Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Epstein case files and how to use this database.
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What is Epstein Exposed?
Epstein Exposed is a free, non-commercial public interest research tool that organizes and cross-references publicly released documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case. We index persons of interest, flight logs, court documents, locations, and connections to make these public records accessible and searchable.
What is Epstein's black book?
Epstein's black book, sometimes called the 'little black book,' is a personal contact directory maintained by Epstein and his staff that contained the names, phone numbers, and addresses of over 1,500 people. It was obtained by law enforcement and later leaked to the press. The book included politicians, business leaders, celebrities, royalty, and many others. Being listed in the black book does not imply wrongdoing - many entries were routine social and business contacts.
What was the 'Lolita Express'?
The 'Lolita Express' is the media nickname given to Epstein's Boeing 727-31 aircraft (tail number N908JE). Epstein used this plane extensively from the late 1990s through mid-2000s to transport guests between his various properties and other destinations. Flight manifests from this aircraft, recorded by pilots David Rodgers and Larry Visoski, were entered as court exhibits and have been publicly released. Epstein also operated a Gulfstream II (N212JE) and a helicopter (N120JE).
What do the flight logs show?
The flight logs are handwritten manifests maintained by Epstein's pilots that record the date, aircraft, origin, destination, and passengers for each flight. These logs cover roughly 1997 through 2006 and were submitted as court exhibits. They show who flew on Epstein's aircraft, when, and where - but flying on someone's plane does not inherently imply knowledge of or participation in illegal activity. Many passengers were business associates, friends, or had other legitimate reasons for travel.
Does being listed in this database mean someone did something wrong?
Absolutely not. Inclusion in this database does not imply guilt, criminal conduct, or wrongdoing of any kind. Many individuals listed had entirely legitimate professional, philanthropic, or social interactions with Epstein before his crimes became public knowledge. Our purpose is to make public records accessible, not to make accusations. We strongly encourage users to review primary sources and form informed conclusions based on evidence.
Where do the documents come from?
All documents indexed on this site come from publicly available official sources: the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ Epstein Files Transparency Act releases), the U.S. House Oversight Committee (Congressional investigation records), federal court records (unsealed documents from cases like Giuffre v. Maxwell), FBI FOIA releases, and verified reporting from established news organizations. We do not use leaked or unverified materials.
What was the Giuffre v. Maxwell case?
Giuffre v. Maxwell (15-cv-07433) was a federal defamation lawsuit filed in 2015 by Virginia Giuffre against Ghislaine Maxwell. The case produced extensive depositions and documents that were gradually unsealed over several years, with major releases in January 2024. These documents named numerous individuals and provided detailed accounts of Epstein's operation. The case settled in 2017, but the unsealed documents had enormous public impact.
What happened at the Maxwell trial?
Ghislaine Maxwell was arrested on July 2, 2020 and tried in federal court (USA v. Maxwell, 20-cr-330) before Judge Alison Nathan. The trial ran from November 29 to December 29, 2021. Four accusers testified: 'Jane,' 'Kate,' 'Carolyn,' and Annie Farmer. Maxwell was found guilty on five of six counts, including sex trafficking of a minor. She was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison on June 28, 2022.
What was the Non-Prosecution Agreement?
In 2007, then-U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta negotiated a controversial plea deal that allowed Epstein to plead guilty to a state prostitution charge instead of facing federal sex trafficking charges. The agreement granted immunity to unnamed co-conspirators and was kept secret from victims, which a federal judge later ruled violated the Crime Victims' Rights Act. Acosta resigned as Secretary of Labor in 2019 after renewed scrutiny of the deal.
How did Epstein die?
Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in Manhattan on August 10, 2019, while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. The New York City Medical Examiner ruled his death a suicide by hanging. Attorney General William Barr said there were 'serious irregularities' at the facility. Two guards were charged with falsifying records. A DOJ Inspector General report was released in 2024 examining the circumstances.
What is the Epstein Files Transparency Act?
The Epstein Files Transparency Act is federal legislation signed into law in 2024 that mandated the release of government-held documents related to the Epstein case. The Act required the DOJ, FBI, and other agencies to declassify and release records to the public, resulting in the release of millions of pages of previously sealed documents. These releases continue on a rolling basis.
What was Little St. James Island?
Little St. James is a 71.5-acre private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands that Epstein purchased in 1998. The island featured a main residence, guest houses, a library, cinema, pool, and a distinctive blue-and-white striped structure. According to court documents and witness testimony, the island was a central location where trafficking and abuse occurred. The island was later sold by Epstein's estate.
How do I use this database?
You can browse by section (Persons, Flights, Documents, Locations) or use the search bar to find specific names, locations, or topics. Each person has a dossier page showing their connections, flight appearances, and document mentions. The Network Graph provides a visual overview of how persons are connected. The Timeline shows events chronologically. All data is cross-linked - clicking any name or reference takes you to the relevant detail page.
I found an error. How can I report it?
We strive for accuracy and welcome corrections. If you find an error or have additional documented information from public sources, please contact us through the About page. All corrections must be verifiable through public records.