Joy Cowdery, a former Warren High School teacher, shares her worries regarding those affected by Jeffrey Epstein during a rally decrying funds Sen. Jon Husted received from Les Wexner. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

MARIETTA – The Ohio Democratic Party held what organizers described as a protest Wednesday in Marietta focused on U.S. Sen. Jon Husted’s campaign contributions from Les Wexner, who had worked with Jeffrey Epstein from the late 80’s into the late 2000’s

Speakers criticized Husted for accepting contributions from Wexner and for his vote on a procedural motion related to the release of Epstein-related files. Several speakers said the issue raised broader concerns about political accountability, transparency and support for survivors of sexual abuse.

“Survivors have to face the double-edged sword, first the abuse, and then the disbelief,” said Joy Cowdery, a former teacher from Marietta, arguing that elected officials should support the release of information related to Epstein.

Organizers said Husted has received $116,892 from Wexner over more than 20 years, including a maximum legal contribution last year. The Marietta event was billed by organizers as the seventh Ohio protest on the issue, following events in Columbus, Toledo, Youngstown, Westlake, Steubenville and Lima.

Speakers also shared their support for Democrat Sherrod Brown, a former U.S. senator and Husted’s opponent in the November special election.