WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lesley Groff, who served as Jeffrey Epstein's executive assistant from 2001 until his 2019 arrest, is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight and Reform Committee. Groff received immunity from prosecution under Epstein's 2007 plea agreement with federal prosecutors.
Groff was listed among four women identified as possible co-conspirators in the 2007 plea agreement. A 2019 internal FBI document also listed Groff among eight individuals as possible co-conspirators. Groff's attorney, Michael Bachner, stated that neither Groff nor her counsel were notified by law enforcement that she was considered an Epstein co-conspirator. He added that after Groff spoke with prosecutors and answered questions, she was informed she was not being prosecuted. No criminal charges have been filed against Groff.
Groff has maintained she had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and never engaged in misconduct. Her job responsibilities included scheduling meetings, making phone calls, coordinating with staff, and managing Epstein's daily schedule. FBI notes indicated Groff's job also involved scheduling massage appointments for Epstein. Groff told FBI investigators she had not previously heard of Epstein before her interview with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking crimes. She told FBI agents she signed a non-disclosure agreement regarding her employment.
Groff stated that "From the beginning, massage was a part of Epstein's day; they were normal appointments." Bachner said that after Epstein's 2008 arrest, he continuously lied to Groff and other staff members, insisting he had been blackmailed and set up. He said that in Groff's mind, this was the reason Epstein was treated leniently by law enforcement both before and after his sentencing. Bachner also stated that she never knowingly made travel arrangements for minors.
An unnamed survivor stated in a 2020 FBI interview that they believed Groff knew about the sexual nature of Epstein's massage appointments. Groff was named in civil lawsuits filed by survivors against Epstein's estate; these civil claims against Groff were dismissed. James Comer, chair of the committee, stated in a congressional letter, "Due to public reporting, documents released by the Department of Justice, and documents obtained by the Committee, the Committee believes you have information that will assist in its investigation."