Ghislaine Maxwell Prosecutor Invokes Victims' Rights in New Court Dispute

Ghislaine Maxwell's efforts to get a new trial have hit a stumbling block which could postpone an upcoming inquiry.

The British socialite was found guilty on five out of six counts of sex trafficking girls for former lover Jeffrey Epstein to abuse after a high profile New York trial in December 2021.

However, she wants to overturn the conviction over allegations a juror, Scotty David, gave an incorrect answer in his jury questionnaire.

An inquiry is scheduled for March 8 but her lawyers have now asked for it to be pushed back two months to May, citing other commitments.

The government, however, is resisting the attempt and says it will impact the rights of victims to a speedy resolution of the process.

It is warning that an adjournment could delay sentencing, currently scheduled for June, in a clear indication the U.S. attorney still believes Maxwell's conviction may not be quashed.

A court filing, seen by Newsweek, read: "The Government strongly opposes defense counsel's request, as an adjournment—let alone a two-month adjournment—is not in the interests of justice.

"As an initial matter, this case is scheduled for sentencing in June and that date should not be delayed.

"The victims in this case deserve a timely resolution of this matter."

Juror Scotty David told news organizations, including the Daily Mail and The Independent, that he was a victim of child sexual abuse himself and had described his own experiences in the jury room.

Court filings are clear that his own history would not necessarily trigger a retrial but Judge Alison Nathan ordered an inquiry specifically into whether the answers he gave in his jury questionnaire were inaccurate.

An order by Nathan, seen by Newsweek, stated: "To be clear, the potential impropriety is not that someone with a history of sexual abuse may have served on the jury.

"Rather, it is the potential failure to respond truthfully to questions during the jury selection process that asked for that material information so that any potential bias could be explored."

The court denied a request to conduct a similar inquiry into a second juror also said to have been a victim of sexual abuse.

David indicated through his lawyer that he will exercise his Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination.

However, Maxwell's attorney suggested the government is in the process of negotiating immunity to enable him to testify.

A court filing, seen by Newsweek, read: "In response to a letter from Juror 50's counsel indicating the juror's intention to assert the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination at the upcoming hearing, the government has
informed the Court that it is in the process of making an application for a grant of immunity for the juror.

"Juror 50 has publicly stated that he 'answered all questions honestly.' Ms. Maxwell requests a proffer from Juror 50's counsel explaining the basis for his client's assertion of the Fifth Amendment and the government's willingness to provide immunity to Juror 50."