Former Epstein executive secretary tells Oversight Committee he was a ‘master manipulator’

Former Epstein Executive Secretary Details Role in Oversight Committee Testimony

Former Epstein executive secretary tells Oversight - Lesley Groff, the long-time executive secretary of Jeffrey Epstein, provided testimony before the House Oversight Committee on Tuesday, describing her former boss as a "master manipulator" and asserting her lack of awareness regarding his crimes, as reported by multiple sources close to the closed-door session. The testimony formed part of the committee's extensive probe into how the federal government managed investigations into Epstein and his alleged accomplices, a process that has already involved interviews with former Attorney General Pam Bondi, Epstein’s personal assistant Sarah Kellen, and a prison guard present during the night of his death in a jail cell.

Key Responsibilities and Testimony Context

Groff, who served Epstein for over 18 years in New York, was once referred to by her employer as an "extension of my brain," highlighting her integral role in managing his affairs. Among her duties were coordinating Epstein’s frequent meetings with prominent figures such as celebrities, scientists, and politicians, arranging his daily massage appointments, and overseeing travel for women associated with him. She was identified as one of four women named in Epstein’s 2007 non-prosecution agreement, a document that drew criticism for its leniency. Federal prosecutors had previously stated that "numerous victims indicated Groff played a role in scheduling massages during which they were sexually abused."

“I never had a romantic or sexual relationship with Epstein,” Groff told lawmakers, according to sources.

During her testimony, Groff emphasized that the massage appointments she organized for Epstein involved young women and girls, but she insisted they were conducted by professionals. She could not recall scheduling massages for anyone other than Epstein and Kathy Ruemmler, the former chief counsel at Goldman Sachs. Groff claimed the masseuses were both male and female, and that Epstein provided her with the names of therapists, instructing her to arrange the sessions. She testified that most of these appointments occurred at a spa in New York, though she acknowledged not meeting any of the therapists in person.

Payment Methods and Co-Conspirator Allegations

According to sources, Groff believed Epstein or his associate Bella Klein handled payments for the massage sessions using "petty cash." She occasionally sent cash to therapists via couriers, she said, but did not confirm whether these payments were part of a larger scheme. Groff also mentioned that she was unaware of her inclusion in the 2008 non-prosecution agreement as a co-conspirator, describing it as a "scarlet letter" she still carries today. The agreement, which Epstein’s legal team negotiated, reportedly shielded him from prosecution for certain charges, despite allegations of widespread abuse.

Groff recounted that Epstein informed her of his blackmail during his 2006 arrest, a detail that resonated with her understanding of his operations. She further stated that after the 2008 plea deal, Epstein reiterated his claim of being blackmailed. Her relationship with Epstein, she said, was strictly professional, and he had pressured her to avoid interactions with his friends and colleagues, including Ghislaine Maxwell, his associate. “He insisted their business was none of my business,” one source noted.

Committee’s Focus on Accountability

House Oversight Chairman James Comer expressed confidence in Groff’s potential to contribute critical insights, stating that “information she provides is very valuable to our investigation.” Comer emphasized the committee’s commitment to conducting “the most thorough examination of Epstein’s criminal activities ever undertaken,” and highlighted their efforts to bring in key individuals from his network. “We’re ensuring accountability for those who played roles in his operations,” he said, underscoring the goal of revealing the truth to the American public.

“We’re bringing in the most important people in the entire Epstein criminal enterprise that are still alive,” Comer remarked. “Our aim is to get the truth out and create opportunities for justice.”

Comer also noted that the committee’s interviews had covered a range of perspectives, from government officials to prison staff, in an effort to build a comprehensive understanding of Epstein’s influence. Groff’s testimony, which included her description of Epstein’s “large” massage list, was presented as part of this broader narrative. She suggested that Epstein’s extensive network, which spanned globally, was not unusual, and that his ability to connect with influential figures made his operations complex.

Allegations from Epstein Survivors

Epstein survivor Marina Lacerda, who testified at a Capitol press conference last September, specifically targeted Groff during the hearing. Lacerda claimed that Groff had called her multiple times to Epstein’s residence for massages, which she argued led to her dropping out of high school before completing the ninth grade. While Groff did not directly address Lacerda’s claims, her testimony provided a glimpse into the dynamics of Epstein’s inner circle, where trust and secrecy seemed to be central to their operations.

Groff’s account also touched on her decision to resign in 2019, following Epstein’s second arrest. She described her relationship with Epstein as business-focused, but admitted that his influence extended beyond professional boundaries. The committee’s focus on Groff and others like her reflects a broader effort to uncover the mechanisms through which Epstein’s criminal activities were facilitated, including the role of intermediaries who may have been complicit or unaware of the full extent of his crimes.

As the inquiry continues, Groff’s testimony offers both support for Epstein’s claims of being blackmailed and insight into the systems he used to maintain control. The committee’s ongoing interviews with individuals linked to Epstein’s network aim to piece together a clearer picture of how his alleged misconduct was concealed and managed. With each new statement, the investigation inches closer to revealing the intricate web of relationships and responsibilities that shaped Epstein’s criminal enterprise.

Implications for the Investigation

Experts have noted that Groff’s testimony could provide crucial evidence about Epstein’s operational strategies. Her role as an administrative liaison suggests she may have been privy to information that could corroborate or challenge existing narratives. The committee’s attention to her account highlights the importance of understanding the logistical and social structures that enabled Epstein’s crimes, from scheduling to payment methods.

While Groff maintains she was not aware of Epstein’s full criminal activities, her testimony has raised questions about the extent of her involvement. The contrast between her claims and Lacerda’s allegations underscores the complexity of the case, where multiple perspectives exist. As the Oversight Committee continues its work, the focus remains on uncovering the truth and holding individuals accountable for their roles in Epstein’s alleged misconduct.

Groff’s participation in the hearing, which she did not comment on during her arrival, marks a significant step in the federal government’s pursuit of clarity. The committee’s efforts to interrogate key figures like Groff are part of a larger strategy to ensure that all layers of Epstein’s network are examined, with the hope of delivering a definitive account of his actions to the public. As the investigation unfolds, the testimony of individuals like Groff will remain central to understanding the scope of Epstein’s influence and the mechanisms that allowed his crimes to persist for years.