House Republicans Refer New Epstein Related Sexual Assault Allegations to DOJ for Criminal Investigation
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has formally referred new allegations of sexual assault uncovered during its Epstein investigation to the Department of Justice, marking the first time the committee says it has identified previously uninvestigated allegations of potential criminal conduct connected to individuals within Jeffrey Epstein’s orbit. The referral follows testimony from former Epstein assistant Sarah Kellen, who appeared before the committee in May and described years of abuse while working for Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. (Oversight Committee)
What Happened
On June 4, 2026, Chairman James Comer and several Republican members of the House Oversight Committee sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting a criminal investigation into allegations made by Sarah Kellen during her transcribed interview with congressional investigators. According to the committee, Kellen alleged she was sexually assaulted by former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and celebrity hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai while she was working within Epstein’s network. (Oversight Committee)
The lawmakers asked the Justice Department to use all available investigative tools, including potential witness immunity agreements where appropriate, to determine whether criminal conduct occurred. (CBS News)
Sarah Kellen’s Testimony
Kellen told investigators that she endured years of abuse involving Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. During her interview, she also alleged for the first time that she was abused by additional individuals connected to Epstein’s social circle. Committee members described the allegations as serious enough to warrant referral to federal prosecutors for independent review. (Oversight Committee)
Chairman Comer stated that the committee’s role is not to determine guilt or innocence but to ensure that credible allegations are referred to law enforcement agencies with the authority to investigate and prosecute crimes. (Oversight Committee)
Responses from the Accused
Both Philip Levine and Frédéric Fekkai have denied the allegations.
Representatives for Fekkai stated that he never abused or assaulted Kellen and denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities. Levine likewise denied wrongdoing and has publicly disputed the allegations. Neither man has been charged with a crime. (The Guardian)
Why This Matters
The referral is significant because committee investigators describe these allegations as the first previously unknown accusations of potential criminal conduct identified during the congressional Epstein investigation. Until now, much of the committee’s work has focused on reviewing government handling of the Epstein and Maxwell cases, document releases, and accountability failures within federal agencies. (Oversight Committee)
The move also highlights a recurring criticism raised by survivors and lawmakers: that many individuals connected to Epstein’s operation were never thoroughly investigated despite years of allegations and warning signs. The committee specifically asked the DOJ to explain why Kellen was not interviewed by law enforcement until after Epstein’s 2019 arrest. (ABC News)
Key Takeaways
- House Republicans have formally asked the DOJ to investigate sexual assault allegations raised by Sarah Kellen. (Oversight Committee)
- Kellen alleges she was sexually assaulted by Philip Levine and Frédéric Fekkai while working within Epstein’s network. (ABC News)
- Both men deny the allegations and have not been charged with any crimes. (The Guardian)
- The Oversight Committee says these are the first new allegations of potential criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation. (Oversight Committee)
- Lawmakers are seeking explanations for why Kellen was not interviewed by federal investigators until after Epstein’s 2019 arrest. (ABC News)
- The DOJ will now determine whether a criminal investigation will proceed. (Oversight Committee)
Sources
House Oversight Committee ReleaseCBS News CoverageABC News Coverage