Rodgers: Passenger Observations & Log-Keeping

DEPOSITION OF DAVID RODGERS — CHIEF PILOT CIVIL DISCOVERY PROCEEDINGS David Rodgers served as the chief pilot for Jeffrey Epstein's private aircraft operations from approximately 1991 to 2019. His deposition testimony provided critical evidence regarding Epstein's travel patterns, the passengers aboard his aircraft, and the destinations frequented by Epstein and his associates. Rodgers maintained flight logs for the Boeing 727 (tail number N908JE, known colloquially as the "Lolita Express"), the Gulfstream IV, and various helicopter operations. FLIGHT LOGS AND PASSENGER MANIFESTS: Rodgers testified that he was responsible for maintaining handwritten flight logs documenting every flight, including departure and arrival airports, passenger names, and crew information. These logs became among the most consequential pieces of evidence in the Epstein investigation. Rodgers confirmed the authenticity of the logs, which documented thousands of flights over nearly three decades. The passenger manifests included the names of numerous prominent individuals in politics, business, academia, and entertainment. KEY DESTINATIONS: Rodgers described regular flight routes connecting Epstein's various properties. The most frequent destinations included Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, serving Epstein's private island Little St. James; Palm Beach International Airport for the El Brillo Way estate; Teterboro Airport in New Jersey for access to the New York City townhouse; and the Albuquerque Sunport for Zorro Ranch in Stanley, New Mexico. Rodgers also testified about international flights to Paris, London, and various Caribbean destinations. OBSERVATIONS REGARDING PASSENGERS: Rodgers testified about the presence of young women on many of the flights. He stated that he sometimes observed females who appeared to be in their teens boarding the aircraft. Rodgers acknowledged that Ghislaine Maxwell was a frequent passenger and that she often accompanied the younger women on flights. He testified that he did not question the ages of passengers as he considered that outside his responsibilities as pilot. SIGNIFICANCE IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS: The flight logs authenticated through Rodgers's deposition were entered as evidence in multiple proceedings, including USA v. Maxwell (Case No. 20-cr-330, S.D.N.Y.) and various civil suits. His testimony was instrumental in establishing the scope of Epstein's trafficking network across state and international lines. Source: Civil Discovery Proceedings; Flight logs referenced in USA v. Maxwell