When officials found disgraced American financier, socialite, and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein dead in his prison cell in 2019, New York City’s medical examiner declared Epstein’s death a suicide. Many of his alleged victims were disheartened that they would not get the justice that they had sought. However, there is some hope for those who wish to see the case unraveled to the end. Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s confidante and a British socialite with ties to many powerful individuals, is currently being held in custody and is accused of recruiting and grooming underage girls, as young as 14, for Epstein to abuse.
In 2007, Epstein served 13 months in county jail after being indicted for the abuse of dozens of underage girls. However, in July 2019, Epstein faced sex trafficking charges for recruiting and paying some of his victims to find more underage girls for him to abuse at either his New York or Palm Beach residences. Many recipients of large donations from Epstein were under intense scrutiny during this lawsuit. His death prevented investigators from learning if any powerful people or institutions shared in his trafficking abuses.
Ghislaine Maxwell faces criminal charges not just of helping Epstein recruit young girls, but also of sexual abuse. Alleged victims are coming forward and offering their accounts of Epstein and Maxwell’s joint abuses. At the time of Maxwell’s arrest, prosecutors expressed a concern that Maxwell might be a flight risk; she has three passports and millions of dollars in 15 different bank accounts.
Whether or not Ghislaine Maxwell provides information that could expose other powerful men and women of their involvement in Epstein’s trafficking network depends on how she and her attorneys respond to the perjury charges she faces. During Epstein’s trial, the court summoned Maxwell for a deposition. Attorneys inquired about her actions, Epstein’s actions, and the young girls accusing Epstein. On most accounts, she claimed to know nothing. Now, if she tries to alter her story and admit what she knows, she would face two perjury charges, each punishable by up to five years in jail.
To encourage her to reveal more information about the trafficking abuses and any other individuals who took part, prosecutors may consider offering her a deal to lessen the threat of the looming perjury charges. Whether prosecutors decide to forgive her perjury or conspiracy charges in exchange for information remains to be seen.
Contact a Brooklyn Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer
Any criminal offense can result in serious consequences, including fines, prison time, and a permanent mark on your record. Sex crimes in particular are taken very seriously throughout the United States, including New York. The recent case involving Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell has shed light on sex crimes such as sexual assault and sex trafficking of minors. If you or someone you know is accused of any type of sex crime, you need a strong defense to avoid a conviction. Attorney Joey Jackson has more than 25 years of experience as a New York criminal defense attorney. Call JOEY JACKSON LAW, PLLC today at 1-833-JOEYJACKSON or 833-563-9522 to schedule your confidential consultation.
Sources:
https://www.vox.com/2018/12/3/18116351/jeffrey-epstein-case-indictment-arrested-trump-clinton