The unredacted Epstein files have once again stirred global attention. As fresh documents were released by the Department of Justice for members of Congress, one name began trending across news platforms and search engines. Lesley Groff.According to the recently released files by the Department of Justice (DOJ), her name appears more than 150,000 times in the records, as mentioned in a report by The Sunday Guardian. That figure is second only to Jeffrey Epstein himself. For someone who was not a public figure, this has naturally raised many questions. Who is she? Why does her name show up so often? And what exactly was her role?Here’s all you need to know:
Who is Lesley Groff?
Lesley Groff worked as the executive assistant to Jeffrey Epstein for nearly two decades.According to the Hindustan Times report, she joined his New York office in February 2001. Groff later lived in New Canaan, Connecticut. She continued working for Epstein until his death in a New York jail cell in 2019.
What was her job?
Groff handled Epstein’s daily schedule, meetings and travel arrangements. She managed both his personal and professional calendars.If someone wanted to fly on his aircraft, set up a meeting or even seek help in getting their child admitted to college, they usually had to contact Groff first. She acted as the main coordinator.One federal lawyer, whose identity was redacted in the records, explained why her name appears so many times. As quoted by the Hindustan Times, the lawyer wrote, “She was Epstein’s primary secretary who handled the travel logistics for Epstein, his employees, and the victims who traveled. So it makes sense that her last name has so many hits.”
Her interaction with high-profile people
Because she managed his calendar and communication, Groff interacted with several well known personalities. Her role placed her in regular contact with people who were connected to Epstein.
Civil lawsuits and allegations
Over the years, Groff faced multiple civil lawsuits. According to the report, some alleged that she arranged “massages” and travel linked to Epstein’s abuse.However, these lawsuits were either dismissed or withdrawn. In some cases, this happened as part of settlements or because of requirements connected to victim compensation programmes.Groff is often mentioned alongside Sarah Kellen and Nadia Marcinkova. Victims said in lawsuits and depositions that Kellen and Marcinkova helped with recruiting. There is no proof that Groff herself was a victim of Epstein like Kellen and Marcinkova were, according to the report.
Salary and personal background
Groff, now 58, reportedly earned up to 200,000 dollars a year. She has owned a 4.2 million dollar home in New Canaan for more than ten years, as reported by the Hindustan Times.At one point, after she had a baby, she considered leaving her job. Epstein reportedly offered to pay for full time child care and buy her a Mercedes Benz to persuade her to stay. Thumb image: X