Long Island Chef Worked for Epstein, Including on Pedophile's Island: DOJ Files

Francis Derby was employed as Epstein's private chef from May to November 2012, satisfying the pedophile's insatiable appetite for jerky.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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According to newly released government files, a hotshot Long Island chef named Francis Derby was employed as Jeffrey Epstein's personal cook from May to November 2012. During his time working for Epstein, Derby made multiple trips to the pedophile's private island, known locally as "Pedophile Island." While Derby has denied any knowledge of Epstein's illicit activities, the emails indicate Derby was responsible for procuring and transporting large amounts of jerky for his boss, who claimed to only eat that one food item.

Why it matters

This case highlights the disturbing connections between powerful individuals and Jeffrey Epstein's criminal enterprise, as well as the difficulty in holding enablers and associates accountable, even those who may have been unaware of the full extent of Epstein's crimes. It also raises questions about the vetting process for high-profile private staff positions and the need for greater transparency around the activities of the wealthy and influential.

The details

According to the Department of Justice files, Francis Derby was employed as Jeffrey Epstein's private chef from May to November 2012. During this time, Derby made multiple trips to Epstein's private island, known locally as "Pedophile Island." Derby's responsibilities included procuring food, planning meals, and providing culinary services. The emails indicate Derby was tasked with transporting and storing large amounts of jerky for Epstein, who claimed to only eat that one food item. While Derby has denied any knowledge of Epstein's wrongdoing, the files show he was deeply involved in catering to the pedophile's specific dietary demands.

  • In May 2012, Derby was hired as a cook for Jeffrey Epstein.
  • From May to November 2012, Derby worked as Epstein's private chef.
  • In October 2012, Derby remarked that Epstein may start eating "regular food" again instead of just jerky.
  • Epstein died in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.

The players

Francis Derby

A hotshot Long Island chef who was employed as Jeffrey Epstein's personal cook from May to November 2012, satisfying the pedophile's insatiable appetite for jerky.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted felon and registered sex-offender who died in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. Epstein employed Derby as his private chef and had him make multiple trips to Epstein's private island, known locally as "Pedophile Island."

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What they’re saying

“In May 2012, I was hired as a cook for Jeffrey Epstein. At the time I accepted the position, I had no knowledge of who Mr. Epstein was and was unaware of any allegations of misconduct. My role was to procure food, plan meals, and provide culinary service.”

— Francis Derby, Chef (The Post)

The takeaway

This case highlights the disturbing connections between powerful individuals and Jeffrey Epstein's criminal enterprise, as well as the difficulty in holding enablers and associates accountable, even those who may have been unaware of the full extent of Epstein's crimes. It underscores the need for greater transparency and scrutiny around the activities of the wealthy and influential, and the importance of thorough vetting processes for high-profile private staff positions.