Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory (Photo by Barry Leerdam, V.I. Legislature) Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory (D-STT) will donate $1,000 in campaign contributions from a company owned by billionaire and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, making her the third U.S. Virgin Islands politician to acknowledge and relinquish Epstein-tied campaign money. “I in no way support the conduct of Mr. Epstein and the recent allegations against him. And further, I will not knowingly affiliate with anyone who behaves in such an abhorrent manner,” Frett-Gregory stated in a press release in response to campaign finance inquiries. According to Frett-Gregory, while her campaign did not receive contributions bearing Epstein’s name, it did receive $1,000 from Southern Trust Company, Inc., a V.I. Economic Development Commission beneficiary receiving tax breaks under the V.I. Economic Development Authority. “EDC companies go through a very rigorous vetting and investigative process before they are awarded benefits. So, I felt comfortable accepting a contribution from an EDC company because I knew that they had been thoroughly screened. I also knew that they are legally required to donate to the community,” Frett-Gregory said. Beyond this contribution, “the senator is in no way affiliated with Mr. Epstein,” according to the press release. The V.I. Economic Development Authority lists Southern Trust as a company engaged in providing extensive DNA database and data-mining services. Headquartered at 6100 Red Hook Quarter, Suite B-3 on St. Thomas, the company lists former first lady Cecile deJongh, wife of former Gov. John deJongh, as office manager. As an EDC company, Southern Trust enjoys corporate and income tax cuts – as much as 90 percent – and a full exemption on gross receipts, business property and excise taxes. “It’s not unusual for companies to donate to political campaigns here in the territory and in the future, campaign donations will be reviewed with even…
Read More: Frett-Gregory is Third V.I. Politician to Relinquish Epstein-Tied Money
Source: St. Croix Source