Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell sentenced to 20 years in prison

Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The 60-year-old socialite, who once ran in the same circles as royals, presidents and billionaires, was sentenced Tuesday for helping Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse dozens of underage girls, hundreds of times, for more than a decade.

Judge Alison Nathan said Maxwell’s criminal activity was “extensive,” and that she and Epstein used a “playbook” which caused “incalculable” damage to their victims.

Judge Nathan also imposed a $750,000 fine. She said a “significant sentence is necessary” and that she wanted to send an “unmistakable message” that these kinds of crimes would be punished.

Epstein killed himself in 2019 while awaiting trial. In December, Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking, transporting a minor to participate in illegal sex acts and two conspiracy charges.

Dozens of women have come forward claiming abuse at the hands of Epstein. Many of those women said Maxwell acted like a madam of sorts, recruiting underage girls to give massages to Epstein which then turned sexual.

Maxwell denies abusing anyone. During the court proceedings Tuesday, she said she hoped her conviction and her “unusual incarceration” would bring “some measure of peace and finality” to Epstein’s victims.

Nathan didn’t let Maxwell escape culpability, though, making clear Maxwell was being punished for her own actions.

Epstein and Maxwell counted Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, and Britain’s Prince Andrew among their social connections. Prosecutors said Epstein and Maxwell exploited those connections to impress their victims.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.