The BareStory
The House Oversight Committee issued subpoenas on Friday to three individuals identified as key associates of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The committee demanded testimony from billionaire Les Wexner, who was a financial client of Epstein, as well as Epstein’s former lawyer Darren Indyke and accountant Richard Kahn. According to the schedule, Wexner, Kahn, and Indyke are expected to appear for testimony in February and March.
The subpoenas followed a vote by the committee earlier in the week to recommend holding former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress. The panel took action after the Clintons declined to appear for in-person testimony regarding the investigation, though they did submit sworn declarations. The recommendation to hold the former president in contempt received bipartisan support, with nine Democrats joining Republicans, while three Democrats voted with the majority regarding the former secretary of state. A full House vote would be required to formally hold them in contempt.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated on Thursday that the Clintons are "working in good faith" to reach an accommodation regarding their testimony and characterized the contempt effort as lacking credibility. In contrast, a committee spokesperson stated that attorneys for the Clintons had not been in contact with the panel since the vote occurred.
Regarding the newly subpoenaed associates, an attorney for Indyke and Kahn stated that his clients intend to cooperate. However, the attorney called the allegations within the subpoenas "false," asserting that the men were unaware of Epstein’s illicit actions while providing professional services. Rep. Robert Garcia, the committee’s top Democrat, stated that Democrats had fought for the subpoenas and would continue to seek answers. Additionally, Ghislaine Maxwell is scheduled to appear before the committee on February 9.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
You may receive new details regarding the Epstein investigation as subpoenas compel testimony from his financial client, lawyer, and accountant in February and March.
The progression of contempt measures against former officials could clarify legal standards for when sworn declarations are insufficient compared to in-person congressional testimony.
Bipartisan support for these investigative steps suggests you may see continued legislative action and cooperation regarding inquiries into alleged sex trafficking networks and high-profile individuals.
