Former socialite Ghislaine Maxwell has been sentenced to 20 years in a US prison for her involvement in a sex-trafficking ring run by Jeffrey Epstein.
Maxwell had been found guilty at trail of procuring young girls in a pyramid scheme of abuse that went back decades during her long-term relationship with Epstein.
Prosecutors argued for a sentence of between 30 and 55 years in prison, while defence attorneys argued Maxwell should be given a lighter sentence.
In total, Maxwell had been convicted at trial of conspiracy to entice individuals under the age of 17 to travel in interstate commerce with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity, conspiracy to transport individuals under the age of 17 to travel in interstate commerce with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity; transportation of an individual under the age of 17 with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity; and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of individuals under the age of 18.
During her sentence, hearing Maxwell again tried to put all the blame on Epstein, which she had also done during her trial, saying:
“And despite the many helpful and positive things I have done in my life and will continue to do … I know that my association with Epstein and this case will forever and permanently stain me. Jeffrey Epstein should have been here before all of you, he should have stood before you all those years ago, he should have stood before you in 2005, again in 2009, and again in 2019. I am sorry for the pain that you experienced.”
Adding:
“I empathize deeply with all of the victims in this case. I also acknowledge that I have been convicted of helping Jeffrey Epstein commit these crimes.”
Many of Epstein’s victims have said that Maxwell was often directly involved in the sexual abuse and that she threatened their lives if they ever spoke out, claiming at points that she had links to assassins and secret service agencies.
Many influential and powerful people have been linked to Epstein and Maxwell, including former presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, though neither have been accused of taking part in the sexual abuse. However, Prince Andrew, son of Queen Elizabeth II, has been accused of sleeping with a girl brought to him by Epstein, allegations he fervently denies.
Barring appeal, the 60-year-old Maxwell, will likely die behind bars.
[Based on reporting by: The Guardian]
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