Epstein's Relationships with Border Officers Detailed in New Documents
Federal investigators examined Jeffrey Epstein's relationship with a Customs and Border Protection officer stationed at St. Thomas airport, according to newly released documents. The late convicted sex offender regularly flew by private plane to Cyril E. King Airport before traveling by boat or helicopter to his private island.
The investigation, which did not result in any charges, also involved subpoenas related to three additional CBP officers working at the St. Thomas airport. A Guardian review of U.S. Justice Department files reveals Epstein interacted with a total of six CBP officers based on emails and text messages between Epstein, his staff, and the officers.
No Charges Filed Against CBP Officers
Despite the investigation, no CBP officer was ever charged for crimes related to Epstein. The Guardian has not seen any evidence suggesting CBP officers had direct knowledge or involvement in Epstein's criminal activities. The FBI appears to have never investigated two of the officers identified through communications.
The documents provide new insight into Epstein's travel patterns and his cultivation of relationships with officials who could facilitate his movements between the U.S. Virgin Islands and his private island retreat.
U.S. Calls for Justice Following UK Arrest
The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in the UK on suspicion of misconduct in public office has prompted renewed calls for accountability in the United States. Kentucky Republican representative Thomas Massie, who co-sponsored legislation with California Democrat Ro Khanna to compel the Justice Department to release Epstein-related files, called for action.
Massie urged U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel to pursue justice, stating: "Now we need JUSTICE in the United States." Skye Roberts, brother of the late Virginia Giuffre who alleged she was trafficked to have sex with Mountbatten-Windsor, noted: "The reality is the UK is doing far more."
Epstein Survivors Express Frustration
Marijke Chartouni, one of Epstein's survivors, contrasted the UK's swift action with U.S. inaction: "If only the US justice department acted as decisively. It took British police less than three weeks from the release of the latest tranche of Epstein files to arrest Andrew, making Pam Bondi and Kash Patel look increasingly inept."
The documents' release comes amid ongoing scrutiny of how Epstein operated his trafficking network and which officials might have facilitated his activities through access or inaction.
Broader Context of Epstein Investigations
These revelations about Epstein's border officer relationships emerge as multiple investigations continue into his extensive network. The documents provide additional pieces to the puzzle of how Epstein maintained his operations despite previous convictions and ongoing law enforcement attention.
The lack of charges against CBP officers raises questions about the thoroughness of investigations and whether opportunities were missed to uncover potential complicity or negligence among officials who interacted with Epstein.
