Embattled Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-USVI) appears to have had deeper ties to Jeffrey Epstein than she acknowledged while opposing a recent House censure resolution. Although she described Epstein only as a “constituent,” court filings show that he and his associates directed at least $30,000 in campaign donations to her across three election cycles. Plaskett first met Epstein during her 2014 congressional run, later admitting to several encounters and phone conversations, though she claimed limited recollection of the total.
Emails and deposition records reveal that Epstein’s network actively assisted her fundraising efforts. Individuals linked to Epstein — including his attorney Darren Indyke, accountant Richard Kahn, and associate Lesley Groff — contributed thousands to her campaigns between 2014 and 2020. Plaskett also sought funds for the USVI Democratic Party and unsuccessfully attempted to obtain a $30,000 donation for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee during a 2018 visit to Epstein’s New York townhouse.
Plaskett later stated she donated Epstein-connected contributions to women’s organizations, but scrutiny has intensified. Senate investigators are reviewing over $1 billion in Epstein-related financial activity, while House Republicans are pressing the USVI government to release more information about its dealings with the disgraced financier.