Jeffrey Epstein's ex-partner Ghislaine Maxwell found guilty of sex trafficking

Jeffrey Epstein’s ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell on 29 December was found guilty by a New York jury on five counts. Maxwell is infamously known as Eipstein’s partner-in-crime who assisted him in his sex scandals. She also took part and facilitated such crimes. 

The counts are related her role in sex trafficking minor girls as well as sexual abuses. It includes sex trafficking of individuals under the age of 17, transporting individuals under the age of 17 with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and three related counts. She, however, was acquitted on the charge of enticing an individual under the age of 17 to travel to engage in illegal sex acts.

Maxwell pleaded not guilty to all counts. Her defence team argued that she was a "scapegoat" for Epstein's actions and attacked the memories and motivations of the women who said they were sexually abused. Hence, they plan to appeal the conviction. “We firmly believe in Ghislaine's innocence,” said Bobbi Sternheim, one of Maxwell's lawyers. 

With these charges, Maxwell now faces up to 65 years in prison. No date was set for her sentencing.

"A unanimous jury has found Ghislaine Maxwell guilty of one of the worst crimes imaginable — facilitating and participating in the sexual abuse of children,” US Attorney Damian Williams said in a video statement after the verdict. 

“The road to justice has been far too long. But, today, justice has been done. I want to commend the bravery of the girls — now grown women — who stepped out of the shadows and into the courtroom. Their courage and willingness to face their abuser made this case, and today's result, possible,” the attorney added.