House Committee sends sexual assault allegations to DOJ

The House Oversight Committee has formally asked the Justice Department to investigate sexual assault allegations made by Jeffrey Epstein’s former personal assistant against two men in the late financier’s orbit. The request follows the committee’s release of a transcript from a closed-door interview with the assistant, Sarah Kellen, who worked for Epstein for over a decade.

In her May 21 testimony, Kellen alleged she was sexually assaulted by celebrity hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai and by Philip Levine, the former mayor of Miami Beach. She also accused the late fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier of exposing himself to her. Committee Chairman James Comer, in a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, stated the panel is referring the allegations for a potential criminal investigation, noting it is not a law enforcement entity and its role is not to determine guilt.

Kellen testified that Fekkai introduced her to Epstein in the early 2000s, presenting him as a model scout for Victoria’s Secret. She alleged that Fekkai assaulted her in a Maui hotel room after inviting her to a hair show that did not exist. Regarding Levine, Kellen said the assault occurred in either...