Goldman adviser says Epstein used her name to bolster his standing

Kathryn Ruemmler, Goldman Sachs’ former chief legal officer, told House Oversight Committee investigators that Jeffrey Epstein was a “masterful liar” who used her to strengthen his social standing, according to CNBC. Her voluntary, transcribed interview came after scrutiny of her contacts with the convicted sex offender prompted a change in her role at the investment bank.

Ruemmler moved from Goldman’s top legal post to an advisory position after renewed attention to her correspondence with Epstein. Goldman Sachs has kept her in that role while it looks for a permanent successor, a decision Chief Executive David Solomon defended in a CNBC interview this week.

The committee is examining Epstein’s crimes, the federal government’s handling of his cases and the ways Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell built relationships with prominent people. Lawmakers were expected to ask Ruemmler about her dealings with Epstein from 2014 to 2019, including gifts he sent, advice she gave him on responding to media scrutiny and a call he placed to her after his arrest in July 2019 on federal child sex trafficking charges.

Relationship under review

Ruemmler met Epstein in 2014 while she was a white-collar defence lawyer at Latham & Watkins, according to CNBC. Her spokeswoman has said Ruemmler did not represent Epstein and knew him through a shared legal client.

Documents released by Congress and the Justice Department show Epstein sent Ruemmler luxury gifts and called her after his 2019 arrest, according to CNBC. The records also show that in March 2019 she proposed language he could use to respond to criticism of the 2008 plea agreement that had drawn intense public scrutiny because of its lenient terms.

Ruemmler has said she regrets knowing Epstein. CNBC reported that she has not been accused of taking part in his crimes.

The House Oversight Committee’s review has extended beyond Ruemmler. The panel has also interviewed former President Bill Clinton, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as part of its inquiry into Epstein’s network and the government’s actions in his cases.

Goldman’s response

Ruemmler’s move at Goldman followed public attention to friendly emails between her and Epstein. Solomon told CNBC in February that the scrutiny had made it “hard for her to execute on her job and her responsibilities,” and that she concluded “it was time to step away.”

In a separate CNBC appearance on “Halftime Report” on Tuesday, Solomon said Goldman had reason to use Ruemmler’s experience while it handled the transition in its legal department. “Why wouldn’t we take advantage of that as we try to do its best for Goldman Sachs?” he said. “That’s an obligation to do its best for Goldman Sachs. And Kathy is ... helping us do that.”

Ruemmler has held senior posts in both government and private practice. Before joining Goldman, she served as White House counsel under former President Barack Obama.

This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.