DEPOSITION OF STEVE SCULLY Property Manager — Little St. James Island, U.S. Virgin Islands
Steve Scully served as the property manager and maintenance supervisor on Jeffrey Epstein's private island, Little St. James, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. His deposition provided a rare insider account of operations on the island that became one of the most scrutinized locations in the Epstein case.
ISLAND OPERATIONS: Scully testified about the day-to-day management of Little St. James, which Epstein purchased in 1998. He described overseeing construction projects, landscaping, infrastructure maintenance, and the management of a workforce that at times numbered dozens of laborers. Scully stated that Epstein invested heavily in developing the island, building multiple structures including the main residence, guest villas, a library, a cinema, a fitness center, and the distinctive blue-and-white striped structure atop the hillside that became known publicly as the "temple."
THE TEMPLE STRUCTURE: When questioned about the blue-and-white striped building that drew significant public attention — particularly after drone footage of the island circulated widely online — Scully described it as a music pavilion or gym structure. He testified that the building was designed with an ornate exterior and that it contained a single room used for relaxation and exercise. The nature and purpose of this structure became a subject of intense public speculation.
VISITOR PATTERNS AND YOUNG WOMEN: Scully testified about observing visitors who arrived at the island by helicopter, boat, or seaplane. He acknowledged that young women were among the regular visitors to the island and that they arrived frequently during Epstein's stays. Scully stated that he was not privy to the details of Epstein's social activities and that his duties were focused on property management and construction oversight. He testified that staff quarters were separate from the main residential areas and that employees were expected to avoid the private areas of the property during Epstein's visits.
PROPERTY LAYOUT AND PRIVACY: Scully described the island's layout in detail, including the main compound, guest cottages, the beach areas, and the road system. He testified that the island was designed with significant emphasis on privacy, with the main residence and guest areas positioned to be isolated from staff areas and construction zones. He described security measures and the protocols for managing access to different areas of the island during Epstein's visits.
CONSTRUCTION AND STAFFING: Scully provided testimony about the construction workforce on the island, which included both local Virgin Islands workers and imported laborers. He described the logistics of managing construction on a private island, including the challenges of transporting materials and personnel. Scully testified that construction was often ongoing simultaneously in multiple areas of the island and that Epstein took a personal interest in the design and progress of building projects.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH EPSTEIN: Scully described his communication with Epstein as primarily focused on construction and maintenance matters. He testified that Epstein was demanding and particular about the condition of the property, often providing detailed instructions about landscaping, cleanliness, and the appearance of the structures. Scully stated that he communicated with Epstein's office in New York and with on-island staff to coordinate operations.
OBSERVATIONS AND LIMITATIONS: Scully maintained throughout his deposition that his knowledge of Epstein's personal activities was limited. He testified that he was aware of the social activity at the island but that his role did not involve interaction with Epstein's guests. However, he acknowledged that the presence of young women on the island was noticeable and that other employees discussed it among themselves, even as the culture of discretion and silence prevented open questioning.
SIGNIFICANCE: Scully's testimony was among the few firsthand accounts of operations on Little St. James Island, which victims described as a location where sexual abuse occurred in an environment of total isolation and control. His descriptions of the island's infrastructure, privacy measures, and staffing practices provided context for understanding how the island functioned as a venue for Epstein's criminal activities.