Epstein's Island: Sold, Rebranded, And The Billionaire Who Bought 'Little St. James' For $60 Million

The question of "Where is Epstein's Island now?" has a definitive and shocking answer as of today, December 18, 2025: it has been sold, its structures are being demolished, and it is slated for a complete, multi-million dollar rebranding into a luxury resort. The twin Caribbean islands, infamous as the center of a global sex trafficking ring, were purchased by a billionaire investor to create a new, high-end destination, completely erasing the dark history associated with the name "Little St. James." The islands, once the private domain of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, are officially located in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), just off the eastern end of St. Thomas. This geographical location, once a secluded "private paradise," is now undergoing a massive transformation intended to benefit the victims of Epstein’s crimes, as the proceeds from the sale were directed towards a victims' compensation fund.

Jeffrey Epstein: A Brief Biography and Timeline

Jeffrey Edward Epstein (January 20, 1953 – August 10, 2019) was an American financier and registered sex offender whose professional career began as a teacher before he transitioned into high finance. His life was marked by extreme wealth, association with global elites, and a disturbing criminal history. * Born: January 20, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.. * Early Career: Taught mathematics and science at the Dalton School in Manhattan before moving into the world of high-stakes finance in the 1980s. * Acquisition of Little St. James: Epstein acquired the 71.6-acre island of Little St. James in 1998 for a reported $7.95 million. * First Conviction: In 2008, he pleaded guilty to two felony counts of solicitation of prostitution involving a minor in Florida, receiving a controversial 13-month work release sentence. * Acquisition of Great St. James: He later purchased the neighboring 161-acre Great St. James island, solidifying his private Caribbean compound. * 2019 Arrest and Death: Epstein was arrested in July 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy. He was found dead by apparent suicide in his cell at the Manhattan Correctional Center (MCC) on August 10, 2019. * Estate Executor: Darren K. Indyke was named the executor for the Estate of Jeffrey E. Epstein, handling the sale of his extensive real estate portfolio, including the islands.

The $60 Million Sale and The New Owner

The sale of Jeffrey Epstein's two private islands, Little St. James and Great St. James, represents a significant and final chapter in the saga of his notorious real estate holdings.

Who Bought Epstein's Islands?

The two islands were jointly purchased by billionaire investor Stephen Deckoff. Deckoff is the founder of the private equity firm Black Diamond Capital Management. The purchase was made through his company, SD Investments LLC.

The Final Sale Price

The islands were initially listed together for a staggering $125 million. However, the final sale price was significantly lower, closing at $60 million. This price was less than half the original asking price but still a substantial sum that was earmarked for the victims' compensation program.

Plans for Rebranding and Development

Stephen Deckoff's intention is to completely transform the properties and erase the "Orgy Island" moniker that locals and media had attached to Little St. James. The plan is to develop a 25-room luxury resort on the property. This ambitious project involves extensive demolition and construction to create a world-class destination, effectively wiping the slate clean of the site's dark past and creating a new commercial enterprise. The buyer, who is a resident of nearby St. John, has deep ties to the US Virgin Islands, which may help in the rebranding effort.

Inside the Infamous Little St. James and Its Structures

Little St. James, the smaller but more developed of the two islands, was the alleged center of Epstein's international sex trafficking ring. The island was home to several key structures that have become infamous in their own right.

The Main Residence and Compound

The island featured a sprawling main residence, guest villas, a private dock, two pools, and a helicopter pad. The facilities were designed for extreme privacy and luxury, allowing Epstein and his associates to operate largely outside the public eye. Recent images and videos released by House Democrats offered a disturbing glimpse into the bedrooms and other secretive areas of the compound.

The Mysterious 'Temple' or Blue Striped Building

Perhaps the most talked-about structure was a peculiar, blue-striped building often referred to as a "temple" or "shrine". This structure, which had a dome and was built sometime between 2009 and 2013, sparked numerous conspiracy theories due to its unusual appearance and unclear purpose. It was reportedly demolished as part of the preparations for the island's sale and redevelopment.

Other Properties and Assets

The islands were just one part of Epstein's vast, global real estate portfolio, which was put up for sale to settle his estate. Other notable properties included a massive Upper East Side townhouse in Manhattan, a ranch in New Mexico, and a Palm Beach mansion. Furthermore, his private jet, infamously nicknamed the "Lolita Express," was auctioned off in 2020, with flight logs revealing hundreds of visitors to the island. The transformation of Little St. James from a place of alleged crimes to a luxury resort is a complex and symbolic undertaking. While the new ownership aims to completely change the physical and social landscape of the island, the dark history of the property and the ongoing public interest in the Epstein files, including the release of new documents and flight logs, ensures that the location will remain a focal point of curiosity and controversy for years to come. The $60 million sale to Stephen Deckoff marks the end of the estate's control and the beginning of a new, albeit scrutinized, era for the infamous Caribbean hideaway.