The Trial
Ghislaine Maxwell’s trial began in November 2021 in federal court in Manhattan. She was charged with six counts related to the sex trafficking operation she allegedly ran with Jeffrey Epstein.
The Charges
Maxwell faced charges of:
- Sex trafficking of a minor
- Conspiracy to commit sex trafficking
- Transportation of a minor for criminal sexual activity
- Conspiracy to commit transportation of a minor
- Enticement of a minor
- Conspiracy to entice a minor
Witness Testimony
Four survivors who had been victimized as teenagers testified under pseudonyms (Jane, Kate, Carolyn, Annie Farmer). Their testimony was central to the prosecution’s case. Each described being recruited and abused through a similar pattern.
The Verdict
On December 29, 2021, after six days of deliberations, the jury found Maxwell guilty on five of six counts. She was acquitted only of enticement of a minor.
Sentencing
On June 28, 2022, Judge Alison Nathan sentenced Maxwell to 20 years in federal prison. Nathan cited the serious and systematic nature of the trafficking operation.