The Justice Department request came after NBC News asked a federal judge to unseal the names of two people Epstein paid and helped protect from prosecution.
We have an idea who those two people might be. They were un-indicted co-conspirators who were never charged with any crimes. Here is how both Sarah Kellen and Lesley Groff were involved:
Lesley Groff
Lesley Groff was Jeffrey Epstein’s executive assistant for nearly two decades
While she was never criminally charged, several civil lawsuits accused her of being a knowing accomplice in his sex trafficking ring.
Allegations of involvement
Facilitating abuse: Several of Epstein’s victims alleged that Groff helped facilitate the abuse. Her role is said to have included scheduling “massage” appointments, coordinating travel, and providing money to victims. One woman, who testified under the pseudonym “Kate” at Ghislaine Maxwell’s trial, said Groff booked flights for her to travel to Epstein’s various residences.
“Potential co-conspirator”: Groff was named as a “potential co-conspirator” in Epstein’s controversial 2008 non-prosecution agreement. This deal granted immunity to Groff and other associates from federal charges.
Relationship with Epstein: A 2005 New York Times article, written before Epstein’s crimes became public, described Groff as being highly valued by Epstein. He reportedly called her “an extension of my brain” and, when she became pregnant, paid for a nanny and bought her a Mercedes-Benz to ensure she continued working for him.
Groff’s denial and legal outcomes
Denial of wrongdoing: Groff has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities. Her lawyers have stated that her duties centered on legitimate business matters, such as scheduling meetings with high-profile executives, politicians, and celebrities.
Dropped civil suits: Several victims filed civil lawsuits against Groff, alleging that she assisted in Epstein’s crimes. However, these lawsuits were voluntarily dismissed. In some cases, victims dropped their suits against Epstein’s employees after receiving a settlement from the Epstein Victims’ Compensation Program, which required them to abandon any further claims.
No criminal charges: In December 2021, Groff’s attorneys announced that she would not be facing criminal charges. They stated that federal prosecutors had informed them of the decision after a lengthy investigation.
Sarah Kellen (Vickers)
Sarah Kellen Vickers was a former assistant to Jeffrey Epstein who was accused of being a key facilitator in his sex trafficking ring.
. In lawsuits, victims referred to her as Ghislaine Maxwell’s “lieutenant” and second-in-command.
According to testimony from victims and legal documents, Kellen’s role included:
Recruiting and scheduling: She allegedly helped recruit young women and girls for Epstein and scheduled their “massage” appointments at his residences, including in Palm Beach and Manhattan.
Facilitating abuse: Victims testified that she was actively involved in enabling the abuse, such as taking nude photos before encounters with Epstein.
Gatekeeping and control: She was often present during the abuse and played a role in controlling and prepping the victims.
Compensation: She paid victims for their visits, typically with cash amounts ranging from $200 to $300.
Legal immunity and lack of criminal charges
Despite her alleged role, Kellen has never faced criminal charges related to the Epstein scandal.
2008 plea deal: Kellen was one of four employees granted immunity from prosecution in the highly criticized 2008 Florida plea deal that allowed Epstein to avoid a federal sex trafficking indictment.
“Criminally responsible”: During Ghislaine Maxwell’s sentencing in 2022, a federal judge publicly stated that Kellen was a “knowing participant” and “criminally responsible” in Epstein’s scheme.
Kellen’s counter-claims and post-Epstein life
Following Epstein’s crimes coming to light, Kellen has claimed to be a victim herself.
In a 2020 interview, she denied being a “monster” and claimed she was also “raped and abused weekly” by Epstein.
However, victims and lawyers have disputed her claims, pointing to evidence of her enabling role in the scheme.
After her employment ended, she married NASCAR driver Brian Vickers in 2013, with whom she lived a life of luxury in Miami and New York.
Vickers filed for divorce from her in early 2025
Besides Groff and Kellen, either Adriana Ross or Nadia Marcinko (aka Nada Marcinkova) could also be one of the two. Nadia went on to work for a famous entrepreneur who lives in NH, running her company called Aviloop LLC.