Ghislaine Maxwell trial LIVE – Convicted Epstein ‘Madam’ could face 65-year sentence as Scott Borgerson avoids court
PROSECUTORS expect Ghislaine Maxwell, who was found guilty of five out of six counts in her sex trafficking trial, will receive a 'very significant prison sentence,' as the heiress faces up to 65 years behind bars.
Her reported husband Scott Borgerson did not show up to her trial at any point.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr weighed in on the case, sharing a post to his Instagram stories that called for others associated with Jeffrey Epstein to be brought to justice.
"Why isn't the network in his little black book being made public?" said the tweet, originally penned by conservative activist Christian Collins.
Former New York prosecutor Sarah Krissoff reportedly told the that she expects the judge to "impose a very severe sentence" upon Maxwell.
“Given the involvement of minors, the judge has really great discretion to impose a significant sentence,"; Krissoff said.
The jury found Maxwell, the daughter of Robert Maxwell, guilty on five charges, which include conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation of an individual under the age of 17 with the intent to engage in sexual activity
The only charge Maxwell was not found guilty of in her trial was count two, which was enticement of an individual under the age of 17 to travel with intent to engage in sexual activity.
Maxwell's top charge, which is a sex-trafficking count, carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. Ultimately, the socialite could face up to 65 years in prison.
Read our Ghislaine Maxwell live blog for the very latest news and updates...
Ghislaine could go back to court
US prosecutors accuse Maxwell of lying during a 2016 deposition taken as part of a defamation lawsuit filed by Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre.
Although the 2016 case was settled for an undisclosed amount, prosecutors say Maxwell's testimony was riddled with lies.
Using her sworn testimony as a basis, they say the 60-year-old lied when she was asked about Epstein's activities, denying she had knowledge of his recruitment and sexual interactions with underage girls.
According to a transcript of that deposition, Maxwell was asked at least five times if she believed Epstein was sexually abusing young girls, but chose not to give a yes or no answer.
The most she said was: "You are asking me to speculate and I won't speculate".
Perjury is an especially serious offense that can result in the miscarriage of justice.
The offense counts each carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Appeal strategy: 'conscious avoidance' dilemma
The defence also objected to Nathan's instruction to the jury that they could find cruel abuser Maxwell guilty if she deliberately ignored evidence of Epstein's wrongdoing, a legal concept known as "conscious avoidance."
Ghislaine's lawyers argued that prosecutors' theory of the case was that she was an active participant, not a mere bystander, and accused prosecutors of trying to "have it both ways."
Nathan ultimately allowed the instruction after noting the defense itself had sought to show during opening statements and cross-examination of witnesses that Maxwell was unaware of Epstein's behavior.
"Maxwell will have an uphill battle challenging the conscious avoidance charge, as the government presented a factual basis for such a charge," Krissoff said.
Appeal may argue to exclude Kate's testimony
One avenue of appeal for the defense might be to argue that the testimony of Kate was improperly admitted.
While described in the indictment as a victim, Nathan instructed the jury that Kate was actually over the age of consent at the time of her alleged encounters with Epstein.
However, Nathan said the jury could still consider her testimony if they found it useful.
"While the court limited that testimony and gave the jury an appropriate limiting instruction, the defense may continue to argue that Kate's testimony should have been excluded," said Sarah Krissoff, a former federal prosecutor.
Maxwell has ‘two options,’ expert says
Matthew Barhoma, a criminal-appeals lawyer in Los Angeles, told that Maxwell has essentially two paths forward after her guilty verdict.
“Maxwell truly has two options: She can fight this case and take it up on appeal, where she will likely face a 65-year sentence, or she can start issuing some names of who else was involved for a substantially lighter sentence,” said Barhoma.
He added that he thought Maxwell could have strong claims in an appeals process.
Maxwell’s lawyers will appeal
The convicted sex trafficker’s lawyers have said they are already working on appealing the jury’s decision.
“We firmly believe in Ghislaine’s innocence. Obviously, we are very disappointed with the verdict,” said Maxwell’s attorney Bobbi C. Sternheim.
