On Monday, Representative Thomas Massie named 14 individuals for investigation regarding their alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender. The Kentucky Republican aims to push the release of more government documents related to Epstein.
Massie, in his statements on the House floor, highlighted that a year had passed since President Donald Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This legislation, initiated by Massie and California Democrat Ro Khanna, required the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release its files related to Epstein. Despite this, Massie stated, “The government continues to withhold over three million files.”
Massie announced the introduction of the Epstein Files Transparency Act II. This act seeks to involve state courts, ensure accountability from the Department of Justice, and provide closure for survivors. “We want perpetrators of these crimes to be investigated and prosecuted,” he stated.
Massie listed 14 people whom he referred to as Epstein’s “co-conspirators.” However, he did not establish that they committed any crime. Being mentioned in connections to Epstein does not imply guilt. Some named individuals have not faced charges related to Epstein and deny any wrongdoing.
“We want perpetrators of these crimes to be investigated and prosecuted.” – Representative Thomas Massie
Massie named the following individuals: Jes Staley, Leon Black, Les Wexner, David Copperfield, Lapo Elkann, Tom Pritzker, Glenn Dubin, Frédéric Fekkai, Eduardo Teodorani, Jean-Luc Brunel, Daniel Siad, Ramsey Elkholy, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and Lesley Groff. Newsweek contacted representatives for these individuals, aside from Brunel and Siad, who are deceased. As a Congress member, Massie’s comments are protected by the “speech or debate clause” in the Constitution, safeguarding him from civil or criminal penalties for his House floor speeches.
Massie is gathering 218 signatures for a discharge petition to force a House vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II. He states the legislation allows state attorneys general to access Epstein files, aiding in the prosecution of perpetrators under state law and simplifying the process for survivors to obtain their files.
- Jes Staley: Staley is a former JP Morgan banking executive. He maintained a professional relationship with Epstein, claiming unawareness of Epstein’s crimes. Reviewed allegations against him did not lead to charges. He denied wrongdoing and faced criticism in 2021 over misleading information about his relationship with Epstein, resulting in a ban on holding senior financial roles in the UK.
- Leon Black: Black, former chief executive of Apollo Global Management, left his position in 2021 amid scrutiny over his Epstein ties. Black denied knowledge of Epstein’s wrongdoings until 2019, asserting he never engaged in illegal activities with Epstein.
- Les Wexner: Wexner, a billionaire retail mogul, was accused by Virginia Giuffre of being trafficked by Epstein. Wexner denied involvement, testifying his loyalty to his wife and cooperation with authorities.
- David Copperfield: Copperfield, a magician, is in DOJ documents featuring photos with him on Epstein’s island. A 2019 FBI document linked him to a rape investigation involving Epstein, but prosecutors closed the case due to intimidation by Copperfield’s financial resources.
- Lapo Elkann: Elkann, an Italian businessman and heir to the Fiat fortune, is in Epstein’s files but has not been accused of any crime related to Epstein.
- Tom Pritzker: Pritzker, former CEO of Hyatt Hotels, admitted poor judgment in maintaining contact with Epstein. He condemned Epstein’s actions and showed remorse for the victims.
- Glenn Dubin: Dubin, a hedge fund manager, was accused by Giuffre of sexual encounters orchestrated by Epstein. Dubin denied the allegations, calling them false and defamatory.
- Frédéric Fekkai: Kellen accused Fekkai of assault in the 2000s. Fekkai denied the allegations, facing no charges.
- Eduardo Teodorani: Teodorani, an Italian businessman, appeared in Epstein’s files but is not charged with any crime.
- Jean-Luc Brunel: Brunel, a modeling agent, died in prison in 2022 while awaiting trial for rape and trafficking minors. Giuffre testified to Brunel’s involvement in trafficking girls for Epstein.
- Daniel Siad: Siad, a modeling scout, appeared frequently in Epstein’s files. He was found dead in France while under investigation for rape and trafficking, denying the accusations in an earlier interview.
- Ramsey Elkholy: Elkholy, a band founder and former modeling agent, corresponded with Epstein about access to models. He regretted his language in emails but denied knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.
- Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: Massie suggested investigating the former Prince Andrew in the U.S. over alleged sex crimes. Mountbatten-Windsor has not faced charges but was investigated for misconduct related to Epstein. He denied allegations and settled a lawsuit filed by Giuffre while denying liability.
- Lesley Groff: Groff, Epstein’s former secretary, testified she lacked knowledge of his offenses. Although scrutinized due to a plea deal, she denied wrongdoing and faced no charges.
Contact Newsweek editors Matthew Robinson and Dave Siminoff for further details on this development.