In a move that peels back another layer of one of America’s darkest scandals, House Democrats on the Oversight Committee unveiled never-before-seen photos and videos from Jeffrey Epstein’s infamous private island in the Caribbean on Wednesday. The images offer a chilling peek into the luxurious yet sinister world where the convicted sex offender allegedly trafficked and abused dozens of young girls and women for years, shielded by isolation and influence.
Little St. James, the smaller of Epstein’s two islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands—often derisively called “Pedophile Island” by locals—served as the epicenter of his crimes. Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges, owned the property alongside the larger Great St. James. These secluded retreats allowed him to host powerful friends and evade scrutiny, turning paradise into a prison for his victims.
The materials, captured by U.S. Virgin Islands law enforcement in 2020, depict opulent interiors that mask a web of exploitation. Photos reveal bedrooms and bathrooms decked out in high-end decor, alongside a bizarre setup resembling a dentist’s chair in one room, complete with eerie masks hanging on the walls. Epstein’s last known girlfriend was reportedly a dentist with ties to one of his shell companies, adding an unsettling layer to the discovery. A landline phone catches the eye, its speed-dial buttons labeled with first names like Darren, Rich, Mike, Patrick, and Larry—women’s names redacted for privacy. Nearby, a study features a blackboard scrawled with provocative words: “power,” “deception,” “plots,” “political,” “fin,” and “intellectual.” Videos provide a walkthrough of the grounds, showcasing a resort-like estate with a sparkling swimming pool, swaying palm trees, and oceanfront paths that scream luxury but whisper horror.
“This is a disturbing look into the world of Jeffrey Epstein and his island,” said Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the ranking Democrat on the committee, in a statement. “We are releasing these photos and videos to ensure public transparency in our investigation and to help piece together the full picture of Epstein’s horrific crimes. We won’t stop fighting until we deliver justice for the survivors.”
The release arrives amid renewed pressure on the Trump administration. Just days ago, President Donald Trump signed a bipartisan bill mandating the Justice Department to disclose its Epstein files by December 19—a deadline a group of lawmakers urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to update on Wednesday. These documents could expose more about Epstein’s network, including his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking and is serving a 20-year sentence. The Oversight Committee has subpoenaed Maxwell for an interview, but her lawyers say she’ll invoke her Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.
Epstein’s victims have long described the islands as ground zero for unimaginable abuse. In her memoir, published after her death, Virginia Giuffre—one of Epstein’s most vocal survivors—recounted being trafficked at age 18 to an unnamed world leader on one of the islands. “He repeatedly choked me until I lost consciousness and took pleasure in seeing me fear for my life,” she wrote. “Horrifically, the Prime Minister laughed when he hurt me and got more aroused when I begged him to stop.” Such accounts fueled a 2022 lawsuit by the U.S. Virgin Islands attorney general against Epstein’s estate, resulting in a $100 million-plus settlement after allegations that “dozens of young women and children were trafficked, raped, sexually assaulted and held captive” on Little St. James.
The islands changed hands in 2023 when billionaire investor Stephen Deckoff purchased them, but their legacy lingers. Last month, the Oversight Committee, led by Republican Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), subpoenaed Virgin Islands Attorney General Gordon Rhea for documents detailing Epstein’s alleged bribes to local officials for tax breaks and law enforcement favors. The panel is also sifting through about 5,000 financial records from JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank, subpoenaed earlier this year. “The Majority is reviewing these materials and will make them public soon,” a committee spokesperson told reporters, noting that over 65,000 pages have already been released from Epstein’s estate.
Yet, the probe faces hurdles. The committee has threatened contempt charges against Bill and Hillary Clinton if they don’t schedule depositions soon, amid questions about their ties to Epstein. Republicans have chided Democrats for the “selective” photo drop, calling it an odd tactic in a bipartisan effort. Still, both sides agree: Epstein’s finances and connections could unlock fresh leads.
As the December deadline looms, these images serve as a stark reminder of unchecked power. Epstein’s web ensnared billionaires, politicians, and celebrities, but the Oversight Committee’s dogged pursuit promises more revelations. For survivors like Giuffre, transparency isn’t just accountability—it’s a step toward healing a nation scarred by silence.
