Although the Department of Justice (DOJ) has stated that the release of the Epstein files is intended to promote full transparency, several lawmakers reviewing the documents say newly unredacted records confirm the identities of three significant individuals previously concealed in the files.
The DOJ has been gradually releasing additional material from its archive of roughly 3.5 million pages tied to the federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The expanded disclosures follow pressure from members of Congress who were granted access to less-redacted versions of the documents.
Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over Redactions
Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky told CNN that earlier versions of the documents had “improperly redacted” certain names identified by the FBI in a 2019 memorandum as alleged co-conspirators.
“What I saw that bothered me were the names of at least six men that have been redacted that are likely incriminated by their inclusion in these files,” Massie said, adding that locating them required “digging.”
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche responded publicly, stating that some redactions were required by law to protect victim identities and personally identifiable information. He later said the DOJ had unredacted all non-victim names in the specific document cited and emphasized that the department is committed to legal transparency and public accountability.
Ghislaine Maxwell Remains Only Person Criminally Convicted
Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, remains the only individual criminally convicted in connection with his trafficking operation. She is currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for her role in recruiting and grooming underage girls.
According to NBC News, the updated 2019 FBI document now fully identifies four individuals previously referenced, including Maxwell.
Yesterday @RepRoKhanna and I found a list of names and photos in the Epstein files that DOJ had improperly redacted.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) February 10, 2026
DOJ promptly unredacted the men’s names as well as several women in the list that we didn’t flag. The two redacted names are victims. https://t.co/fLLzGW9rR7 pic.twitter.com/DTfK30Kppk
Les Wexner: Former Retail Executive
One of the newly confirmed names is billionaire businessman Les Wexner, the former CEO of Victoria’s Secret and co-founder of Bath & Body Works.
Wexner’s professional relationship with Epstein began in the 1980s, when Epstein managed aspects of his financial affairs. Wexner has stated that he ended the association after learning of misconduct allegations in Florida.
In a 2019 letter to members of the Wexner Foundation, he wrote that it had been discovered Epstein “misappropriated vast sums of money” from him and his family. He also condemned Epstein’s actions in strong terms.
Wexner’s legal counsel previously stated that federal prosecutors informed him in 2019 that he was neither a co-conspirator nor a target of the investigation. According to that statement, Wexner cooperated fully and was not contacted again by authorities.
Lesley Groff: Former Executive Assistant
Another name confirmed in the unredacted files is Lesley Groff, who served for decades as Epstein’s executive assistant at his Palm Beach residence.
Groff has denied knowledge of criminal activity. However, media reports indicate that civil lawsuits filed by three alleged victims accused her of facilitating abuse. Those lawsuits were later withdrawn after settlements were reached through compensation from Epstein’s estate.
Groff’s attorney has stated that neither she nor her counsel were ever notified by law enforcement that she was considered a co-conspirator. After voluntarily speaking with prosecutors and answering questions, she was reportedly informed that she would not face charges.
Jean-Luc Brunel: French Modeling Agent
The third confirmed individual is Jean-Luc Brunel, a French modeling agent who had longstanding professional ties to Epstein.
Brunel was arrested on charges that included allegations involving a minor. In 2022, while awaiting trial in France, he was found deceased in his prison cell. Authorities ruled his death a suicide. Brunel had denied the allegations prior to his death.
Controversial Email Reference
Another point of public discussion involves a 2009 email written by Epstein that referenced a “torture video.” Representative Massie shared an image of the email on social media, questioning why the recipient’s name had been redacted.
Deputy Attorney General Blanche responded that the redaction involved an email address, which qualifies as personally identifiable information under federal law. He also stated that the referenced individual’s name appears unredacted elsewhere in the files.
Subsequent reporting identified the recipient as Ahmed bin Sulayem, an Emirati businessman and CEO of DP World. The context of the video referenced in the email remains unclear in publicly released documents.
Ongoing Congressional Oversight
Reports indicate that at least four additional individuals’ names remain redacted in certain records. Lawmakers from both parties continue to push for full disclosure, citing the importance of regulatory transparency, government oversight, and public trust in federal investigations.
As congressional review continues, additional details may emerge regarding the high-profile individuals whose names appear in the extensive DOJ archive.
The broader debate centers on balancing victim privacy protections with public accountability in one of the most scrutinized federal investigations in recent history.
What are your thoughts on how the DOJ has handled the document release process?