Les Wexner to Testify in Closed‑Door Ohio Committee Hearing on Epstein Ties

Updated 2026-02-18 05:03:20+00:00 (4 articles)

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Closed‑Door Deposition Set for Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 Les Wexner, 88, will appear before the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in New Albany, Ohio, in a closed‑door hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 [1][2]. The committee issued a subpoena on Jan. 23, and Wexner’s counsel confirmed he will comply and answer questions about his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein [2]. A written transcript will be released to the public after the private session concludes [2][3].

Wexner’s Historical Financial Relationship With Epstein Detailed in DOJ Files DOJ documents released this week reference Wexner more than 1,000 times, outlining a financial partnership that began in the mid‑1980s and ended in 2007 when Epstein was dismissed for theft [1]. Epstein held power of attorney for Wexner starting in 1991 and continued limited contact, including an email from Wexner to Epstein in June 2008 after Epstein’s 2008 plea deal [1]. The files also note that the Justice Department does not view Epstein’s operation as a trafficking ring, contradicting earlier victim claims [1].

Congressional Subpoena Frames Wexner as Information Source, Not Target Wexner’s lawyer cited a 2019 Assistant U.S. Attorney who described his client as a source of information on Epstein rather than a criminal target, and said Wexner has fully cooperated by providing background material [2]. No criminal charges have been filed against Wexner in connection with Epstein’s alleged sex‑trafficking activities [2]. Maxwell’s August FBI interview, referenced by the committee, described Wexner as Epstein’s “closest friend” and noted complex trusts set up for him [2].

Ohio Politicians Return or Donate Wexner Contributions Ahead of Hearing Several Ohio legislators, including Rep. Mike Carey and Sen. Beth Liston, announced they will donate their $1,000‑$10,000 contributions from Wexner to charities supporting trafficking survivors or youth [3]. Senator Jon Husted pledged to give his $3,500 contribution to charity, and the mayor of Columbus declined to comment on his own donation while condemning Epstein’s crimes [3]. Legal analyst Pamella Seay explained that Wexner retains Fifth‑Amendment rights during the deposition but lacks a Sixth‑Amendment right to a speedy trial [3].

Survivors and Legal Experts Cite New Records for Accountability Survivors such as Maria Farmer referenced a redacted FBI report in the newly released DOJ files as validation of early complaints and urged further accountability [1]. Attorney Seay highlighted the deposition’s purpose: to determine what Wexner knew about Epstein’s activities and whether he referred others to the financier [3]. The combined testimony and public transcript are expected to inform ongoing lawsuits seeking to remove Wexner’s name from Ohio State University facilities [1].

Sources

Timeline

Mid‑1980s – Wexner begins a financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, who later serves as his adviser, laying the groundwork for later scrutiny of their ties. [1][2]

1991 – Epstein receives power of attorney over Wexner’s assets, deepening his control of the billionaire’s wealth. [1]

2007 – Wexner fires Epstein after discovering theft, ending the formal advisory role but not all contact. [1]

June 2008 – Wexner emails Epstein following Epstein’s plea deal, indicating continued communication despite termination. [1]

2019 (early) – Federal authorities arrest Epstein on sex‑trafficking charges, reigniting public focus on his network. [2][4]

August 2019 – Ghislaine Maxwell tells FBI investigators that Epstein considered Wexner his “closest friend” and set up complex trusts for him, linking Wexner to Epstein’s financial structures. [2]

2019 (later) – Epstein dies in a New York jail cell, ruled a suicide, leaving many unanswered questions about his associates. [2][4]

2019 – A 2019 Assistant U.S. Attorney informs Wexner’s counsel that he is viewed only as an information source, not a target, shaping his later cooperation stance. [2]

July 2025 – Ohio Senator Jon Husted receives a $3,500 contribution from Wexner and later pledges to donate it to charity amid mounting pressure. [3]

July 2025 – Several Ohio legislators (Mike Carey, Joyce Beatty, Troy Balderson, Michele Reynolds, Beth Liston, Shannon Hardin) announce returning Wexner donations ranging $1,000‑$10,000 to survivor charities, reflecting political fallout. [3]

Jan 23, 2026 – The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee issues a subpoena to Wexner, labeling him an information source and demanding his testimony. [2][4]

Jan 8, 2026 – The committee votes to issue subpoenas for Wexner and Epstein’s estate executors; Rep. Robert Garcia proposes the amendment and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna backs it, aiming to trace money and enforce accountability. [4]

Feb 16, 2026 – Ohio officials publicly return or donate Wexner contributions; Husted confirms his donation, while Mayor Andrew Ginther condemns Epstein’s crimes but does not disclose his own donation status, underscoring political sensitivity. [3]

Feb 18, 2026 – Wexner appears in a closed‑door deposition before the Ohio House Oversight Committee, stating he will cooperate with the subpoena and denying any meeting with Virginia Giuffre, while survivors cite the new DOJ files as vindication. [1][2]

Feb 18, 2026 (later) – The committee announces that a transcript of Wexner’s deposition will be released publicly after the private hearing, promising further transparency. [2][3]