Epstein & CBP: DOJ Files Reveal Years of Scrutiny Over USVI Ties

United States prosecutors and federal law enforcement spent over a year examining relationships between Jeffrey Epstein and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stationed in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), according to recently released Department of Justice documents. The investigation, which centered on interactions occurring years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for sex crimes in Florida, reveals a pattern of cultivated friendships and potential ethical breaches.

Emails, text messages, and investigative records detail how Epstein entertained CBP officers on his private island, Little Saint James, offering perks like helicopter rides and even Christmas Eve cannolis. In return, Epstein reportedly leveraged these relationships to address complaints about his treatment by other federal agents. The documents, reported on by The Guardian and The New York Times, raise questions about the appropriateness of these interactions and potential conflicts of interest.

While no CBP officers were ultimately charged with crimes related to Epstein, the investigation uncovered concerning behavior. At least one officer retired with a full pension, suggesting authorities didn’t find sufficient evidence of wrongdoing. However, a government ethics expert described the relationships – with two officers referring to Epstein as a “friend” – as potentially violating federal guidance. The documents also reveal the issuance of grand jury subpoenas to financial services firms, indicating a probe into possible conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Government.

The nature of Epstein’s travel and the role of CBP in facilitating it are central to the investigation. According to a November 2020 FBI interview report with Epstein’s pilot, Larry Visoski, Epstein’s aircraft required CBP clearance for departures from the USVI to other parts of the United States. Visoski described instances where passengers, including college students and individuals with foreign passports, faced scrutiny from CBP officers. Epstein, according to Visoski, would often intervene and argue with officers during these inspections.

Visoski’s testimony further details Epstein’s deliberate efforts to cultivate relationships with CBP personnel. He stated that Epstein instructed him to collect contact information for CBP agents. Epstein himself communicated his desire to maintain positive relations, writing in an email to one officer, “as you know Im very respectful of people just doing their job.” Over time, officers would proactively reach out to Epstein, sometimes arranging visits to Little Saint James.

Specific instances of these interactions are documented in email correspondence. In May 2014, Visoski informed Epstein that a “nice person” at customs had provided their cell phone contact and would be available to visit Little Saint James that week. The following day, Epstein’s estate manager arranged for the officer to be picked up for lunch, though it remains unclear if the lunch actually took place.

Another CBP officer, Glen Samuel, received invitations to perform on steel pan drums at Little Saint James, a side gig he advertised on Facebook. In a January 2015 email exchange, Epstein inquired about Samuel’s rate through an associate, who responded that Samuel considered Epstein a friend and did not intend to charge a fee, accepting a gratuity if offered. Samuel did not respond to requests for comment.

The Department of Justice continues to release documents related to the Epstein case under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The Epstein Library website serves as a repository for these materials, with a disclaimer noting that some content may be disturbing due to descriptions of sexual assault. The ongoing release of these files, coupled with the recent redaction errors that exposed victim information – as reported by NPR on February 6, 2026 – underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the investigation and its aftermath. The DOJ acknowledged it is “working around the clock” to correct redaction mistakes and identify further documents requiring review.

The investigation into Epstein’s ties with CBP agents highlights the potential for abuse of power and the challenges of maintaining ethical boundaries within law enforcement. While the full extent of any wrongdoing remains unclear, the released documents paint a picture of a convicted sex offender cultivating relationships with those tasked with enforcing the law, raising serious questions about oversight, and accountability.