Exclusive: Epstein survivors say his former assistant Lesley Groff lied to Congress about key details
Exclusive: Epstein Survivors Claim Lesley Groff Lied to Congress About Key Details
Exclusive: Epstein survivors are accusing his former assistant Lesley Groff of providing misleading testimony to Congress, asserting she concealed critical information about her role in the sex offender's abuse network. During her June 9 appearance before the House Oversight Committee, Groff described herself as a key figure in Epstein’s operations, claiming she had no direct contact with the girls and young women who massaged him and was unaware of their ages or backgrounds. However, several survivors of Epstein’s abuse have since challenged this account, emphasizing that Groff was actively involved in their lives and had access to vital details. CNN has compiled testimonies from four survivors who spoke publicly and two who shared their experiences anonymously, highlighting contradictions between Groff’s statements and their firsthand accounts.
Exclusive Testimony Sparks Debate Over Groff’s Allegiances
Groff’s testimony, which was transcribed and released as an exclusive interview, positioned her as a loyal employee who believed Epstein’s manipulations kept her in the dark. She was described as a central player in the organization, often coordinating payments and arranging meetings with the victims. Yet survivors argue that her testimony lacks transparency, suggesting she intentionally omitted information to protect Epstein’s interests. The 2008 Florida non-prosecution deal, which granted Groff immunity in exchange for her cooperation, has been a point of contention, with critics questioning whether it allowed her to evade accountability. Her legal team has not publicly addressed these claims, leaving her statements open to scrutiny.
Exclusive: The survivors’ accounts paint a starkly different picture of Groff’s involvement. One victim, Marina Lacerda, recounted regular meetings with Groff during her years of abuse, stating,
“She’s lying. Just me and my friends, she’s met at least three or four of us.”
Other survivors, including Sharlene Rochard and Lisa Phillips, confirmed in-person interactions with Groff, who allegedly played a role in managing their schedules and ensuring their compliance. These testimonies challenge Groff’s assertion that she had no direct contact with the victims, raising questions about her credibility in Congress. The survivors insist that Groff’s testimony, while detailed, fails to capture the full scope of her influence in Epstein’s exploitation of young girls.
Exclusive Insights from Survivors Expose Gaps in Groff’s Testimony
Exclusive: According to survivors, Groff was not only aware of the abuse but actively participated in its orchestration. They described her as a trusted confidante of Epstein, who knew the victims personally and helped mask the severity of the situation. One survivor, who requested anonymity, explained that Groff had access to their private conversations and was privy to their fears and vulnerabilities. “She was always there, always knowing,” the individual said. This exclusivity in Groff’s knowledge, survivors argue, makes her testimony crucial to understanding the full extent of Epstein’s criminal activities.
Epstein’s legal team, which previously defended Groff’s position, has not publicly refuted the survivors’ claims. The House Oversight Committee, which is investigating the case, has expressed interest in further details from those with insider knowledge. A spokesperson noted that the panel welcomes additional evidence to refine its understanding of the abuse network. Survivors, however, remain skeptical, believing that Congress’s interviews may not lead to the full accountability they demand, especially since Ghislaine Maxwell is the only person in the U.S. to face charges for her ties to Epstein. The focus on Groff’s testimony, while exclusive, has also sparked discussions about the broader implications of her role in the scandal.
Exclusive: The survivors’ detailed accounts, which have been corroborated by multiple witnesses, suggest Groff’s testimony was strategically crafted to downplay her involvement. They highlight specific instances where she was present during abusive encounters and had the opportunity to verify the victims’ ages. One survivor described how Groff had once arrived at a location where Epstein was meeting underage girls, stating,
“She was there, she saw everything, and she didn’t say a word.”
This exclusivity in her access to the abuse scenes has led to accusations that she played a dual role as both an accomplice and a witness. As the investigation continues, the emphasis on Groff’s testimony underscores the importance of uncovering all aspects of Epstein’s operation, including the often-hidden mechanisms of complicity.