Ohio State Gynecology Head Received Payments from Epstein

Department of Justice files show Jeffrey Epstein made regular payments to the chair of OSU's obstetrics and gynecology department.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein paid Ohio State University's head of gynecology, Mark Landon, quarterly payments of thousands of dollars between 2001 and 2005, according to Department of Justice files. Landon, a physician and professor at OSU, said the payments were for consulting work and that he had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes. The files also show Epstein spent over $200 mailing items to Landon's home during that time period.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the extent of Epstein's connections to prominent figures and institutions, as well as concerns about potential conflicts of interest or unethical relationships between Epstein and medical professionals. It also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in higher education institutions when it comes to accepting payments or gifts from controversial individuals.

The details

According to the released files, Landon received as much as $25,000 every few months from Epstein in the early 2000s. Landon said the payments were for consulting work and that he had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes. The files also show Epstein spent over $200 mailing items to Landon's Columbus home between June 2001 and April 2005, though the contents of the packages were not detailed.

  • Landon received quarterly payments from Epstein between 2001 and 2005.
  • Epstein spent over $200 mailing items to Landon's home between June 2001 and April 2005.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who paid quarterly payments to the head of gynecology at Ohio State University.

Mark Landon

A physician and professor at Ohio State University who was the chair of the obstetrics and gynecology department and received payments from Jeffrey Epstein.

Les Wexner

A businessman who was Epstein's only public client, with Epstein helping Wexner manage the billions he made running retailers The Limited and Victoria's Secret. Wexner is also the namesake for Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center, where Landon has worked since 1987.

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What they’re saying

“I did not provide any clinical care for Jeffrey Epstein or any of his victims. I was a paid consultant for the New York Strategy Group regarding potential biotech investments from 2001 to 2005. I had no knowledge of any criminal activities; I find them reprehensible, and I feel terrible for Epstein's victims.”

— Mark Landon, Physician and Professor, Ohio State University (WCMH)

“I am embarrassed that, like so many others, I was deceived by Mr. Epstein. I know now that my trust in him was grossly misplaced and I deeply regret having ever crossed his path.”

— Les Wexner (WCMH)

What’s next

The House has issued a subpoena for Les Wexner to testify before Congress in the Epstein investigation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in higher education institutions when it comes to accepting payments or gifts from controversial individuals, as well as the far-reaching connections and influence of Jeffrey Epstein.