Infamous “Epstein Island” Little St James: From Paradise to Symbol of Horror

New Delhi: Tucked in the waters of the Caribbean, just southeast of St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, lies Little St James, a 72-acre private island once hailed as a tropical escape but now eternally linked to the crimes of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Acquired by Epstein in 1998 for approximately $8 million, the star-shaped islet featured pristine white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and a central hill offering stunning panoramic views. Initially equipped with a main residence, guest cottages, a helipad, a dock, staff quarters, and a desalination plant, the property underwent extensive renovations by 2010.

Additions included an upgraded main villa, four additional villas, new pools, stone cabins, and other structures.

Among the most scrutinised elements was a distinctive blue-and-white striped building, often called “the temple” by observers, spanning about 3,500 square feet on an elevated site. Building records described it as a music pavilion, yet the constructed version lacked windows and deviated from approved plans, fueling widespread speculation.

Recent photographs released by the US House Oversight Committee in late 2025 depicted the island’s interiors, spacious yet simply appointed bedrooms, lavish living areas, magazine-worthy bathrooms, restaurant-grade kitchens, meticulously maintained grounds, assorted artwork and statues (some deteriorating in storage), and an unusual yellow dentist’s chair that has sparked dark theories about its purpose.

Epstein’s private retreat became synonymous with grave allegations of sex trafficking and abuse. Victims and court documents described how underage girls and young women, some reportedly trafficked from distant regions including Southeast Asia, were brought to the isolated island, where powerful figures allegedly participated in or witnessed exploitation.

One survivor, according to reports, recounted a 15-year-old attempting to swim two miles to St. Thomas to flee reported sexual assaults, including rape.

Released Department of Justice files, spanning millions of pages, reference numerous high-profile individuals, including former US President Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince Andrew, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, actors Woody Allen and Kevin Spacey, and others such as Vladimir Putin and Mohammed bin Salman. Photos from the files show Prince Andrew in compromising poses with a clothed woman. Mentions also include Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

Importantly, inclusion in the documents does not imply wrongdoing; many named individuals have denied any involvement in criminal activity or knowledge of Epstein’s offences. Victims like Virginia Giuffre (who died by suicide in April 2025) and Sarah Ransome detailed harrowing experiences in their accounts and memoirs, alleging abuse by Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted for her role in the trafficking scheme.

Epstein died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. The island, along with neighbouring Great St James (purchased by Epstein in 2016), was sold in May 2023 to billionaire investor Stephen Deckoff for $60 million, well below the initial $125 million asking price.

Deckoff, founder of Black Diamond Capital Management and a US Virgin Islands resident, announced intentions to redevelop the properties into a high-end, 25-room luxury resort to boost local tourism, create jobs, and respect the natural environment. Initial projections suggested an opening as early as 2025, but as of early 2026, progress remains limited. Reports indicate no major construction has occurred beyond a permit for a large warehouse on Little St. James, with the full resort transformation delayed.

While the new owner aims to erase the site’s dark legacy and rebirth it as a premier Caribbean destination, survivors and advocates stress that the island’s painful history and the quest for justice for its victims must never be forgotten.

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