Update: 3: 15 p.m.
A New York City judge has reportedly denied a bail request from Ghislaine Maxwell’s attorneys during a video court proceeding Tuesday.
Bloomberg reported Judge Alison Nathan’s decision in a Twitter post Tuesday afternoon.
JUST IN: A judge has denied bail for Ghislaine Maxwell.
The British socialite faces sex-trafficking charges tied to her former boyfriend Jeffrey Epstein pic.twitter.com/unLQBqSFV0
— Bloomberg QuickTake (@QuickTake) July 14, 2020
At the hearing, some of Epstein’s accusers testified that Maxwell was instrumental in facilitating the ongoing abuse of women and girls, with one accuser reportedly saying that Epstein could not have committed his alleged crimes without Maxwell’s help.
Prosecutors read statement from a Jane Doe who knew Maxwell for over 10 years: "Without Ghislaine, Jeffrey could not have done what he did…she would have done anything to get what he wanted to satisfy Mr. Epstein…her sole purpose is self preservation…I have great fear…"
— julie k. brown (@jkbjournalist) July 14, 2020
Maxwell will remain in custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center as she awaiting trial, which will not begin until at least July 2021, according to multiple reports.
Earlier story:
Jeffrey Epstein’s accused co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell has pleased not guilty to charges accusing her of recruiting minors into Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking ring, and committing perjury.
As the New York Post reports, the 58-year-old British socialite appeared in court via videoconference from the Brooklyn prison where she is awaiting trial on six counts that allege she actively participated in recruiting girls for Epstein to abuse. A number of alleged victims have also accused her of participating the acts of abuse.
Maxwell reportedly replied “not guilty” when Manhattan federal court Judge Alison Nathan asked her how she wished to plead.
Epstein’s former girlfriend and longtime confidant was arrested earlier this month at a luxury hideaway in central New Hampshire that she reportedly purchased with cash in December 2019, concealing her identity behind a limited liability corporation.
Judge Nathan is expected to rule on whether Maxwell is granted bail during the court proceeding on Tuesday.
CrimeOnline will provide further updates when more information is available.
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[Feature image: AP Photo/John Minchillo]
