Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) said Wednesday that House Democrats are doing the work the Department of Justice (DOJ) has failed to do in meaningfully investigating the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein case, which has dominated national headlines throughout most of President Donald Trump’s second term.
Speaking during a break in the closed-door deposition of L Brands founder and billionaire Leslie Wexner in New Albany, Ohio, Crockett berated the DOJ for failing to properly investigate the disgraced financier and his sex trafficking network, calling out U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi—who refused to even turn and look at Epstein survivors during her recent testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. The legislative branch, Crockett stated, is stepping in to conduct oversight where the DOJ has fallen short.
Crockett noted that survivors and their attorneys have delivered a consistent message: “Follow the money.” That directive, she said, is guiding the committee’s work. But she acknowledged investigators are hitting roadblocks.
According to Crockett, she correctly predicted in advance that Wexner’s testimony would do little in advancing the investigation on Epstein. While declining to disclose specifics from the deposition, she stated that Wexner’s testimony, when it becomes public, will leave more questions than answers.
Crockett: ‘We Need To Follow The Money’
Crockett pointed to recurring themes lawmakers have uncovered, including allegations of fraudulent modeling agencies and the use of fashion industry connections to lure young women. Referencing the prominence of Victoria’s Secret fashion shows, Crockett said the overlap between aspiring models and powerful figures offering opportunity is too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The result, she said, was not opportunity but abuse and trafficking “at the highest level.”
She also noted that Wexner acknowledged Trump may have crossed paths with Epstein at Victoria’s Secret runway shows in the past, even if he did not clearly remember the specifics. If Wexner cannot recall key details and if he is truly honest in helping lawmakers, Crockett stated, he should turn over his complete financial records so investigators can trace the transactions themselves. “We need to follow the money because that is exactly what the survivors told us to do,” Crockett emphasized.
Crockett closed with a broader appeal, saying survivors deserve to know they are being heard and that Congress will continue pressing for answers. Across the world, she noted, executives and public figures have faced consequences over their ties to Epstein. The same standard, she argued, should apply to those in the United States government.
“We deserve better,” Crockett stated. “And we will get it.”
