St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. – On March 18, 2020, Attorney General Denise N. George filed an update with the Virgin Islands Probate Court related to the ongoing discussions with the Epstein Estate attorneys, Epstein’s victims and their attorneys regarding the Victim Compensation Fund proposed by the Estate.
Last month, Attorney General George raised concerns about the proposed Fund, including that the proposed program administrator for the Fund was selected solely by the Estate, and does not sufficiently and independently satisfy the best interests of Epstein’s victims. Those concerns were confirmed by certain provisions of the Fund’s design, including broad releases that would have required victims to release any third parties who participated in the crimes against them. The Attorney General also noted the need for funds to be set aside to protect victims who choose not to participate in the Fund or who came forward in the future, which is not uncommon in cases of child sexual abuse.
As laid out in the V.I. Government’s status report to the Court, the Attorney General worked closely with counsel for victims and agreed on a joint set of proposed recommendations for a fair and equitable alternative victim Fund. The joint recommendations are attached to the filing. While the Estate and its program administrator have addressed several of these recommendations, significant issues remain.
At the victims’ suggestion, Marci Hamilton, CEO of Child USA and the country’s preeminent expert and advocate on child sexual abuse issues, is being proposed by the Attorney General and the victims as an independent administrator. Professor Hamilton’s involvement would ensure that the Program operates, and is perceived as operating, fairly, independently, and with informed sensitivity to the unique experiences of victims of sexual abuse and exploitation.
“Epstein’s victims deserve to have a qualified, independent sexual abuse advocate involved in the claims process, who understands their unique and traumatic experiences and has expertise in assessing the consequences of sexual abuse,” said Attorney General George. “The Estate’s unwillingness to create a meaningful role for Professor Hamilton, despite her obvious qualifications, deepens my concerns about the Estate’s intent and motives. There is no legitimate reason to oppose her involvement at victims’ request and individual consent. Justice and fairness must prevail over the Estate’s unfettered control of the victims’ Fund.”
The Attorney General’s Office remains willing to work with the Estate to establish a Program that is fair, independent, and credible, in the interest of protecting victims from adversarial litigation, ensuring that they receive appropriate compensation for Epstein’s crimes, and preserving the assets of the Estate for the public interest.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2020
Sandra Goomansingh
Media Relations Director
For inquiries, please contact via
Email: sandra.goomansingh@doj.vi.gov