Judge Orders Subpoena of Les Wexner in Richard Strauss Abuse Litigation
Updated (2 articles)
Judge Michael Watson Grants Subpoena Authority U.S. District Judge Michael Watson of the Southern District of Ohio ruled on Jan. 13, 2026 that plaintiffs may subpoena Les Wexner in the class‑action lawsuit against former Ohio State doctor Richard Strauss [1]. The order permits service by leaving the subpoena with Wexner’s security staff, mailing it to his home address, or emailing his attorney [1]. Watson’s decision follows a series of failed attempts to deliver the subpoena through traditional means [1].
Previous Service Attempts Remained Unsuccessful Plaintiffs documented at least two prior efforts to serve Wexner, one outside an Ohio State Board of Trustees meeting in September and another at his Columbus residence, both conducted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office [1]. Each attempt was rebuffed, prompting the motion for judicial clarification on permissible service methods [1]. The court’s ruling now provides a clear procedural pathway for future attempts [1].
Victim Count Confirmed by Independent OSU Investigation An independent investigation commissioned by Ohio State University identified a minimum of 177 male students who were sexually abused by Dr. Richard Strauss [1]. The investigation’s findings have become a cornerstone of the plaintiffs’ case, establishing the breadth of alleged misconduct [1]. Strauss, who died by suicide in 2005, left no direct response to the ongoing litigation [1].
Legislative Subpoenas Parallel Federal Probe Into Epstein Ties Four days before Watson’s ruling, the U.S. House Oversight Committee issued subpoenas targeting several individuals linked to Jeffrey Epstein, including Les Wexner [1]. Representative Robert Garcia led the effort during a full committee session, signaling heightened congressional scrutiny of Wexner’s connections [1]. The overlapping investigations underscore a broader inquiry into alleged Epstein‑related activities.
Victims Demand Removal of Wexner’s Name Survivors of Strauss have called for the removal of Les Wexner’s name from Ohio State’s Woody Hayes Athletic Center, citing his alleged association with Epstein and perceived conflict of interest [1]. Advocacy groups argue that retaining the naming honors a figure implicated in the scandal [1]. The demand adds public pressure to the legal proceedings and the forthcoming subpoena service [1].
Timeline
1988–1997 – Les Wexner serves as a trustee of Ohio State University, positioning him to later become a focal point in investigations of the university’s handling of abuse allegations. [2]
2005 – Dr. Richard Strauss dies by suicide, ending a career that later proves to have involved the sexual abuse of at least 177 male students. [1]
2025 – Ohio State University releases an independent investigation confirming that Dr. Strauss sexually abused a minimum of 177 students, prompting widespread calls for accountability. [2]
2025 – The university settles with more than half of the 296 plaintiffs, agreeing to pay over $60 million and to continue providing counseling and medical treatment to survivors. [2]
Sept 2025 – Attempts to serve a subpoena on Les Wexner fail, including a thwarted effort outside an Ohio State Board of Trustees meeting and two home‑service attempts by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. [1]
Dec 4, 2025 – Survivors protest outside the Board of Trustees meeting, demanding a subpoena for former trustee Wexner and highlighting the lasting psychological harm caused by Strauss’s abuse. [2]
Jan 9, 2026 – The U.S. House Oversight Committee issues subpoenas to several figures linked to Jeffrey Epstein, including Les Wexner, intensifying scrutiny of his connections to the abuse case. [1]
Jan 13, 2026 – U.S. District Judge Michael Watson rules that plaintiffs may subpoena Les Wexner in the Strauss class action, authorizing service by leaving the subpoena with security staff, mailing it to his address, or emailing his attorney. [1]
Jan 13, 2026 – Survivors and advocacy groups call for the removal of Wexner’s name from the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, citing his alleged ties to Epstein and the alleged cover‑up of Strauss’s misconduct. [1]