In a sex trafficking trial, Ghislaine Maxwell was found guilty on five of six charges
On Dec. 29, a jury found 5 charges of conspiracy to encourage kids to travel for unlawful sex acts, transportation of minors for illegal sex acts, and two counts of perjury.
On one count of enticing a juvenile to travel and participate in illicit sexual conduct, the jury cleared Maxwell.
Attorney Damian Williams praised the prosecution, detectives, and survivors in a statement immediately after the verdict. It was a unanimous verdict: Ghislaine Maxwell had facilitated and participated in child sexual assault. “Crimes that she committed with her long-time partner and co-conspirator, Jeffrey Epstein. The road to justice has been far too long. But, today, justice has been done. I want to commend the bravery of the girls—now grown women—who stepped out of the shadows and into the courtroom. Their courage and willingness to face their abuser made this case, and today’s result, possible”
Deliberations began on Dec. 20 after a three-week trial that comprised over two dozen witness statements. Maxwell opted not to testify.
Maxwell was charged with six counts of complicity in the Jeffrey Epstein molestation case in July 2020. Maxwell denied all six accusations.
In August 2019, Epstein committed suicide while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking accusations in NYC. Prior to his death, the financier had pleaded not guilty to hundreds of allegations of sex trafficking.
To sexually abuse in the 1990s, Maxwell allegedly recruited and trafficked women, one as young as 14. the grooming and abuse of child victims in places like New York, Florida and New Mexico,” according to a July 2020 Justice Department news release.
“In addition, as alleged, Maxwell made several false statements in sworn depositions in 2016.” the announcement said.
Maxwell’s lawyers maintained, according NBC News, that she was made a scapegoat when Epstein died since he was never tried. They also said Maxwell was utilised by Epstein, a “master manipulator.”