Epstein's Longtime Attorney Testifies Before House Committee
Darren Indyke, who served as Jeffrey Epstein's attorney for decades, testified under subpoena before the House oversight and reform committee on Thursday, stating he "had no knowledge whatsoever of Jeffrey Epstein's wrongdoings" during his employment. The deposition was conducted behind closed doors, but a copy of Indyke's opening statement obtained by the Guardian reveals his defense.
Claims of Ignorance Amid Ongoing Investigation
Indyke, who began working for Epstein in the 1990s, told lawmakers his primary role "was to provide corporate, transactional and general legal services to Mr Epstein and his companies, and I did so." He emphasized that he did not socialize with Epstein and rejected "as categorically false any suggestion that I knowingly facilitated or assisted Mr Epstein in his sexual abuse or trafficking of women, or that I was aware of Mr Epstein's actions while I provided legal services to him."
He added, "Had I known that he was abusing or trafficking women, I would have quit working for him at once and severed all ties to him." This testimony comes as the House committee continues its investigation into the late disgraced financier, following Epstein's death in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
Response to 2008 Guilty Plea and Estate Management
Indyke addressed Epstein's 2008 guilty plea to state charges in Florida for solicitation of prostitution and solicitation of prostitution with a minor, stating that Epstein appeared "devastated and extremely contrite" at the time. "He was adamant that he had no idea anyone involved was underage, and personally assured me he would never again let himself be in that position," Indyke said. "I believed him, and I made the mistake of believing Mr Epstein that he would not again commit a crime. I deeply regret doing so."
Indyke serves as co-executor of Epstein's estate alongside Richard Kahn, Epstein's longtime accountant, who testified before the same committee on March 11. Kahn similarly claimed he was "not aware of the nature or extent of Epstein's abuse of so many women until after Epstein's death." Since Epstein's death, Kahn and Indyke have managed settlements paid to victims, with the Epstein Victims' Compensation Program distributing over $121 million to 136 women, and the estate directly settling claims with an additional 59 women for more than $48 million.
Legal Challenges and Survivors' Reactions
In February, Kahn and Indyke agreed to settle a lawsuit for up to $35 million without admission of wrongdoing. The 2024 suit accused them of facilitating Epstein's "sex trafficking and abuse" and alleged they were "integral in allowing Epstein to escape justice for years by concealing his litany of crimes." Neither man has been charged with any crimes, and they both deny the allegations.
James Marsh, an attorney representing multiple Epstein survivors, responded to Indyke's testimony, saying, "His claimed ignorance of Jeffrey Epstein's widespread abuse of women and girls is deeply troubling, especially given his role as Epstein's longtime attorney." Marsh added, "His testimony only underscores how much still remains hidden about the vast network of enablers that allowed these crimes to persist for decades. Survivors – and the American people – deserve the full undistorted truth about who knew what."
Committee's Broader Investigation and Subpoenas
The House committee issued subpoenas in January for Indyke and Kahn after survivors shared concerns that they "may have known about Epstein's activities and helped facilitate his crimes through their management of his legal and financial affairs." Following Kahn's testimony, Robert Garcia, the committee's top Democrat, stated, "It's not credible that he had no knowledge of Epstein's activities, and his testimony today only raises more questions."
The committee has also heard from other high-profile witnesses, including former president Bill Clinton, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, and billionaire businessman Les Wexner. This week, committee chair James Comer subpoenaed US attorney general Pam Bondi for testimony regarding the government's handling of the Epstein files. Video recordings and transcripts of Kahn and Indyke's depositions have not yet been released by the committee.
Indyke concluded his opening remarks by asserting, "That I did not know what my client did in his private life may be difficult for some to believe, but it is true." His attorney previously told CBS News that "not a single woman has ever accused either Mr Indyke or Mr Kahn of committing sexual abuse or witnessing sexual abuse, nor claimed at any time that she reported to them any allegation of Mr Epstein's abuse."
