What Happened to Jeffrey Epstein’s Island? The Fate of Little Saint James Since His Death

Newly Released Images Spotlight Little Saint James

On Dec. 3, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released previously unseen photos and video from Jeffrey Epstein’s private island, Little Saint James, giving the public a rare interior view of spaces long alleged to be central to his crimes. The material includes images of a room with what appears to be a dental chair, walls hung with 10 yellow masks depicting male faces, and a chalkboard marked with phrases including "power and deception." Committee leaders said the release was intended to increase transparency and help investigators piece together the facts.

Allegations, Investigation and Civil Litigation

Epstein owned two islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands: Little Saint James (purchased in 1998 for about $7.95 million) and the larger Great Saint James (bought in 2016 for roughly $17.5 million). The U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General accused Epstein of operating an "expansive criminal enterprise" on the islands, alleging dozens of trafficking, sexual assault and coercion victims. In December 2022 the territory settled a civil suit against Epstein's estate for $105 million plus half of the proceeds from the sale of Little Saint James.

Federal Searches and Evidence

After Epstein died by suicide in August 2019 while awaiting federal trial, FBI agents searched Little Saint James and other properties. A July 2025 FBI memo reported the recovery of more than 300 gigabytes of digital data in addition to physical evidence. Unsealed documents, congressional releases and civil filings have continued to surface new details about alleged activity at the islands and the people associated with Epstein.

Sale And Plans For Redevelopment

Forbes valued Little Saint James at more than $63 million and Great Saint James at over $22 million in mid-2019. Bloomberg reported in May 2023 that investor Stephen Deckoff purchased both islands for a combined price of about $60 million, and that half the proceeds were to be paid to the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2022 settlement. Deckoff told reporters he intended to build a luxury resort and had begun assembling architects and engineers, with an initial target opening discussed as early as 2025; however, local officials indicated in August 2025 that no formal planning applications had been received and development appears to have been delayed.

Notable Names And Denials

Several high-profile figures have been named in filings or media reports as having visited Epstein’s properties; many have denied wrongdoing or any knowledge of criminal conduct. Civil filings by Virginia Giuffre included allegations involving Prince Andrew, who has denied the claims. References to former President Bill Clinton in some unsealed materials prompted Freedom of Information Act requests that did not produce evidence confirming visits to Little Saint James; Clinton’s representatives have said he was never accused of wrongdoing and did not visit the island. Other public figures — including the late Stephen Hawking and financier Jes Staley — were reported to have been on or near the islands at various times; those mentions do not equate to criminal allegations against them in the public record.

Current Status And Ongoing Interest

After Epstein’s death the islands were managed by his estate until their reported sale in 2023. The combination of unsealed records, congressional disclosures and civil litigation continues to shape public understanding of the allegations and evidence tied to Little Saint James and Great Saint James. Local planning and development authorities have so far indicated no formal approvals for the reported redevelopment as of August 2025.

Resources: If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.org for support and resources.