American paleontologist, retired regents professor at Montana State University and consultant for the Jurassic Park films. DOJ-released EFTA files show Horner visited Epstein's New Mexico ranch (Zorro Ranch) in 2012 and thanked Epstein for the hospitality.
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Jack Horner is mentioned in documents or reporting related to the Epstein case. Being mentioned does not imply any wrongdoing, criminal conduct, or inappropriate behavior.
This dossier was generated by AI (Claude) from court filings, government releases, and other documentary sources in our database. It may contain errors or misattributions. Always verify claims against the linked source documents.
Background
Jack Horner (full name John Robert Horner) is an American paleontologist who served as Regents Professor of Paleontology at Montana State University. He is widely known for his groundbreaking work in dinosaur paleontology and served as a technical consultant on Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park film franchise. Horner is particularly noted for his research into dinosaur growth and behavior, including a project colloquially known as the 'Dinochicken' project, which explored the genetic relationship between modern birds and dinosaurs.
Horner's name appears extensively in DOJ-released EFTA (Epstein Financial Transactions and Associates) documents, primarily in connection with visits to Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch in Stanley, New Mexico, during 2012, and again in 2016. The documents show Epstein arranged and funded Horner's travel to the ranch and that Horner conducted fossil-hunting activities on the property. Epstein also appears to have supported at least one academic conference organized by Horner at Montana State University in October 2012.
Epstein Connection
Jack Horner's connection to Jeffrey Epstein is documented through extensive EFTA records showing a professional and social relationship centered on paleontological activities. Beginning in April 2012, Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff coordinated contact with Horner at Montana State University. Epstein invited Horner to his Zorro Ranch in New Mexico on multiple occasions, where Horner led dinosaur and fossil-hunting excursions. Epstein purchased first-class airline tickets for Horner's travel and hosted him at the ranch alongside other guests. The documents also show Horner submitted proposals to Epstein, including for conference funding, and that Epstein supported a 'Dinochicken summit' seminar at Montana State University in October 2012. The relationship continued at least through September 2016, when Horner contacted Epstein's office about visiting the ranch again while passing through New Mexico with a student.
Key Allegations(8)
Jack Horner visited Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch in New Mexico in August 2012 for dinosaur and fossil hunting activities.
documentedJeffrey Epstein funded first-class airline tickets for Horner's travel to Zorro Ranch.
documentedHorner conducted fossil-hunting activities on the ranch, finding 90-million-year-old clams and fossils, and a message about this was sent to 'Gmax' (Ghislaine Maxwell).
documentedEpstein supported a 'Dinochicken summit' seminar organized by Horner at Montana State University in October 2012.
documentedHorner submitted at least one proposal to Epstein in September 2012 and requested support for a conference.
documentedHorner's ranch visit scheduling was coordinated around Woody Allen's plans.
documentedHorner continued his relationship with Epstein at least through September 2016, requesting to visit the ranch with a student.
documentedHorner expressed gratitude to Epstein's staff for hospitality after his ranch visit in August 2012.
documentedLegal Status
Jack Horner is not known to be charged, investigated, or convicted of any crime in connection with the Epstein case. He appears in DOJ-released EFTA documents and House Oversight Committee releases as a guest and professional associate of Epstein who visited the Zorro Ranch and received travel funding and possible academic support.
Notable Statements(4)
“Hi Lesley, Yes, please tell Jeffery I would love to see his ranch”
“Hi Lesley, I wanted to thank you for all your help in getting”
“Our Dinochicken summit is finished”
“Hi Lesley, one of my students and I will be passing through Santa”
Key Relationships(3)
Epstein funded Horner's first-class travel to Zorro Ranch and appears to have supported Horner's academic conference ('Dinochicken summit') at Montana State University. Horner submitted proposals to Epstein for funding. [efta-02699584, efta-efta01892614, efta-02158307, efta-efta02155986]
Lesley Groff, Epstein's assistant, served as the primary coordinator for all logistics relating to Horner's ranch visits, travel arrangements, dietary information, and scheduling. Nearly all documented communications between Horner and Epstein's office were routed through Groff. [efta-efta02171366, efta-efta01873513, efta-efta02163145, efta-efta01874676]
Brice M. Gordon (associated with Zorro Ranch operations) was copied on communications about Horner's September 2016 ranch visit arrangements. [efta-efta01783364]
Timeline(21 events)
Lesley Groff shares Jack Horner's contact details and direct line at Montana State University with Epstein's team.
