Les Wexner
Founder of L Brands/Victoria's Secret; Epstein's primary financial patron; named FBI co-conspirator
Also known as: Leslie Wexner, Leslie H. Wexner
Billionaire founder of L Brands, the parent company of Victoria's Secret, The Limited, and Bath & Body Works. Epstein's most significant known financial client - a relationship that began around 1986 when insurance executive Robert Meister introduced them. By July 1991, Wexner had granted Epstein sweeping power of attorney over his financial affairs, authorizing him to borrow money, sign tax returns, buy and sell properties, and act on Wexner's behalf in virtually all legal matters.
Epstein founded J. Epstein & Company in 1988, with Wexner as the primary (and likely sole major) client; the firm was later renamed Financial Trust Company and relocated to the USVI for tax advantages. Together, Financial Trust Co. and Southern Trust Co. processed over $800 million in revenue from 1999 to 2018.
In 1998, Epstein and Wexner co-incorporated The New Albany Company in Ohio (OpenCorporates US_OH/1034132), a real estate development entity for the affluent planned community of New Albany outside Columbus, where Epstein served as president. The seven-story Manhattan townhouse at 9 East 71st Street was purchased by Wexner in 1989 for $13.2 million; Epstein was installed as CEO of the holding corporation (Nine East 71st Street Corp.) and the property was effectively transferred to him for $0 by the mid-1990s. It was later sold for $51 million after Epstein's death, with proceeds going to the Victims' Compensation Program. By 1995, Epstein also served as a director of both the Wexner Foundation and Wexner Heritage Foundation. Appears on 15 flight log entries and had 9 phone numbers in Epstein's black book - the most of any single entry.
After severing ties around late 2007, Wexner received approximately $100 million back from Epstein in early 2008 as a private settlement, including $46 million transferred to the YLK Charitable Fund (run by Abigail Wexner). He publicly stated in August 2019 that Epstein had 'misappropriated vast sums of money.' An August 15, 2019 FBI Criminal Investi
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Les Wexner appears in records associated with Jeffrey Epstein, including flight logs, contact lists, or legal documents. Appearance in these records does not imply any wrongdoing or criminal conduct. Many individuals had legitimate professional or social interactions.
This dossier was generated by AI (Claude) from court filings, government releases, and other documentary sources in our database. It may contain errors or misattributions. Always verify claims against the linked source documents.
Background
Leslie H. Wexner is an American billionaire and the founder of L Brands (formerly The Limited), the parent company of Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, and other major retail brands. He is described in multiple documents as the richest man in Ohio. His business empire made him one of the most prominent retail executives in the United States, and his social and philanthropic activities placed him in elite circles.
Wexner's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is one of the most extensively documented financial relationships in the Epstein case files. Insurance executive Robert Meister, vice-chairman of Aon, met Epstein on a flight in 1985 and later recalled the meeting in 1989 when Wexner -- Meister's friend and insurance client -- was reportedly dissatisfied with the people managing his money. Meister introduced Epstein to Wexner, establishing a financial relationship that would give Epstein extraordinary fiduciary control over one of America's largest personal fortunes.
Wexner granted Epstein sweeping authority over his personal trusts and foundations, and Epstein was placed on the board of the Wexner Foundation in 1992, reportedly replacing Wexner's own mother. Wexner is quoted in documents as saying of Epstein: 'I think we both possess the skill of seeing patterns. But Jeffrey sees patterns in politics and financial markets, and I see patterns in lifestyle.' His name appears prominently in Epstein's black book with nine phone numbers -- the most of any single entry.
Epstein Connection
Wexner was Epstein's most significant known financial client. Robert Meister introduced them around 1989 after meeting Epstein on a 1985 flight and learning that Wexner was unhappy with his financial management. Epstein was subsequently given fiduciary authority over all of Wexner's private trusts and foundations, and in 1992 secured a board seat on the Wexner Foundation, replacing Wexner's mother. Wexner's trust purchased a Manhattan townhouse at 9 East 71st Street for $13.2 million, which was later effectively transferred to Epstein. Multiple journalist inquiries and court filings note that Epstein's Swiss bank accounts were linked with Wexner. Epstein was close to Wexner and frequently referenced his connections to the modeling and fashion industries through Victoria's Secret. Wexner had nine phone numbers in Epstein's black book, appeared on 15 flight log entries, and his counsel accepted service of papers in a Jane Doe sexual misconduct case in 2009.
