Epstein Files Reveal Possible BYU-Idaho Tuition Payment, Utah Visits

Newly released DOJ documents show Jeffrey Epstein's connections to Idaho and Utah, including a potential tuition payment and trips to Park City.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Millions of documents recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice related to the Jeffrey Epstein case have uncovered new details about the millionaire sex offender's ties to Utah and Idaho. The files include emails indicating Epstein may have sent a tuition payment to a BYU-Idaho student, as well as records of his visits to Park City and phone calls to numbers in Provo, Salt Lake City, and Orem.

Why it matters

The revelations about Epstein's activities in Utah and Idaho raise further questions about the extent of his connections and potential influence in the region. As a high-profile convicted sex offender, Epstein's interactions with students and residents in these areas are concerning and warrant closer examination.

The details

The DOJ documents include emails from 2011 that detail an agreement indicating Epstein sent a check to pay for a BYU-Idaho student's tuition, though the check may have been sent back. Other emails show Epstein made plans to visit Park City, Utah, booking a suite at the Waldorf in 2016. Phone records also reveal Epstein made multiple calls to numbers in Provo, Salt Lake City, and Orem around 2004.

  • In 2011, Epstein corresponded with a likely BYU-Idaho student about a tuition payment.
  • In 2016, Epstein booked a suite at the Waldorf in Park City, Utah for one night.
  • In 2015, Epstein emailed with MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito about a visit to Park City.
  • On February 11, 2004, Epstein's cell phone made five calls to a Provo number between 5:45 p.m. and 7 p.m., and two calls to a Park City number between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
  • In the days following February 11, 2004, Epstein made several more phone calls to numbers in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Orem.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A millionaire financier and convicted sex offender whose recently released case files have revealed new details about his connections to Utah and Idaho.

Joi Ito

The director of the MIT Media Lab who corresponded with Epstein about a visit to Park City in 2015.

Adam Back

The CEO of Blockstream, a company that Epstein became a limited partner in through Ito's fund.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Park City is 45 minutes from alberquq [sic] if you want to come visit.”

— Joi Ito, MIT Media Lab director (U.S. DOJ)

“Now I want to go to your island and dive sometime.”

— Joi Ito, MIT Media Lab director (U.S. DOJ)

What’s next

BYU-Idaho has not yet responded to requests for comment on the potential tuition payment, and further investigation may uncover more details about Epstein's connections to Utah and Idaho.

The takeaway

The newly released Epstein files continue to shed light on the disgraced financier's extensive network and raise concerns about the extent of his influence in various regions, including Utah and Idaho. As more information comes to light, it will be crucial for authorities and the public to closely examine Epstein's activities and interactions in these areas.