Maxwell will ‘spill the beans’
Lawyers for Jeffrey Epstein’s victims believe that Ghislaine Maxwell is likely to seek a plea deal to reduce a jail sentence in return for information.
While some victims may want a full trial, many would exchange it for a guilty plea from Maxwell with the exposure and legal pursuit of Epstein’s full network, lawyers told The Times.
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 Alan Dershowitz, a US lawyer she accused of being another sex abuser. He denies her claims.
A spokesman for Barak said: ‘‘Barak does not comment on imaginary rumours or false affidavits.’’
Prince Andrew has consistently denied having sex with Giuffre.
Josh Schiffer, a lawyer in Atlanta whose company represents Jennifer Araoz, who said that Epstein raped her when she was 15, said it was ‘‘likely’’ that Maxwell would ‘‘spill the beans’’.
‘‘There are incredibly prominent people right now who are terrified,’’ Schiffer said. His company represents Araoz in her civil claim against the Epstein estate. He said that the high conviction rate of federal prosecutions meant 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 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 that Maxwell would be ‘‘fully cooperating’’ with the FBI and that
Prince Andrew might be ‘‘very worried’’. He told The Sun that Maxwell would ‘‘crack in two seconds’’ in prison. He added: ‘‘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 Maxwell, told The Daily Telegraph on Friday that Maxwell would ‘‘never sell out’’ Prince Andrew as part of a plea deal because she regarded him as a ‘‘true friend’’. Goldman said: ‘‘The only way she can walk is if lawyer for Epstein claimant she gives someone up but that definitely won’t be Andrew.’’
She said that Maxwell was more likely to talk about Clinton or Trump. No allegations have been made about either man.
Prince Andrew has always strenuously denied any wrongdoing. In a statement last year Buckingham Palace said: ‘‘Any suggestion of impropriety with under-age minors is categorically untrue.’’ His representatives did not respond to a request for comment on Hoffenberg’s interview.
The Times