Ghislaine Maxwell pleads not guilty to federal sex trafficking charges

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 8:10 AM PT – Saturday, April 24, 2021

British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell has continued to plead her innocence as she faces mounting accusations of recruiting minors to be sexually abused. During an arraignment in New York City on Friday, Maxwell made a rare court appearance where she pleaded not guilty to two new federal sex trafficking charges in connection with registered sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

According to prosecutors, Maxwell allegedly recruited and groomed a 14-year-old girl, paying her hundreds of dollars to engage in sex acts with Epstein. The charges were added to an eight-count indictment.

When speaking with reporters, Maxwell attorney David Markus claimed the British socialite has been treated horribly by the media while in federal custody.

“I’ve never seen anything like it, how she’s being treated,” Markus said. “It’s the Epstein effect. She’s being treated horribly because of the negligence and what happened to Jeffrey Epstein. She’s not suicidal. She shouldn’t be treated like this.”

He said Maxwell is staying strong and is ready for a fight.

“She’s getting ready for trial,” Markus added. “The judge did not set a trial yet today, it’s still scheduled for July. We’ll be hearing soon when the case will be set for trial and Glenn is looking forward to that trial. She’s looking forward to fighting and she will fight.”

However, the victims’ attorney, David Boies, rebutted claims made by Maxwell’s lawyer. He stated the British socialite has no right to call herself the victim with her former partner escaping justice.

“I don’t believe that there is any credible evidence or any basis whatsoever to assert that Ms. Maxwell is the victim,” Boise said. “I think everybody felt that they were cheated by Mr. Epstein’s death. I think that everyone was looking forward to holding him accountable in a court of law. When that wasn’t possible, I think that was something that was upsetting. I think now that Ms. Maxwell is going to go to trial, I think that is something that they’re looking forward to.”

If found guilty on all charges, she could face up to 80 years in federal prison. Next week, a bail appeal hearing is scheduled for Maxwell with her lawyers previously offering a $28.5 million bond package.

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