arrest critical 2020-07-02

Ghislaine Maxwell Arrested in Bradford, New Hampshire

FBI agents arrest Ghislaine Maxwell at a property she had purchased under a false name in Bradford, New Hampshire. Maxwell had been 'in hiding' since Epstein's July 2019 arrest — her location was unknown to the public for nearly a year. The New Hampshire property had been bought through an LLC apparently specifically to obscure her whereabouts. Maxwell is charged with six federal counts including sex trafficking conspiracy, perjury, and transportation of minors for illegal sexual activity. She is transported to New York and held without bail.

People Involved

The Arrest

On July 2, 2020, FBI agents arrested Ghislaine Maxwell at a 156-acre property in Bradford, New Hampshire:

  • The property had been purchased in an LLC name in August 2019 (shortly after Epstein’s death)
  • Maxwell had lived there in what she described as relative isolation
  • Federal agents had monitored her movements before executing the arrest

The Charges

Maxwell was initially charged with six counts:

  1. Conspiracy to entice minors to travel for illegal sexual activity
  2. Enticement of a minor to travel for illegal sexual activity
  3. Conspiracy to transport minors for criminal sexual activity
  4. Transportation of minors for criminal sexual activity
  5. Conspiracy to commit perjury
  6. Perjury

Later, sex trafficking charges were added.

Bail Hearing

Maxwell was held without bail through multiple applications:

  • Prosecutors argued she was an extreme flight risk (British-French citizen with no strong US ties)
  • She was held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn

Significance

Maxwell’s arrest was the most significant enforcement action after Epstein’s death — she was the highest-profile living alleged co-conspirator and was the key link between Epstein and many victims.