Federal investigators examined Jeffrey Epstein’s connections with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the St. Thomas airport, according to newly released documents.
This investigation, which did not result in any charges, involved subpoenas issued for three additional CBP officers working at Cyril E King airport (STT) on St. Thomas. Two other CBP officers, one in St. Thomas and one in Florida, were also identified as being in contact with Epstein through emails and text messages, though they do not appear to have been investigated by the FBI.
Initial Investigation and CBP Context
The FBI initiated a preliminary investigation in October 2019 after receiving a report concerning Timothy “Bill” Routch, a long-serving CBP agricultural inspector. Routch allegedly had an “ongoing friendship” with Epstein for over seven years while working in St. Thomas. The email establishing this investigation was among millions of files related to Epstein’s crimes released by the Department of Justice (DoJ). Epstein’s longtime pilot was interviewed about the convicted sex offender's contacts with CBP agents.
US Customs and Border Protection is responsible for overseeing the entry of people and goods through US ports of entry and is one of the primary agencies for enforcing federal anti-trafficking law. In July 2019, federal prosecutors indicted Epstein on charges of sex trafficking minors. Following his death in August 2019, the attorney general of the US Virgin Islands filed suit against his estate, alleging trafficking and sexual abuse on his private islands.
Investigation Findings and Officer Statements
No CBP officer was charged with crimes related to Epstein. Investigators interviewed Routch and subpoenaed credit reports for him and three other CBP officers. Routch acknowledged interacting with Epstein during his employment and visiting Epstein's island, but disputed details in FBI and CBP documents.
He characterized the FBI investigation as “a wild goose chase” and stated that his encounters were “of a business nature” and he “never [witnessed] anything remotely related to trafficking.”
Epstein's Interactions with CBP Personnel
Released files indicate Epstein communicated with CBP officers via email and text, invited them to his island, and sought information about their duty schedules for his travels through STT. Some officers reportedly received financial advice, small gifts, or employment opportunities. One officer was invited to perform music on Little St. James, and another sought mentorship in accounting. An agent solicited Epstein for a “hard-money loan,” which reportedly did not materialize. Epstein also lodged complaints about perceived mistreatment from other CBP officers, leading supervisors to investigate these concerns.
Travel Logistics and Complaints
Epstein's frequent travel between the US mainland and his US Virgin Islands properties often involved pre-clearance in St. Thomas to expedite customs and immigration. However, incidents of inconsistent clearance procedures occurred:
- March 2016: A flight to Teterboro, New Jersey, faced customs issues despite pre-clearance, prompting Epstein to pursue the matter.
- Two Weeks Later: Another flight to Newark, New Jersey, required passengers to undergo immigration control despite pre-clearance.
Epstein’s lawyer, Darren Indyke, filed a formal complaint with the Department of Homeland Security regarding these inconsistencies. Epstein also directly contacted supervisory CBP officer James Heil in St. Thomas, who apologized for the issues and offered to address them with supervisors.
Documented Contacts with Individual Officers
Epstein’s communications involved several CBP officers:
James Heil: Engaged in direct communication with Epstein since at least 2014, including a possible visit to Little St. James. Their correspondence was described as friendly, with Epstein sending gifts like cannolis and Heil assisting with customs issues across multiple states.
Timothy “Bill” Routch: Began contact with Epstein in late 2012 and was invited to Little St. James in May 2013, which Routch stated was for an agricultural inspection.
Jeff McNally and Glen Samuel: McNally was noted by Epstein’s pilot as being