U.S. Capitol
Ghislaine Maxwell, the former confidante and longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein, declined to answer questions from Congress, invoking her Fifth Amendment right during a private virtual deposition before the House Oversight Committee on Feb. 9.
"This is obviously very disappointing," Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R., Ky.) told reporters following the deposition. "We had many questions to ask about the crimes she and Epstein committed, as well as questions about potential co-conspirators. We sincerely want to get to the truth to the American people and justice for the survivors. That's what this investigation is about."
Maxwell was subpoenaed to testify on Feb. 9 in the Committee’s investigation into the government’s handling of the Epstein case. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 and is serving a 20-year sentence in a federal prison in Texas for sex trafficking crimes.
“She answered no questions and provided no information,” said Rep. Robert Garcia (D., Calif.), the top Democrat on the committee.
“David Markus, one of Maxwell’s lawyers, previously told lawmakers she would require immunity for questioning so she wouldn’t risk further criminal exposure. Markus said Monday she was prepared to speak if granted clemency by President Trump,” The Wall Street Journal reports.
Concurrently, Maxwell has a petition pending in federal court in New York seeking her release or a reduction in her sentence.
Rep. Andy Biggs (R., Ariz.) shared that Maxwell’s lawyer "pointed out a number of times that she has a habeas corpus petition pending for new trial or release. And that's why she is not going to answer questions."
Despite her refusal to testify, Maxwell has previously claimed that Epstein had four other accomplices and 25 men who reached agreements with the financier’s victims. The individuals have not yet been identified.
The deposition falls on the same day that the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has granted clearance for members of Congress to examine unredacted files related to the Epstein files, which was confirmed by a letter sent to officials.
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