Epstein’s ties to Michigan

KYLE SCHECK
PHOTOGRAPHER

LEXIE THAYER
STAFF WRITER

2/23/2026

The Epstein Files are a partially released collection of millions of documents, emails, images, and receipts detailing Jeffrey Epstein’s activities, a convicted sex offender.

While there is no verified evidence of current Michigan residents on the Epstein client list, the Epstein files still have deep ties with Michigan and even the Alma community.

The Interlochen Center for the Arts, located near Traverse City, appears in the Epstein documents multiple times. Epstein also met his first well-known victim, a student camper at the Interlochen camp in the late ‘60s, according to Interlochen Public Radio.

Moreover, Epstein donated to and visited the area on multiple occasions. According to the Detroit Free Press, Epstein donated a total of $400,000 to the institution.

However, after accusations about Jeffrey Epstein surfaced in 2007, the lodge under his name has now been redacted. The camp has now released a statement about the recent developments within the files.

“Interlochen is committed to ensuring a safe, nurturing environment in which our students can excel. We currently have a wide range of measures in place to ensure a safe, supportive environment for all students.”

While Interlochen emphasized its commitment to student safety, some members of the local community expressed a very different reaction.

“As a resident of the Traverse City area, I am disgusted to know that Jeffrey Epstein was so close by. It really puts into perspective how everyone is more involved than they realize in this case,” said Petra Wilson (‘28).

Additionally, many Michigan school systems have used the company Lifetouch, which was mentioned in the Epstein files and is the parent brand of Shutterfly, for school picture days. 

On X, in a post with over 100,000 views as of February 13th, a user named Briana Rose reiterated the claim that the company is in the files, emphasizing her belief that they are keeping a digital database of the kids and their personal information.

Despite Lifetouch releasing a public statement stating that they are not named or involved in Epstein’s files, schools are taking precautions to protect students. 

“I went to a school in Detroit where Lifetouch has been used for years. For my little brother, they have now delayed picture days until they find a new company…Thank God, I can’t even imagine what Lifetouch did with those photos,” said Ruby Scrock (‘29).

In relation to Alma, new polling from the World Desk suggests that Republican voters are more likely to have moved on from the disclosure of the rest of the Epstein List. And, according to BestNeighborhood’s political map, the county of Gratiot County is extremely conservative. 

“I’m from this area, and my dad couldn’t care less about the Epstein files. It seems like he’s at the point where he’s just given up,” said Noah Risner (‘28).

Moreover, for students in the Alma area, the revelations serve as a reminder that even institutions from small areas can have complicated histories or relations. 

As young voters and future leaders, students in Alma and in Michigan as a whole are left to decide how much accountability they expect from the institutions and individuals around them.