House Democrats Say Wexner Questions Shouldn't Stop with Congress

Lawmakers say Ohio community deserves answers on Wexner's ties to Jeffrey Epstein

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Members of Congress who deposed Ohio retail billionaire Les Wexner about his financial ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein say the questions shouldn't stop with lawmakers. Democratic representatives said the New Albany community and Ohio State University should also be asking Wexner about why his money was used to support Epstein's sex trafficking operation.

Why it matters

Wexner's deep connections and influence in central Ohio, including his name on numerous buildings and institutions, have raised concerns about the extent of his relationship with Epstein and whether the community was aware of or complicit in Epstein's crimes. The deposition is part of a broader Congressional investigation into Epstein's activities and the role of his wealthy associates.

The details

Wexner, 88, was deposed for several hours by the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform about his financial support of Epstein, including allegations that Epstein assaulted a woman on Wexner's New Albany property. Records reviewed by the committee indicate Wexner gave Epstein around $1 billion through stocks, transfers and gifts, though Wexner claimed he wasn't aware of much of the money going to Epstein. Lawmakers said Epstein would not have been able to operate his sex trafficking ring without Wexner's financial support.

  • On February 18, 2026, Wexner was deposed by the House committee in New Albany, Ohio.

The players

Les Wexner

An 88-year-old Ohio retail billionaire who had close financial ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Dave Min

A Democratic U.S. Representative from California who was part of the Congressional delegation that deposed Wexner.

Robert Garcia

The Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, a Democratic U.S. Representative from California.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who operated a large sex trafficking ring, and who received significant financial support from Wexner.

Andrew Ginther

The Mayor of Columbus, Ohio, who has received over $150,000 in campaign donations from Wexner over the last 10 years.

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What they’re saying

“When I got off the plane, I saw Wexner's name all over the place. His name is on buildings, it's on medical centers. You immediately realize when you come to Columbus what a powerful individual this is.”

— Dave Min, U.S. Representative, California (dispatch.com)

“This community should also be asking questions. This community deserves to know why the most powerful man and one of the richest men, if not the richest man in Ohio, gave so much of his wealth to the largest modern sex trafficking ring in American history. Why his money was used to traffic, abuse and rape women and children.”

— Robert Garcia, Ranking Member, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (dispatch.com)

What’s next

The House committee said the deposition of Wexner is just the beginning of their investigation, and they will continue to seek answers from Wexner and others about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

The takeaway

Wexner's deep influence and connections in central Ohio have raised serious questions about the community's awareness and potential complicity in the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein, who relied heavily on Wexner's financial support. The Congressional investigation is just the start, as local institutions and the public also demand accountability.