Epstein’s longtime assistant accused three previously unknown abusers connected to him, Oversight chair says

Epstein’s Assistant Unveils Three New Alleged Abusers in Ongoing Investigation

Epstein s longtime assistant accused three - House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer hailed a critical development in the probe into Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities, as his longtime assistant, Sarah Kellen, revealed three previously unidentified individuals allegedly linked to the convicted sex offender’s network. The names, which Comer described as a "promising lead," were shared during a private session on Thursday, though the chairman chose not to disclose them immediately. Instead, he promised to release a transcript of the interview shortly, emphasizing the importance of the information for the committee’s ongoing inquiries.

Testimony Sparks Shift in Perception of Kellen’s Role

Kellen, who has long been a focal point of Epstein’s scandal, presented herself as a victim of the late financier’s abuse during her testimony. While she had been previously identified as a potential co-conspirator in 2007 by law enforcement, her account of personal suffering now challenges that narrative. Comer noted that Kellen’s testimony was "the most substantive and productive" they had received, crediting her bravery in detailing the abuse she endured. “She was very brave coming forward,” he said, highlighting the emotional toll of recounting her experiences with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

“I want this Committee to know that the abuse happened on average on a weekly basis, and was at times violent,” Kellen stated in her opening remarks. “It included Jeffrey entering my room in the middle of the night and putting his fingers inside me, waking me up from my sleep. It included an occasion in Palm Beach when he trapped me in the gym by lowering the metal hurricane shutter, blasted the music so loud that no one could hear, choked me, and violently raped me.”

Kellen’s testimony painted a vivid picture of her ordeal, describing how Epstein’s grip on her life was unrelenting. She recounted being trapped in a gym during a late-night incident in Palm Beach, where Epstein allegedly used a metal shutter to isolate her, then subjected her to physical and psychological abuse. Additionally, she claimed the abuse extended to Epstein’s New Mexico ranch, a location currently under state investigation. “I had nowhere else to go. I had no money, no family, no education, and no sense that I deserved any better,” she said, according to the transcript.

Comer also revealed that the Justice Department had only interviewed Kellen in 2019, calling this delay a "clear example of how the investigation was mishandled." This timeline, he argued, underscores the government’s failure to fully uncover Epstein’s network of abusers earlier. “More evidence emerges every time we bring somebody in that the government failed the victims. That’s the obvious,” Comer added, reflecting on the broader implications of the case.

Contradictory Accounts and Questions Remain

Despite Kellen’s claims of victimhood, some lawmakers have raised questions about her role in Epstein’s operations. Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi urged the committee to consider subpoenaing Kellen for further questioning, pointing to unaddressed details in her testimony. “What I want to hear is more discussion about other actors, other entities, other women, and who else was involved in this,” Krishnamoorthi said, emphasizing the need for a deeper exploration of the network.

A separate source familiar with Kellen’s testimony noted that while she was open about her own experiences, she hesitated to share information about others. “She was willing to answer questions about her own abuse, but would not elaborate on the suffering of other women under Epstein’s influence,” the source told CNN. This reluctance has sparked debate about the completeness of the evidence presented so far.

During the session, Kellen also addressed the involvement of President Donald Trump, stating she had not witnessed any inappropriate behavior by him. However, she did not rule out the possibility of indirect connections, leaving room for speculation. Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury, who probed Kellen’s experiences at Epstein’s New Mexico ranch, noted that the assistant’s testimony added weight to the ongoing state inquiry. “Kellen said that was one of the places she was abused by Epstein,” Stansbury reported, underscoring the relevance of the ranch in the broader investigation.

Legal and Political Implications of the Testimony

The revelation of three new names has reignited discussions about Epstein’s accomplices and the extent of his influence. Comer suggested these individuals might have been overlooked in earlier investigations, but their inclusion could reshape the narrative of the case. “This was by far the most productive interview we’ve had,” Comer said, acknowledging Kellen’s pivotal role in uncovering new layers of the scandal.

Meanwhile, the testimony has also cast light on Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate. Kellen’s remarks included a direct critique of Maxwell, asserting that she "turned Epstein into the monster he became." This statement, which Comer relayed to CNN, highlights the contentious relationship between the two figures and raises questions about Maxwell’s accountability. The Justice Department has not yet responded to CNN’s request for comment, leaving the claims to be evaluated in the coming days.

Lawmakers have also expressed concern over the handling of Epstein’s case, with some criticizing the lack of early involvement with Kellen. Comer pointed to the 2019 interview as a missed opportunity to gather critical evidence earlier. “It’s clear that the government’s approach was flawed,” he argued, suggesting that Kellen’s testimony could serve as a turning point in the investigation.

As the committee continues its work, the focus remains on connecting the dots between Epstein, his associates, and the victims. Kellen’s detailed accounts provide a foundation for further inquiry, but they also leave unresolved questions about the broader scope of the abuse. Her admission that she was not aware she would be named in Epstein’s non-prosecution agreement adds another dimension to the story, illustrating the complexity of her relationship with the financier.

With the new names and testimonies, the House Oversight Committee appears to be gaining momentum in its efforts to expose Epstein’s network. However, the path forward will require careful analysis of the evidence and a commitment to transparency. As Comer noted, the case has now evolved from one of suspicion to one of substantiated claims. “I’m more optimistic today than I have been a long time,” he said, signaling a renewed sense of purpose in the investigation.

For Kellen, the testimony represents a step toward reclaiming her narrative. Her willingness to speak openly about the abuse she endured, even as she acknowledges the challenges of her past, underscores the personal and political stakes of the case. The committee’s next steps will likely include follow-up interviews and a deeper examination of the new leads, aiming to build a comprehensive picture of Epstein’s criminal activities. The public will be watching closely as the story unfolds, with the hope that the victims’ voices will shape the outcome of the investigation.