Ghislaine Maxwell is urging a federal judge to overturn her conviction, citing juror misconduct, withheld evidence, and alleged collusion between prosecutors and victims’ attorneys as factors that compromised the integrity of her trial. This appeal was made in a newly submitted petition.
Maxwell, known for her close association with the late Jeffrey Epstein, was convicted in 2021 for sex trafficking and conspiracy in connection with Epstein’s extensive abuse network. Serving a 20-year sentence, the 63-year-old has filed a comprehensive habeas motion independently, claiming that “newly discovered evidence” indicates her trial was unfair.
This legal move coincides with increased demands on the Department of Justice to adhere to the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This legislation mandates the disclosure of long-sealed investigative documents related to Epstein and his network.
Last month, former President Donald Trump enacted this transparency law, compelling the DOJ to release its extensive collection of Epstein-related records by December 19. The administration now faces a tight deadline to make these documents public.
In the high-profile case, both Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell faced federal charges for sex trafficking, linked to Epstein’s long history of exploiting underage girls. (Image: Joe Schildhorn/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Among the key points in Maxwell’s petition is an accusation against Juror #50, who disclosed post-verdict that he had been a victim of childhood sexual abuse—information he omitted from his juror questionnaire.
Maxwell said the omission was intentional and improperly influenced the deliberations, and she suggested other jurors may also have withheld similar personal histories. Federal courts have previously ruled that the juror’s error did not justify a new trial, but Maxwell argued new statements contradict earlier findings and warrant renewed scrutiny.
Maxwell also challenged the authenticity of physical evidence used at trial, particularly the massage table introduced to establish the interstate-commerce element of the charges. She claimed newly unsealed grand jury testimony conflicts with law enforcement accounts of how and where the table was seized and points to labeling and paperwork discrepancies that, she argues, raise questions about whether the exhibit shown to jurors was the same item recovered in the 2005 Palm Beach search.
The petition further accuses prosecutors of withholding exculpatory material, including internal FBI notes, grand jury records and information about Epstein’s properties and financial transactions. Maxwell contends that access to this material would have allowed her defense to more aggressively challenge key witnesses and the government’s theory of the case.
Ghislaine Maxwell jogs around the track at FCI Tallahassee, Tallahassee, Florida, Thursday, July 10, 2025. Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking in connection with Jeffrey Epstein. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)
Maxwell also alleges that private attorneys representing Epstein’s accusers played an unusual and inappropriate role in shaping the prosecution’s approach. According to the filing, these lawyers worked closely with federal authorities, supplied investigative materials, communicated with witnesses and helped influence the development of the case before trial.
The petition again raises Maxwell’s long-standing argument that Epstein’s 2007 non-prosecution agreement in Florida should have shielded her from federal charges.
She claims newly surfaced internal documents show the agreement was intended to cover “potential co-conspirators,” including her, and asserts that prosecutors concealed drafts and communications that would have supported her position. Courts, however, have repeatedly rejected the argument that the Florida deal barred her prosecution in New York.
Maxwell also points to confidential civil settlements involving other individuals linked to Epstein, arguing that more prominent figures escaped scrutiny while she became the centerpiece of the government’s case.
Ghislaine Maxwell jogs around the track at FCI Tallahassee, Tallahassee, Florida, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)
She additionally describes the pretrial conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as “harsh,” citing near-solitary confinement and frequent overnight checks that she says impaired her ability to participate in her defense.
Maxwell’s petition lands just as the Justice Department prepares to release a new tranche of Epstein-related records under the transparency act — a process that could be affected by ongoing litigation surrounding her case and her claims about withheld materials.
Fox News Digital reached out to Maxwell’s attorney.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
