Les Wexner speaks in New York in 2016. Photo: Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for Fragrance Foundation/File

Rep. Thomas Massie chastised the DOJ in a House hearing for redacting various names and details in records released with the Epstein files. “This is bigger than Watergate,” Massie said. “This cover-up spans decades.”

Massie’s comments shined a new spotlight on Les Wexner, the former owner of Victoria’s Secret, who is one of the most mysterious figures in Epstein’s orbit – a key player in helping the financier’s rise to extreme wealth, whose motivations and ties to Epstein have long been a source of speculation.

A CNN review of the DOJ’s massive Epstein file release found that, while Wexner’s name was initially redacted in the “co-conspirator” document, his name appears in hundreds of other records that show federal authorities have closely scrutinized Wexner and repeatedly sought information from him.

That scrutiny has included questions from investigators before Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution, including from a minor, in 2008 and again when authorities pursued a new sex-trafficking case against Epstein a decade later. Emails show authorities wanted to understand whether Wexner had knowledge of Epstein paying girls for sex acts, and officials subpoenaed Wexner in 2019 and spoke to his attorneys. Another 2019 FBI document lists Wexner as a “secondary” co-conspirator but notes, “There is limited evidence regarding his involvement.”

Other records in the Epstein files include allegations made to the FBI that Wexner interacted with young women and possibly underage girls in Epstein’s presence. One victim claimed she was trafficked to Wexner – a claim Wexner has denied. Wexner has never been charged with a crime.

Now, members of Congress have another shot at questioning Wexner, who is 88 years old. The retail tycoon is slated to sit for a deposition with the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday in Ohio.

A CNN review of the DOJ’s massive Epstein file release found that, while Wexner’s name was initially redacted in the “co-conspirator” document, his name appears in hundreds of other records that show federal authorities have closely scrutinized Wexner and repeatedly sought information from him.

That scrutiny has included questions from investigators before Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution, including from a minor, in 2008 and again when authorities pursued a new sex-trafficking case against Epstein a decade later. Emails show authorities wanted to understand whether Wexner had knowledge of Epstein paying girls for sex acts, and officials subpoenaed Wexner in 2019 and spoke to his attorneys. Another 2019 FBI document lists Wexner as a “secondary” co-conspirator but notes, “There is limited evidence regarding his involvement.”

Other records in the Epstein files include allegations made to the FBI that Wexner interacted with young women and possibly underage girls in Epstein’s presence. One victim claimed she was trafficked to Wexner – a claim Wexner has denied. Wexner has never been charged with a crime.

Now, members of Congress have another shot at questioning Wexner, who is 88 years old. The retail tycoon is slated to sit for a deposition with the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday in Ohio.

Trump administration officials have vehemently rejected accusations they have sought to cover up any crimes related to Epstein. In September, FBI Director Kash Patel stated there was “no credible information” Epstein had trafficked victims to other men. Testifying to Congress last week, Attorney General Pam Bondi said investigators would “love” to hear more information from any other victims who come forward.

Still, documents released in the trove of files this year revive long-simmering questions about Wexner’s decades-old dealings with the now-infamous sex offender and offer new insight into what investigators uncovered.