Ghislaine Maxwell expected to spill beans about Jeffrey Epstein
Lawyers for Jeffrey Epstein’s victims believe Ghislaine
Maxwell is likely to seek a plea deal to reduce a jail sentence in return for
information.
And the royal scandal that “never goes away” delivered
another blow to the monarchy on Saturday with the publication of an
18-year-old photograph of Ghislaine Maxwell sitting next to disgraced actor
Kevin Spacey on one of the Queen’s gilded thrones during a private tour of
Buckingham Palace organised by the Duke of York. Spacey’s career was derailed
three years ago by allegations of sexual misconduct.
While some victims may want a full trial, many would
exchange it for a guilty plea from Ms Maxwell with the exposure and legal
pursuit of Epstein’s full network, lawyers said.
Ms Maxwell can disclose the true nature of Epstein’s
dealings, not just with the Duke of York but with some of the world’s most
powerful men, including Bill Clinton and President Donald Trump, who have been
photographed with her and Epstein. All have denied any wrongdoing.
It emerged last month that Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who
claimed that she had sex with Prince Andrew, has also alleged that she was
forced to have sex with Ehud Barak, the former Israeli prime minister who
formed an investment company in Israel with Epstein. The claim emerged in
written evidence unsealed in a defamation case brought against her by renowned
US lawyer Alan Dershowitz she accuses of being another sex abuser. He denies
her claims. A spokesman for Mr Barak said: “Barak does not comment on imaginary
rumours or false affidavits.”
Prince Andrew has denied having sex with Ms Giuffre.
Josh Schiffer, a lawyer represents Jennifer Araoz, who said
that Epstein raped her when she was 15, said it was “likely” that Ms Maxwell
would “spill the beans”.
“There are incredibly prominent people right now who are
terrified,” Mr Schiffer said. His company represents Ms Araoz in her civil
claim against the Epstein estate. He said that the high conviction rate of
federal prosecutions meant Ms Maxwell would come under huge pressure to offer
information to reduce a potential 35 years in jail. “She holds the keys to
unlock further investigations,” he said.
Lisa Bloom, a Los Angeles lawyer who represents six women in
civil cases, said that it was “95 per cent” certain that Ms Maxwell would seek
a plea bargain. First, however, her lawyers could argue for the case to be
thrown out, she said. The granting of bail would be a significant factor, she
added. “If bail is denied then she’s stuck in jail, she may be more likely to
make a deal.”
Steven Hoffenberg, who spent 18 years in prison for running
a Ponzi scheme that he said Epstein masterminded, claimed on Friday that Ms
Maxwell would be “fully co-operating” with the FBI and that Prince Andrew
might be “very worried”.
He told The Sun that Ms Maxwell would “crack in two seconds”
in prison. “Andrew handled it poorly. He should have spoken to them through his
lawyers. He should have given them something. She’s going to co-operate.”
Laura Goldman, a friend of Ms Maxwell, told The Daily
Telegraph that Ms Maxwell was more likely to talk about Mr Clinton or Mr Trump.
No allegations have been made about either man.
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