Democratic Del. Stacey Plaskett, who represents the U.S. Virgin Islands, is unlikely to be returning several campaign contributions made by accused child molester Jeffrey Epstein. A spokesman for her office, Mike McQueery, told CNBC that “I’m pretty sure she’s not” when asked if Plaskett planned to return donations from 2016 and 2018 totaling $8,100.
Jeffrey Epstein, 66, was indicted on Monday in New York on charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy that spanned a several year period in the early 2000s. The 14-page indictment claims that Epstein, a wealthy hedge fund manager, “sexually exploited and abused dozens of minor girls at his homes in Manhattan, New York and Palm Beach, Florida, among other locations.” Rumors of Epstein’s abuse and crimes have swirled for decades and similar charges in 2008 were reduced leading to a brief prison sentence in a deal made by his attorneys. Monday’s indictment could lead to much more serious penalties for the well-connected Epstein.
Epstein is a known supporter of Democrats and is said to have given nearly $150,000 in campaign contributions to Democratic candidates from the 1990s until 2004, including former President Bill Clinton. He is also said to have donated at least $25,000 to the Clinton Foundation, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee received a check from Epstein for $10,000 in October 2018 which they reportedly returned.
Plaskett, 53, has represented the U.S. Virgin Islands in the House of Representatives since 2015 where she participates in committees and floor discussions but is not permitted to cast decisive votes. Epstein owns a private island called Little Saint James, part of the U.S. Virgin Island territory, which has been the subject of an investigation into his alleged offenses with underage girls. His island is often referred to as the “Island of Sin.”
Epstein donated $2,700 to Plaskett in her 2018 election effort, the highest legal contribution for a primary or general election. He donated the top amount twice in her 2016 campaign; once to her primary and once to her general election. It is not immediately clear whether Epstein gave to any other candidates in the 2016 or 2018 election cycle.
