Convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell has reportedly shared details about over 100 individuals associated with Jeffrey Epstein during private meetings with the Justice Department this week, leading to speculation that she may be pursuing clemency from President Donald Trump.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche oversaw the two-day questioning, which Maxwell’s attorney asserts is the first genuine opportunity she has had to speak, as reported by The New York Post.
David Oscar Markus, Maxwell’s lawyer, informed the media that “every conceivable question” was posed and addressed during the discussion.
“This was the first chance she’s ever had to respond to inquiries regarding the events that transpired,” Markus stated. “The truth regarding Mr. Epstein’s situation will emerge, and she is the individual providing those answers.”
Earlier this week, Blanche remarked that “no lead is off-limits,” and Maxwell’s legal team confirmed that she did not invoke the Fifth Amendment.
“If she provides false information, they could charge her with perjury,” Markus pointed out.
A journalist reminded him that she had previously faced charges of perjury, which Markus acknowledged, although those charges were dismissed following her conviction in 2021.
Sources informed ABC News that Maxwell was granted proffer immunity during the discussions, indicating that her statements cannot be utilized against her in any future criminal cases. Such agreements are typically employed when prosecutors are seeking cooperation, according to the outlet.
Maxwell, now 63 years old, is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking and conspiracy related to her involvement in Epstein’s offenses, but she is appealing the ruling, and some legal analysts speculate that she may be attempting to negotiate a deal.
Her attorney did not dismiss this possibility, referring to Trump as “the ultimate dealmaker.”
“She has faced unjust treatment for the past five years. She did not receive a fair trial,” Markus stated. “We hope he will use that power in a fair and just manner.”
When questioned about the meeting during his time in Scotland, Trump stated that he has not been keeping up with it and has not considered the notion of a pardon. “This is not the appropriate time to discuss pardons,” Trump remarked to a journalist.
Reports indicate that Maxwell was the one who reached out to the Department of Justice (DOJ), engaging in discussions with officials for approximately nine hours over a span of two days.
The DOJ has refrained from making any public comments regarding the content of these discussions; however, this represents a significant change in their stance after having previously expressed skepticism about Maxwell’s truthfulness.
In 2022, the Department criticized her for exhibiting a “significant pattern of dishonest conduct” and asserted that she had never taken responsibility for her offenses.
Years prior, following Epstein’s death in federal custody in August 2019, it was reported that the government declined to offer Maxwell a plea agreement.
Markus asserted that Epstein’s legal representatives were informed that “no potential co-conspirators would face prosecution” as part of Epstein’s negotiations with the government.
“I doubt President Trump is aware that the Justice Department has taken the position that this promise should not be honored,” Markus commented.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has previously suggested the possibility of a complete release of files related to Epstein, including the long-speculated “client list.”
However, on July 6, the DOJ and FBI released a memo stating that they had discovered “no credible evidence” indicating that Epstein had engaged in blackmail or maintained a client list.
“We did not find evidence that would justify an investigation against uncharged third parties,” the memo indicated.
Despite years of conjecture, the government insists it has found no evidence that Epstein was using sexual abuse to control or manipulate prominent associates.
The associates in question have included notable individuals such as Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, and Trump; however, the president has consistently asserted that he has never visited the notorious Epstein island, where a significant amount of the sexual exploitation of minors is alleged to have occurred.
In 2004, Trump experienced a falling out with Epstein and is said to have prohibited him from entering Mar-a-Lago following an incident involving the underage daughter of a club member.
Additionally, Maxwell is set to provide testimony before the House Oversight Committee on August 11. According to her attorney, she has not yet made a decision regarding whether she will invoke the Fifth Amendment during that session.
