Epstein Explored Buying Virgin Islands Newspaper from Times-Shamrock

Disgraced financier looked to purchase the Virgin Islands Daily News in 2013, files show.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Newly released files reveal that disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein explored the potential purchase of the Virgin Islands Daily News, a newspaper owned by Times-Shamrock Communications, in 2013. Consultant James P. McGee briefed Epstein on Times-Shamrock's plans to sell the Virgin Islands paper, as well as other publications the company was looking to divest. While Epstein never ended up purchasing the Virgin Islands paper, the files provide insight into his business dealings prior to his death in 2019.

Why it matters

The revelation that Epstein was interested in acquiring a Virgin Islands newspaper sheds further light on the disgraced financier's business activities and potential efforts to expand his influence in the region prior to his arrest and death. It also highlights the complex web of Epstein's financial dealings and the ongoing efforts to uncover the full scope of his operations.

The details

According to the files, consultant James P. McGee of Newgrange Consulting Group briefed Epstein in 2013 on Times-Shamrock Communications' intent to sell the Virgin Islands Daily News, as well as other publications the Scranton-based company was looking to divest. McGee noted that Times-Shamrock had acquired the Virgin Islands paper in 2008 and was now seeking to sell it for between $6 to $7 million. While Epstein never ended up purchasing the newspaper, the files indicate he was actively exploring the opportunity.

  • In 2013, Epstein was briefed by consultant James P. McGee on Times-Shamrock's plans to sell the Virgin Islands Daily News.
  • Times-Shamrock acquired the Virgin Islands Daily News in 2008.
  • Times-Shamrock ultimately sold the Virgin Islands Daily News to businessman Archie Nahigian in late September 2014.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced financier and sex offender who died by suicide in 2019 while imprisoned pending trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

James P. McGee

A consultant with Newgrange Consulting Group who briefed Epstein on Times-Shamrock's plans to sell the Virgin Islands Daily News.

Times-Shamrock Communications

A media company based in Scranton, Pennsylvania that owned the Virgin Islands Daily News from 2008 until its sale in 2014.

Archie Nahigian

The businessman who purchased the Virgin Islands Daily News from Times-Shamrock in late September 2014.

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What they’re saying

“As requested, I have put together a follow up memorandum to summarize our discussions around the current opportunity to create a full scale media business entity in US Virgin Islands including the developmental steps that need to be taken during the coming 2014 year in order to make it happen.”

— James P. McGee, Consultant, Newgrange Consulting Group (Confidential memo to Jeffrey Epstein)

“There is currently a very rare and unique opportunity to develop a true media enterprise in the Virgin Islands at a very reasonable cost which would have the ability to become a very successful and profitable multimedia business operation in the Virgin Islands territory and eventually throughout the entire Caribbean region.”

— James P. McGee, Consultant, Newgrange Consulting Group (Confidential memo to Jeffrey Epstein)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.