As the US Department of Justice (DOJ) concludes its massive document release under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, new light has been shed on the geographic and operational heart of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal enterprise or the Epstein Island. Known officially as Little St. James, the private island located in the United States Virgin Islands served as Epstein’s primary residence and the site of systemic abuse for over two decades. Following a record-breaking release of more than 3 million documents last week, investigators and the public are getting their clearest look yet at the activities that took place on the secluded 70-acre cay. Is Jeffrey Epstein Dead or Alive?

Where Is the Epstein Island Located?

Little St. James is a small, private island situated in the Caribbean Sea, approximately two miles off the southeast coast of St. Thomas. It is part of the US Virgin Islands (USVI), a territory of the United States, which gave Epstein the unique advantage of international-style seclusion while remaining under US federal jurisdiction.

The island is flanked by its larger, mostly undeveloped neighbor, Great St. James, which Epstein also acquired in 2016 for roughly USD 17.5 million. Together, the two islands formed a fortified compound accessible only by private helicopter or boat, earning the smaller island the local moniker "Pedophile Island" due to the frequent arrival of young women and girls. Epstein Files Video: List of Unverified Viral Clips Linked to Jeffrey Epstein.

 

Little St. James, a Private Island Situated in the Caribbean Sea.

What the Latest DOJ Files Reveal

The DOJ’s February 2026 document dump, totaling 3.5 million pages and thousands of photos, has provided a "forensic map" of how the island functioned. Key takeaways from the latest investigative files include:

  • Logistical Precision: Emails and flight logs detail a highly organized "shuttle" system where victims were brought to the island via Epstein's private jets, often dubbed the "Lolita Express."

  • The "Island Manager" Network: Newly unsealed correspondence identifies specific staff members and contractors, including managers from New Zealand and the USVI, who handled the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the island's high-tech infrastructure.

  • Unprecedented Visuals: The House Oversight Committee recently released never-before-seen images of the island's interior, showing specialized rooms, including a dental chair and a high-security "command center," which federal authorities suggest were part of the island's self-contained nature.

Who Owns the Epstein Island?

In May 2023, the Epstein estate sold both Little and Great St. James for USD 60 million to billionaire investor Stephen Deckoff, founder of SD Investments. The sale price was a significant markdown from the original USD 125 million asking price, following years of legal battles and a USD 105 million settlement with the USVI government.

Deckoff has announced plans to transform the islands into a "world-class luxury resort," intending to distance the property from its dark history. However, as of early 2026, the project remains in the planning stages. Half of the proceeds from the sale have been allocated to a USVI government trust designed to fund counseling and support services for survivors of human trafficking and sexual abuse.

Ongoing Scrutiny and Unanswered Questions

Despite the volume of the recent DOJ releases, the case remains a flashpoint for political and legal debate. While the documents have named high-profile figures, including former presidents and international royals, the DOJ has faced criticism for heavy redactions and the withholding of an estimated 3 million additional pages.

Advocates for the survivors argue that while the physical location of the island is no longer a mystery, the full extent of who visited and participated in the crimes remains partially obscured by ongoing "technical and human errors" in the redaction process.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 04, 2026 05:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).