Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell's family attempts appeal to Trump
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Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell attend de Grisogono Sponsors The 2005 Wall Street Concert Series Benefitting Wall Street Rising on March 15, 2005, in New York City. Photo: Joe Schildhorn/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
As Jeffrey Epstein's case becomes the talk of Washington, the family of the woman convicted for her role in assisting the disgraced financier is claiming she received an unfair trial.
The big picture: Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence in Florida after being found guilty of sex trafficking and other charges in 2021.
- The once-girlfriend and associate of the deceased sex offender was accused of recruiting and grooming teenagers for Epstein from around 1994 to 2004.
- She was also found guilty of conspiracy to entice minors to travel to engage in illegal sex acts, conspiracy to transport minors to participate in illegal sex acts, transporting a minor to participate in illegal sex acts and sex trafficking conspiracy.
Driving the news: "Our sister Ghislaine did not receive a fair trial," her family argued in a Tuesday release.
- Earlier this year, Maxwell petitioned the Supreme Court to review her case, arguing a clause in Epstein's non-prosecution agreement with federal prosecutors in Florida should have shielded her.
- The Justice Department on Monday urged the high court to turn away that appeal. Lower courts have also rejected her legal team's arguments.
- The clause in question, the government contended, "cannot reasonably be construed as reflecting some 'global' scope broader than the Florida-based state and federal charges that Epstein resolved for himself."
- Maxwell's family, in its statement, said her legal team will file a reply to the government "in short order," and, "if necessary, in due course" would file a writ of habeas corpus in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
What they're saying: Maxwell's attorney mentioned President Trump by name in a statement, writing, "I'd be surprised if President Trump knew his lawyers were asking the Supreme Court to let the government break a deal."
- David Oscar Markus continued, "He's the ultimate dealmaker—and I'm sure he'd agree that when the United States gives its word, it should keep it."
- The DOJ declined to comment.
Catch up quick: Amid a simmering MAGA rift over Epstein, Trump on Wednesday blasted "PAST supporters" who had bought into what he called the "Jeffrey Epstein Hoax."
- While Democrats have seized on the divide on the Hill — where even some Republicans are questioning the administration's moves — Trump has urged his rattled base to not "waste [t]ime" on the conversation.
Zoom out: Maurene Comey, a federal prosecutor who worked on the cases against Maxwell and Epstein, was fired Wednesday.
- She is the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, one of several people — alongside former Presidents Biden and Obama — Trump recently accused, without evidence, of making up documents pertaining to Epstein's case.
Go deeper: 3 ways Trump might try to defuse the Epstein mess
Editor's note: This story has been updated with the Justice Department declining to comment.
