Longtime Epstein assistant paints late sex offender as master manipulator and denies knowing about his crimes

Lesley Groff, Epstein’s Trusted Assistant, Testifies Before House Committee, Denies Awareness of Crimes

Longtime Epstein assistant paints late sex offender – On Tuesday, Lesley Groff, a former executive assistant to Jeffrey Epstein, appeared before the House Oversight Committee to describe her time working for the late sex offender as one of careful concealment. According to two sources close to the testimony, Groff asserted that she was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities during her 18-year tenure, which spanned from February 2001 to July 2019. She painted Epstein as a cunning manipulator who orchestrated his secret life while keeping his darker deeds hidden from her, the sources said.

Groff’s Claims of Ignorance

Groff’s testimony centered on her belief that the massage appointments she arranged for Epstein were routine and professional. “I want to say without any doubt that I have come to believe the man who employed me was a monster,” she stated, later shared with CNN. “For 18 years, I worked for Dr. Jekyll but was never permitted to see the true Mr. Hyde.” This metaphor, which she later elaborated on, reflected her perception that Epstein maintained a facade of normalcy while engaging in abuse.

“Mr. Epstein was, in hindsight, a master manipulator and deceiver who separated his legitimate life from his secret life as an abuser,” Groff said. “He made sure, as his secretary, those two worlds did not collide.”

During her opening remarks, Groff recounted how she booked these appointments, often speaking on Epstein’s behalf. “These calls lasted literally a few seconds,” she explained. “‘Hi, this is Lesley calling for Mr. Epstein. Are you available for a massage at 4:00?’” According to her, none of the women she interacted with during these sessions mentioned being minors or victims of sexual abuse. “Nothing I heard or saw led me to believe otherwise,” she added, emphasizing her certainty in the innocence of the young women.

Despite her claims, Groff admitted to feeling regret for her role in Epstein’s operations. “My heart breaks for these women,” she told lawmakers. “I believe them. Words cannot express how badly I feel that I was employed by Mr. Epstein during the time he abused these women. I will live with this horrible feeling for the rest of my life.” This admission came as she addressed the survivors, acknowledging her complicity in Epstein’s system.

Epstein’s Inner Circle and the Investigation

As one of Epstein’s most prominent assistants, Groff was integral to managing both his personal and professional interactions. From scheduling meetings with powerful individuals to organizing appointments with young women, her role was central to the financier’s operations. The Justice Department’s millions of files, which detail Epstein’s activities, have been a focal point of the ongoing investigation into his alleged crimes.

Groff’s testimony marked a significant moment in the probe, as she became the latest high-profile figure to speak with Congress. However, her claims of ignorance drew immediate criticism from survivors. Sharlene Rochard, a victim of Epstein’s abuse, expressed doubt about Groff’s understanding of the situation. “One of the hardest parts for survivors is hearing the people who were closest to Epstein claim they saw nothing,” Rochard told CNN. “That doesn’t match my experience. Survivors deserve answers, not claims of ignorance.”

Rep. Stephen Lynch, a Democrat on the committee, questioned the consistency of Groff’s narrative. “It is highly inconsistent what she’s maintaining,” he said, citing her assertion that she didn’t know Epstein’s crimes despite working for him for nearly two decades. “She can’t rightly and truthfully maintain that she saw nothing improper in the massage appointments.” Lynch highlighted Epstein’s status as a registered sex offender, who was required to report his activities, as a key point of contention.

Groff’s Justification and Aftermath

Groff explained that Epstein had lied to her, insisting he was blackmailed and set up by powerful figures. “He told me he had been blackmailed and that his secret life was a necessity,” she said. This claim, she argued, kept her from leaving her job earlier. Additionally, she mentioned that both Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell instructed her to avoid associating with their colleagues and friends, framing their business as separate from her personal life.

The interview, which lasted into the late afternoon, covered a wide array of topics. A source familiar with the proceedings noted that there was no predetermined scope for Groff’s testimony, allowing her to address any aspect of Epstein’s operations. “I want to help you in any way I can,” she told lawmakers, signaling her intent to cooperate fully with the investigation.

Despite her efforts, Groff’s testimony left many questions unanswered. Her assertion that she never met the women involved in Epstein’s abuse was challenged by survivors, who pointed to the close relationships she maintained. “I would have never remained silent if I knew of his crimes,” she said, but some questioned whether her position as an assistant gave her enough insight to detect the abuse.

After Epstein’s arrest, Groff revealed that she had faced personal repercussions, including being shunned by friends, receiving death threats, and her family being harassed. These experiences, she said, added to her sense of guilt. “I’ve been through a lot since his arrest,” she admitted. “But I still believe I did nothing wrong.”

Public Reaction and Ongoing Questions

The committee’s inquiry into Epstein’s crimes continues to uncover new details, with Groff’s testimony contributing to the growing narrative. While she insisted her role was innocent, the panel’s members remained skeptical, pressing her on her understanding of the situations she facilitated. “How could she not know about the minors?” one representative asked. “It seems impossible.”

As the investigation progresses, Groff’s story will likely be scrutinized alongside other accounts. Her testimony adds a layer of complexity to the case, showing how Epstein’s influence extended beyond his legal troubles. With the Justice Department’s files and the survivors’ testimonies, the picture of Epstein’s activities becomes more vivid, and Groff’s role in that system remains a critical piece of the puzzle.