Stephen Deckoff, billionaire founder of Black Diamond, owns Little St James, the former private island of Jeffrey Epstein in the US Virgin Islands [1, 2, 3]. Since acquiring the property, Deckoff and his staff have faced repeated intrusions by curiosity-seekers and voyeurs attempting to trespass on the island [1, 2, 3]. Some of these trespassers believe Epstein is still alive, while others seek to take direct action by arriving on jet skis and using drones to film the island [1, 2].
Island staff have responded by making lawful citizen's arrests of trespassers on several occasions, according to police reports and a property spokesperson. The spokesperson said, "The owners have made, and will continue to make, lawful citizens arrests if these trespasses continue" [1, 2].
In April 2026, Ben Owen, founder of the anti-trafficking nonprofit We Fight Monsters, attempted to plant a flag on Little St James and was allegedly restrained by island staff. Reports state Owen was hogtied naked, blindfolded, bound with duct tape, and held for several hours in an underground bunker before police intervened [1, 2]. Owen was charged with trespassing last month and was scheduled for arraignment on May 15, 2026. However, he has yet to enter a plea [1, 2]. Jessica Owen, Ben Owen’s wife, said, "If I bought an island for millions of dollars, I would want my own privacy" [1].
Public interest in Epstein’s legacy and his private island has increased following the Justice Department’s recent release of Epstein Files. This has fueled conspiracy theories and Epstein-themed tourism, including the rise of viral cultural phenomena such as the video game Five Nights At Epstein’s [1, 2].
Almost seven years have passed since Epstein’s death, but the island remains a focal point for scrutiny and trespassing incidents [1, 2, 3]. Authorities and property owners continue to restrict access and emphasize legal consequences for trespassing.
