MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. News

Ghislaine Maxwell Has Been Found Guilty On Five Out Of Six Charges In Sex Trafficking Trial

The dramatic trial has moved incredibly quickly. - by Lucy Cocoran
  • 30 Dec 2021
Ghislaine Maxwell Has Been Found Guilty On Five Out Of Six Charges In Sex Trafficking Trial

Former British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell has been found guilty in her sex trafficking trial for her involvement in ex-boyfriend Jeffrey Epstein's alleged abuse of young, teenage girls. Proceedings were expected to take around six weeks, but have moved incredibly quickly with prosecutors calling 24 witnesses over 10 days, and defence calling 9 witnesses over 2 days. Jurors deliberated for five full days, before finding her guilty on five out of six counts. 

Three accusers took the stand under pseudonym names —  Carolyn, Kate and Jane with Annie Farmer as the fourth and final accuser. 

Jane testified that she was 14 when the abuse took place, which continued until she was 16. She alleged that Maxwell was occasionally present during these sessions. Kate testified to meeting Maxwell at age 17, where she asked if Kate would give Epstein a massage. These encounters quickly turned sexual in nature and continued on for several years. 

In Carolyn's testimony, she recalled meeting Epstein around age 14, and visited his house "around 100 times" until the age of 18. She alleged that Maxwell touched her bare breast and buttocks during one visitation. 

Annie Farmer (the only witness to testify under her full name) alleged that Maxwell gave her a nude massage at just 16-years old. 

 

ghis

Prosecutors argued that Maxwell “preyed on vulnerable young girls, manipulated them and served them up to be sexually abused” by Epstein. Defence alleged that Maxwell was a mere scapegoat for Epstein's charges. 

The American financier committed suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial for his sex trafficking charges, with Ghislaine's trial taking place earlier this month. 

Maxwell was tried on six counts relating to Epstein, and has maintained her innocence throughout. Despite her plea, she has been found guilty on five out of six charges which include: 

  • Conspiracy to entice minors to travel to engage in illegal sex acts 
  • Conspiracy to transport minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity 
  • Transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity
  • Conspiracy to sex traffick a minor
  • Sex trafficking of a minor

She was not found guilty on the second count, 'Enticement of a minor to travel to engage in illegal sex acts.' She was acquitted on the charge pertaining to Jane, and encouraging her to travel in order to engage in illegal sex acts. 

With five guilty verdicts out of six indictments, Maxwell faces up to 65 years in prison. 

Lucy Cocoran
Lucy Cocoran
Lucy Cocoran is the lifestyle editor (digital) of marie claire and ELLE. When she’s not following the scent of pastries, she enjoys listening to true crime podcasts and smiling at dogs.

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

From Secret Flights To A Massage Table, Here's Everything To Know About The Ghislaine Maxwell Trial

From Secret Flights To A Massage Table, Here's Everything To Know About The Ghislaine Maxwell Trial

Dasha Nekrasova On Making An Homage To Kubrick With 'The Scary of Sixty-First'

Dasha Nekrasova On Making An Homage To Kubrick With 'The Scary of Sixty-First'

Ghislaine Maxwell Will Be The Focus Of A New Docuseries From Creators Of 'Filthy Rich'

Ghislaine Maxwell Will Be The Focus Of A New Docuseries From Creators Of 'Filthy Rich'

New Photos Show Bill Clinton 'Receiving A Massage' from Jeffrey Epstein Victim

New Photos Show Bill Clinton 'Receiving A Massage' from Jeffrey Epstein Victim

{headline}

{headline}

Prince Andrew's Accuser Is About To Give A BBC Interview Of Her Own

Prince Andrew's Accuser Is About To Give A BBC Interview Of Her Own

Queen Elizabeth Approved Prince Andrew’s Television Interview On Jeffrey Epstein

Queen Elizabeth Approved Prince Andrew’s Television Interview On Jeffrey Epstein

Prince Andrew Says He "Let the Side Down" For Being Friends With Jeffrey Epstein

Prince Andrew Says He "Let the Side Down" For Being Friends With Jeffrey Epstein

{headline}

{headline}

Buckingham Palace Issues Another Statement About Prince Andrew Regarding Jeffrey Epstein

Buckingham Palace Issues Another Statement About Prince Andrew Regarding Jeffrey Epstein

Buckingham Palace Responds To Allegations That Prince Andrew Groped A Young Woman

Buckingham Palace Responds To Allegations That Prince Andrew Groped A Young Woman

Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.

Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.

Rupert Murdoch & Jerry Hall Are Divorcing. What Does That Mean For Their Fortunes?

Rupert Murdoch & Jerry Hall Are Divorcing. What Does That Mean For Their Fortunes?

Everyone Is Talking About The 10 Second Test That Can Tell How Long You'll Live

Everyone Is Talking About The 10 Second Test That Can Tell How Long You'll Live

16 Celebrities Who Have Opened Up About Having Grey Hair

16 Celebrities Who Have Opened Up About Having Grey Hair

All The Times Celebrities Have Spoken Candidly About Miscarriages

All The Times Celebrities Have Spoken Candidly About Miscarriages

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire