WASHINGTON (AP) — Darren Indyke, Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime personal attorney, testified to a House committee that he was unaware of the late financier’s sexual abuse of underage girls at the time it was happening, a stance many connected to Epstein have echoed.
Indyke, who worked as Epstein’s attorney for around two decades, informed the House Oversight Committee that he had had no knowledge whatsoever of the abuse and indicated he would have terminated his services had he known about the trafficking of women and minors.
Several of Epstein's associates, including his former accountant Richard Kahn and major client Les Wexner, have reportedly maintained similar positions during their testimonies, claiming ignorance of Epstein's illicit activities.
Democratic lawmakers expressed deep frustration during Indyke’s deposition, critiquing his defensive posture under questioning. As executors of Epstein’s estate, both Indyke and Kahn were expected to shed light on the financier's misconduct, but lawmakers have struggled to extract meaningful disclosures.
Rep. James Comer, the House Oversight Committee chair, noted that witnesses routinely claim they were oblivious to Epstein's exploitation until it became public knowledge. Indyke also responded that his continued association with Epstein was based on Epstein's portrayal of his prior conviction as a one-time error, for which he was remorseful.
Democrats accuse Indyke and Kahn of potentially being complicit in a cover-up for Epstein. Lawmakers pointed out the repeated declarations of ignorance raised questions about their credibility, with Rep. Dave Min stating, These people are going to lie to us over and over and over.
Indyke and Kahn have faced legal consequences, agreeing to a $35 million settlement regarding claims from Epstein’s abuse victims while denying any wrongdoing.
A Push for Greater Transparency
Amid these testimonies, Democratic lawmakers are pushing for the release of documents linked to Epstein’s estate, which Indyke indicated he is ready to provide, pending guidance from the Republican leadership on the committee.
Comer argued that many requested documents overlap with information previously sought from other entities, potentially diluting the inquiry's effectiveness.
Controversy Surrounding Trump
The investigation has also turned toward an uncorroborated allegation about Donald Trump, during which Indyke refrained from disclosing details about the accuser's potential agreements with Epstein's estate. Trump has consistently refuted any allegations of wrongdoing associated with Epstein, leading Comer to criticize the focus on Trump as a diversion from significant investigative findings.
Initially characterized by bipartisan cooperation, the investigation has devolved into a contentious partisan conflict, culminating in Democrats protesting during a recent briefing with Attorney General Pam Bondi. Comer has indicated intentions to continue with the planned deposition with Bondi, despite the dissent.
Democratic members have signaled intentions to convene public hearings featuring Epstein's survivors and others knowledgeable of his heinous acts without waiting for Republican involvement.
