Background & New Documents
Newly unredacted federal files released by the U.S. Department of Justice in late January 2026 — under the Epstein Files Transparency Act — reveal that billionaire retail magnate Leslie “Les” Wexner was listed in internal FBI documents from August 2019 as an “unindicted co-conspirator” in the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking network.
The name remained redacted in earlier public releases, but U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna publicly disclosed Wexner’s identity after reviewing the files at the Department of Justice.
What the Documents Show
The unredacted FBI memo lists Wexner alongside other individuals whom federal agents in 2019 considered possible co-conspirators in Epstein’s crimes. These include:
- Les Wexner — founder of L Brands and former CEO of Victoria’s Secret.
- Lesley Groff — Epstein’s longtime secretary.
- Jean-Luc Brunel — late modeling agent linked to Epstein.
- Ghislaine Maxwell — convicted in 2021 on sex-trafficking charges.
Several additional names remain redacted.
Denials and Legal Position
Wexner has not been charged with any crime in connection with Epstein’s case and denies involvement in Epstein’s illegal activities. His legal representatives have said that in 2019 prosecutors told his counsel he was not a target or co-conspirator in any prosecutive sense.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche also stated that the DOJ unredacted Wexner’s name voluntarily and that the department is not hiding material.
Relationship With Epstein
Wexner long had a personal and financial relationship with Epstein.
Epstein served as Wexner’s financial manager from about 1987 to 2007 and had power of attorney over Wexner’s finances. Epstein operated from a Wexner-owned Manhattan residence for years. In 2008, Epstein reportedly paid Wexner $100 million to settle a dispute, according to court filings.
Scrutiny and Congressional Action
The disclosure has prompted renewed scrutiny of Wexner’s past ties and raised questions in Congress about the decision not to charge him. Rep. Thomas Massie pressed the Department of Justice in a House hearing to explain why Wexner was never prosecuted, noting that internal FBI memos from 2019 referred to him as a co-conspirator in files later released.
Legal Status
Wexner is not criminally charged in any federal sex-trafficking case. He may be questioned or deposed by the House Oversight Committee as lawmakers seek clarity on his role.
Inclusion in the FBI’s internal documents does not legally equal guilt — federal officials stress that the co-conspirator label in internal records differs from an indictment.
