GOP Lawmakers Request DOJ Probe into Alleged Sexual Assault Linked to Jeffrey Epstein Case

Republican lawmakers on the House Oversight and Reform Committee have asked the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate two men based on sexual assault allegations related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. In a June 4 letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, committee chair Rep. James Comer and four fellow Republicans urged the Justice Department to use “all available tools” to examine claims made by Sarah Kellen, a longtime assistant to Epstein, including potential immunity for certain witnesses.

Kellen’s closed-door interview with the committee in late May included serious allegations that former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and celebrity hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai sexually assaulted her in separate incidents in the early 2000s connected to Epstein’s activities. According to the lawmakers’ letter, Levine’s name appeared more than 600 times in the Department of Justice’s released “Epstein files,” including in direct correspondence with Epstein and his close associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

The committee described Fekkai as a close associate of Epstein, claiming he “played a role in his grooming schemes” by following Epstein’s instructions to provide salon services to women. Both Levine and Fekkai have denied wrongdoing. Levine’s spokesperson characterized the encounter as a consensual interaction nearly 25 years ago, while Fekkai’s representative said he never assaulted anyone or participated in illegal behavior.

As part of its ongoing investigation into the government’s handling of the Epstein case, the panel is seeking DOJ action on these referrals.

Congressional Investigation Expands Following Survivor Testimony

The current push for a Department of Justice probe into Levine and Fekkai comes amid a broader congressional effort to understand how federal authorities have handled investigations and record releases related to late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The House committee has been examining the massive collection of documents known as the “Epstein files,” which consist of millions of pages of evidence, emails, images and other materials detailing Epstein’s activities and connections with numerous public figures. Earlier legislation, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, compelled the DOJ to release millions of pages of records, though critics from both political parties have questioned the pace and completeness of those disclosures.

The committee’s review has included subpoenas, interviews with individuals connected to Epstein, and efforts to gather testimony from survivors. Sarah Kellen’s account of alleged abuse — both involving Epstein and her allegations against Levine and Fekkai — represents one of the first survivor testimonies to result in formal criminal referrals from the committee.

Republicans involved in the investigation maintain that their role is to refer serious allegations to law enforcement while continuing congressional oversight. They argue that any potential criminal investigation or prosecution should be conducted independently by the Department of Justice.

Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. However, congressional investigators say their inquiry seeks to provide transparency regarding both government actions and allegations that have surfaced through the release of Epstein-related records.

Political Tensions Grow Around the Epstein Inquiry

The investigation into the government’s handling of the Epstein case has generated significant political attention and public scrutiny. Lawmakers have increasingly focused on how the Department of Justice managed the release of Epstein-related documents and whether additional individuals connected to the case should face investigation.

A separate development involved testimony from former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who oversaw part of the document-release process. During a closed-door interview, Bondi reportedly attributed many decisions regarding the files to her deputy, Todd Blanche, who now serves as acting attorney general. Some lawmakers criticized her testimony as evasive and incomplete.

The committee has also contacted other prominent figures connected to Epstein’s network. Former Barclays CEO Jes Staley has agreed to testify before Congress later this summer regarding his relationship with Epstein and related matters.

Supporters of the inquiry argue that continued congressional oversight is necessary to ensure accountability and transparency. Critics, meanwhile, contend that the investigation risks becoming politicized as lawmakers continue examining individuals whose names appear in Epstein-related records.

The debate reflects broader public frustration over the handling of the Epstein case and ongoing demands for answers regarding individuals connected to his activities.

Survivors Continue Seeking Accountability

Advocates for survivors say the latest congressional referrals represent another step in a long-running effort to hold powerful individuals accountable for alleged misconduct connected to Epstein’s network.

Many survivors have argued that public attention should remain focused not only on Epstein himself but also on individuals who may have participated in, enabled or benefited from abusive conduct. They continue calling for greater transparency regarding government investigations and the release of additional records.

While the Department of Justice has not publicly indicated whether it will open investigations based on the committee’s referrals, the allegations have added another layer to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Epstein case.

As congressional investigators continue reviewing records and interviewing witnesses, the broader legal and political fallout from the Epstein scandal remains unresolved years after his death.

Sources

• The Guardian
• Forbes
• The Independent