The United States Virgin Islands recently made headlines when an ex-prosecutor testified that the current governor, Albert Bryan Jr., had asked her to grant a legal waiver to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
This revelation has caused many in the USVI and beyond to question the governor’s involvement with such a controversial figure.
Denise George, who served as Attorney General of the Virgin Islands until late 2022, was subpoenaed by the government of the United States Virgin Islands in relation to two lawsuits accusing JPMorgan Chase of enabling Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking of minor girls.
In her testimony, she stated that Bryan had approached her one-on-one and requested that she grant Epstein a waiver from travel restrictions.
Vincent Frazer, who served as Attorney General from 2007 to 2015, approved a waiver for Jeffery Epstein which allowed him just 72 hours before leaving the Virgin Islands with email notification being accepted instead of requiring in-person reporting requirements.
After complaints from Mr. Epstein’s attorneys, Frazer then reduced this time frame from 72 hours down to 24 hours with no evidence presented for why it was necessary.
Acting Attorney General Carol Thomas-Jacobs revoked this agreement in 2019 after finding no evidence supporting it.
When George took office later that year, Bryan contacted her again requesting she consider granting a similar waiver for Mr. Epstein.
However, after examining records held by the Department of Justice related to this issue, George determined there were no compelling reasons for waiving these restrictions and refused his request.
She further noted during her testimony how inappropriate it was for any political influence or power to be used as leverage in matters relating to law enforcement decisions like this case involving Epstein’s waiver request.
This recent discovery regarding Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s attempt at influencing law enforcement decision making has raised questions about bribery and corruption amongst elected officials in USVI.
