Epstein Receives Broad Power of Attorney Over Wexner Finances
By 1991, Jeffrey Epstein held a sweeping power of attorney over Les Wexner's personal and corporate finances, giving him authority that far exceeded any normal financial advisor relationship.
People Involved
By mid-1991, public records and later court documents confirmed that Jeffrey Epstein held a broad power of attorney over the finances and affairs of retail billionaire Les Wexner. The scope of this authority was extraordinary, allowing Epstein to make major financial decisions, enter agreements, and transfer assets on Wexner’s behalf.
Scope of Authority
The power of attorney enabled Epstein to:
- Buy and sell real estate on Wexner’s behalf
- Access and manage banking accounts
- Enter contracts on Wexner’s behalf
- Make investment decisions across Wexner’s portfolio
The Mansion Transfer
The most significant single transaction under this authority was Epstein’s acquisition of the townhouse at 9 East 71st Street in Manhattan. The property had been purchased by Wexner for $13.2 million. Epstein acquired it for what was effectively a nominal sum, with the transfer documented in New York City real estate records.
Duration
The arrangement lasted approximately through 2007, when Wexner stated he discovered Epstein had misappropriated funds. However, the full scope and timeline of the power of attorney’s exercise was not publicly confirmed until civil litigation in the 2010s.
Legal Interest
Federal prosecutors and civil plaintiffs later scrutinized the power of attorney as part of broader investigation into Epstein’s financial arrangements. The question of whether Wexner knew the full extent of Epstein’s use of the authority was central to some legal theories.