Maxwell’s trial in Manhattan will resume on Monday with the defense calling its witnesses in federal court in Manhattan. The defense case could take just two days, while the government case lasted for only two weeks. Each side reduced the number of witnesses without disclosing why, resulting in a trial that was much shorter than originally estimated at six weeks.
Already, speculation has erupted about whether the defendant in high-profile cases will testify in her defense. This is a risky gamble that almost never pays off. U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan must receive confirmation from Maxwell regarding her decision before the defense can rest.
Maxwell, 59 years old, pleaded not guilty. She was accused of being Epstein’s chief enabler by recruiting and grooming young women for him to abuse in sexual massages.
Maxwell was Epstein’s first girlfriend. He then became a trusted employee. Witnesses have testified that the pair exploited them at Epstein’s homes from 1994 to 2004, including a Palm Beach estate, New York; a Manhattan townhouse; and a Santa Fe ranch, New Mexico.
Maxwell, according to the defense, is being used as a scapegoat by Epstein for his sex crimes. Epstein was sentenced to death in prison in 2019. Her lawyers tried to prove that Maxwell was involved in sex crimes by Epstein at the request of lawyers looking for payouts for women who have civil claims against Epstein.
