Ghislaine Maxwell played a key role in billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s string of abuse against young girls, a prosecutor told the court.
The court heard Maxwell’s story during the first day of her New York trial. “playbook” on how to abuse young girls and the British socialite was Epstein’s “partner in crime”.
Lara Pomerantz, the prosecutor, told jurors that Maxwell, 59 and Epstein had been committing crime for more than ten years.
Pomerantz then described Jane, a 14 year-old girl. Jane was introduced to Epstein by Epstein’s wife at a music camp. Epstein claimed he was a donor.
(Image: REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg)
Epstein introduced him as “someone who gave scholarships for kids”
But, the prosecutor continued to reveal “what Jane did not know then is that the man and woman were predators”.
As reported by The Mirror, Pomerantz continued: “Who was that woman targeting young girls for sexual abuse? It was the defendant: Ghislaine Maxwell.
“She helped normalise abusive sexual conduct.”
(Image: Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
According to the court, Jane’s meeting with Maxwell and Epstein was the beginning of years-long sexual abuse.
Maxwell allegedly encouraged girls to give Epstein massaging, but this would eventually lead to sexual abuse.
Jane was the next topic of Jane’s prosecution. The prosecutor told Jane that he would continue to discuss Jane. “the defendant was trafficking kids for sex”Maxwell is alleged to even have been present in the room during the assaults.
(Image: REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg)
Pomerantz said Maxwell “walked the girls into a room where she knew that man would molest them, and there were times she was in the room when it happened, making it all feel normal and casual. That is why we are here today.”
Pomerantz called it during the opening statements “a pyramid scheme of abuse.”
She continued by telling jurors that they can expect to hear stories of each of Maxwell’s alleged victims.
(Image: REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg)
The attorney then added: “You will learn about multiple girls who were targeted by Epstein and the defendant for sexual abuse.
“You will learn about a 16-year-old girl, who travelled to Epstein’s ranch in New Mexico, who found herself alone with Maxwell and Epstein.”
Maxwell could be sentenced to a maximum term of 70 years imprisonment if convicted on all six charges. Maxwell has denied all six charges and called them ‘absolute rubbish’. She is also accused in conspiracy to entice and facilitate minors to engage illicit sex acts.
According to reports, Maxwell appeared relaxed as she smiled from behind her mask at her sister in Lower Manhattan.
The trial, which is expected last six weeks, will continue.