US House holds billionaire Leon Black in contempt over Epstein probe

Lawmakers refer billionaire investor to Justice Department as his lawyers call contempt move ‘outrageous’

The US House of Representatives held billionaire investor Leon Black in contempt of Congress on Wednesday for defying subpoenas issued in its investigation into notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The resolution was adopted by unanimous consent, without a recorded vote, a day after the House Oversight Committee unanimously recommended the action.

The matter will now be referred to the Justice Department, which will decide whether to pursue criminal charges.

“No one is above the law. Leon Black defied two subpoenas, and the US House of Representatives acted swiftly to find him in contempt of Congress,” panel chairman James Comer said in a statement.