Introduction

The surname Epstein (also Epsten or Epstien) is one of the oldest Ashkenazi Jewish family names of German origin, likely derived from the German town of Eppstein in Hesse. The place name probably comes from Gaulish terms meaning “water” or “river” and German “stone,” hinting at a rocky, watery landscape.

The Epstein case shocked the world, particularly the United States, which considers itself a global leader in human rights. To understand its full impact, we must remember that the crimes were committed against the backdrop of America’s own history with Native peoples.

During 1778-1871, the U.S. government signed treaties with sovereign Native American tribes, de ning land rights, reservations, and relationships. Yet, while those agreements were being made, three kinds of land were repeatedly targeted and exploited: islands, deserts, and forests—areas considered “remote” enough for abuses to remain hidden.

The Pattern of Exploitation

Epstein’s island operations t this pattern. Sex tra   cking, abuse, and exploitation took place in a context where the integrity of U.S. law was never supposed to be in doubt. Today, more than 400 facilities in the U.S. alone care for victims of child sex abuse and tra cking, yet cases like Epstein’s reveal how power and money can shield abusers for years.

When I began writing this article, my publisher, Ben Jesus, told me a story about the British scholar Bertrand Russell. Russell once asked: in what kind of country would you never need to require “goal and point,” only propaganda, because everyone was already convinced? The implication was clear: when the public is distracted by entertainment, scandal, and spectacle, the truth becomes easier to bury.

The System Behind the Scandal

The “Epstein Files” show how that dynamic played out. Publicly, few details were available, but in elite circles, stories circulated about powerful guests, secret deals, and ritualized abuse. Some sources claimed that certain guests sought not only pleasure but also a dark substance called adrenochrome, supposedly taken from the blood of tortured children. I will not speculate further on any speci c person involved; those matters are under court of law, and justice is best served there.

Legislative Response: The Epstein Files Transparency Act

The Epstein Files Transparency Act (H.R. 4405), signed into law by President Trump on 19 November 2025, mandates the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to publicly release all unclassi ed records, videos, and images related to the investigation of Je rey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. As of early 2026, over 3.5 million pages have been released in a searchable format, covering cases from Florida, New York, and FBI investigations.

Key Provisions of the Act

• Purpose: To provide transparency by requiring the release of, with few exceptions, all relevant DOJ documents
• Scope: More than 3.5 million pages, over 2,000 videos, and 180,000 images from investigations into Epstein, his associates, and related criminal cases
• Timeline: The law compelled the DOJ to begin releasing these les within 30 days of the 19 November 2025 signing date
• Redactions: Allowed when necessary to protect victim identities and certain sensitive information
• Congressional Access: The Act requires the DOJ to provide Congress with a list of government o cials and politically exposed persons named in the les

Black Books Released

Epstein’s “black books” (contact books) were made public during the rst phase of releases in 2025, though many entries were redacted. Two printed phone books from 2015 contained more than 1,700 contacts, including media gures, executives, and notable public personalities.

Scienti c Context: Adrenochrome

Adrenochrome (C H NO ) is described as a chemical compound formed by the oxidation of adrenaline. It is historically linked to psychiatric research in the 1950s-70s and was once hypothesized— though never conclusively proved—to be related to schizophrenia. It is not a controlled substance but has been sensationalized in popular culture. In some reports, adrenochrome is depicted as a deep red compound associated with extreme experiences, fear, and altered states of mind.

Little Saint James: The Island

Epstein’s main base of activity was Little Saint James, a 70-78 acre private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, south of St. Thomas. Epstein owned it from 1998 until his death in 2019, and he later purchased the nearby Great Saint James island as well.

Due to its isolation and Epstein’s ownership, Little Saint James gained the nickname “Pedophile Island” and became infamous for alleged sex tra            cking and abuse, especially involving underage girls. According to later testimonies, jets and boats frequently transported girls and young women there, where crimes were committed by Epstein and his associates.

The Network of Connections

Many of Epstein’s connections extended into royal families, nance, media, and politics. Some guests later faced public scrutiny over their presence on the island or in Epstein’s network. Over the years, photographs, ight logs, and court documents have shown Epstein meeting or socializing with various well-known gures. Some have denied allegations of wrongdoing; others faced legal consequences or sustained reputational damage.

Conclusion

The emerging picture is not just about one man, but about a system willing to look away as long as money, in uence, and access owed freely. The hope behind the Epstein Files Transparency Act is that full disclosure will prevent such a network from hiding in plain sight again, and that true justice will be done for the survivors.

The case serves as a stark reminder that power and wealth can create dangerous blind spots in society’s moral and legal frameworks. Only through transparency, accountability, and unwavering commitment to justice can we hope to protect the most vulnerable among us from similar exploitation in the future.