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

Epstein’s Longtime Assistant Accused of Tying to Three New Abusers, Oversight Chair Says

House Oversight Committee Unveils Fresh Allegations

Epstein s longtime assistant accused three – During a closed-door session with the House Oversight Committee, Sarah Kellen, Epstein’s longtime assistant accused of being central to his operations, revealed three additional individuals allegedly linked to his network of abuse. Committee chair James Comer emphasized the significance of these new names, calling the testimony a “promising lead” that could reshape the understanding of Epstein’s criminal activities. The revelation comes as the investigation continues to uncover deeper layers of his alleged misconduct, with Kellen’s account serving as a key component in the ongoing probe.

Details of Kellen’s Trauma and Testimony

Kellen, who worked closely with Epstein for years, described her role as both a confidante and a victim of his predatory behavior. In her testimony, she claimed that the abuse occurred on a weekly basis and sometimes escalated to violent acts. “I want this Committee to know that the abuse happened on average every week, and was at times violent,” she stated, according to the shared transcript. She detailed a specific incident in Palm Beach where Epstein allegedly trapped her in a gym by lowering a metal hurricane shutter, played loud music to drown out sound, choked her, and subjected her to a violent rape.

“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 recounted.

Kellen also described Epstein’s New Mexico ranch as a site where she was abused. Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury noted that she probed Kellen about her experiences there, confirming it was one of the locations where Epstein’s alleged misconduct took place. Despite her past association with Epstein, Kellen now positions herself as a victim, explaining that she had “nowhere else to go” during her years with him. “I had no money, no family, no education, and no sense that I deserved any better,” she added.

Shift in Legal Perspective

Kellen’s role in Epstein’s network has sparked debate. In 2007, law enforcement classified her as a potential co-conspirator, suggesting she played a part in recruiting and abusing girls. However, her recent testimony contradicts this earlier designation, as she insists she was not complicit in Epstein’s actions. Comer acknowledged this shift, stating that after listening to Kellen’s account, he now believes she was a victim rather than a conspirator.

“Of all the people we’ve interviewed so far, this was the most substantive and productive interview. She was very brave coming forward. I can’t imagine how difficult it was for her to go into detail about the abuse she endured at the hands of Epstein and Maxwell,” Comer remarked.

The Oversight Committee’s chairman pointed to the Justice Department’s delayed engagement with Kellen until 2019 as evidence of a government failure to protect victims. “More evidence emerges every time we bring someone in that the government failed the victims. That’s the obvious,” he said. Comer highlighted the new names as a lead they had been seeking, stating that they “bolster the case against Epstein’s network” and could uncover further connections.

Unanswered Questions and Subpoena Calls

While Kellen’s testimony has provided critical insights, some lawmakers remain skeptical. Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi urged the committee to subpoena Kellen for additional questioning, citing unresolved issues in her account. “What I want to hear is more discussion about other actors, other entities, and other women who were part of this,” Krishnamoorthi stated. A source close to Kellen noted that although she willingly shared details about her own abuse, she hesitated to provide information on others who may have been victims of similar abuse.

“Another source familiar with Kellen’s testimony told CNN that while she was willing to answer questions about her own abuse, she would not share any information about the abuse she knew others to have suffered.”

Kellen also addressed her relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate. When asked whether Maxwell should have been placed in a lower security prison or granted a presidential pardon, Kellen responded negatively, even blaming Maxwell for some of Epstein’s wrongdoing. Her testimony adds a new dimension to the ongoing scrutiny of Maxwell’s role in the abuse network, as the committee seeks to connect all implicated figures. The revelation underscores the complexity of Epstein’s case and the need for continued investigation into his associates.