Bad news for Prince Andrew, Continued
“We know that prosecutors are looking at other co-conspirators in connection with Jeffrey Epstein’s child sex ring.
“Ghislaine undoubtedly possesses information which could assist prosecutors in other cases. If she decides to co-operate, her testimony could be devastating.
“She was Epstein’s right-hand woman for years, imagine what she knows?”
‘Could be bad news for Prince Andrew’
A legal source connected with Maxwell’s case a guilty verdict in the case could spell trouble for the royal.
“This could be bad news for Prince Andrew and other high-profile men who hung out with Ghislaine and Jeffrey Epstein,” the source said.
“It is possible she will begin to co-operate and tell what she knows in an attempt to lessen her jail term.
What did Maxwell's indictment say?
The 17-page indictment against Maxwell accused her of grooming and befriending victims, normalizing inappropriate behavior, being present during abuse to put victims at ease, encouraging victims to accept Epstein’s help, and encouraging victims to engage in sexual activity and taking part herself.
What charges was Maxwell convicted on?
Prosecutors alleged that between 1994 and 1997 Maxwell helped Epstein to groom girls as young as 14.
Maxwell was charged with six counts of sex trafficking offenses, and was found guilty of five:
- Count one – GUILTY: Conspiracy to entice minors to travel to engage in illegal sex acts
- Count two – NOT GUILTY: Enticement of a minor to travel to engage in illegal sex acts
- Count three – GUILTY: Conspiracy to transport minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity
- Count four – GUILTY: Transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity
- Counts five – GUILTY: Conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors
- Count six – GUILTY: Sex trafficking of minors
Annie Farmer’s statement
Farmer, one of Maxwell’s accusers, reacted to the guilty verdict.
Her statement said: “I am so relieved and grateful that the jury recognized the pattern of predatory behavior that Maxwell engaged in for years and found her guilty of these crimes.
“I hope that this verdict brings solace to all who need it and demonstrates that no one is above the law. Even those with great power and privilege will be held accountable when they sexually abuse and exploit the young.”
Maxwell family statement
Ghislaine Maxwell’s family released a statement after a guilty verdict was announced.
It read: “We believe firmly in our sister’s innocence – we are very disappointed with the verdict.
“We have already started the appeal tonight and we believe that she will ultimately be vindicated.”
Retired Palm Beach police chief’s statement
Retired Palm Beach police chief Michael Reiter issued a statement after Maxwell was found guilty on Wednesday.
“In 2005, early in our investigation, the Palm Beach Police Department recognized the importance of stopping Jeffrey Epstein and bringing him to justice. The Department never bent to the power and influence brought to bear against us. Unfortunately, of the many other agencies involved, only the FBI acted in a similar way.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York should be congratulated for having the courage to bring Epstein and now Ghislaine Maxwell to justice, something that should have been done in the Florida case fifteen years ago. The importance of the failure of the Florida case cannot be overstated.
“Law school professors should teach this case in legal ethics courses as examples of how not to treat victims of sex crimes and as a forewarning to prosecutors on how they can be influenced to fail in their duties to both victims and the public.”
Why didn't Ghislaine Maxwell testify?
Maxwell did not testify in her sex trafficking trial.
The British socialite, 59, was said to be “too fragile” to take the witness stand.
Her spokesman previously said: “Ghislaine Maxwell is unlikely to testify over serious worries she is too fragile and will not be able to acquit herself properly.”
Her family has complained she is shackled to and from court, and claim she is not being fed correctly.
A friend said: “There are significant concerns about her health.”
How long will Ghislaine Maxwell spend in prison?
The convicted sex trafficker could spend up to 65 years in prison.
She was found guilty of five out of the six federal charges brought against her.
Maxwell also faces perjury counts
Along with sex trafficking charges, Ghislaine Maxwell also separately faces two perjury counts, reported.
Those counts will be tried at a later date.
Prince Andrew’s lawyers ‘in emergency talks’
Prince Andrew’s lawyers reportedly took part in emergency talks last night after Ghislaine Maxwell’s guilty verdict.
Epstein survivor Virginia Roberts Guiffre launched a civil case against the Duke of York, who she alleges had sex with her when she was a teenager.
