Jeffrey Epstein assistant Lesley Groff appeared before the House Oversight Committee on Tuesday as lawmakers intensified their investigation into the late financier’s network and the individuals who worked closely alongside him.
The testimony marks another significant step in congressional efforts to uncover new details about Epstein’s operations and the people who were part of his inner circle during the years leading up to his arrest.
Groff spent nearly two decades working as Epstein’s executive assistant, making her one of the closest employees to the convicted sex offender. Investigators believe her lengthy tenure may provide valuable insight into how Epstein managed his daily affairs and interacted with staff, associates, and visitors.
Who Is Lesley Groff?
Groff began working for Epstein in 2001 after being recruited through a headhunter. According to FBI interview notes released by the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this year, she was told the position involved helping to “organize one man’s life.”
The job eventually placed her at the center of Epstein’s daily operations. Groff told investigators that her responsibilities included coordinating appointments, arranging meetings, communicating with staff members, overseeing schedules, and handling many of the administrative tasks associated with Epstein’s personal and professional life.
She also revealed that massage appointments were a regular part of Epstein’s routine.
“From the beginning, massage was a part of Epstein’s day; they were normal appointments.”
According to FBI notes, Groff said arranging those appointments was simply another aspect of her administrative duties.
House Oversight Committee Expands Jeffrey Epstein Investigation
The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Groff earlier this year as part of its ongoing Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Lawmakers believe she may possess information that could assist their efforts to better understand Epstein’s network and the individuals who interacted with him over the years.
In a letter requesting her testimony, Committee Chairman James Comer stated:
“The Committee believes you have information that will assist in its investigation.”
Groff’s appearance follows testimony from another former Epstein assistant, Sarah Kellen, who appeared before lawmakers last month. Kellen denied being an accomplice and testified that she herself had been subjected to abuse while employed by Epstein.
Connection to Ghislaine Maxwell
During her FBI interview, Groff said she met both Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell while interviewing for the position. Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted on sex trafficking-related charges.
Groff told investigators that she signed a non-disclosure agreement when she joined Epstein’s organization and maintained that she was unaware of criminal conduct taking place around her during her years of employment.
Allegations and Legal Scrutiny
Over the years, Groff’s name has surfaced repeatedly in documents related to Epstein investigations. She was among several individuals identified under Epstein’s controversial 2007 plea agreement as possible co-conspirators who received immunity from prosecution.
However, Groff has never been charged with a crime.
Her attorney, Michael Bachner, has consistently maintained that she had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities and never participated in wrongdoing. Bachner previously told reporters that Epstein repeatedly misled staff members regarding the allegations against him.
“After Epstein’s arrest in 2008, he continuously lied to Lesley and other members of the staff.”
Another FBI document released this year listed Groff among possible co-conspirators, though her legal team said neither Groff nor her attorneys were ever informed that she was considered one by law enforcement authorities.
Civil Lawsuits Later Dismissed
Following Epstein’s death in 2019, Groff was named in several civil lawsuits filed by survivors. Some plaintiffs alleged she helped facilitate aspects of Epstein’s activities.
Her attorneys strongly denied those allegations, insisting that she never knowingly participated in misconduct and never knowingly arranged travel for underage individuals.
The claims against Groff were ultimately dismissed, with her legal team describing the accusations as:
“Simply wrong, confused, and devoid of any facts.”
Going forward?
Groff’s testimony is expected to play an important role in the House Oversight Committee’s broader effort to examine Epstein’s network and determine whether associates possessed knowledge of his criminal activities.
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As lawmakers continue reviewing newly released documents and interviewing former employees and associates, Groff’s account could help fill gaps in investigators’ understanding of how Epstein’s organization operated behind closed doors.
With public interest in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation remaining high years after his death, congressional investigators are expected to continue seeking testimony from individuals who worked closely with him in an effort to establish a more complete record of one of the most controversial criminal cases in modern American history.