Key Allegations(8)
Virginia Giuffre alleged she was required to have sex with Les Wexner as a friend of Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein.
allegedEpstein was given fiduciary authority over all of Wexner's private trusts and foundations.
documentedEpstein secured a board seat on the Wexner Foundation in 1992, replacing Wexner's mother.
documentedWexner's trust purchased a $13.2 million Manhattan townhouse that was later transferred to Epstein's control.
documentedEpstein's Swiss bank accounts at HSBC Suisse were linked with Leslie Wexner.
allegedEpstein, who was close to Les Wexner, the owner of Victoria's Secret, often talked about his connections to people in the modeling and fashion industries, and had access to girls through a modeling agency that recruited them from overseas.
allegedWexner's employees were aware of Epstein and his activities.
allegedLeslie Wexner reportedly removed all photographs of the interviewee from his home, suggesting a severing of ties.
allegedLegal Status
Wexner has not been charged with any crimes. His counsel accepted service of legal papers in a Jane Doe sexual misconduct case in August 2009. He is named in Virginia Giuffre's allegations as someone she was required to have sex with, but no criminal charges resulted. Multiple journalist inquiries reference his accounts being linked with Epstein's Swiss bank accounts.
Notable Statements(1)
“I think we both possess the skill of seeing patterns. But Jeffrey sees patterns in politics and financial markets, and I see patterns in lifestyle.”
Contradictions(2)
Wexner publicly stated in August 2019 that Epstein had 'misappropriated vast sums of money,' suggesting he was a victim of Epstein's fraud.
Documents show Wexner voluntarily granted Epstein fiduciary authority over all of his private trusts and foundations, placed Epstein on the Wexner Foundation board replacing his own mother, and publicly praised Epstein's ability to 'see patterns in politics and financial markets,' indicating deep trust and a willing, close partnership rather than a passive victim relationship.
Wexner characterized his relationship with Epstein as that of a financial adviser and client.
Court filings allege Virginia Giuffre was required to have sex with Wexner as a friend of Maxwell and Epstein, suggesting the relationship extended beyond financial management. Separately, rumors persisted that Wexner continued to own the Manhattan townhouse even after it was nominally transferred to Epstein.
Key Relationships(7)
Wexner was Epstein's primary and likely sole major financial client. Epstein was given fiduciary authority over all Wexner's trusts and foundations, and secured a board seat on the Wexner Foundation. (d-22404, d-20605, d-21445)
Robert Meister, vice-chairman of Aon, was Wexner's friend and insurance company client. Meister met Epstein on a 1985 flight and introduced him to Wexner around 1989 when Wexner was dissatisfied with his financial managers. (d-20605, d-21445)
Ghislaine Maxwell is named alongside Wexner in allegations by Virginia Giuffre that Maxwell and Epstein required Giuffre to have sex with Wexner. Maxwell was also referenced in the service of legal papers in the Jane Doe case where Wexner's counsel accepted service. (d-20262, d-34076, d-34795)
Virginia Giuffre alleged in court filings that she was required to have sex with Wexner as a friend of Maxwell and Epstein. (d-20262, d-34076)
Jimmy Cayne of Bear Stearns is referenced alongside Wexner in multiple documents discussing Epstein's close relationships with powerful financiers. (d-21359, d-21398, d-22523, d-22865)
Leon Black is mentioned alongside Wexner as part of the network of high-profile financiers who socialized with Epstein. (d-21359, d-21398, d-22865)
In August 2009, both Trump's staff and Wexner's counsel accepted service of legal papers in a Jane Doe case, suggesting both were named in the same litigation. (d-34795)
Timeline(7 events)
Robert Meister, vice-chairman of Aon, meets Jeffrey Epstein on a flight and files the conversation away.
Meister recalls meeting Epstein and introduces him to Les Wexner, who was complaining about the people managing his money. Wexner photographed at his home in New York City.
Leslie Wexner photographed at his home in New York City.
Epstein secures a board seat on the Wexner Foundation, replacing Wexner's mother.
Referenced date in documents for Maxwell, Epstein, and Wexner association.
Jeffrey Epstein photographed at a Victoria's Secret Angels party (Wexner's brand).
Wexner's counsel accepted service of legal papers in a Jane Doe case. Maxwell was noted as not having been served. Trump's staff also accepted service.
