Former JPMorgan executive and ex-Barclays CEO Jes Staley told a US House committee in a closed-door interview that he found it “incredible” Jeffrey Epstein continued abusing minors after his 2008 release from prison. Staley admitted he personally argued to keep Epstein’s accounts at JPMorgan even after the financier began serving his sentence for soliciting underage sex, saying closing a checking account “is a tough move.” He claimed he was unaware the accounts facilitated sex trafficking, though Epstein routinely withdrew tens of thousands of dollars in cash — ultimately totaling $5mn — raising red flags at the bank.

Lawmakers pressed Staley on emails referencing Disney princesses “Snow White” and “Beauty,” which he said he could not recall, suggesting he may have seen a young woman in a Snow White costume at Epstein’s apartment. Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury called the memory gaps “ridiculous.” Staley maintained a “close professional relationship” with Epstein, citing career advice and personal matters, and said he believed Epstein had reformed after serving his sentence. UK regulators imposed a lifetime ban on Staley from financial services last year, a decision he unsuccessfully challenged in a London trial. JPMorgan declined to comment; Staley’s lawyer did not respond.