The inventor behind the iconic Segway personal transporter has been identified in the trove of documents and photographs related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Dean Kamen, 74, appears in at least two images released by US authorities, prompting the New Hampshire-based innovator to issue a statement addressing his presence.
Kamen's Photos in the Epstein Archive
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform made the files public on December 12, unveiling a cache of images featuring numerous high-profile individuals alongside Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Among them is a photograph showing Kamen standing on a Segway with his arms wrapped around Maxwell, who is seated in front of him. A second image depicts Kamen sitting at a table with billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, while Epstein stands behind them in a tropical setting.
In a statement provided to the local ABC affiliate WMUR, Kamen sought to provide context for the photographs. He explained that he had been a guest on Branson's private Necker Island in the Caribbean on several occasions for conferences and fundraising events. "I believe this photo must have been taken during one of those events many years ago," Kamen stated. He firmly distanced himself from Epstein's crimes, adding, "I have no knowledge of any of the horrific actions of Jeffrey Epstein other than what I have learned from news reports."
Previous Connections and a Model's Links
This is not the first instance linking Dean Kamen to the Epstein scandal. His name appeared on flight logs for Epstein's private jet, released in January 2024 as part of a lawsuit brought by victim Virginia Giuffre. Furthermore, The New York Times named Kamen in a 2022 investigation detailing a multi-day TED conference attended by Epstein.
Separate reporting, notably by journalist Christine Negroni in 2020 and later by The Boston Globe, has highlighted Kamen's ties to model and pilot Nadia Marcinko. Marcinko was named as a possible 'co-conspirator' in the Epstein case and was granted immunity in 2008 following a plea bargain. According to investigations, Marcinko began appearing at Kamen's company, DEKA Research & Development Corp., around 2014 and later became a flight instructor at the firm's flying club. She also used DEKA's address for her website. Kamen has not publicly commented on his relationship with Marcinko.
High-Profile Figures in the Spotlight
Kamen is among a long list of prominent figures pictured with Epstein in the recently released batch of 19 photographs. Others include former US President Bill Clinton, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, former President Donald Trump, right-wing strategist Steve Bannon, and singer Jimmy Buffett. Like Kamen, many have denied close relationships with Epstein or any prior knowledge of his criminal activities.
Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in sex trafficking, following a federal trial. Dean Kamen, renowned for inventing the Segway and leading medical innovation through DEKA, is not accused of any wrongdoing in relation to the Epstein case. The released photographs continue to fuel public scrutiny of the disgraced financier's extensive network of powerful acquaintances.
