In a remarkable development from across the Atlantic, US House Delegate Stacey Plaskett, a Democrat representing the Virgin Islands, has provided a controversial explanation for her communications with the convicted paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein during a pivotal congressional hearing.
The Congressional Hearing Exchange
The incident occurred in 2019, while former Trump attorney Michael Cohen was giving testimony against the president. During the live committee hearing, Plaskett was actively exchanging text messages with Epstein, who was at the time a constituent living on his notorious private island, Little Saint James, within her jurisdiction.
Plaskett sought advice and guidance from the disgraced financier on what questions she should pose to Cohen while the official proceedings were underway. This communication came to light just prior to a House vote to formally censure the lawmaker for her actions.
A Controversial Defence
Facing potential censure, Plaskett offered a stunning defence for her correspondence. She claimed she was unaware of Epstein's status as a paedophile at the time of their texting. 'I got a text from Jeffrey Epstein, who at the time was my constituent, who was not public knowledge at that time, that he was under federal investigation,' she stated.
She further added, 'And who was sharing information with me.' This justification has been met with widespread scepticism, given the public record concerning Epstein's criminal past.
The Established Public Record
Jeffrey Epstein was convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Furthermore, a bombshell investigative series published by the Miami Herald in November 2018—several months before the 2019 hearing—had already identified more than 60 women who alleged they were sexually abused by Epstein when they were underage.
This extensive media coverage makes Plaskett's claim of ignorance regarding his criminal profile particularly difficult to reconcile with the known timeline of events. The Daily Mail has approached Plaskett's office for further comment on the matter.
