London (Parliament Politics Magazine)- Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite that was convicted as of this week for five out of six counts of felony for her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse between 1994 and 2004.
“The road to justice has been far too long. But, today, justice has been done,” US Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement. “I want to commend the bravery of the girls — now grown women — who stepped out of the shadows and into the courtroom. Their courage and willingness to face their abuser made this case, and today’s result, possible.”
Maxwell, once had a relationship with Epstein and remained later as his employee at his five residences, including a Manhattan mansion and a large estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
The prosecutors argued that Maxwell and Epstein conspired to set up a scheme to lure young girls that were later trafficked and had sexual relationships with Epstein and others, in New York, Virgin Islands, Florida and New Mexico.
Her defense it was argued that she was practically the “scapegoat” and the guilty was Epstein. Epstein, who pleaded guilty to state prosecution charges was indicted on federal sex charges in 2019 and suicided in prison a month after conviction.
Annie Farmer, one of four accusers who testified, said Wednesday she hopes the verdicts bring solace to the victims.”I am so relieved and grateful that the jury recognized the pattern of predatory behavior that Maxwell engaged in for years and found her guilty of these crimes,” she said. “She has caused hurt to many more women than the few of us who had the chance to testify in the courtroom.”
Prince Andrew stripped of HRH and will be trialled as private citizen
The Queen, HRM Elizabeth II has proceeded as of last week to strip Prince Andrew of all his military affiliations, royal patronages as he was described as Epstein’s close friend and has sexual abuse lawsuit to be trialed in the coming months.
“With The Queen’s approval and agreement, The Duke of York’s military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to The Queen,” the palace said, using the prince’s formal title. “The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen.”
