A New York judge is considering releasing nearly 200 names linked to the Jeffrey Epstein-Ghislaine Maxwell sex trafficking conspiracy. These individuals, previously referred to as John and Jane Does, could have their identities exposed or confirmed. The deadline for objections to unsealing the names passed on Monday, nearly nine years after victim Virginia Giuffre filed a defamation claim against Maxwell in 2015, leading to the revelation of names in legal depositions.
In 2016, US district court judge Robert Sweet rejected Maxwell’s attempt to dismiss the case, acknowledging Giuffre as a victim of sustained underage sexual abuse. Despite settling out of court in 2017, this lawsuit set the stage for civil actions, including Giuffre’s case against Prince Andrew, which was settled out of court.
The defamation suit also played a role in Maxwell’s federal sex trafficking case, where she was found guilty on five of six charges and sentenced to a 20-year prison term in December 2021. The release of names from this lawsuit, however, is not expected to lead to additional criminal charges. Epstein’s suicide in 2019 and Maxwell’s conviction seemingly concluded federal prosecutors’ involvement.
US district judge Loretta Preska’s order could expose the identities of high-profile figures associated with Epstein. While some names might already be known as associates or employees, the focus will be on the John Does, potentially including a former US president, actors, and academics.
ABC News reported that “Jane Doe 162” testified about being with Prince Andrew, Maxwell, and Giuffre at Epstein’s New York mansion. Former President Bill Clinton, identified as “Doe 36,” is mentioned in redacted filings, but Giuffre made no allegations against him. Flight logs revealed Clinton’s extensive travels on Epstein’s plane.
While expectations of criminal charges based on these names might be exaggerated, the release could still be embarrassing for many. The depositions may offer insights into Epstein and Maxwell’s interactions, especially after Epstein’s release in Florida, where he continued to build his network, involving notable figures such as the CIA director, White House counsel, Noam Chomsky, Bill Gates, and others.
An acquaintance noted that Epstein’s behavior remained consistent pre and post-convictions, emphasizing his belief that he had done nothing wrong and could behave as he pleased with the financial means to do so.
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