Ghislaine Maxwell

The government's opening alleged that Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein recruited and groomed teenage girls through friendship, promises of opportunity, and purported massages, and that Maxwell facilitated the alleged abuse. Maxwell was the defendant charged on six counts, including conspiracy, enticement, transportation, and sex-trafficking counts arising from the alleged conduct described at trial.

The defense opening argued that the government could not prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Defense counsel characterized Maxwell as being tried because of her association with Epstein and challenged the accusers' memories, changing accounts, compensation-related incentives, and the government's proof of Maxwell's knowledge and intent.

Witnesses described Maxwell's alleged role in Epstein's operations and in events central to the government's theory. Jane and Kate testified about alleged interactions involving Maxwell. Household employees and pilots described work responsibilities, instructions, and flight-related records connected to Maxwell, while financial and photographic records were also introduced.

The defense sought to use property records to challenge Kate's account of where Maxwell lived, and the court questioned whether ownership records established residence. In closing, the defense argued that the evidence did not prove Maxwell's own participation in an unlawful agreement or conduct. During jury deliberations, Judge Nathan declined the defense's proposed supplemental instruction concerning New Mexico-related conduct and Counts Two or Four, concluding that the existing instruction was correct.