Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Jeffrey Epstein, has requested a federal judge to overturn her sex trafficking conviction and release her from a 20-year prison term. Maxwell claims that new substantial evidence has surfaced, showing that her trial was tainted by constitutional violations. She alleges that critical information was withheld and false testimony was presented during her 2021 trial, resulting in what she describes as a “complete miscarriage of justice.”
In a habeas petition filed in Manhattan federal court, Maxwell argues that recent revelations from various sources, including civil actions, government disclosures, and investigative reports, expose constitutional violations that undermined the fairness of her trial. She asserts that no reasonable juror would have found her guilty if presented with the full evidentiary record.
The filing comes just ahead of the scheduled public release of records in her case due to the Epstein Files Transparency Act signed by former President Donald Trump. This law, enacted in response to public and political pressure, mandates the U.S. Justice Department to disclose Epstein-related documents to the public.
The Justice Department has announced its intention to release 18 categories of investigative materials related to the sex trafficking probe, such as search warrants, financial records, victim interviews, and electronic device data. Maxwell, a British socialite, was convicted in December 2021, a year after being arrested. Following an interview with the Justice Department’s deputy chief in July, she was transferred from a federal prison in Florida to a facility in Texas.
Maxwell’s attorney has expressed concerns about releasing grand jury and pre-trial discovery materials from her case, fearing it could prejudice any potential retrial if her petition succeeds. However, a federal judge in Manhattan recently granted the Justice Department’s request to make these materials public.
During a news conference, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton affirmed that he would comply with the law and the judge’s directives regarding the release of records. The judge emphasized that the materials do not implicate anyone besides Epstein and Maxwell in sexual contact with a minor.
