Epstein's time with Towers Financial and Steve Hoffenberg played a big part in Epstein's ascendancy both financially and in terms of influence. Not only did Epstein escape prosecution in the Towers financial case (Hoffenberg did like 18 years in prison) he was able to keep large amounts of ill-gotten gains as well. Les Wexner was one of Hoffenberg's victims; Epstein made sure Wexner got his invested funds back. That was what started the Epstein and Wexner connection.