Prosecution Delivers Blistering Closing Argument In Maxwell Trial

The prosecution in the Ghislaine Maxwell trial directly linked her to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling her “a sophisticated predator” during a blistering closing argument Monday.

“She was a sophisticated predator who knew exactly what she was doing,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Moe told the jury in a Manhattan court. “When you’re with someone for 11 years, you know what they like,” Moe stated, adding that Epstein and Maxwell were “partners,” that many assumed were dating.

Maxwell is accused of grooming four girls during the 1990s and into the 2000s, with the prosecutor asserting that it’s “time to hold Maxwell accountable” and that “she caused deep and lasting harm to young girls.”

Moe described a “pyramid scheme of abuse” referring to the four accusers, Annie Farmer, Jane, Kate, and Carolyn, three of whom stated in testimony that Maxwell sexually assaulted them as teenagers.

Maxwell faces up to 80 years in prison if found guilty. With closing arguments set to conclude Monday night, Judge Alison Nathan instructed the jury that they may convict if they find that Maxwell ignored or tried to “consciously avoid” knowledge of Epstein’s sexual abuse ring.

Maxwell’s defense attorney maintained that she was, and still is, the government’s scapegoat for crimes committed by Epstein.

“Ghislaine is being tried here for being with Jeffrey Epstein. Maybe it was the biggest mistake of her life, but it is not a crime,” Laura Menninger said, attempting to distance her client from Epstein.

Maxwell did not take the stand in her own defense. The trial will likely conclude by her 60th birthday on Christmas day.