Epstein Files Unveil New Insights Into FBI’s Investigation of His Billionaire Backer
A Republican congressman recently sparked controversy by accusing federal agencies of concealing ties between a billionaire retail tycoon and Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network. Rep. Thomas Massie criticized the Department of Justice during a House hearing, alleging that records from the Epstein case had deliberately obscured the name of Les Wexner, the former owner of Victoria’s Secret. “This cover-up spans decades,” Massie declared, comparing the situation to Watergate. His remarks have intensified scrutiny on Wexner, a figure shrouded in mystery within Epstein’s inner circle, whose financial support for the financier has long fueled speculation.
CNN’s analysis of the DOJ’s recent release of Epstein-related documents revealed that while Wexner’s name was initially redacted in a “co-conspirator” document, it surfaced in hundreds of other records. These files indicate that federal investigators have closely examined Wexner for years, requesting information as early as 2008—before Epstein’s guilty plea to soliciting prostitution from a minor—and again in 2019, when the FBI subpoenaed him.
FBI’s Focus on Wexner Grows Over Time
Internal communications show officials sought to determine if Wexner was aware of Epstein’s payments to young women for sexual acts. In one 2019 document, Wexner was labeled a “secondary” co-conspirator, though the text noted “limited evidence” of his involvement. Other records include allegations that Wexner was present during interactions with underage girls, with one victim claiming he was a target of trafficking. Wexner has consistently denied any wrongdoing, remaining uncharged despite the persistent inquiries.
Now, Wexner is set to testify before the House Oversight Committee in Ohio, offering lawmakers a chance to probe his decades-long relationship with Epstein. The 88-year-old tycoon has repeatedly emphasized his trust in Epstein, writing after the financier’s death that he felt “embarrassed” to have once relied on him. A spokesperson for Wexner told CNN that the man was “told he was neither a co-conspirator nor a target” in 2019 and dismissed an undated letter from Epstein as evidence of the latter’s “desperate” efforts to justify his actions.
Epstein’s Alleged Bond with Wexner
Epstein and Wexner first connected in the 1980s when a mutual acquaintance recommended the financier as a financial advisor. At the time, Wexner was expanding his retail empire into a billion-dollar business. A federal memo from the era quotes Wexner’s attorneys, stating that he believed Epstein to be trustworthy based on “positive reports” from friends and early business dealings. In 1991, Epstein gained legal authority over Wexner’s assets through power of attorney, further entangling their financial relationship.
Epstein’s recent correspondence with Wexner, referenced in the newly disclosed files, suggests a close partnership. In a misspelled letter to “Les,” Epstein claimed, “You and I had ‘gang stuff’ for over 15 years,” adding that he had “never once done anything but protect your interests.” The letter also stated Epstein intended to “divulge no confidence of ours.” However, Wexner’s representative argued the message fits a pattern of Epstein’s “delusional statements,” aimed at deflecting blame and maintaining his image of innocence.
Despite the FBI’s assertions of no “credible information” linking Wexner to trafficking, the files reignite debates about his role in Epstein’s schemes. Trump-era officials have steadfastly denied any attempt to hide crimes, with FBI Director Kash Patel recently stating in September that Epstein’s activities were not connected to other individuals. Yet, the new evidence continues to challenge the narrative, prompting calls for further inquiry into Wexner’s past associations with the convicted sex offender.
