A New York judge has criticized Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Jeffrey Epstein, for including confidential victim information in court documents. Maxwell is trying to overturn her 2021 conviction on sex trafficking charges and avoid her 20-year prison sentence.
Judge Paul A. Engelmayer stated that the exhibits Maxwell submitted, without a lawyer, will remain sealed until they are reviewed and edited to protect the victims’ identities. He also warned Maxwell against including any information in future public filings that could identify victims who were not publicly named during her trial.
Maxwell’s filing came shortly before the Justice Department began releasing investigative records related to her and Epstein, as required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. She claims that evidence that could have cleared her was withheld and that false testimony was presented during her trial.
The Justice Department’s release of these files has been slow, with many documents heavily redacted to protect victim identities. Some lawmakers have expressed concern over the redactions, arguing that they hinder transparency. Some Republicans have suggested that the timing of Democrats’ concerns about the files is suspicious, given the length of time they have been available.
The Justice Department defended its decision to release the files gradually, citing the need to protect the privacy of victims. They also addressed the temporary removal of certain files, including a photograph of Donald Trump with Epstein and others, stating that it was done out of concern that the images might depict victims. The Trump photograph was later restored after it was determined that it did not contain any sensitive information. The DOJ emphasized that they are not hiding or protecting information about President Trump or any other individual involved with Mr. Epstein.
