Before 'Epstein's Island', power and privilege shielded abuse on Michigan's North Fox Island

As the revelations and debate continue about the millions of files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and their international ties to wealth, privilege, and perversity, the idea of a sophisticated network of elites sexually preying upon children is not just a modern facet of an internet-connected world, but eerily similar to a scandal that was centered in Michigan more than half a century ago.

North Fox Island is small, just over three miles in length and about a mile wide, located in Lake Michigan, about 50 miles north of Traverse City. While it is currently state-owned and uninhabited, that was not always so.

Purchased by Francis “Frank” Shelden in 1960, access to the island was very difficult until Shelden installed a landing strip with the intent of allowing small aircraft as the primary means of getting there. Shelden also built cabins, and created trails, making it into a remote resort and camp where he, along with a group of other men, incorporated a tax-exempt charitable trust in 1975 known as Brother Paul’s Children’s Mission.

On its face, the mission was noble. This group of men, some wealthy, some educators, but all concerned, would recruit young boys and teenagers from underprivileged communities and offer mentorship, guidance, and skill building that the boys wouldn’t normally have access to.



https://michiganadvance.com/2026/02/20/before-epsteins-island-power-and-privilege-shielded-abuse-on-michigans-north-fox-island/