Teterboro Airport: Hub of Epstein's Sex Trafficking Ring | Archive

The Role of Teterboro Airport in Jeffrey Epstein’s Alleged Sex Trafficking Network

Jeffrey Epstein, a financier and alleged sex trafficker, had a complex network of private jets that facilitated his global activities. A key component of this network was Teterboro Airport, located 12 miles west of Manhattan. This airport served as a central hub for Epstein's operations, connecting his various properties across the United States and the Caribbean.

Between 1995 and 2013, Epstein’s fleet of private jets made at least 730 flights to and from Teterboro, according to flight logs unsealed in a recent lawsuit. These logs represent roughly a third of all recorded flights, more than any other airport. Epstein’s planes ranged from a Cessna to a Gulf Stream jet and even a Boeing 727. His network allegedly transported dozens of underage girls, some as young as 14, to his homes in Palm Beach, Florida, and Manhattan.

Epstein was arrested at Teterboro Airport on July 6, 2019, after flying from Paris. He was charged with two counts of sex trafficking. However, he died in his jail cell on August 11, 2019, before his case could go to trial. Despite his death, U.S. Attorney General William Barr pledged to continue the investigation into Epstein’s trafficking network and possible co-conspirators.

Flight Logs and Key Pilots

The flight logs, which span thousands of flights between 1995 and 2013, were kept by David Rodgers, one of at least six pilots employed by Epstein. Other pilots included Lawrence Visoski, Bill Hammond, Pete Rathgeb, Gary Roxburgh, and Bill Murphy. According to court documents, Rodgers’ logs are particularly detailed, written in blocky handwriting and containing information about passengers, including names and initials of victims and those involved in the trafficking network.

Rodgers and Visoski were subpoenaed by federal prosecutors shortly after Epstein’s arrest and have cooperated with the investigation. Attempts to reach Rodgers for comment were unsuccessful.

The logs also reveal that Epstein and his associates sometimes booked victims on commercial flights. They show 322 flights between Teterboro and Palm Beach, where Epstein’s waterfront mansion was located. According to court documents, this is where Epstein recruited girls for massages and sexual services. Another 112 flights were recorded between Teterboro and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Epstein owned an island with a mansion and two swimming pools.

Notable Passengers and Allegations

Several high-profile individuals appear in the logs, including Bill Gates, Alberto Pinto, and Alan Dershowitz, a lawyer who defended Epstein. Dershowitz was listed as flying through Teterboro on Epstein’s planes seven times. In one instance, he flew from Teterboro to Palm Beach with Epstein and Sarah Kellen. Virginia Giuffre, a plaintiff in a civil lawsuit against Epstein, has claimed that she was forced to have underage sex with several of Epstein’s associates, including Dershowitz.

Dershowitz has denied these allegations, calling Giuffre a liar. Giuffre responded by suing him for defamation, claiming that Dershowitz was a participant in the sex trafficking ring. Oral arguments in the defamation case are scheduled for next month.

Ghislaine Maxwell and the “Lolita Express”

Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Epstein, appears hundreds of times in the flight logs. She was accused of recruiting and managing Epstein’s network of underage girls. Maxwell has denied the allegations and has never been charged with a crime. Her case against Virginia Giuffre settled in 2017.

Maxwell frequently traveled on Epstein’s Boeing 727, known as the “Lolita Express.” The plane, registered with the FAA using a tail number ending in Epstein’s initials, was used for numerous trips. Other planes, such as a twin-engine Cessna with a tail number ending in Maxwell’s initials, were also used regularly.

Changes in Flight Records and Business Relationships

The flight logs also document changes in Epstein’s business and social standing. Beginning in 1995, Epstein frequently flew to Columbus, Ohio, home to billionaire Leslie Wexner. Wexner gave Epstein power of attorney over his personal finances, allowing him to invest and borrow money on Wexner’s behalf. However, in 2007, as investigations into Epstein’s alleged trafficking ring intensified, Wexner cut ties with him, and the flights to Columbus ceased.

The way the logs were recorded also changed. Initially, Rodgers noted the names and initials of passengers, but later entries often omitted names, using notations like “3 females” or “2 nannies.” This shift coincided with increased scrutiny from law enforcement.

Teterboro Airport and Security Measures

Teterboro Airport serves as a reliever airport, handling smaller aircraft to reduce congestion at major airports like LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark Liberty. It is popular among corporate jets and wealthy travelers. All workers at Teterboro receive training to report suspicious activity, and the Port Authority Police Department patrols the area.

However, concerns have been raised about the airport’s security. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker has questioned whether Epstein’s alleged trafficking ring indicates lax security measures. Advocates for anti-trafficking efforts argue that the airport’s exclusivity and wealth make it a potential hotspot for illicit activities.

Despite the challenges, the flight logs remain a critical piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation into Epstein’s network. They provide a detailed account of his movements and the people involved, offering insights into the extent of his alleged crimes.