The Justice Department, under President Trump, has urged the Supreme Court to reject Ghislaine Maxwell’s appeal of her conviction for her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking scheme. Maxwell’s lawyers argue her prosecution violated a non-prosecution agreement from 2008 related to Epstein. The Justice Department contends Maxwell was not a party to the agreement and that the government was unaware of her role at the time. Maxwell was found guilty in 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
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Stacey Williams, a former Sports Illustrated model and ex-girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, has stated that Donald Trump and Epstein were very close, calling them “best friends” and suggesting they were “up to no good.” Williams’ claims further fuel the controversy surrounding the Epstein files, as well as the prior scrutiny faced by Trump and his administration regarding their handling of Epstein’s sex abuse case. Williams also revisited a previous accusation that Trump groped her in 1993, an encounter facilitated by Epstein. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and dismissed Williams’ claims as false.
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Senator Ron Wyden is disputing President Trump’s dismissal of renewed interest in Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, revealing a detailed Treasury Department file documenting nearly $1.1 billion moved through Epstein’s accounts. This file, separate from the “Epstein files,” contains “actionable information” including potential links to sex trafficking and payments to women and girls from various countries. Wyden has accused the Trump administration of blocking access to the full file, and is now demanding its release to the Senate for further investigation.
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In a recent interview, a former executive from Trump Plaza described Jeffrey Epstein as a close friend of Donald Trump, alleging they were once caught bringing underage women into the casino. This occurred during the 1980s, according to Jack O’Donnell, who was then the hotel and casino boss. The White House has strongly refuted the claims, labeling the former employee as a liar. This comes as Trump attempts to distance himself from his association with Epstein, especially amidst growing calls for the release of more information related to the late billionaire’s 2019 child sex-trafficking case.
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The decision to close the Epstein case by the Trump administration has been met with criticism, as victims feel their voices are being erased, and a lawsuit is being filed to force the government to reveal information regarding the sex-trafficking ring. One victim stated the government is rewriting the narrative and that the shutdown undermines efforts for victims to heal. Victims, like Maria Farmer, are suing the justice department and FBI, claiming they failed to protect victims or properly investigate abuse claims. The lawsuits aim to uncover the full extent of Epstein’s actions and the government’s involvement, including the disclosure of collected information.
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In response to Ghislaine Maxwell’s appeal of her sex-trafficking conviction, the Department of Justice has asked the Supreme Court to deny it. Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence, argues her conviction should be overturned due to a 2007 plea deal granted to Jeffrey Epstein, which she believes immunized her. The DOJ’s action follows recent controversy over its handling of Epstein’s case, particularly regarding the release of information, including a client list. Maxwell’s attorney criticized the DOJ’s stance on the appeal, citing a broken government promise.
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Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted in 2022 for child sex trafficking related to Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, is willing to testify before Congress, potentially offering new details regarding the sex trafficking scheme involving underage girls. Her willingness follows the release of a Justice Department memo that found no evidence of a client list or blackmail, drawing criticism and prompting former President Donald Trump to defend the handling of the investigation. Maxwell’s appeal to the Supreme Court hinges on a non-prosecution agreement made with Epstein in 2008. Meanwhile, Maxwell’s team insists the files do not reflect the full scope of Epstein’s dealings.
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Federal investigators revealed that Jeffrey Epstein had over 1,000 victims spanning two decades, far exceeding initial allegations. A recent Justice Department and FBI memo confirmed Epstein’s extensive harm, identifying unique traumas suffered by each victim, while also stating that no incriminating “client list” was found. The memo also reinforced the previous conclusion that Epstein’s death was a suicide, while further citing that sensitive information like victim names and images will not be released. Ghislaine Maxwell was also convicted in a trial of her own, and until her appeal exhausts, criminal evidence is unlikely to be released.
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In a memo released last week, the Department of Justice and the FBI stated there was no evidence of a “client list” or blackmail connected to Jeffrey Epstein, confirming his death by suicide and that no further information would be released. This prompted criticism from some on the US far-right, with Trump defending Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel against the backlash. Trump urged his supporters to shift focus away from Epstein, suggesting the investigation was a distraction, and instead focus on the “Rigged and Stolen Election of 2020.” While Trump dismissed the conspiracy theories, some within his inner circle like Dan Bongino were reportedly displeased with the administration’s handling of the matter.
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A recent study conducted by the University of South Florida revealed over 700,000 individuals fell victim to human trafficking in Florida last year, with approximately 100,000 of these victims being children targeted for sex trafficking. The report analyzed data from numerous sources to paint a concerning picture of the crime’s prevalence, particularly among undocumented migrants and those in industries with poor conditions. The study, commissioned by the state, aims to inform anti-trafficking efforts and assess the effectiveness of current initiatives, while also acknowledging the complex challenges law enforcement and service providers face in combating this pervasive crime.
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