Jack Horner responds to Lesley Groff, expressing interest in visiting Epstein's ranch: 'Yes, please tell Jeffery I would love to see his ranch.'
Jack Horner communicates about a possible visit to the ranch, stating he could fly down.
Horner booked for July 27-29 at Zorro Ranch, described as 'the guy in charge of finding dinosaurs.' Invitations sent to others noting Horner will help look for dinosaurs, with Danny Hillis possibly joining.
Groff checks whether to reach out to Horner, who believes he is to leave for the ranch on July 26.
Travel arrangements made for John Robert Horner traveling on 07/27/2012. Discussion of purchasing first-class ticket ($832).
Horner's travel rebooked: now arriving Albuquerque on August 3 at 11:30am.
Groff notes no food allergies for Jack Horner; his cell number shared with ranch staff.
Jack Horner arrives Albuquerque at 11:26am via Delta 4499; provided directions to Zorro Ranch (49 Zorro Ranch Road, Stanley NM 87056).
Calendar reminder: Jack Horner to go home today from Ranch (depart at 5:50pm).
Horner sends thank-you message to Lesley Groff for her help during his ranch visit.
Message sent to 'Gmax' describing dinosaur and fossil hunting with Jack Horner on the ranch, reporting discovery of '90 million year old clams and fossils.'
Reminder that Jack Horner was asking about Epstein's help in supporting a conference.
Jack Horner sends 'Another proposal' to Jeffrey Epstein.
Scheduling inquiry: when is Jack Horner's 2-day meeting/conference scheduled for in October?
Follow-up with Jack Horner regarding itinerary for October event.
Jack Horner on Epstein's call list alongside Julie Taymor and Anthony Barrett. Horner's seminar begins at Montana State University with participant arrivals.
Reminder sent to Epstein: 'jack Horner's seminar ends today.'
Horner writes to Epstein: 'Our Dinochicken summit is finished.'
Horner contacts Epstein's office about passing through Santa Fe with a student, requesting to visit the ranch.
John Horner scheduled to go to Ranch morning of September 18th.
At a Glance
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Political Donations (35)
Cross-referenced against FEC Schedule A (individual contributions). Name matching does not confirm identity.
Top Recipients
Document Mentions
Schedule (9)
2012-10-24 to 2012-10-25 · 6 entries verified across multiple documents
Introduction to project history
Seminar Room, Museum of the Rockies
Introduction of the history of the project
Museum of the Rockies
Jack Horner and Hans Larsson introduce the history of the project
Museum of the Rockies
Jack Horner and Hans Larsson introduce project history
Museum of the Rockies
Introduction of project history
Museum of the Rockies
Jack Horner presentation
Museum of the Rockies
Presentation by Jack Horner
Museum of the Rockies
Project discussion led by J. Homer and H. Larsson
Museum of the Rockies
Project discussion led by J. Horner and H. Larsson
Museum of the Rockies
About Jack Horner
Who is Jack Horner?
American paleontologist, retired regents professor at Montana State University and consultant for the Jurassic Park films. DOJ-released EFTA files show Horner visited Epstein's New Mexico ranch (Zorro Ranch) in 2012 and thanked Epstein for the hospitality.
What is Jack Horner's connection to Jeffrey Epstein?
Jack Horner appears in 371 case documents, 0 flight logs, and 0 emails from the Epstein investigation files.
Is Jack Horner in the Epstein files?
Yes. Jack Horner is referenced in 371 documents from the Epstein case files, including court filings, FBI reports, and DOJ releases.
This dossier on Jack Horner was compiled from court records, flight logs, and public documents. 100% free, ad-free, and independent.