Maxwell
plans to remain silent before House panel as lawmakers seek answers about
Epstein case and alleged unindicted co-conspirators.
Ghislaine Maxwell is set to invoke the Fifth Amendment during a closed-door congressional deposition.
WASHINGTON,
UNITED STATES.—Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of financier Jeffrey
Epstein, will invoke her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination
during a scheduled deposition before the U.S. House Oversight Committee on
Monday, according to her attorney. Maxwell is expected to appear virtually from
a federal prison in Texas, where she is serving a 20-year sentence for sex
trafficking. The testimony comes amid renewed congressional scrutiny of the
Epstein investigation and following the release of millions of Justice
Department files tied to the case.
Maxwell’s
attorney, David Oscar Markus, confirmed that his client intends to decline to
answer questions and instead deliver a prepared statement at the start of the
closed-door session. The deposition is part of an ongoing congressional effort
to examine unresolved questions surrounding Epstein’s network and the scope of
federal investigations.
Maxwell’s
Legal Strategy: Invoking the Fifth Amendment
The Fifth
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from being compelled to
testify against themselves in criminal matters. By invoking this right, Maxwell
is signaling that answering lawmakers’ questions could potentially expose her
to further legal risk.
Her
lawyer confirmed the decision publicly, stating that Maxwell would formally
assert her constitutional protection during questioning. According to
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna, she will also read a prepared statement at
the outset of the deposition.
Legal
experts note that invoking the Fifth Amendment in a congressional setting is
not uncommon, particularly when related investigations or potential legal
exposure remain active. Maxwell has previously faced additional scrutiny,
including allegations that she provided false statements to federal officials.
While the deposition is closed-door, members of Congress are expected to focus on specific claims Maxwell made in court filings and previous interviews with Justice Department officials.
Congressional
Focus: Alleged Co-Conspirators and Unindicted Individuals
Representative
Ro Khanna has indicated that he intends to question Maxwell about a court
document she filed last year referencing “four named co-conspirators” and
approximately 25 additional individuals who were not indicted during the
Epstein investigation.
Lawmakers
are examining whether further prosecutions were considered or declined, and
whether investigative decisions were consistent across cases. The issue has
become central to bipartisan calls for greater transparency following the
release of extensive Justice Department records.
The
nearly three million pages of investigative materials recently made available
stem from a congressional law requiring broader disclosure of files related to
Epstein’s activities. Members of Congress will have access to unredacted
versions of the documents at the Department of Justice beginning Monday.
The scope
and content of those files could influence future legislative or oversight
actions, though it remains unclear whether new criminal inquiries will emerge.
Questions
Regarding Political and Social Relationships
Khanna
has also signaled plans to ask Maxwell about her and Epstein’s social
connections with prominent political figures, including President Donald Trump.
Trump has
consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and has stated that
he severed contact with the financier decades ago. No criminal charges have
been filed against Trump in connection with Epstein’s activities, and he has
not been accused of misconduct by Epstein’s victims.
According
to a previously released Justice Department transcript, Maxwell told Deputy
Attorney General Todd Blanche in a July meeting that she did not witness
inappropriate conduct by Trump or former President Bill Clinton. She also
stated that a rumored Epstein “client list” does not exist.
Blanche
has publicly rejected allegations of a cover-up, stating that the Department of
Justice is not withholding prosecutable information.
Background:
Maxwell’s Conviction and Ongoing Appeals
Maxwell
was convicted in 2021 on charges including sex trafficking of minors and
conspiracy, related to her role in recruiting and grooming underage girls for
Epstein. She was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.
Epstein
died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking
charges. His death was ruled a suicide by medical examiners, though it prompted
multiple federal investigations and internal reviews.
Maxwell
has continued to challenge aspects of her conviction and sentence through
appeals. She has also reportedly sought a presidential pardon, though no such
action has been announced.
Her
decision to invoke the Fifth Amendment contrasts with her earlier cooperation
during the July meeting with Deputy Attorney General Blanche, where she
answered questions related to similar subject matter. Representative Khanna
described the shift as inconsistent with her prior conduct.
Justice
Department File Release and Transparency Debate
The
Department of Justice’s recent release of millions of investigative documents marks
one of the largest public disclosures tied to the Epstein case. The release
follows legislation passed by Congress last year mandating broader access to
records.
Lawmakers
will review unredacted materials in person, though some portions remain redacted
in publicly accessible versions to protect victim privacy and ongoing
investigative sensitivities.
Advocacy
groups representing Epstein survivors have called for greater transparency
regarding redactions and for clarification about whether additional investigative
materials remain undisclosed.
The
Justice Department has stated that the release reflects its compliance with
congressional mandates and that no hidden cache of prosecutable evidence is
being withheld.
Survivors
Demand Clarity and Accountability
A group
of Epstein survivors released a video statement on Sunday urging lawmakers and
federal authorities to provide full transparency about redactions and any
remaining sealed records.
Survivor
advocates argue that complete disclosure is necessary to ensure accountability
and restore public trust. At the same time, legal observers caution that
protecting victim identities and privacy remains a legal obligation under
federal law.
Balancing
transparency with victim protection has been a recurring challenge in the
Epstein case, particularly as public and political pressure has intensified.
What
Happens Next in the Oversight Process
Because
the deposition is closed-door, immediate public details about Maxwell’s
prepared statement may be limited. Members of Congress could later summarize
key points or release portions of the transcript, depending on committee
procedures.
If
Maxwell formally invokes the Fifth Amendment in response to most or all
questions, lawmakers may face limitations in obtaining new factual information
directly from her.
However,
congressional oversight efforts may shift toward analysis of the Justice
Department files and potential hearings involving federal officials.
At
present, no new criminal charges have been announced in connection with the
latest disclosures. The situation remains under review as Congress examines
both investigative decisions and transparency practices.
By Laura Bennett | CRNTimes.com | Washington