The accomplice of late American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, has appealed her 20-year sentence. As US media reported, her lawyers filed the appeal Tuesday night at a Manhattan appeals court. They argue that Maxwell was not given a fair trial and was used as a scapegoat because Epstein could not be convicted after his death.
The daughter of the late British media mogul Robert Maxwell was found guilty in December 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison in June 2022. According to the court, as Epstein’s confidante and ex-girlfriend, she had spent years recruiting underage girls and young women for sexual abuse by the well-connected financial investor. Some girls were also passed on to other men.
During the trial, several victims had reported being drawn into Maxwell and Epstein’s insidious system between the ages of 14 and 17. Maxwell had always denied the allegations.
Epstein found dead in prison cell
Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while in custody awaiting trial. Authorities assume suicide. The billionaire had many high-profile friends and acquaintances, including celebrities such as the family of former US President Bill Clinton, real estate entrepreneur and future US President Donald Trump, and Britain’s Prince Andrew.
After the death of the billionaire, the US justice promised to hold his accomplices accountable. The U.S. judiciary tried Maxwell “as a representative” for Epstein to appease the public, Maxwell’s attorney Arthur Aidala said, according to ABC News. According to her lawyers, Maxwell should not have been brought to trial because she and other possible accomplices are protected from criminal charges by Epstein’s out-of-court settlement with the Florida prosecutor’s office.
Lawyers find statute of limitations violated
Maxwell’s lawyers also allege prosecutors waited too long to file charges, violating the statute of limitations. Judge Alison Nathan wrongly denied a request for a new trial last year. After the verdict, Maxwell’s lawyers unsuccessfully asked for the trial to be reopened due to an allegedly biased jury.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
