Stanislaus school district assures parents over rumors of photo company, Epstein files
Lifetouch, a photo company contracted by Turlock Unified School District, is fighting unsubstantiated rumors on social media that it is named in the Epstein files.
The school district, after receiving questions from parents, published a statement and Lifetouch’s public letter addressing the rumors.
“We have received several questions and concerns about Lifetouch, an independent photography company, which TUSD has contracted with for many years to provide school and yearbook pictures,” district spokesperson Marie Russell wrote in the statement. “Recently, rumors have circulated alleging that Lifetouch shared student photos with unauthorized third parties for improper purposes.”
The rumors stem from the fact that Lifetouch’s parent company is Shutterfly, which is owned by the private equity firm Apollo Global Management. Apollo’s former CEO is billionaire Leon Black, who is named thousands of times in the Epstein Files and was advised by Jeffrey Epstein on financial matters.
Black is also named in an email chain in FBI files that notes, “[Someone] stated that Epstein told her to give Black a massage while Black was naked and that someone stated another female gave Black a massage and he made her perform oral sex,” USA Today reported.
Viral social media posts claiming that Lifetouch is in the files have encouraged parents to have their children opt out of picture days. Some schools across the country have chosen to cancel their picture days as a result of parent concerns, while others are addressing the rumors.
In a public letter, Lifetouch CEO Ken Murphy wrote, “Lifetouch is not named in the Epstein files. The documents contain no allegations that Lifetouch itself was involved in, or that student photos were used in, any illicit activities.”
It added that “no individual currently or formerly employed by Apollo Global Management has had access to student images or student information.”
Russell wrote in her statement, “We hope this information will help our TUSD families make an informed decision regarding their child’s participation in the optional spring picture opportunity.”
This story was originally published February 24, 2026 at 5:43 PM.
