Cerner Co-Founder Denies Ties to Epstein After Name Appears in Files

Cliff Illig says his name was included in documents as part of a failed investment pitch, not due to any association with the disgraced financier.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Cliff Illig, the co-founder of Kansas City-based healthcare technology company Cerner, has issued a statement denying any association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Illig's name appeared in a recent release of Epstein-related documents by the Department of Justice, but Illig claims this was due to an unrelated investment pitch made to him about a decade ago, which he says he had no knowledge of.

Why it matters

Illig's statement aims to distance himself from the Epstein scandal, which has ensnared numerous high-profile individuals. As a prominent Kansas City businessman, Illig likely wants to protect his reputation and that of his company Cerner, which is one of the region's largest employers.

The details

According to Illig, about 10 years ago, a bank marketed investments to people across the country, including Epstein. Illig's name was included as a 'prospect' for these investments, but he claims he had no knowledge of this. Illig says the over 300 pages from the DOJ that mention his name are mostly duplicates and are associated with the proposed investments, not any direct connection to Epstein.

  • About a decade ago, Illig's name was included in an investment pitch related to Epstein.

The players

Cliff Illig

The co-founder of Cerner, a major healthcare technology company based in Kansas City, Missouri.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier whose connections to high-profile individuals have sparked numerous scandals.

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What they’re saying

“I want to unequivocally state that I have had zero association with Jeffrey Epstein.”

— Cliff Illig, Cerner Co-Founder (kctv5.com)

“Simply put, the documents reflect a one-way effort by investment bankers to reach me, an attempted connection that never occurred.”

— Cliff Illig, Cerner Co-Founder (kctv5.com)

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges high-profile individuals can face when their names are associated with controversial figures like Jeffrey Epstein, even tangentially. Illig's swift response aims to protect his reputation and that of his company Cerner, underscoring the importance of clear communication when dealing with such sensitive matters.