The jury’s verdict to convict Maxwell sparked alarm in the Prince’s legal team because the burden of proof in a criminal case is higher than in a civil case, the reported.
It has also been claimed that Maxwell could start “naming names” to try to cut her lengthy prison sentence.
It’s believed that Prince Andrew and Maxwell have known each other for the better part of two decades.
Virginia Guiffre tweeted after verdict
Virginia Guiffre, an alleged Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell victim who did not testify in the trial, issued a tweet after Maxwell’s guilty verdict was announced.
“My soul yearned for justice for years and today they jury gave me just that. I will remember this day always.”
Guiffre also called on more people to be brought to justice in connection to the case.
“Maxwell did not act alone,” she tweeted. “Others must be held accountable. I have faith that they will be.”
In addition to Epstein and Maxwell, Guiffre has accused Prince Andrew of sexual abuse, and has an open civil case against the royal.
Maxwell’s lawyers will appeal
The convicted sex trafficker’s lawyers have said they are already working on appealing the jury’s decision.
“We firmly believe in Ghislaine’s innocence. Obviously, we are very disappointed with the verdict,” said Maxwell’s attorney Bobbi C. Sternheim.
When is Ghislaine Maxwell being sentenced?
Ghislaine Maxwell was on trial for sex abuse and human trafficking charges.
She was found guilty on all charges but one on December 29, 2021.
The exact date of her sentencing has yet to be announced.
US District Judge Alison Nathan didn’t announce when Maxwell would be sentenced, noted.
Is Maxwell on suicide watch?
Maxwell's defense team hasn't publicly said if she will be on suicide watch or responded The Sun's request for comment, but that will be determined by the correctional facility and medical professionals, Christine Tartaro told The Sun on Thursday.
Tartaro, a criminal justice professor at Stockton University who specializes in correctional facility suicides among other topics, said Maxwell would have been evaluated after leaving court.
Her lawyer or family members could also request she be put on suicide watch if they were concerned she would self harm, Tartaro said.
Maxwell family statement
Ghislaine Maxwell’s family released a statement after a guilty verdict was announced.
It read: “We believe firmly in our sister’s innocence – we are very disappointed with the verdict.
“We have already started the appeal tonight and we believe that she will ultimately be vindicated.”
Maximum sentences for each charge
- Count one – maximum sentence of five years
- Count two – (not guilty) maximum sentence of five years
- Count three – maximum sentence of five years
- Count four – maximum sentence of 10 years
- Counts five – maximum sentence of five years
- Count six – maximum sentence of 40 years
Maxwell's timeline
Maxwell's trial started on November 29, when prosecutors branded her a "dangerous predator."
"Between 1994 and 2004, the defendant sexually exploited young girls," the prosecutor said in court.
"She preyed on vulnerable young girls, manipulated them and served them up to be sexually abused ... The defendant was trafficking kids for sex."
After weeks of witness testimony and prosecution, the trial went to jury deliberation on December 20 and returned December 29 with a guilty verdict on five of the six charges.
What is Ghislaine Maxwell’s net worth?
Ghislaine Maxwell held a high distinction in the high society thanks to her notable wealth.
With a fortune as large as Maxwell’s, sleuths have questioned how she amassed her riches and what she does for a living.
Per , she is worth $20 million.
Maxwell acquired her wealth from her father, the late business tycoon Robert Maxwell.
Maxwell called Epstein “thoughtful, kind, generous”
In 1992, Maxwell had a romantic relationship with American financier Jeffrey Epstein and remained closely associated with him up until his death on August 10 of 2019.
After Epstein was arrested for sexually abusing minors, Maxwell claimed he was a “kind generous loving man”.
She stated he had a “keen sense of humor and ready smile” as she tried to get charges against him dropped in Palm Beach.
Ghislaine is quoted as saying in a document obtained by The Sun: “My experience of Jeffrey, is of a thoughtful, kind generous loving man, with a keen sense of humor and a ready smile – a man of principles and values and a man of his word.”
Maxwell is accused of luring children into the clutches of her former boyfriend and even taking part in some of the abuse – claims she strongly denies.