Maxwell Pleads Fifth in Epstein Probe Before Congress

Ghislaine Maxwell, serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking crimes, refused to answer questions from a House Oversight Committee deposition on Monday morning. The closed-door virtual session took place from her minimum-security prison camp in Texas, where lawmakers sought details on Epstein's ties to powerful people in politics, business, and entertainment. Maxwell cited her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination throughout the questioning, which came after a subpoena issued months ago.

Background

Jeffrey Epstein, a financier and convicted sex offender, died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial in New York. He faced charges of running a sex trafficking ring that targeted underage girls. Maxwell, his close associate for years, was convicted in 2021 on charges including sex trafficking of a minor and conspiracy. She helped recruit and groom victims for Epstein and others. Her trial revealed connections to high-profile figures, but many details remain unclear.

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee launched its investigation to uncover more about Epstein's network. Lawmakers want to know who else may have been involved and why some Epstein files from the Justice Department are still not public. The deposition with Maxwell was first set for last summer at a Florida prison, but delays came due to her legal appeals. She lost a Supreme Court bid on her conviction and recently filed a habeas petition in New York federal court to challenge it or reduce her sentence.

In July, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche interviewed Maxwell for two days. She told him she saw no criminal or improper acts by former President Bill Clinton, President Donald Trump, or other prominent men linked to Epstein. That talk had limited immunity protections. Now, with her own legal fights ongoing, Maxwell and her team say she needs full clemency before she can testify.

Key Details

The deposition happened over video link on Monday. Committee members present included Republicans like Andy Biggs of Arizona and Thomas Massie of Kentucky, and Democrats like Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois and Ro Khanna of California. Chair James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, called the session an opportunity for Maxwell to address questions many Americans have about the case. She chose not to, invoking the Fifth each time.

Lawyer's Statement and Clemency Push

Maxwell's lawyer, David Oscar Markus, gave an opening statement before the questioning. He said Maxwell holds key information that only she can provide fully. He stressed that both Trump and Clinton are innocent of any wrongdoing in Epstein matters, and Maxwell could explain why if she testified.

"Only she can provide the complete account. Some may not like what they hear, but the truth matters. For example, both President Trump and President Clinton are innocent of any wrongdoing. Ms. Maxwell alone can explain why, and the public is entitled to that explanation." – David Oscar Markus, Maxwell's lawyer

Markus repeated that clemency from President Trump would let Maxwell speak freely. Trump has not ruled out a pardon. Democrats on the committee see this as a play for leniency. Rep. Ro Khanna said Maxwell should stay in maximum security prison. Comer said he does not support clemency for her.

On the same day, Khanna and Massie planned to review unredacted Epstein files at the Justice Department. They pushed for their release earlier. The committee has scheduled more depositions, including with former President Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Les Wexner (a longtime Epstein associate), Epstein's former accountant Richard Kahn, and his ex-lawyer Darren Indyke.

Maxwell's team points to her ongoing appeals as another reason for silence. Her habeas petition claims issues with the jury and trial process. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman noted the committee views this as a bargaining tactic for a pardon.

What This Means

Maxwell's refusal keeps key questions about Epstein's circle unanswered for now. Lawmakers say they aim to find justice for survivors and reveal the full scope of the crimes. Her stance highlights tensions over clemency powers. Only the president can grant it, and Trump has used pardons before in high-profile cases. If granted, Maxwell could share details on who knew what, potentially clearing or implicating others.

Democrats accuse her of stalling for personal gain, while Republicans like Comer focus on moving the probe forward without her input. The unredacted files could provide breakthroughs, but their contents are limited to congressional eyes so far. Survivors and the public wait for more transparency. Future depositions may yield new facts, but Maxwell remains a central figure whose full story is still locked away.

The investigation continues amid Epstein's death and Maxwell's conviction. It shows gaps in accountability for those around him. Committee members express frustration but plan to press on with other witnesses. Khanna's push for maximum security reflects broader calls to keep Maxwell behind bars during appeals. As more names come up in depositions, pressure builds on the Justice Department to release files.

This case draws renewed attention years after Epstein's death. It involves not just past crimes but current questions of influence and protection for the powerful. Lawmakers from both parties agree the public deserves answers, even if paths to them twist through legal protections and political decisions.