Extreme lengths authorities are going to keep Ghislaine Maxwell alive in New York jail

Authorities are taking drastic precautions to keep Jeffrey Epstein’s accused madame, Ghislaine Maxwell, safe as she faces sex charges.

Authorities are taking drastic precautions to keep Jeffrey Epstein’s accused madame, Ghislaine Maxwell, safe as she faces sex charges.

Authorities are taking drastic precautions to keep Jeffrey Epstein’s accused madame, Ghislaine Maxwell, safe as she faces sex charges.

Maxwell is reportedly being kept awake at night so she doesn’t die in jail like her ex-boyfriend, convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein did in 2019.

The Guardian reported that prison guards were shining a torch into Maxwell’s cell at least every 15 minutes to make sure she is still breathing.

“Is she a suicide risk to not,” judge Richard Sullivan asked during a hearing.

“Has the BoP (Bureau of Prisons) concluded she’s a suicide risk or is it some other reason why they’re shining lights all night long?”

Maxwell’s lawyer David Markus insisted his client was not a risk to her own safety.

The British socialite has pleaded not guilty. Picture: Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Ghislaine Maxwell's sister, Isabel Maxwell, outside Manhattan federal court in New York. Picture: AFP

“There is no evidence she’s suicidal. Why is the Bureau of Prisons doing this? They’re doing it because Jeffrey Epstein died on their watch. Again, she’s not Jeffrey Epstein, this isn’t right.”

Another lawyer for Maxwell said that being treated as a suicide risk made Maxwell’s “life hell and doesn’t allow her to sleep”

British socialite Maxwell pleaded not guilty to new sex trafficking charges as she appeared in court in person last week – the first time since her arrest last year.

The 59-year-old is accused of recruiting underage girls for her former partner, the disgraced US financier Epstein, who killed himself in jail while awaiting trial.

Her trial is due to begin on July 12, although her legal team is pushing for more time to prepare.

She allegedly befriended girls with shopping and movie theatre outings, and later coaxed them into giving Epstein nude massages during which he would engage in sex acts.

CLINTON LINKS

A series of photos taken in 1993 and that recently resurfaced show Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein greeting then US President Bill Clinton at the White House.

The Sun, which first published the images, reports Maxwell and Epstein were invited to the White House after Epstein donated money to have the Oval Office refurbished.

They toured the East Room and the presidential residence during a reception, the media outlet reports.

This is not the first time photos have linked Clinton to Epstein and Maxwell. Clinton was seen aboard Epstein’s private jet in 2002 with Maxwell.

Clinton also reportedly had a private dinner with Maxwell in 2014, years after Epstein was convicted of child sex abuse.

Jeffrey Epstein, centre, and Ghislaine Maxwell at the White House as guests of then-President Bill Clinton in 1993. Picture: William J. Clinton Presidential Library

The pictures recently resurfaced despite being taken nearly three decades ago. Picture: William J. Clinton Presidential Library

Clinton has strenuously denied he visited Epstein’s private island in the Bahamas and maintained he never knew of Epstein’s sexual misconduct.

However, Epstein’s Australian-based accuser Virginia Giuffre has previously stated that she saw Clinton on the island.

Ghislaine Maxwell, right, remains in a New York jail. Picture: William J. Clinton Presidential Library

MAXWELL PLEADS NOT GUILTY

Ghislaine Maxwell pleaded not guilty to new sex trafficking charges as she appeared in court in person on Friday for the first time since her arrest last summer.

The 59-year-old is accused of recruiting underage girls for her former partner, the disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein, who killed himself in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.

Maxwell, wearing a blue jail shirt, appeared frail and noticeably older as she walked in to the Manhattan federal court where she was arraigned on a new superseding indictment that prosecutors filed last month.

The indictment added a new accuser and extended the time frame of her alleged offences by seven years.

Maxwell faces six counts, including sex trafficking conspiracy and sex trafficking of a minor.

The alleged crimes occurred between 1994 and 2004, and relate to four women, including two who prosecutors say were just 14 years old when they were sexually abused.

Acting US lawyer for the Southern District of New York, Audrey Strauss, announces charges against Ghislaine Maxwell in June last year. Picture: AFP

The counts are stronger than the earlier charges, which refer to “enticement” and “transportation” of minors to travel to engage in illegal sex acts.

Maxwell spoke just three times during the brief hearing, including to say “Yes, your honour” and “I have, your honour” when asked if she had been made aware of the charges.

She also waived her right to have the charges read out to her in court. At one point she appeared to wave at someone in court, where her sister Isabel was present.

The daughter of late newspaper baron Robert Maxwell denies all the allegations against her. Maxwell’s lawyer entered a not guilty plea on her behalf.

Her trial is due to begin on July 12, although her defence team is pushing for more time to prepare.

Maxwell faces an effective life sentence if convicted.

She allegedly befriended girls with shopping and movie theatre outings, and later coaxed them into giving Epstein nude massages during which he would engage in sex acts.

ABUSE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MAXWELL

Prosecutors say Maxwell sometimes participated in the alleged abuse, which occurred at her London home and at Epstein’s properties in Manhattan, Palm Beach and New Mexico.

She has also been charged with two counts of perjury, which are due to be tried after her sex crimes trial.

The perjury counts relate to testimony she gave in 2016 in a defamation case filed against her by long-time Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre.

Alleged Epstein victim Danielle Bensky, right, flanked by lawyers Sigrid McCawley and David Boies. Picture: AFP

Ghislaine Maxwell appeared via video link during her arraignment. Picture: Reuters

Maxwell has repeatedly complained of filthy conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn where she is being held.

Epstein, 66, was a multimillion-dollar hedge fund manager who befriended countless celebrities over the years, including former President Clinton and Prince Andrew.

Epstein’s suicide while he was awaiting trial meant his accusers didn’t have their day in court. His death launched countless conspiracy theories, with prosecutors vowing to pursue co-conspirators.

“It was painful but it is healing,” said Danielle Bensky, who accused Epstein of abuse, after attending Maxwell’s hearing last week.

“After not having a trial for Epstein, yes I do think it will provide some closure for the victims.”