Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Audrey Strauss, speaking to the media at a press conference announcing the arrest of Ghislaine Maxwell in July, 2020. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, on Friday pleaded not guilty to new sex-trafficking charges in a Manhattan federal court, The Washington Post reports.
The big picture: It was her first court appearance since she was arrested last summer on allegations that she facilitated the sexual abuse of young girls by Epstein. Maxwell spoke briefly, responding affirmatively when the judge asked her if she knew about the sex trafficking charges.
- Her attorneys are looking to delay the start of two trials, per the Post. The first is scheduled to begin in July and will cover the sex-trafficking charges and others related to recruiting minors. The second will cover perjury charges.
- U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan did not say whether the delay would be granted.