Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced to 20-years in prison and five years of supervised freedom following her conviction for five counts of sex traficking.
Maxwell 60, she recruited young girls to be with her ex-boyfriend, billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in the 1990s and 2000s.
At his properties in New York, Florida and New Mexico, he abused girls as young 14-years old, as well as his private island Little St James on the US Virgin Islands, which locals called a ‘paedophile’ island.
Judge Alison Nathan stated to the court that “the damage done these girls was incalculable.”
Maxwell’s victims, according to the judge, were made to endure the “painful and horrific” effects of trauma.
Judge Nathan said that anyone who facilitates or engages in sexual abuse will be held responsible.
“No matter how rich or powerful you are, no one is above the law.”
Judge Nathan stated that Maxwell didn’t appear to show remorse nor accept responsibility.
Maxwell’s behavior was described by her as “heinous” and “predatory”.
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Annie Farmer, also known as Kate, said that Maxwell’s exploits caused her significant shame and sometimes made her feel like she was going to “disappear.”
“Today, Ghislaine can see me and tell me that I have become what I am today despite her efforts to make it feel powerless and insignificant. I will give that empowerment to my daughter.”
Maxwell’s apology was described by her as “hollow” and she believes she is not taking responsibility for the crimes she committed.
Maxwell described Epstein as a manipulative, cunning, and controlling man who fooled everyone around.
She expressed her regret for the pain he caused and stated that she knew Epstein’s association would continue to “stain” her.
She stated, “It is my greatest regret that I have ever met Jeffrey Epstein.”
Directly addressing her victims, she said: “To all the victims who came to today’s court and outside…I am sorry about the pain that you have endured.”
“I hope that my sentence… brings closure… peace… and ultimateity. These experiences will help you to move on.
Maxwell’s lawyers argued that Maxwell should receive a sentence between four and three years and five years and three or three years and three, after she had already served two years in a New York federal prison.
They claimed she was the victim of a media witch-hunt over Epstein’s relationship, and that she had been mistreated behind bars and placed under suicide watch.
However, the government prosecutors argued that between 30 and 55 years is more appropriate.
On Tuesday morning, she appeared in front of the District Court for the Southern District of New York wearing a blue prison shirt with a longer, white shirt underneath. She also wore glasses and a COVID face mask.
Four victims provided evidence during her trial. At the sentencing, two of them and four more were allowed to speak.
These included Virginia Giuffre (then Virginia Roberts), the woman who accused Prince Andrew underage sexual assault. This allegation is strongly denied by Prince Andrew.
Annie Farmer, Teresa Helm and Sarah Ransome gave emotional victim impact statements. Elizabeth Stein, Elizabeth Stein, and a woman using the pseudonym “Kate” also provided these statements.
Maxwell approached a 14-year-old while he was eating ice cream
A woman, referred to as Jane in the trial to protect her 22 year acting career, claimed that she was first abused at the tender age of 14 by Epstein.
Maxwell approached her while she was eating ice cream at a camp for music.
Jane later stated that Epstein invited Jane to his Palm Beach, Florida house where she was “frozen with fear” when he started masturbating and exposed himself.
She claimed that Maxwell and she had sex together.
PS300 Massages for Underage Girls
Carolyn, a victim who used her real name only, stated that Maxwell would make appointments for her to give Epstein Massages at her age of 14.
Each time, she was paid $300 to $400 (PS227 or PS303).
“Kate”, the other woman who claimed she was a fictitious witness, stated that Maxwell invited her to tea at her London home in 1994.
She was again invited to return a few weeks later, this time to massage Epstein.
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Photos show how Maxwell was partnered in crime
Annie Farmer was the only victim to testify at trial under her real identity. She described how she was taken from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Epstein’s ranch and then abused.
She claimed she was just 16 when Maxwell touched her breasts, and Epstein made his way to her bed.
Some victims’ defense lawyers claim that Maxwell and Epstein abused more than 160 girls while they were together.
While awaiting his 2019 trial on sex trafficking charges, he committed suicide in Manhattan prison.