The United Methodist Church has concluded its investigation into a pastor who was suspended after it emerged she had previously worked for convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Rev. Stephanie Remington first worked for Epstein as an administrative assistant from August to December 2018 before serving as temporary property manager on his private island from January to May 2019.
Remington's employment ended before Epstein's arrest on federal sex trafficking charges in July 2019. However, he had previously pleaded guilty to sex offences involving a minor in Florida in 2008.
Remington appeared in the Epstein files more than 1,800 times. Many of the references relate to the day-to-day running of the island, including travel arrangements for guests and kitchen renovations.
She was not accused of any criminal wrongdoing. Instead, she faced a complaint under church law alleging she had failed to keep the Missouri Conference informed of her employment and ministry appointments, including her work for Epstein.
Speaking to United Methodist News Service in March, Remington insisted she "never saw anything" on the island.
“I knew him for the last nine months of his life, well after he served time for the things that he was accused of doing," she said at the time.
Announcing the outcome of the investigation, the Missouri Conference said Bishop Robert Farr had determined that “under the current provisions of The Book of Discipline and based on the available information, the matter would not proceed to disciplinary action".
The conference added that the complaint against Remington "has been dismissed, and her suspension from appointment has been lifted".
Remington retains her clergy credentials but must complete a review process before being appointed to a position in a United Methodist church under church law.
“This is not a punitive block but an approved exit with good standing following findings of no misconduct and no evidence linking me to Mr. Epstein’s criminal conduct,” Remington said following the investigation.
Remington will no longer be a member of the Missouri Conference but retains her ordained status.
In a statement, Farr said: “This matter raised serious concerns about judgment and public witness.
“Clergy are entrusted with a visible and accountable ministry, and employment with a company connected to Jeffrey Epstein is deeply troubling given what is now known about the scope of his crimes and the harm done to his victims.”
