Epstein, Maxwell More ‘Coupleish’ Than Romantic: Pilot

(Bloomberg) -- Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell didn't exhibit outward affection for each other while hopscotching around the globe on a private plane at the start of the millennium, according to their pilot.

Lawrence Visoski Jr., who piloted one of Epstein's planes from 1991 to 2019, told a jury at Maxwell's sex-trafficking trial in New York Monday that while the two had a relationship that was more than a boss and an employee, it had cooled by the 2000s.

“I wouldn't even categorize it as romantic, more couple-ish,” Visoski testified. “I haven't witnessed them kiss or hold hands.”

Visoski is the first government witness to testify at the trial. Maxwell is accused of “grooming” underage girls for sexual abuse by Epstein.

Epstein was famous for ferrying prominent figures including Bill Clinton to his Palm Beach, Florida, compound on a private jet that was nicknamed the Lolita Express by the tabloids. 

Visoski described Epstein's jet-set lifestyle to the jury as well as the financier's five homes, including an apartment in Paris and a home on a private island in the Caribbean. Visoski testified that he met Maxwell in late 1991 when she was one of Epstein's assistants and managed his properties.

“She managed his household staff during the time Mr. Epstein was acquiring a lot of his residences and it took a lot of managing and decorating,” said Visoski, who also testified he installed a sound and an audio-visual system in Epstein's Manhattan townhouse.

Flying on a private jet allowed Epstein to circumvent the usual screening protocols, Visoski said. Epstein's guests could typically just drive onto the tarmac and board the plane. 

“There's a lot more freedom when you fly private,” he said.

Maxwell also owned a quarter share in her own private jet, Visoski said, 

“That was her jet and she had access to it without prior notice,” he told the jury. “She could leave when she wanted.”

Visoski is scheduled to continue his testimony Tuesday. 

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