to in messages as “Jeff”—spanning several years while Mapp was in office and extending beyond the end of his term.
In sworn deposition testimony given in May 2023 as part of litigation involving the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands and JP Morgan Chase, Mapp confirmed that he had lunch on Epstein’s island, placing the meeting between 2015 and 2019 and stating it was likely in 2016. According to Mapp’s testimony, the purpose of the visit was to discuss the Virgin Islands’ efforts to float municipal bonds during a period of instability in the bond market.
Mapp testified that the territory was attempting to raise more than $200 million and was encountering difficulties tied to uncertainty surrounding Puerto Rico’s debt crisis and the federal PROMESA legislation. He stated that he personally sought Epstein’s advice, describing him as an investment figure he believed to be well connected in financial markets. Mapp further testified that similar advice was sought from other financial and investment contacts as part of the same effort.
Separate DOJ-released emails corroborate in-person interactions, including scheduling of lunches and brunches involving Mapp, both at Epstein’s properties and at Government House. One internal email explicitly references “Gov Mapp for brunch,” while others confirm meetings and lunches coordinated through Epstein’s staff and Government House personnel.
Campaign Fundraising and Political Support
The released records also include extensive text-message exchanges from 2016 through 2019 documenting discussions between Mapp and Epstein regarding political fundraising, campaign strategy, and electoral dynamics.
In a series of messages from October and November 2018, during Mapp’s re-election campaign, Epstein asked about polling and the likelihood of a runoff. Mapp responded that polling was underway and requested assistance with what he described as “one last push to stay ahead,” asking for a $50,000 contribution to his political action committee. In the same exchanges, Mapp referenced the need for additional messaging expertise and stated that he had hired a “political mercenary.”
Subsequent messages show Mapp thanking Epstein for “tremendous help and support” and expressing appreciation for “our work on a number of issues.” The exchanges include continued coordination, affirmative responses to meeting invitations, and discussions about calls and lunches.
The broader record reflects follow-up discussions involving ballot placement, preparation of checks, and requests for lists of senators and candidates to support specific initiatives. In one exchange, Mapp noted that his campaign had drawn the top ballot position and thanked Epstein for “continued support and friendship.”
In sworn testimony, Mapp also acknowledged that Epstein contributed to his inaugural committee, stating that he believed Epstein had donated and had no reason to dispute records showing a $10,000 contribution, though he said he was unaware of the specific amount at the time.
Regulatory, Permitting, and Legislative Matters
Beyond campaign activity, the documents show repeated communications involving regulatory and permitting issues, particularly related to Epstein’s activities on St. James.
Text messages reflect Epstein complaining of delays and enforcement actions involving agencies such as the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Coastal Zone Management program. In response, Mapp at times indicated he would inquire with commissioners or staff, while also emphasizing that environmental and construction matters required permits and could not be resolved informally or by text message.
In multiple messages, Mapp admonished Epstein for proceeding with work without appropriate permits and stressed that earth change and construction require authorization throughout the Virgin Islands. He stated that meetings would be convened to address the matters formally and that he could not regulate environmental issues outside established processes.
The records also document extensive discussion of legislative and policy issues, including draft legislation, trust-related bills, and broader fiscal matters. In several exchanges, Mapp discussed bond structures, tax receipts, escrow protections, and strategies for improving the territory’s financial position. He referenced meetings with commissioners, senior staff, and, in one instance, discussions involving the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.
The communications further show Mapp actively fundraising for the Queen Louise Home for Children on St. Croix, a nonprofit he described as one of his favored causes. In the messages, Mapp thanked Epstein for donations, reported a public presentation totaling $140,500, and later acknowledged an additional $20,000 contribution.
Whistleblower Allegation Involving Multiple Officials
Another document released by the Justice Department includes a heavily redacted FBI electronic communication from 2022, in which an individual contacted the FBI’s St. Thomas office to report alleged public corruption involving members of the Virgin Islands Legislature, Governor Albert Bryan Jr., Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe, Attorney Arturo Watlington, and former Governor John deJongh.
Within that document, the individual alleged that Dowe was “paid off” by Jeffrey Epstein in connection with the construction of a hangar at Cyril E. King Airport.
Records and prior reporting show, however, that the hangar referenced in the document is not owned by Epstein. The facility, which opened in 2020, is owned by Shuan Miller and was developed through a public-private partnership between Miller’s company, Standard Aviation, and the V.I. Port Authority. Under that agreement, Standard Aviation constructed a 26,000-square-foot aircraft maintenance and hangar facility on VIPA property while also financing the construction of a new warehouse for VIPA Fire Department employees.
Additionally, Epstein previously sought approval to construct a hangar at the airport, but that proposal was rejected by Dowe and VIPA.
The DOJ disclosure represents raw investigative material compiled over several years, not final determinations. The Consortium will continue reporting on information contained in the DOJ files while clearly distinguishing between documented facts, sworn testimony, and unsubstantiated allegations contained within the investigative records.
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