Edith Hejberg
DOJ dismissed the idea that the agreement shields Maxwell, stating clearly that the government was within its rights to prosecute her despite the prior deal with Epstein.
Ghislaine Maxwell’s final attempt to overturn her conviction has hit a major roadblock, as the Trump administration’s Department of Justice urged the U.S. Supreme Court to dismiss her appeal.
Maxwell, who was sentenced to 20 years for aiding Jeffrey Epstein in trafficking underage girls, claims a 2007 non-prosecution deal should have protected her an argument the DOJ firmly rejected
Supreme Court Urged to Reject Ghislaine Maxwell’s Appeal
Ghislaine Maxwell’s legal fight hit a major setback this week as the U.S. Department of Justice formally asked the Supreme Court to throw out her most recent appeal. Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking ring, had hoped to challenge her conviction by citing a 2007 non-prosecution agreement made between Epstein and federal prosecutors.
Her legal team argued that the agreement promised immunity to Epstein’s co-conspirators—Maxwell included.
Department Of Justice Pushes Back on Non-Prosecution Argument
The DOJ dismissed the idea that the agreement shields Maxwell, stating clearly that the government was within its rights to prosecute her despite the prior deal with Epstein.
This latest move makes it increasingly unlikely that Maxwell will win a reversal, especially after several failed attempts at retrial or dismissal over the last few years. Legal experts say the Supreme Court rarely contradicts the DOJ in such cases, particularly when multiple appeals have already been denied.
Defense Lawyer Points Finger at Trump’s Legal Legacy
Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, took aim at the Trump-era DOJ for allegedly violating its own deal. He suggested Donald Trump, known for branding himself a “dealmaker,” might not have supported this legal approach. “When the United States gives its word, it should keep it,” Markus said, framing the prosecution as a breach of trust.
Survivors’ Attorney Welcomes Government’s Stand
On the other side, Sigrid McCawley, a prominent attorney for Epstein’s victims, applauded the DOJ’s action.
She said Maxwell has consistently tried to dodge accountability and that invoking the non-prosecution agreement was yet another attempt to avoid facing justice. “Maxwell does not deserve any protection,” McCawley told ABC News, “and she should remain in prison for the horrific crimes she committed.”
A Long Sentence, and Few Options Left
Maxwell, now 63, is scheduled for release in 2037. With her legal avenues closing and public opinion firmly against her, chances of a successful appeal appear slim.
Unless the Supreme Court takes the highly unusual step of overriding the DOJ, Maxwell seems set to serve out her full sentence for her role in one of the most notorious sex trafficking operations in recent history.
