By An Investigative Correspondent
May 24, 2026
In a dramatic and closed-door testimony before the House Oversight Committee, Sarah Kellen—Jeffrey Epstein’s long-time personal assistant—has provided congressional investigators with three previously undisclosed names linked to the late sex offender’s sprawling abuse network, marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing probe.
Kellen, who worked for Epstein for more than a decade starting in 2001, appeared voluntarily before the committee on Thursday and spent hours detailing her experiences. In her opening remarks, she described being “sexually and psychologically abused” by Epstein, stating that the abuse “happened on average on a weekly basis, and was at times violent”. She recounted one specific incident in Palm Beach where Epstein trapped her in a gym by lowering a metal hurricane shutter, choked her, and violently raped her. Kellen told lawmakers that Epstein only began paying her after confirming she would submit to his sexual demands. “I was being paid, in part, to be raped,” she said.
Kellen also pushed back forcefully against her long-standing public designation as a “potential co-conspirator,” a label stemming from Epstein’s controversial 2008 non-prosecution agreement. She told the committee she was never contacted by law enforcement before being labeled a criminal in a secret deal. “The federal government of the United States branded me a criminal in a secret deal with my own abuser, without ever once speaking to me,” she testified. When asked why she remained in Epstein’s orbit, she described a life of complete control and isolation, stating she had “no money, no family, no education, and no sense that I deserved any better”.
The Three New Names
The names she provided are reportedly those of former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine, celebrity hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai, and the late fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier. During her testimony, Kellen reportedly accused Levine and Fekkai of sexual assault, and said Demarchelier had exposed himself to her. Demarchelier, who died in 2022, had previously denied allegations of sexual misconduct.
Philip Levine
Levine, who unsuccessfully ran for Florida governor as a Democrat in 2018, has previously denied any close relationship with Epstein. However, emails have since surfaced showing he had been close with both Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell also told the Department of Justice last year that Levine had been her “very good friend”.
Frédéric Fekkai
Fekkai, a prominent hairstylist who has worked with high-profile clients like Hillary Clinton, has been linked to Epstein dating back to the early 2000s. Maxwell characterized him as “friendly, very friendly” during a Department of Justice interview.
Patrick Demarchelier
Demarchelier was a world-renowned fashion photographer whose clients included major magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. He died in 2022.
A Complex and Controversial Figure
Despite her testimony, Kellen remains a controversial figure. She was named as a potential co-conspirator in the 2008 sweetheart deal that many argue allowed Epstein to continue preying on young women for years.
Some lawmakers are not entirely convinced. US Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi has suggested the committee may seek to subpoena Kellen for another interview, arguing she left several questions unanswered during the voluntary testimony. A source familiar with the testimony also told CNN that Kellen declined to address abuse involving others and said she never witnessed inappropriate behavior by President Donald Trump, a claim that has drawn further scrutiny.
The Wider Epstein Files
The new names come on the heels of a massive release of Epstein-related documents. In February 2026, Attorney General Pam Bondi released a list of 305 high-profile individuals, including politicians, celebrities, and business leaders. The Department of Justice has also been forced to unredact names after lawmakers gained access to less-redacted versions of the files.
In a separate development in February, Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) revealed six previously redacted names from the files, accusing the Department of Justice of hiding powerful figures. The six men named by Khanna were Leslie Wexner, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Nicola Caputo, Salvatore Nuara, Zurab Mikeladze, and Leonic Leonov.
The House committee is expected to release the transcript of Kellen’s testimony to the public as soon as possible. Committee Chairman James Comer described the hearing as a key lead in the investigation, and Kellen’s bravery in coming forward as “very brave” and “difficult”. “I’m more optimistic today than I have been a long time,” Comer said.
For now, the new allegations against Levine, Fekkai, and Demarchelier add to the mounting list of high-profile figures whose names have been linked to Epstein’s shadowy network. As the investigation continues, the push for transparency and accountability shows no signs of slowing down.