The Supreme Court has declined to take up the appeal of Ghislaine Maxwell, who was contesting her prosecution and conviction on grounds that the government had violated a non-prosecution agreement made with Jeffrey Epstein before his death.
The Supreme Court did not explain its decision.
Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted Jeffrey Epstein associate, makes pitch to Supreme Court
Kevin Mohatt/Reuters, Files – PHOTO: A security guard walks down the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, July 19, 2024.
Maxwell — the convicted co-conspirator of sex-offender Epstein — was challenging her 2022 conviction on three counts and 20-year sentence on grounds that federal prosecutors violated an agreement made with Epstein before his death not to prosecute any alleged co-conspirators.
That 2007 agreement was forged in Florida; Maxwell was prosecuted in New York. The government insists the agreement only applied to the judicial district in which it was made — not nationwide. Federal courts of appeals have divided over the question of scope of applicability.
Patrick McMullan via Getty Images – PHOTO: Ghislaine Maxwell attends VIP Evening of Conversation for Women’s Brain Health Initiative, October 18, 2016 in New York City.
Maxwell is currently serving her sentence for aiding and participating in Epstein’s trafficking of underage girls, which involved a scheme to recruit young women and girls for massages of Epstein that turned sexual. Federal prosecutors in New York said Maxwell helped Epstein recruit, groom and ultimately abuse girls as young as 14.
Maxwell’s attorney, David O. Markus said he was “disappointed” by the Supreme Court’s decision.
“We’re, of course, deeply disappointed that the Supreme Court declined to hear Ghislaine Maxwell’s case,” Markus said in a statement. “But this fight isn’t over. Serious legal and factual issues remain, and we will continue to pursue every avenue available to ensure that justice is done.”
Epstein was arrested in July 2019 and charged in a federal indictment with conspiracy and child sex trafficking. He died in custody a month later, while awaiting trial. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
