DOJ Releases Names of Epstein 'Co-Conspirators'

Lawmakers had complained about redactions in the Epstein files.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Justice Department has released the names of three people the FBI once called co-conspirators of Jeffrey Epstein, following complaints from lawmakers that the names had been improperly withheld. The newly released document shows eight people were listed as co-conspirators, including billionaire Les Wexner, Epstein's longtime secretary Lesley Groff, the late modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, and Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of sex trafficking charges.

Why it matters

The release of these names is significant as it provides more transparency around the Epstein investigation and the individuals who may have been involved in his criminal activities. It also highlights ongoing efforts by lawmakers to ensure full disclosure of information related to the Epstein case.

The details

The DOJ unredacted portions of an August 2019 FBI internal document that included a reference to Wexner as a co-conspirator, following complaints from Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna that the department had violated the Epstein Files Transparency Act by redacting the names. The document also listed Groff, Brunel, and Maxwell as co-conspirators, though four other names remain redacted. Wexner's legal representative said he was told in 2019 that Wexner was neither a co-conspirator nor target. Groff's attorney said she was unaware of being considered a co-conspirator. Brunel died by suicide in 2022 while awaiting trial on charges related to Epstein.

  • The DOJ unredacted the document on February 11, 2026.
  • Wexner is scheduled to be deposed by the House Oversight Committee next week.

The players

Les Wexner

The former CEO of Victoria's Secret who had a long relationship with Epstein dating back to the 1980s.

Lesley Groff

Epstein's longtime secretary who has denied any knowledge of his criminal activities.

Jean-Luc Brunel

A modeling agent who had a lengthy relationship with Epstein and died by suicide in 2022 while awaiting trial on charges related to Epstein.

Ghislaine Maxwell

The only person charged in connection with Epstein, who was convicted of sex trafficking charges and is serving a 20-year prison sentence.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

An influential Emirati businessman who had exchanges with Epstein, though he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

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What they’re saying

“In fact, neither Lesley nor her counsel were ever notified by law enforcement that she was considered an Epstein co-conspirator. On the contrary, after Lesley voluntarily spoke with prosecutors, and answered each and every question asked of her, she was told that she was not being prosecuted.”

— Michael Bachner, Groff's attorney (NBC News)

What’s next

Wexner is scheduled to be deposed by the House Oversight Committee next week.

The takeaway

The release of these names provides more transparency around the Epstein investigation and the individuals who may have been involved in his criminal activities, though questions remain about the full extent of their involvement and the reasons behind the redactions.