Key facts
- The House Oversight Committee is investigating Jeffrey Epstein's associates and the use of NDAs to silence victims.
- Prosecutors previously found no prosecutable case against an individual named Kellen.
- The DOJ stated it would reevaluate if a criminal referral with new evidence is submitted.
- Individuals like Dershowitz, Black, and Staley are scheduled for transcribed interviews.
- The committee may use subpoenas to compel testimony from those bound by NDAs.
- A BBC interview alleged Epstein sent a client to spend a night with Prince Andrew.
The House Oversight Committee is examining whether Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) have been used to shield associates of Jeffrey Epstein from accountability. Prosecutors had previously determined there was no prosecutable case after interviewing an individual named Kellen, but the Justice Department stated it would reevaluate if the committee submits a formal criminal referral with additional evidence.
According to David Rapallo, a former top lawyer on the committee, subpoenas could compel individuals with NDAs to answer questions, potentially overriding confidentiality agreements. Lauren Hersh, CEO of World Without Exploitation, echoed this sentiment, stating that NDAs are used to silence victims and that those who caused harm should be held accountable.
Several Epstein acquaintances, including Black, Dershowitz, and former Barclays CEO Jes Staley, are expected to participate in transcribed interviews in the coming weeks. However, Rapallo noted that as these are not subpoenaed depositions, individuals can legally decline to answer questions, as the terms are often negotiated. Dershowitz, however, told Business Insider he plans to answer all questions and welcomes a subpoena.
The committee also has the option to issue 'friendly subpoenas' to Epstein's accusers, similar to how corporate whistleblowers with NDAs are protected. The committee's Democratic members stated they would allow victims to decide whether to appear. Edwards, an attorney for some accusers, indicated that many victims wish to move on due to intense media scrutiny, citing a recent BBC interview where he alleged one client was sent by Epstein to spend a night with Prince Andrew.