The U.S. Department of Justice is urging the Supreme Court to reject Ghislaine Maxwell’s appeal of her sex trafficking conviction. Maxwell, a former associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, is serving a 20-year sentence for aiding Epstein’s abuse of underage girls.
Maxwell’s Argument Against Prosecution
Maxwell, 63, argues that a 2007 non-prosecution agreement (NPA) between Epstein and Florida federal prosecutors shields her from prosecution in any federal district. The agreement included a clause promising not to charge Epstein’s “potential co-conspirators.” However, Maxwell was not specifically named in that clause.
DOJ: Florida Deal Not Binding Nationwide
The DOJ responded that Florida prosecutors lacked authority to bind other federal districts without approval from the DOJ’s Criminal Division.
“There is no indication… that anyone involved in negotiating Epstein’s NPA obtained the necessary approval for binding other USAOs,” wrote U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer.
The DOJ also emphasized that Maxwell was an “incidental third-party beneficiary” at most, and the government was unaware of her role in Epstein’s crimes when the NPA was signed.
Maxwell’s Legal Team Points to Broken Promises
Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, criticized the government’s position, stating, “When the United States gives its word, it should keep it.” He referenced former President Trump’s reputation as a “dealmaker” and questioned whether Trump supported his lawyers’ efforts to break that agreement.
Victims’ Attorney Calls for Accountability
Sigrid McCawley, who represents many Epstein victims, insisted Maxwell must remain in prison. “Maxwell does not deserve any protection, and she should remain in prison for the horrific crimes she committed,” McCawley said.
Conviction and Crimes
Maxwell was convicted in 2021 on five of six counts, including conspiracy and sex trafficking of a minor. Prosecutors detailed how she befriended, groomed, and facilitated Epstein’s abuse of young girls, sometimes participating herself.
“A unanimous jury has found Ghislaine Maxwell guilty of one of the worst crimes imaginable — facilitating and participating in the sexual abuse of children,” then-U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said after the verdict.
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