Ghislaine Maxwell Found Guilty on Five Federal Counts
After approximately 40 hours of deliberation over six days, the jury in Ghislaine Maxwell's federal trial returns guilty verdicts on five of six counts. Maxwell is convicted of sex trafficking conspiracy, sex trafficking of minors, transportation of minors for illegal sexual activity (two counts), and conspiracy to entice minors. She is acquitted on the enticing a minor count. The verdict is a landmark moment — the first criminal conviction of an Epstein network figure.
People Involved
The Verdict
On December 29, 2021, the jury returned its verdicts after six days (approximately 40 hours) of deliberation:
Guilty:
- Conspiracy to entice a minor to travel for illegal sexual activity
- Transportation of minors for criminal sexual activity (two counts)
- Conspiracy to commit sex trafficking
- Sex trafficking of a minor under 14
Not guilty:
- Enticing a minor to travel for illegal sexual activity (acquitted on one of two enticement counts)
Maxwell’s Reaction
Maxwell showed minimal visible emotion as the guilty verdicts were read. Her attorneys immediately announced plans to appeal.
Victim Reactions
Survivors and their attorneys expressed relief and validation:
- Virginia Giuffre called the verdict “a great day for justice”
- Victim advocate organizations praised the jury’s decision
The Sentencing Outlook
The maximum sentence on the most serious count (sex trafficking of a minor under 14) was 40 years. Given Maxwell’s age (60 at time of verdict) and the sentencing guidelines, a sentence in the range of 15-30 years was expected.
Significance
The Maxwell verdict was the only criminal conviction of the Epstein network’s participants. It provided formal judicial validation of what victims had alleged for years.