Overview
- Newly released Justice Department files detail 2019 texts in which the U.S. Virgin Islands governor offered to intercede over stop-work orders on Epstein’s private islands.
- Messages include reassurances such as “We got u” and “For u absolutely,” along with plans for private meetings as potential fines were discussed.
- Bryan told Epstein he had asked the territory’s top environmental official to pause enforcement and later said he asked the commissioner to recuse and concede on previous permit requests.
- Journalistic reviews note the records show a willingness to advocate to regulators, with no public confirmation that Bryan took unlawful official action or faces charges.
- The exchanges contrast with Bryan’s 2023 sworn testimony denying special treatment and follow contacts dating back to at least 2018.