Payments from Jeffrey Epstein to Ohio State University Doctor Revealed

Recent documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice have revealed that Dr. Mark Landon, the chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ohio State University (OSU), received substantial payments from Jeffrey Epstein in the early 2000s. These payments, amounting to as much as $25,000 quarterly, have raised questions about the nature of Landon's relationship with Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

The Hill

According to the released files, Dr. Mark Landon received payments totaling approximately $75,000 annually from Epstein's firm, the New York Strategy Group, between 2001 and 2005. The documents include FedEx receipts and emails indicating that Landon received at least 10 packages from Epstein or his associates during this period, although the contents of these packages remain unspecified. Landon has stated that these payments were for consulting work related to potential biotech investments and that he had no knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities.

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Jeffrey Epstein had a long-standing professional relationship with Les Wexner, a billionaire and founder of The Limited and Victoria's Secret, who was also the namesake of the OSU Wexner Medical Center. Wexner has publicly expressed regret over his association with Epstein, stating, “I am embarrassed that, like so many others, I was deceived by Mr. Epstein.” Wexner discovered Epstein's misappropriation of funds in 2007, leading to a severance of their business ties. He is expected to testify before Congress regarding his relationship with Epstein.

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Dr. Landon has consistently denied any involvement in Epstein's criminal activities, asserting, “I had no knowledge of any criminal activities; I find them reprehensible, and I feel terrible for Epstein’s victims.” He remains employed at OSU, where a visitor lounge has been named in his honor. Wexner's legal team has indicated that he will cooperate with inquiries related to Epstein, emphasizing that he is not considered a co-conspirator.

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The revelations surrounding Landon's payments have sparked criticism regarding the ethical implications of accepting funds from Epstein, particularly given his criminal history. Critics argue that institutions like OSU should scrutinize their associations more closely to avoid complicity in unethical behavior.

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While the documents confirm the payments made to Landon, they do not clarify the specific nature of the consulting work he performed. Additionally, there is no evidence linking Landon directly to Epstein's criminal activities or any of his victims, which leaves some questions unanswered regarding the extent of their professional relationship.

The Hill

• “I did not provide any clinical care for Jeffrey Epstein or any of his victims,” Landon said.” — Dr. Mark Landon, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OSU

The Hill

• “I am embarrassed that, like so many others, I was deceived by Mr. Epstein,” — Les Wexner, Billionaire and Founder of The Limited

The Hill

These developments highlight the complex web of relationships surrounding Epstein and raise ongoing concerns about accountability and ethical standards in professional affiliations.

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