Disgraced British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned former girlfriend of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has completed one-and-a-half days of interviews with US Justice Department officials. She answered questions “about 100 different people,” according to her lawyer.
“She answered those questions honestly, truthfully, to the best of her ability,” David Oscar Markus told reporters outside the federal courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida, where Maxwell met with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
“She never invoked a privilege. She never refused to answer a question, so we’re very proud of her,” Mr. Markus said.
Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence and is housed at a low-security federal prison in Tallahassee.
She was sentenced three years ago after being convicted of helping Epstein, a wealthy and well-connected financier, sexually abuse underage girls.
Officials have stated that Epstein killed himself in his New York jail cell while awaiting trial in 2019. However, his case has generated significant attention and conspiracy theories due to his and Maxwell’s connections to prominent figures, including royals, presidents, and billionaires, such as former US President Donald Trump.
According to a social media post this week, Mr. Blanche said Maxwell was interviewed as a result of former President Trump’s directive to gather and release any credible evidence about others who may have committed crimes.
Former President Trump has denied prior knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and claimed to have severed their relationship long ago.
He continues to face questions about the Epstein case, which has overshadowed accomplishments during his administration.
On Friday, reporters questioned the former Republican president about a potential pardon for Maxwell, but he avoided the topic, emphasizing his administration’s successes.
Mr. Markus said Maxwell “was asked maybe about 100 different people”.
“The Deputy Attorney General is seeking the truth,” Mr. Markus said.
“He asked every possible question, and he was doing an amazing job.”
Mr. Markus stated that he did not request anything in return for Maxwell’s cooperation, although he acknowledged that former President Trump could pardon her.
“Listen, the president this morning said he had the power to do so. We hope he exercises that power in the right and just way,” Mr. Markus said.
Earlier this month, the Justice Department announced that it would not release further files related to the Epstein investigation, contradicting earlier promises made by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The department also stated that an Epstein client list does not exist.
Maxwell is appealing her conviction, citing the government’s past assurances that potential Epstein co-conspirators would not be charged, according to Mr. Markus.
Epstein reached an agreement with federal prosecutors in 2008, transferring his case to Florida state court, where he pleaded guilty to soliciting and procuring a minor for prostitution.
Epstein in 2019 and Maxwell in 2020 were charged in federal court in New York.
