Epstein's Cultivated Relationships with CBP Officers Exposed in DOJ Documents
Federal investigators examined Jeffrey Epstein's relationship with a Customs and Border Protection officer stationed at St Thomas airport, where Epstein frequently flew before traveling to his private island, according to newly released Department of Justice files. The documents reveal Epstein interacted with six CBP officers, though no charges were ever filed against any officer, and there is no evidence they had direct knowledge of his crimes.
Investigation into CBP Officer Timothy Routch
The FBI opened a preliminary investigation in October 2019 after receiving a report that Timothy "Bill" Routch, a long-serving CBP agricultural inspector, had an ongoing friendship with Epstein while working in St Thomas for over seven years. Routch acknowledged visiting Epstein's island but denied any involvement in trafficking, calling the investigation "a wild goose chase".
Epstein's emails and texts show he regularly communicated with CBP officers, inviting them to his island, seeking to know who would be on duty during his travels, and offering small gifts and financial advice. One officer, Alford Richards, solicited Epstein for a "hard-money loan" for real estate, though it never materialized.
Epstein's Logistical Headaches and Direct Complaints
Epstein faced complications with preclearance procedures when flying between St Thomas and mainland US airports. In March 2016, his pilot, Larry Visoski, received a threat of fines from a CBP officer at Teterboro airport, despite having precleared in St Thomas. Epstein pursued the issue, complaining directly to supervisory CBP officer James Heil on St Thomas.
Heil, who had been in contact with Epstein since at least 2014, offered to liaise with supervisors at other airports. Their correspondence included friendly exchanges, such as Epstein delivering cannolis to Heil's home on Christmas Eve 2016. Epstein also raised complaints about less-friendly treatment from other officers, with Heil promising to address them formally.
Interactions with Multiple CBP Officers
Epstein's files show interactions with several CBP officers beyond Routch and Heil. These included Jeff McNally, whom Visoski described as "nice", and Glen Samuel, who was invited to perform steel pan drums on Epstein's island. Samuel declined payment, considering Epstein a friend.
Heil also introduced Epstein to Gerardo Martinez, a CBP supervisor in Palm Beach, Florida. Epstein communicated with Martinez about currency regulations and even sought advice on obtaining a new passport in 2019, though it's unclear why he turned to a CBP officer for this.
Financial Advice and Business Proposals
Epstein provided financial guidance to officer Alford Richards, recommending online courses and attempting to secure an accounting internship for him. Richards shared business proposals with Epstein, including discussions on real estate auctions and Bitcoin investments. Richards later downplayed the relationship, stating he was merely seeking financial insight from a billionaire.
FBI Investigation and Lack of Charges
The FBI interviewed Routch and subpoenaed credit reports for him and three other officers, but the investigation did not lead to charges. Visoski told investigators that Epstein sometimes traveled with females holding foreign passports and argued with CBP officers about immigration issues, but he had no knowledge of officers assisting in trafficking.
Routch, in his FBI interview, admitted exaggerating his relationship with Epstein for ego purposes but denied any wrongdoing. He claimed Epstein wanted to buy computers and turkeys for CBP staff but was refused due to gift policies.
The release of these files has been delayed and redacted, leaving uncertainty about how many more documents will become public. Epstein was arrested in July 2019 on sex trafficking charges and died by suicide in jail the following month.
