Jeffrey Epstein faces trial by proxy: Ghislaine Maxwell
Associated PressNEW YORK — After disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide behind bars, a judge invited his accusers to court to vent their anger at a man they called a coward for taking his own life to escape accountability for sexually abusing them. The indictment said Maxwell “would try to normalize sexual abuse for a minor victim by, among other things, discussing sexual topics, undressing in front of the victim, being present when a minor victim was undressed, and/or being present for sex acts involving the minor victim and Epstein.” The Epstein and Maxwell cases have fueled a cottage industry of podcasts and documentaries, like Netflix’s “Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich,” as well as conspiracy theories and conjecture. And she blocked prosecutors’ attempt to introduce emails they said would show Maxwell tried select women for other men, saying she was using her access to women “as a form of social currency with other influential men with whom she sought to ingratiate herself.” Epstein’s name, however, is expected to come up frequently, and Maxwell’s lawyers have complained that Maxwell has already suffered from the negative publicity surrounding him. “Like many people who achieve great power and wealth, Jeffery Epstein exploited the ‘Halo effect’ to surround himself with people who would serve his needs.” Nathan has four times rejected Maxwell’s bail requests, noting the ease with which the holder of U.S., French and British citizenships could use wealth and global connections to flee. In a letter to Nathan last week, defense lawyer Bobbi Sternheim said her client “is eager for her day in court.” Maxwell “looks forward to her trial and to walking out of the courthouse uncuffed and unshackled following her acquittal,” wrote the lawyer who has repeatedly complained about Maxwell’s jail conditions, contending Maxwell’s been punished for Epstein’s suicide by guards who shine a light into her cell every 15 minutes and treat her harshly.