Jury Finds Ghislaine Maxwell Guilty On 5 Of 6 Federal Charges

In New York City, Ghislaine Maxwell was found guilty on five of six charges related to the now-infamous case of her and the late Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking and abuse of young girls between 1994 and 2004.

Maxwell, 60, was acquitted on one charge of enticing a minor to travel to engage in illegal sex acts but found guilty of the remaining five charges.

These include transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal activity, sex trafficking of a minor, and three more conspiracy charges related to these acts. A jury comprised of six women and six men deliberated for 40 hours over six days to reach the decision.

The trial began on November 29 and featured emotional testimonies from abuse survivors. Maxwell’s defense said she was being used as a “scapegoat” for Epstein’s crimes, and questioned the motivations of accusers who came forward.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams praised the decision and thanked the survivors of Epstein’s and Maxwell’s abuse “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.”

Four women came forward and testified as part of the prosecutor’s argument that Maxwell lured young girls into sexual relationships with Epstein and participated in the abuse herself. Annie Farmer, the only accuser who testified by her full name expressed gratitude towards the jury, and said Maxwell has “caused hurt to many more women than the few of us who had the chance to testify in the courtroom.”

Several accusers who chose to share their stories under pseudonyms also provided critical testimonies that secured Maxwell’s transporting charge among others.

A sentencing date has not been set, but Maxwell’s family and attorneys stated Wednesday night that they planned to appeal the decision.

One of Maxwell’s attorneys, Bobby C Sternheim, told reporters, “We have already started working on the appeal and we are confident that she will be vindicated.”