Sarah Kellen, a woman who has described herself as both a survivor and a recruiter for the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, appeared before the House Oversight Committee in a closed-door session on Thursday and provided lawmakers with three names connected to the abuse of underage girls.
Kellen, identified in court documents as Epstein’s “lieutenant,” told members of Congress that she was subjected to sexual and psychological abuse before being drawn into the trafficking operation herself. Her testimony adds new pressure on investigators to pursue leads that have remained dormant for years.
The names she offered have not been made public, but sources familiar with the meeting say the list includes individuals who have not previously been charged in connection with Epstein’s network. Kellen’s account is expected to be reviewed by the committee as part of its broader examination of institutional failures that allowed Epstein to operate for decades despite multiple allegations.
Her appearance comes amid renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s associates, particularly after leaked documents revealed that British royal aides prepared talking points on Prince Andrew’s trade role qualifications during the Epstein scandal. That case has further fueled bipartisan demands for a full accounting of who enabled Epstein’s crimes.
Kellen’s testimony also intersects with recent political fallout. Representative Ro Khanna has suggested that Representative Thomas Massie’s primary loss was tied to his push for an Epstein investigation, highlighting how the issue continues to reshape political alliances. Meanwhile, Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, recently backtracked on claims that Epstein blackmailed him during a House hearing, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing probes.
Kellen’s decision to cooperate with Congress marks a shift for a figure long seen as a key gatekeeper to Epstein’s inner circle. Advocates for victims say her testimony could break open cases that have stalled due to lack of firsthand evidence. “Survivors who were also forced to recruit are often the most credible witnesses,” said one legal expert familiar with the committee’s work. “They know the mechanics of the operation from the inside.”
The committee has not set a timeline for releasing a transcript of Kellen’s testimony, but members from both parties have indicated they intend to use the information to push for further subpoenas. The closed-door format, while criticized by transparency advocates, is standard for sensitive witness interviews involving ongoing investigations.
Kellen’s attorney declined to comment on the specifics of the testimony, but confirmed that his client is cooperating fully with federal and congressional inquiries. The National Sexual Assault Hotline continues to field calls related to the Epstein case, and advocates urge anyone with information to come forward.
