Mr. Epstein became extraordinarily rich, obtaining a New York mansion, a private plane and a luxury estate in Ohio that were previously owned by Mr. Wexner or his companies. Mr. Epstein also gained access to young women, including by trying to involve himself in the recruitment of lingerie models for the Victoria’s Secret catalog.

The relationship between the two men has taken on new importance in the weeks since Mr. Epstein was charged with sex trafficking involving girls as young as 14.

Response: Through a spokesman, Mr. Wexner, the longest-serving chief executive in the S&P 500, declined repeated requests for an interview. In a letter this month to employees, he said he was “NEVER aware of the illegal activity charged in the indictment.”

Related: Mr. Epstein was found unconscious in his cell on Tuesday with marks on his neck. Prison officials were investigating whether he had tried to kill himself.