Drugged and Abused’: New Documents Detail Jeffrey Epstein’s Alleged Crimes in South Carolina
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC — Recently disclosed Department of Justice files have shed light on a dark chapter of Jeffrey Epstein’s history in South Carolina. According to an investigative report by The Post and Courier, the documents contain the most detailed allegations to date regarding Epstein’s predatory behavior on Hilton Head Island, dating back to the 1980s.
The Hilton Head Allegations The files include FBI transcriptions of interviews with a woman who came forward following Epstein’s 2019 arrest.
The Lure: The woman told agents that as a teenager in the 1980s, her name was listed as a local babysitter on a flyer her mother distributed to real estate renters.
The Incident: She was lured to a vacation villa in Sea Pines Plantation under the guise of a job. Upon arrival, she found no children. Instead, she alleged Epstein offered her alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine.
The Abuse: The victim described the experience as becoming "blurry," leading her to believe her drink had been spiked. She recounted being sexually assaulted and later discovering a drawer full of Polaroids Epstein had taken of her while she was unconscious or incapacitated.
South Carolina Business and Social Ties Beyond the criminal allegations, the 3 million pages of DOJ documents offer a glimpse into Epstein’s professional network within the Palmetto State:
Real Estate Connections: Correspondence linked Epstein to Gerald "Jerry" Barton, a developer instrumental in the creation of Kiawah Island and its famous Ocean Course.
Corporate Dealings: The files suggest Epstein had business dealings with several companies based in Greenville, which may account for his documented travel through the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport.
The "Black Book" Links: Other South Carolina residents were found in Epstein’s communications, including a woman who flew on his private plane in 2002 and later emailed him to "catch up," to which Epstein reportedly replied, "Send photos."
Legal and Investigative Impact While Epstein died in federal custody in 2019, these newly unsealed documents have provided long-awaited validation for survivors in South Carolina. The woman involved in the Hilton Head case reportedly reached a settlement with Epstein’s estate prior to the full disclosure of these FBI files.
Local advocates state that these revelations underscore the reach of Epstein's network and the importance of continued transparency regarding his activities in secondary vacation markets like Hilton Head.