Washington, D.C., United States, October 7(HS): The US Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal filed by Ghislaine Maxwell challenging her conviction on sex trafficking charges linked to her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s exploitation of underage girls. This decision means her 20-year prison sentence remains in effect unless overturned by a presidential pardon.

Maxwell’s legal team expressed deep disappointment but affirmed their intent to pursue other legal avenues to ensure justice is served. Convicted in 2021, Maxwell was found guilty of recruiting and grooming girls as young as 14 for abuse by Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.

Family members of Epstein’s victim Virginia Roberts Giuffre welcomed the court’s decision and urged that Maxwell serve her full sentence, criticizing her recent transfer to a minimum-security prison in Texas.The Justice Department has not commented publicly on the ruling. Maxwell was interviewed by federal agents recently as part of an ongoing investigation into the sex trafficking network and the potential involvement of others.Despite speculation, the White House has denied any discussions of clemency for Maxwell, reaffirming a stance of no leniency.

The Supreme Court’s refusal to review the case marks a critical juncture in the aftermath of one of the most high-profile sex trafficking cases in recent history, as public and legal scrutiny continues over the extensive Epstein network and related investigations.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar