Ohio Billionaire Les Wexner Named as Potential Co-Conspirator in FBI Epstein Investigation

Leslie “Les” Wexner, Ohio’s richest man, was identified as a potential co-conspirator in a 2019 FBI email about Jeffrey Epstein. The email was part of the latest document release from the Department of Justice. It shows federal agents were actively investigating his connection to the case.

An FBI agent in New York requested an update on ten alleged co-conspirators. The email exchange happened in July 2019. One reply stated investigators did not know if authorities in Ohio had contacted Wexner.

The email also listed names like “Brunel” and “Maxwell.” These refer to Jean-Luc Brunel and Ghislaine Maxwell. Both were associates of the late convicted sex offender.

FBI Probe Focused on Key Figures

Another email from that week mentioned attempts to reach all ten individuals. It noted a “wealthy businessman in Ohio” had not yet been subpoenaed. According to The New York Times, this clearly pointed to Wexner.

The documents are heavily redacted. They were released under a new transparency law passed by Congress. This is part of the ongoing public disclosure of files related to Epstein’s network.

Wexner’s Legal Team Responds to Allegations

Wexner’s lawyer immediately addressed the email’s contents. They stated the lead federal prosecutor at the time cleared Wexner. The attorney said Wexner was told he was not a target or a co-conspirator.

The legal team emphasized Wexner’s full cooperation. He provided background information on Epstein to investigators. They claim he was never contacted by the FBI again after his initial assistance.

Les Wexner was Epstein’s only known financial client for years. The relationship began in the late 1980s. Wexner gave Epstein sweeping power over his finances and philanthropy.

History of a Problematic Financial Advisor

Reports indicate Wexner was warned about Epstein early on. He appointed him as his financial advisor regardless. Epstein is accused of misappropriating vast sums from Wexner’s fortune over decades.

Epstein remained Wexner’s manager until at least 2007. Records show a $2.5 million donation from Wexner’s foundation to Ohio State University was funneled through Epstein’s charity that year.

Who Is Retail Tycoon Les Wexner?

Leslie Herbert Wexner is an American retail magnate. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1937. He founded iconic brands like The Limited, Victoria’s Secret, and Bath & Body Works.

His influence in central Ohio is immense. The Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University bears his family name. His development company shaped the affluent suburb of New Albany.

Wexner claims he cut ties with Epstein after his 2006 Florida plea deal. The new documents show the FBI was still examining their connection years later. The investigation continued until Epstein’s death in jail in August 2019.

The identification of Les Wexner in the FBI Epstein investigation highlights the sprawling scope of the probe into the financier’s associates. The released emails confirm federal scrutiny reached the highest levels of wealth and influence, though Wexner has not been charged with any crime.