Federal prosecutors have previously contended that Epstein’s non-prosecution agreement was applicable solely within Florida, thus making it irrelevant to Maxwell’s case, which was tried in New York.Nevertheless, in their brief, Maxwell’s defense team argued that the agreement did not impose any geographic restrictions and should consequently apply to her as well, as noted by Fox.
“It is not confined to the Southern District of Florida, it is not contingent upon the co-conspirators being known to the government at the time, it does not rely on what any specific government attorney may have thought regarding potential co-conspirators, and it includes no other caveat or exception. This should conclude the discussion,” the brief further stated.
Federal prosecutors have insisted that Maxwell cannot invoke the terms of the agreement since she was not explicitly identified as a party to it, a stance her attorneys claim is legally flawed.
“The government also contends that the Petitioner lacks the right to enforce the NPA, as she was neither a party to it nor mentioned within it,” the brief stated. “However, as acknowledged by the lower court and as established by fundamental contract law, Maxwell possesses the standing to enforce the agreement as a third-party beneficiary.”The filing represents the first step in Maxwell’s endeavor to convince the Supreme Court to consider her case as part of her ongoing efforts to overturn her conviction, Fox noted.
“No individual is above the law — not even the Southern District of New York,” stated David Markus, Maxwell’s attorney. “Our government entered into an agreement, and it is obligated to uphold it. The United States cannot extend immunity with one hand in Florida while prosecuting with the other in New York.
“President Trump established his legacy, in part, on the strength of a deal — and he would undoubtedly concur that when the United States makes a promise, it must honor it. We are appealing not only to the Supreme Court but also to the President himself to acknowledge the profound injustice of scapegoating Ghislaine Maxwell for Epstein’s offenses, particularly when the government assured her that she would not face prosecution,” Markus further emphasized.
Maxwell is presently serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison after being convicted of collaborating with Epstein to sexually abuse and exploit young girls, as reported by Fox.On Friday, President Trump disclosed that he has not considered granting a pardon or commutation to Ghislaine Maxwell, although he did not dismiss the possibility.“It is something I have not contemplated. I am permitted to do it, but it is not something I have given thought to,” Trump responded to a question posed by a CNN reporter.
When asked again later if clemency is a possibility, Trump informed reporters at the White House: “I cannot discuss that at this moment. … it is very sensitive,” before proceeding to commend Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who had two meetings with Maxwell last week, the specifics of which remain undisclosed.
