Disgraced socialite Ghislaine Maxwell will be sentenced today for her sex trafficking conviction connected to her role in facilitating Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse of girls.
U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan will sentence Maxwell today for her role in the exploitation of girls as young as 14. She faces up to 55 years.
Maxwell was convicted in December on five of six counts against her, including sex trafficking of a minor, transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and three related counts of conspiracy. She will be convicted of three counts because the Judge agreed that two of the conspiracy counts she faced were competitive.
The only charge she was acquitted of was one charge of enticing a minor to travel to engage in illegal sex acts.
Several of the girls who were abused and exploited by Epstein’s ring testified during the trial as adults. Their testimonies bravely pulled the curtain back on years of abuse they suffered after Maxwell and Epstein brought them into their world of power, money, and connections, including to people like Prince Andrew and Donald Trump.
The women will be heard from again today. Eight women sent the court victim impact statements describing the long-term aftermath Maxwell’s crimes had on them. The statements are un-redacted and will be heard despite Maxwell’s objectifications. Judge Nathan ruled that six of the victims were also free to speak at the hearing if they want to.
The U.S. Probation Department recommended a 20-year sentence for Maxwell. Prosecutors are seeking a longer sentence between 30 and 55 years, citing the number of victims and Maxwell’s refusal to take responsibility.
The victim statements described how their futures were stolen from them at vulnerable ages. Several victims said their abusers undermined their faith in themselves and left deep wounds by preying on their young age and innocence.
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