Ghislaine Maxwell’s hearing in a New York court is now under way, with the British socialite facing up to 55 years in prison. Maxwell, 60, was found guilty Dec. 29 by a federal court on five counts, including sex trafficking for recruiting and grooming four girls between 1994 and 2004 for having sex with her ex-boyfriend and “accomplice” Jeffrey Epstein. . In setting the sentencing guidelines, Judge Allison Nathan described Maxwell’s criminal activity as “extensive” and dismissed the claim that he could not afford fines. A chained Maxwell was joined in court by members of her family as well as many of her victims, who wrote impact statements to be read before sentencing. One such statement came from Virginia Giuffre, who accused Maxwell of “opening the door to hell” by introducing herself and others to Epstein. Federal prosecutors have demanded a 30-55-year sentence for Maxwell, who was convicted of recruiting and treating 14-year-old girls for abuse by Epstein. Maxwell’s lawyers said on Saturday that the social worker had been placed in suicide custody even though he was not in danger of injuring himself.
Basic points
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The statement of the victim Virginia Giuffre read by her lawyer
Following Kate’s comments, Virginia Geoffrey’s lawyer read out part of the victim impact statement, as she is of course not present in court. “I want to be clear: without a doubt, Jeffrey Epstein was a formidable pedophile. “But I only met him because of you,” he wrote. “You used your femininity to victimize us. You could put an end to rape. “I grew up in a woman who in her best days feels that she makes a difference. “If you get out of prison, I will be careful to make sure you do not do it again.” Megan Sheets28 June 2022 18:38 1656437729
Victim Kate: “Ghislaine’s lack of remorse is the latest insult”
The next victim to speak in court was Kate, who has only been identified by her first name. “No person should be protected from the consequences of his actions,” he said. “Ghislaine’s lack of remorse is the latest insult.” He continued: “Today I stand for the first time with my sisters to say enough. “I am not happy to be part of a world where this is necessary. Stop Ghislaine. “I could not have done it myself.” Megan Sheets28 June 2022 18:35 1656437477
Annie Farmer delivers a statement of impact to the victim
The first victim to speak in court was Annie Farmer, who described her years-long efforts to erase the crimes of Maxwell and Epstein from her mind. After Judge Nathan intervened to ask Ms Farmer to slow down, she said: “The ripple effects of the injury are unquestionable.” She described learning that her sister was also a victim of Epstein and Maxwell, saying: “As my family watched her become isolated and physically ill, there was nothing we could do about it.” Addressing the judge, Ms. Farmer said: “Think of the continuing suffering of her victims. Weigh the systematic results of her actions. “Her lack of remorse created the need for many of us to start a long struggle for justice.” Megan Sheets28 June 2022 18:31 1656436846
Maxwell was “indifferent” to the suffering of the victims, the prosecutor says
AUSA Moe went on to ask: “What kind of woman teaches a 14-year-old girl how a middle-aged man likes to be touched by his penis? “She was indifferent to the suffering of others. He did it for years “. Megan Sheets28 June 2022 18:20 1656436555
The prosecution presents arguments for a maximum sentence
U.S. Assistant Attorney General Allison Moe is currently in court arguing that Maxwell should be sentenced to between 30 and 55 years in prison. She called what Maxwell did to her victims “unspeakable,” adding: “Their pain is real and it matters. “These girls were just children. “Maxwell used their dreams as a tool to abuse them.” Megan Sheets28 June 2022 18:15 1656434265
Maxwell will face fine
Judge Nathan has confirmed that he will impose a fine on Maxwell following defensive contests, including the $ 10 million inheritance from Epstein’s estate. “We do not know if there will be any money left,” Maxwell’s lawyer told Inner City Press. The judge concluded that he was not convinced that Maxwell was destitute, noting that he mentioned $ 22 million in assets when he asked for bail. The court is now closed for lunch until 13:00. “When we return, I will hear from the parties what a reasonable sentence is for Mrs Maxwell,” Judge Nathan said. Megan Sheets28 June 2022 17:37 1656433049
Judge calls Maxwell’s criminal activity “extensive”
“I find that the accused’s criminal activity was extensive,” Judge Nathan told the court. He also described Maxwell as Epstein’s “number two” and the “lady” of his house denies her claim that he did not lead another criminal. Therefore, the judge said that he finds that the unlawful reinforcement of the penalty of influence is valid. Megan Sheets28 June 2022 17:17 1656432382
The judge agrees to apply the 2003 sentencing directives
In a victory defense, Judge Nathan agreed that the 2003 sentencing directives should be implemented. “The date of the ex-post control is the last date of the delinquent conduct,” he said, after a long hiatus when the conspiracy ended. Megan Sheets28 June 2022 17:06 1656431258
In pictures: Arrivals in court
Jeffery Epstein Victims Sarah Ransome and Elizabeth Stein Arrive to Condemn Maxwell (REUTERS) The victim Annie Farmer (left) arrives in court with her lawyer (REUTERS) Brad Edwards, a lawyer representing the victims, arrives in Manhattan court to convict Maxwell (AFP via Getty Images) Maxwell’s lawyer Bobbi Sternheim arrives in court (AP) Megan Sheets28 June 2022 16:47 1656430680
The judge turns to sentencing instructions
Rejecting each of the defense objections, Judge Nathan adopted the report prior to sentencing and said it would remain sealed. He then turned to the sentencing guidelines, noting that the U.S. Probation Bureau has recommended it for 20 years. Asking for at least 30 years, prosecutors have previously argued that the Trial Bureau’s recommendation does not take into account the cases of two additional women who turned out to be victims during her four-week trial shortly before Christmas, despite not being named in the original indictment against him. Maxwell. In court on Tuesday, Maxwell’s lawyer, Christian Everdell, told the judge: “We argue that the guidelines in force are a matter of jury, according to the ex-post clause. The government did not address our arguments. When did the delinquent behavior end? It is up to the jury to decide “. U.S. Assistant Attorney General Allison Moe responded by saying that the accused has the burden of proof to determine when the conspiracy ended. Megan Sheets28 June 2022 16:38
