Epstein Documents Reveal Savannah Aviation Ties | WTOC Investigates

Millions of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice concerning convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein reveal a series of connections to Savannah, Georgia, primarily through the aviation industry. While the documents do not indicate Epstein himself ever visited the city, they detail the role Savannah played in facilitating his travel, aircraft sales and logistical arrangements.

Aircraft Sales and Service Connections

The released files demonstrate Savannah functioned as a significant hub for Epstein’s dealings in private aviation. Hundreds of emails show repeated references to the city in connection with aircraft sales, service, and flight logistics. In January 2016, an associate of Epstein – whose name is redacted in the released documents – contacted James Hagerty of Hagerty Jet Group, a Savannah-based jet broker, regarding a potential aircraft purchase. Hagerty confirmed to WTOC that he provided pricing information but stated Epstein ultimately did not buy the plane, and that this was the extent of his interaction with Epstein’s associates.

Further correspondence from December 2011 reveals Kenneth Hart of Welsch Aviation, another Savannah jet broker, discussing the sale of an aircraft with Larry Visoski, Epstein’s pilot. Epstein reportedly indicated the plane was one “few people beside me would want.” Shortly after, Hart sought confirmation from Visoski that Epstein was indeed the President of Jege, Inc., the company that owned the aircraft infamously known as Epstein’s “Lolita Express.” A representative from Welsch Aviation stated the company discovered Epstein’s criminal history – a 2008 guilty plea in Florida for procuring a child for prosecution – and subsequently ceased doing business with him.

Gulfstream Maintenance Work

The documents also show communication regarding maintenance work performed on Epstein’s aircraft by Savannah’s Gulfstream. Emails indicate Visoski discussed plane renovations with Gulfstream employees. In a March 2018 email, a Gulfstream employee apologized for issues with a plane and expressed a desire to ensure “Mr. Epstein” was satisfied with Gulfstream’s service. Epstein’s last documented communication with Gulfstream in the released files occurred in April 2019, just two months before his arrest on federal sex trafficking charges.

WTOC Investigates reached out to Gulfstream multiple times seeking comment on their relationship with Epstein and any communication with him or his associates following his 2019 arrest. The company did not respond to these inquiries.

Savannah as a Potential Destination

Beyond aircraft-related matters, some documents suggest Savannah was considered as a potential destination for Epstein and his associates. A 2014 email sent to Epstein referenced “another girl” who was located in Savannah, though the sender and the identity of the individual remain unidentified, and there is no indication whether any travel plans were ever finalized. In November 2017, Epstein’s assistant, Lesley Groff, communicated with a travel contact about Epstein “considering going to Savannah, GA” via his private plane. Groff also inquired about commercial flight options for a female traveler to Savannah, stating Epstein “would pick her up there with his own plane.”

The release of these documents adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of Epstein’s network and activities. While the files do not implicate any individuals or entities in Savannah in wrongdoing, they highlight the city’s role as a logistical point within Epstein’s complex web of travel and business dealings. The documents underscore the far-reaching nature of Epstein’s connections and the continued efforts to uncover the full extent of his activities.

Epstein died on August 10, 2019, at the Metropolitan Correctional Facility in New York City, with his death officially ruled a suicide by hanging.