Ghislaine Maxwell's Guilty Verdict: 'Little Black Book' To Be Probed

Keneci Channel

Maxwell faced 6-count federal charge that included conspiracy, violations of the Mann Act, and human trafficking for her role as late Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime confidante and accused accomplice -- Epstein pled guilty in 2018 to state-level prostitution charges, and was then indicted on federal charges in July 2019, for sex trafficking of underage girls.

Prosecutors argued that Maxwell conspired with Epstein to lure underage girls into sexual relationships with him and others, in a wide-ranging and long-running scheme from 1994 to 2004, in New York, Florida, and other locations.

The jury in Manhattan, New York, heard testimony from the four accusers at the center of the case. Three of them opted for anonymity, using either pseudonyms or first names only, and were known to the jury as Jane Doe, Kate and Carolyn. The final accuser to testify was Annie Farmer, who, along with her sister Maria Farmer. The sisters were among the first women to report Epstein's alleged sexual abuse to authorities.

The victims testified that Epstein had sexually abused them, and that Maxwell assisted and participated in the sexual assaults.

After six days of deliberations, the jury on Wednesday, returned guilty verdicts in five of the six charges against Maxwell.

Count 1 - GUILTY: Conspiracy to Entice Minors to Travel to Engage in Illegal Sex Acts

Count 2 - NOT GUILTY: Enticement of a Minor to Travel to Engage in Illegal Sex Acts

Count 3 - GUILTY: Conspiracy to Transport Minors with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity

Count 4 - GUILTY: Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity

Count 5 - GUILTY: Sex Trafficking Conspiracy

Count 6 - GUILTY: Sex Trafficking of a Minor

The sixth count alone carries a maximum penalty of 40 years imprisonment. The remaining charges carry a maximum 30 years imprisonment. Her sentencing date has not yet been set.

The sole charge for which the jury found Maxwell not guilty pertains to allegations made by one specific accuser.

After the verdict, Farmer said she was "so relieved and grateful that the jury recognized the pattern of predatory behavior that Maxwell engaged in for years and found her guilty of these crimes." 

"She has caused hurt to many more women than the few of us who had the chance to testify in the courtroom," Annie Farmer said in a statement after the verdict. "I hope that this verdict brings solace to all who need it and demonstrates that no one is above the law. Even those with great power and privilege will be held accountable when they sexually abuse and exploit the young."

Maxwell has been jailed since she was arrested in July 2020. She turned 60 years old on Christmas Day.

Epstein, a wealthy financier had social ties to a wide range of business and political leaders. He died in what officials ruled a suicide in his jail cell at Manhattan's Metropolitan Correctional Center on August 10, 2019.

Maxwell's so-called 'little black book' contains names of prominent world leaders, businessmen, scientists and spies who have worked or associated with the late financier. Defense lawyers managed to get the court to agree to keep the book out of the public for now.

The list of names in the black book includes more than 300 British associates -- with known highest profile among them being Prince Andrew.

Prosecutors vow to review the list and pursue all those involved in Maxwell's “pyramid scheme of abuse."