The ongoing lawsuit between the US Virgin Islands and JP Morgan Chase regarding culpability for Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking operation is now spotlighting Cecile de Jongh, former First Lady of the US Virgin Islands.
US District Judge Jed Rakoff has demanded Epstein’s estate to provide all documents referring to de Jongh to JP Morgan, which is attempting to defend its role in the case. The bank has claimed that de Jongh was Epstein’s chief vehicle for distributing funds and influence within the US Virgin Islands government.
JP Morgan argues that Epstein’s unchecked status within the Virgin Islands resulted from a political climate that he nurtured through sponsorship and financial contributions, particularly within the local Democratic Party. In December, the Virgin Islands’ Attorney General’s office sued JP Morgan, accusing the bank of enabling Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. The lawsuit alleges that the bank used Epstein’s accounts to bribe his victims and hide his crimes, disregarding “red flag” laws that could have allowed them to intervene.
In its defense, JP Morgan asserts that the US Virgin Islands could have utilized its own regulatory powers to curb Epstein and criticizes the Islands’ quest for additional damages after a settlement exceeding $100 million was reached with Epstein’s estate. The bank argues that Epstein preserved a reciprocal relationship with the highest officials in the US Virgin Islands, exchanging money and political favors for tax benefits and complacency concerning his criminal activities.
Cecile de Jongh, who served as First Lady during her husband’s tenure as governor from 2007 to 2015, was central to Epstein’s connections with the government, according to JP Morgan. Details about de Jongh’s involvement with Epstein are largely redacted from the filings, but it’s known that she worked for Southern Trust Company, a corporation Epstein purportedly used for his philanthropic foundations and sex trafficking ring.
JP Morgan’s filing argues that de Jongh maintained her employment with Epstein while fulfilling her duties as First Lady, managing Epstein’s corporations. Her facilitated political donations, the bank alleges, came with undisclosed conditions. It also states Epstein had ties with Kenneth Mapp and Albert Bryan, who served as governors between 2015 and 2019, and the present, respectively.
The Virgin Islands government has dismissed JP Morgan’s latest filing as an attempt to deflect blame, arguing that the bank facilitated Epstein’s abusive actions and should be held responsible for breaking the law.
Lastly, the US Virgin Islands concluded a separate sex trafficking case with Epstein’s estate in December, receiving $105 million and a fraction of the profits from the sale of Epstein’s island properties. The islands were sold for $60 million in May to financier Stephen Deckoff, who plans to transform them into a holiday resort.
Information for this briefing was found via Reuters and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
