Epstein's Wexner Ties Remain Shrouded in Mystery

Experts say the full story may never emerge, except perhaps in a le Carré-class work of fiction.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The complex relationship between the late Jeffrey Epstein and Ohio billionaire Leslie Wexner remains largely opaque, with many unanswered questions about their business dealings and Epstein's operations in Ohio. Columnist Thomas Suddes argues that a thorough, unbiased investigation by Ohio lawmakers is unlikely, and that the true story may only ever be told through a work of high-caliber fiction.

Why it matters

Epstein's ties to Wexner and his activities in Ohio have been a source of intense public interest and speculation, with implications for the state's political and business elite. However, the reluctance of lawmakers to conduct a serious inquiry has left many unanswered questions and fueled conspiracy theories about what really happened.

The details

Epstein, a New York financier who died in federal custody in 2019, had close ties to Wexner, the founder of L Brands and one of Ohio's wealthiest individuals. Epstein lived in a mansion in New Albany, Ohio that was previously owned by Wexner, and was reportedly his right-hand business associate for a time. The nature of their relationship and Epstein's activities in Ohio remain murky, with little official investigation or transparency.

  • Epstein died in federal custody in Manhattan in 2019.
  • Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's longtime associate, is currently serving a 20-year sentence in a federal prison in Texas.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A New York financier who had close ties to Ohio billionaire Leslie Wexner before his death in federal custody in 2019.

Leslie H. Wexner

An Ohio billionaire and founder of L Brands, who had a complex business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's longtime associate who is currently serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison.

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What they’re saying

“Were the late John le Carré still among us – 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold,' and many other spy-fiction masterpieces – what a tale he might base on the Jeffrey Epstein/New Albany story, whatever it really is.”

— Thomas Suddes, Columnist (cleveland.com)

What’s next

A fair, in-depth Statehouse look-see at Epstein's Ohio operations is unlikely, according to the columnist, as Ohio lawmakers seem more interested in political grandstanding than conducting a serious investigation.

The takeaway

The full story of Epstein's ties to Wexner and his activities in Ohio may never be known, as the reluctance of lawmakers to conduct a thorough, unbiased investigation has left many unanswered questions and fueled conspiracy theories. The truth may only emerge, if at all, in a work of high-caliber fiction.