Credit: Casey Cascaldo | Photo Editor
Ohio State released a statement Tuesday following a preliminary review of gifts and donations from convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein, in which it states it received one gift from Epstein and one gift from an affiliated foundation.
“Epstein is a convicted sex offender whose crimes are reprehensible, and his association with these gifts to the university is concerning,” the statement reads.
According to the statement, Epstein’s supposed private foundation — CUOQ Foundation — anonymously donated $2.5 million to support the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in 2007. This and a $2.5 million dollar gift from the Leslie H. Wexner Charitable Fund were applied to the naming of the Les Wexner Football Complex in fulfillment of a $5 million pledge, according to the statement.
Epstein also donated $1,000 to the Wexner Center for the Arts Membership Fund in 1990, according to the statement.
“Ohio State is conducting a complete review of the giving history to the university by Epstein and known associated entities and will take additional action as appropriate,” the statement reads.
Epstein was arrested July 6 and charged with sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors, according to an indictment unsealed July 8 in a Manhattan federal court. A press release from the Southern District of New York US Attorney’s Office states Epstein “enticed and recruited” dozens of minor girls, some as young as 14, between 2002 and 2005.
Epstein pleaded not guilty to the charges in court on July 8. If convicted, he could face up to 45 years in prison, according to the press release.
