Ghislaine Maxwell Trial Verdict: Guilty on Five of Six Criminal Counts in Her Sex-Trafficking Case

Ms. Maxwell faced six criminal counts, one of which—sex trafficking of minors—carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

What is the latest on the jury deliberations?

What happens if the jury can’t agree?

Why was Ms. Maxwell on trial?

Federal prosecutors in New York said that the longtime Epstein confidante played a key role in enabling his abuse of teenage girls. During the trial, prosecutors said she recruited vulnerable girls by befriending and introducing them to Epstein.

“Maxwell was a sophisticated predator who knew exactly what she was doing,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney

Alison Moe.

“She ran the same playbook again and again and again.”

What was her defense?

Ms. Maxwell’s lawyers argued that she was a scapegoat for Epstein, who died in jail while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. They also said that the accusers’ accounts were inconsistent and that their memories changed over time.

“The government spent a lot of time focusing you on Epstein—on his character, on his lifestyle, on his flaws—and they certainly proved to you that Epstein had abused his money and his power,” said defense attorney

Laura Menninger.

“They proved to you that he was a master manipulator. That has nothing to do with Ghislaine and everything to do with Jeffrey Epstein.”

What charges was the jury weighing?

Ms. Maxwell faced six criminal counts, including enticing a minor to travel to engage in illegal sex acts and transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

She also faces two perjury charges, which will be the subject of a separate trial.

How many years in prison is she facing?

On the most serious count, sex trafficking of minors, the jury found Ms. Maxwell guilty. That count carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. A sentencing date hasn’t been scheduled yet.