More Epstein names released after lawmakers push amid congressional shift
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 12, 2026, 20:14 IST
Now emerging are more identities once hidden within documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein, disclosed by the U.S. Justice Department following legislative review of court-sealed material. Pressure built as officials called for openness, shifting focus toward earlier legal judgements made during prior investigations. Closer examination follows, sparked not by announcement but by release.
TL;DR
Federal authorities released additional names linked to Epstein following demands by Congress. Denials of misconduct have come from certain people identified in the files. Earlier omissions were necessary, according to the Justice Department, due to legal protections around personal information.
On Monday, the Justice Department released further names previously obscured in documents connected to financier Jeffrey Epstein. This followed pressure from members of Congress who examined full versions and urged broader disclosure. A 2019 FBI record identifies some of those named as purported associates in misconduct. Being mentioned there carries no determination of legal responsibility. Officials made clear such references are not evidence of conviction. Details emerged gradually, without fanfare, through routine procedural updates. Transparency unfolded slowly, shaped by oversight demands. Information appeared, then settled into public view.
Earlier drafts of the file kept certain people hidden, stated Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky during a discussion with CNN. Once members of Congress reviewed complete materials, additional identities emerged through official release. Among them: Les Wexner, a wealthy entrepreneur; Lesley Groff, who worked directly for Epstein; and Jean-Luc Brunel, once active in talent scouting. The network detailed these updates, verifying outreach had occurred to contacts linked to each individual mentioned.
A statement issued in December by counsel representing Wexler clarified that the ex-retail leader played no role as either focus or participant within the probe, yet engaged fully with officials. From another angle, Ms Groff's legal representative, Michael Bachner, indicated to CNN that access to the file had not occurred, although confirmation arrived, through informal channels, that no charges would follow her unsolicited discussion with investigative personnel.
Brunel faced arrest in 2020, accused of raping a young person. Despite claims of innocence, he was discovered lifeless inside a jail cell two years later. In 2022, authorities confirmed the cause as self-inflicted. The conclusion came after examination by a forensic doctor.
On social media, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the department now shows Les Wexner’s full name in the document, emphasising transparency since Wexner appeared earlier in disclosed files. Though redacted before, one obscured figure revealed by Blanche is Sultan Bin Sulayem, head of DP World, following open discussion among legislators. Despite these disclosures, officials have offered no explanation about an Epstein message involving a “torture video” directed at that individual.
Questions arose among members of Congress about inconsistent disclosure practices regarding certain names. During remarks delivered in session, Representative Ro Khanna of California pointed to legislative influence behind the release of extra details. A previously obscured document now includes six more people due to scrutiny from lawmakers. Decisions on what remained hidden drew attention across party lines.
A source knowledgeable about the review explained to CNN that privacy regulations mandated removal of specific details, particularly where messages included references to individuals said to be victims or locations not publicly known. Prior to arriving at the Justice Department, portions of several FBI files had already undergone editing by federal agents.
Now fresh enquiries return, prompted by newly available documents. A 2020 assessment within the Justice Department determined ex-U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta exercised weak judgement when arranging Epstein’s 2007 non-prosecution pact, yet found no ethical breach occurred. Instead of federal charges, that arrangement led to a conviction on state-level offences, followed by thirteen months under lockup. Although rules were not broken, choices made still draw scrutiny.
Last year, in front of Congress, Kash Patel, the head of the FBI, stated that no reliable proof emerged showing Epstein moved underage people to others. His words followed: "The moment such proof existed, prosecution would have happened immediately."
A document filed by prosecutors last week outlined claims involving Epstein and three others who were not named. From 2001 to 2005, these people supposedly worked together to bring in minors for sexual abuse. Names linked to the unlisted participants remain undisclosed so far. Though details exist, official confirmation about who they are has yet to appear.
Federal authorities released additional names linked to Epstein following demands by Congress. Denials of misconduct have come from certain people identified in the files. Earlier omissions were necessary, according to the Justice Department, due to legal protections around personal information.
On Monday, the Justice Department released further names previously obscured in documents connected to financier Jeffrey Epstein. This followed pressure from members of Congress who examined full versions and urged broader disclosure. A 2019 FBI record identifies some of those named as purported associates in misconduct. Being mentioned there carries no determination of legal responsibility. Officials made clear such references are not evidence of conviction. Details emerged gradually, without fanfare, through routine procedural updates. Transparency unfolded slowly, shaped by oversight demands. Information appeared, then settled into public view.
Earlier drafts of the file kept certain people hidden, stated Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky during a discussion with CNN. Once members of Congress reviewed complete materials, additional identities emerged through official release. Among them: Les Wexner, a wealthy entrepreneur; Lesley Groff, who worked directly for Epstein; and Jean-Luc Brunel, once active in talent scouting. The network detailed these updates, verifying outreach had occurred to contacts linked to each individual mentioned.
A statement issued in December by counsel representing Wexler clarified that the ex-retail leader played no role as either focus or participant within the probe, yet engaged fully with officials. From another angle, Ms Groff's legal representative, Michael Bachner, indicated to CNN that access to the file had not occurred, although confirmation arrived, through informal channels, that no charges would follow her unsolicited discussion with investigative personnel.
Brunel faced arrest in 2020, accused of raping a young person. Despite claims of innocence, he was discovered lifeless inside a jail cell two years later. In 2022, authorities confirmed the cause as self-inflicted. The conclusion came after examination by a forensic doctor.
On social media, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the department now shows Les Wexner’s full name in the document, emphasising transparency since Wexner appeared earlier in disclosed files. Though redacted before, one obscured figure revealed by Blanche is Sultan Bin Sulayem, head of DP World, following open discussion among legislators. Despite these disclosures, officials have offered no explanation about an Epstein message involving a “torture video” directed at that individual.
Questions arose among members of Congress about inconsistent disclosure practices regarding certain names. During remarks delivered in session, Representative Ro Khanna of California pointed to legislative influence behind the release of extra details. A previously obscured document now includes six more people due to scrutiny from lawmakers. Decisions on what remained hidden drew attention across party lines.
A source knowledgeable about the review explained to CNN that privacy regulations mandated removal of specific details, particularly where messages included references to individuals said to be victims or locations not publicly known. Prior to arriving at the Justice Department, portions of several FBI files had already undergone editing by federal agents.
Now fresh enquiries return, prompted by newly available documents. A 2020 assessment within the Justice Department determined ex-U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta exercised weak judgement when arranging Epstein’s 2007 non-prosecution pact, yet found no ethical breach occurred. Instead of federal charges, that arrangement led to a conviction on state-level offences, followed by thirteen months under lockup. Although rules were not broken, choices made still draw scrutiny.
Last year, in front of Congress, Kash Patel, the head of the FBI, stated that no reliable proof emerged showing Epstein moved underage people to others. His words followed: "The moment such proof existed, prosecution would have happened immediately."
A document filed by prosecutors last week outlined claims involving Epstein and three others who were not named. From 2001 to 2005, these people supposedly worked together to bring in minors for sexual abuse. Names linked to the unlisted participants remain undisclosed so far. Though details exist, official confirmation about who they are has yet to appear.