A victim of Ghislaine Maxwell has said she hopes more information will emerge about how the British socialite and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein were able to abuse young girls
(Picture: PA Wire)A victim of Ghislaine Maxwell has called for further investigation into the British socialite’s underage sex ring with Jeffrey Epstein, saying: “It is never too late for the truth to come out”.
Maxwell, 60, was on Tuesday sentenced to 20 years in prison for luring girls to be sexually abused by billionaire paedophile Epstein at his mansions, and sometimes joining in the abuse.
Annie Farmer, one of the victims, said she wants to know more about how Maxwell and Epstein were protected by their status in society.
“May this sentence demonstrate it is never too late for the truth to come out and never too late for there to be accountability,” she said outside the Southern District of New York courthouse.
“If you are someone who has experienced sexual abuse or exploitation and did not feel safe to report those crimes, or were not believed when you did, or were told that the perpetrators would not be held accountable, this is for you.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done on this issue but in this fight we need to celebrate the victories, and today this is a big victory.”
She said “predators” Maxwell and Epstein “were able to use their power and privilege to harm countless individuals, and for far too long the institutions that should be protecting the public were instead protecting them.
“I still hope that we find out more about how that was allowed to occur.”
Maxwell was convicted of five offences between 2004 and 2014, including sex trafficking minors, conspiracy to entice a minor to travel to engage in illegal sex acts, and conspiracy to transport a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Her trial heard how she befriended girls and convinced them to travel to Epstein’s homes in New York, Palm Beach, and New Mexico.
Ms Farmer said she was left “frozen” in fear when Maxwell asked her to undress for a massage with Epstein, and went on to rub her breasts.
In court on Tuesday, the daughter of the late press baron Robert Maxwell issued an apology while blaming Epstein. She said meeting the financier was “the greatest regret of my life” and accepted her association with him will “forever stain me”.
“I hope my sentence brings you closure, peace and finality. To help you put those experiences in a place that helps you move forward,” she said to victims. Ms Farmer said the apology sounded “hollow”.
Outside court, Maxwell’s family confirmed she intends to appeal against her convictions and sentence.
Judge Alison Nathan said Maxwell behaved in a “heinous and predatory” manner as she “participated in a horrific scheme to traffic young girls, some the age of 14”.