At a Glance
Click values for sourcesSources
4 sources for flight appearances
Epstein Flight Logs (19 entries)
1992-2004
“Appeared on 19 documented flights between Teterboro Airport, NJ and Columbus Airport, OH”
Sources
10 sources for document mentions
Rinaldo Rizzo Deposition (Giuffre v. Maxwell)
2016-04-20
“Deposition of Rinaldo Rizzo, a former butler to Epstein who later worked for Les Wexner. Rizzo descr”
Transfer of 9 E. 71st Street - Wexner to Epstein
1998-01-15
“Property transfer documents for the Manhattan townhouse at 9 East 71st Street from Leslie Wexner to ”
Epstein Financial Disclosure - Wexner Power of Attorney
1991-08-12
“Documents related to the power of attorney granted by Leslie Wexner to Jeffrey Epstein, giving Epste”
FBI CID Co-Conspirator Designation - Wexner, Groff, Brunel
2019-08-15
“An FBI Criminal Investigative Division document dated August 15, 2019, listing Leslie Wexner, Lesley”
EFTA01112189 - Wexner-Epstein New Albany Company Financial Analysis
2026-01-30
“DOJ-released EFTA document detailing the business relationship between Leslie Wexner and Jeffrey Eps”
Sources
2 sources for known connections
Shared Flight Appearances
“Appears on flights with 7 other persons in the Epstein network”
Co-Document Mentions
“Named alongside other network members in 58 documents”
Sources
1 source for black book status
Epstein's Black Book
“Listed with 9 phone numbers in the contact directory seized by authorities”
Activity Timeline
Network Graph
Known Connections (7)
External Cross-Check
Search ICIJ Offshore Leaks, OFAC Sanctions, SEC EDGAR, and Federal Courts
Flight Log Appearances (19)
| Date | Route | Aircraft | Co-Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 25, 2004 | Teterboro Airport, NJ → Columbus Airport, OH | N212JE | Jeffrey Epstein |
| Aug 8, 2003 | Teterboro Airport, NJ → Columbus Airport, OH | N212JE | Jeffrey Epstein |
| May 5, 2001 | Teterboro Airport, NJ → Columbus Airport, OH | N212JE | Jeffrey Epstein |
| Nov 5, 2000 | Teterboro Airport, NJ → Columbus Airport, OH | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Lesley Groff |
| Sep 25, 1998 | Palm Beach International, FL → Teterboro Airport, NJ | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, Lesley Groff |
| Sep 12, 1998 | Palm Beach International, FL → Columbus Airport, OH | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Lesley Groff |
| Sep 5, 1998 | Little St. James Island, USVI → Cyril E. King Airport, USVI | N120JE | Jeffrey Epstein |
| Aug 28, 1998 | Teterboro Airport, NJ → Cyril E. King Airport, USVI | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, Sarah Kellen |
| Sep 6, 1997 | Teterboro Airport, NJ → Columbus Airport, OH | N212JE | Jeffrey Epstein |
| Apr 28, 1997 | Columbus Airport, OH → Palm Beach International, FL | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell |
| Apr 15, 1997 | Teterboro Airport, NJ → Columbus Airport, OH | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell |
| Mar 8, 1997 | Columbus Airport, OH → Teterboro Airport, NJ | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Lesley Groff |
| Feb 22, 1997 | Palm Beach International, FL → Columbus Airport, OH | N212JE | Jeffrey Epstein |
| Feb 9, 1997 | Teterboro Airport, NJ → Palm Beach International, FL | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell |
| Jan 18, 1997 | Palm Beach International, FL → Teterboro Airport, NJ | N908JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell |
| Sep 10, 1993 | John Glenn Columbus International, OH → CYMX Airport | N108JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Sophie Biddle, Ben Osman +3 |
| Jul 5, 1992 | Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, CO → GRI Airport | N108JE | Ghislaine Maxwell, Abagail Koppel, Steve Tuckerman +1 |
| Jul 5, 1992 | GRI Airport → Teterboro Airport, NJ | N108JE | Ghislaine Maxwell, Abagail Koppel, Steve Tuckerman +1 |
| Apr 24, 1992 | Teterboro Airport, NJ → John Glenn Columbus International, OH | N108JE | Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, Abagail Koppel |
Black Book Entry
Document Mentions
Email Mentions (42)
Foundation matters
Les, Thank you for the meeting last week. I believe the structure we discussed will work well for both of our interests. The lawyers will have the d
Power of attorney
Les, Thank you for your trust. The power of attorney documents are ready for your signature. This will allow me to handle your affairs more efficien
Ghislaine Maxwell
Dear Brett Jaffe, I left you a telephone message earlier. The Mail on Sunday newspaper is running a story on Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein, Prin
RE: Jeffrey and Ghislaine: Notes on New York's Oddest Alliance
Jeffrey and Ghislaine: Notes on New York's Oddest Alliance <http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2O11/O3/notes- on-new-yorks-oddest-cou ple-jeffrey-
<no subject>
Jeffrey and Ghislaine: Notes on New York's Oddest Alliance <http://www.vanityfair.comionline/daily/2on/o3/notes- on-new- yorks- o ddest-couple-j effre
Results
Jeffrey, The bats did the sweep. Here are the new results taken as of a minute ago. You have only one negative article left on front page of google
Media Enquiry - The Guardian - Re: Jeffrey Epstein
Swiss Accounts Survey Dear Mr Epstein, We are writing because a US media organisation, in concert with ourselves at the Guardian newspaper in London
<no subject>
Jeffrey and Ghislaine: Notes on New York's Oddest Alliance http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2011/03/notes-on-new-yorks-oddest-couple-jeffrey-ep
<no subject>
Jeffrey and Ghislaine: Notes on New York's Oddest Alliance <http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2011/03/notes-on-new-yorks-oddest-couple-jeffrey-ep
Ghislaine Maxwell
Dear Brett Jaffe, I left you a telephone message earlier. The Mail on Sunday newspaper is running a story on Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein, Prin
Showing 10 of 42 emails. View all →
This dossier on Les Wexner was compiled from court records, flight logs, and public documents. 100% free, ad-free, and independent.