Investigative Report Details Decades of Alleged Sexual Abuse at Interlochen Center for the Arts

An independent investigation into historical allegations of sexual abuse at Interlochen Center for the Arts has documented decades of alleged misconduct involving former faculty members, staff, trustees, counselors, visiting artists, and other individuals affiliated with the Michigan arts institution, including convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The findings, released in a 97-page report following a two-year investigation, have prompted renewed scrutiny of the school’s past handling of sexual abuse allegations and its efforts to protect students from abuse.

Investigation Uncovers Widespread Allegations of Abuse

Interlochen Center for the Arts, located in Interlochen, Michigan, has long been recognized as one of the nation’s premier arts education institutions. However, an independent investigation recently conducted by Sanghavi Law Office, LLC has brought attention to allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct spanning from the 1950s through the 2010s.

Interlochen Center for the Arts operates both Interlochen Arts Academy, a year-round boarding high school, and Interlochen Arts Camp, a summer arts program serving students in grades 3 through 12. The independent investigation examined historical allegations involving individuals affiliated with both programs.

According to the 97-page report, released on July 27, 2026, more than 70 former students participated in the investigation by sharing accounts of alleged abuse and misconduct at Interlochen. The report identifies nearly 50 individuals, including former faculty members, administrators, counselors, trustees, staff members, and visiting artists, who were allegedly connected to misconduct during their time at the institution, including convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

Interlochen leadership has stated that none of the individuals identified in the report are currently employed by the school.

Patterns of Alleged Abuse at Interlochen Center for the Arts

While Jeffrey Epstein is among the most widely recognized individuals discussed in the investigative report, investigators emphasized that the allegations involve a much broader pattern of alleged misconduct and institutional abuse extending across multiple decades.

Former students described a range of alleged inappropriate conduct involving adults who held positions of authority or influence within the institution. According to the investigation, the reported sexual misconduct at Interlochen included allegations of grooming, unwanted sexual contact, sexual assault, inappropriate sexual comments, exposure to sexually explicit material, and relationships that allegedly exploited the imbalance of power between students and adults entrusted with their education and supervision.

The investigation also describes allegations that some former students believed their concerns were dismissed, minimized, or not adequately addressed after reporting misconduct. These allegations have contributed to broader questions about whether institutional failures allowed abusive behavior to continue over an extended period.

Jeffrey Epstein’s Reported Connection to Interlochen and Alleged Abuse

The report also examines Jeffrey Epstein’s historical connection to Interlochen Center for the Arts. According to the investigation, Epstein was a financial supporter of the institution and donated nearly $500,000 between 1990 and 2003. He also funded the construction of what was formerly known as the Jeffrey E. Epstein Scholarship Lodge. Following Epstein’s 2008 conviction in Florida for sex offenses involving a minor, Interlochen removed his name from the building.

Allegations from two former students who had contact with Epstein during their time at Interlochen are highlighted in the report. One reported that Epstein invited her to New York, where he allegedly made unwanted sexual advances. She told her mother, who allegedly reported the encounter to Interlochen. The other student stated that her tuition was paid by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell before that financial support was allegedly withdrawn after she refused sexual conduct.

These allegations remain part of the broader investigative findings documenting historical misconduct connected to the institution.

A Timeline: Interlochen Sexual Abuse Allegedly Continued for Decades

In 2024, after alumni raised concerns about historical allegations of abuse, Interlochen retained outside counsel to conduct an independent investigation. Over the next two years, investigators interviewed former students, reviewed historical records, and produced a 97-page report documenting their findings.

According to the investigation, former Interlochen students described alleged sexual abuse and misconduct spanning more than six decades, from the 1950s through the 2010s. The investigation also revisited Interlochen’s past response to complaints involving Jeffrey Epstein, who attended Interlochen as a camper before later becoming a donor to the institution.

In 2009, one year after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida state court to sex offenses involving a minor, Interlochen stated that it had reviewed its records and found no complaints or concerns involving Epstein. After Epstein was federally charged with sex trafficking offenses involving minors in 2019, the institution conducted another internal review and again reported that it found no evidence connecting him to misconduct involving the school. 

The completed report, released in 2026, documents accounts from more than 70 former students and identifies nearly 50 individuals who were allegedly connected to misconduct in Interlochen, including Jeffrey Epstein. The findings have been provided to the Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review. 

Interlochen Responds to the Allegations of Abuse

Following the release of the report, Interlochen publicly acknowledged the findings and apologized to members of its community who allegedly experienced abuse.

In a letter issued by President Trey Devey and Board Chairman Barrett Rollins, the institution expressed sorrow for the harm described by former students and stated that it is committed to implementing stronger policies designed to improve student safety and prevent future misconduct.

The institution also stated that it will not tolerate sexual predators or individuals who enable abuse and has pledged to continue strengthening its safeguarding measures.

Investigation Renews Focus on Institutional Accountability

The release of the Interlochen sex abuse report marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing examination of historical allegations of abuse at the arts education institution and other trusted institutions. As authorities review the report and additional information continues to emerge, the findings have intensified public discussion about student safety, institutional oversight, and the importance of responding appropriately to allegations of abuse within educational organizations.