Ohio Politicians Scramble to Distance Themselves from Wexner's Ties to Epstein

Calls grow for investigation into the Epstein-Wexner connection, but political will may be lacking

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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In the wake of revelations about the relationship between billionaire Leslie Wexner and the late Jeffrey Epstein, Ohio politicians have rushed to distance themselves from Wexner's money, with some donating campaign contributions to charity. However, there are calls for a deeper investigation into the Epstein-Wexner connection, which some believe may uncover a complex web of secrets and intrigue that could rival the work of spy novelist John le Carré.

Why it matters

The Epstein-Wexner relationship has raised serious questions about the nature of their business dealings and potential wrongdoing. As one of Ohio's wealthiest and most influential individuals, Wexner's ties to Epstein have cast a shadow over the state's political landscape, prompting officials to scramble to disassociate themselves from the controversy.

The details

Epstein, a convicted sex offender, had close ties to Wexner, the founder of L Brands, which owns Victoria's Secret. Epstein was once Wexner's right-hand business associate and lived in New Albany, Ohio. The revelations about their relationship have led some Ohio politicians, such as State Treasurer Robert Sprague, to donate campaign contributions received from the Wexners to charity. However, there are calls for a deeper investigation into the Epstein-Wexner connection, which some believe could uncover a complex web of secrets and intrigue.

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

The players

Leslie H. Wexner

Billionaire and founder of L Brands, which owns Victoria's Secret. Wexner is often classified as Ohio's richest person and is a munificent philanthropist to Columbus institutions and causes.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who had close ties to Wexner and was once his right-hand business associate. Epstein lived in New Albany, Ohio.

Ghislaine Maxwell

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

Robert Sprague

Ohio State Treasurer and Republican candidate for Secretary of State, who donated $23,000 in campaign contributions received from the Wexners to a local charity.

Thomas Suddes

The author of the original opinion piece and a former legislative reporter.

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What they’re saying

“If the General Assembly's publicity hounds are really as desperate as they seem for ink and airtime, maybe they could set an investigation committee, like the General Assembly's 1985-86 Joint Select Committee on Savings and Loans, created after the 1985 collapse of Cincinnati-based Home State Savings Bank.”

— Thomas Suddes, Former legislative reporter (dispatch.com)

What’s next

The judge overseeing Ghislaine Maxwell's case is expected to rule on whether she will be granted bail in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The Epstein-Wexner connection has cast a long shadow over Ohio's political landscape, prompting some officials to distance themselves from Wexner's money. However, there are calls for a deeper, more comprehensive investigation into the nature of their relationship and the potential wrongdoing that may have occurred, which could uncover a complex web of secrets and intrigue.