Ghislaine Maxwell expected to spill beans about Jeffrey Epstein

Lawyers for Jeffrey Epstein’s victims believe Ghislaine Maxwell is likely to seek a plea deal to reduce a jail sentence in return for information.

Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein.

Lawyers for Jeffrey Epstein’s victims believe Ghislaine Maxwell is likely to seek a plea deal to reduce a jail sentence in return for information.

And the royal scandal that “never goes away” delivered ­another blow to the monarchy on Saturday with the publication of an 18-year-old photograph of Ghislaine Maxwell sitting next to disgraced actor Kevin Spacey on one of the Queen’s gilded thrones during a private tour of Buckingham Palace organised by the Duke of York. Spacey’s career was derailed three years ago by allegations of sexual misconduct.

While some victims may want a full trial, many would exchange it for a guilty plea from Ms Maxwell with the exposure and legal pursuit of Epstein’s full network, lawyers said.

Ms Maxwell can disclose the true nature of Epstein’s dealings, not just with the Duke of York but with some of the world’s most powerful men, including Bill Clinton and President Donald Trump, who have been photographed with her and Epstein. All have denied any wrongdoing.

It emerged last month that Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who claimed that she had sex with Prince Andrew, has also alleged that she was forced to have sex with Ehud Barak, the former ­Israeli prime minister who formed an investment company in Israel with Epstein. The claim emerged in written evidence unsealed in a defamation case brought against her by renowned US lawyer Alan ­Dershowitz she accuses of being another sex abuser. He denies her claims. A spokesman for Mr Barak said: “Barak does not comment on imaginary rumours or false affidavits.”

Prince Andrew has denied having sex with Ms Giuffre.

Josh Schiffer, a lawyer represents Jennifer Araoz, who said that Epstein raped her when she was 15, said it was “likely” that Ms Maxwell would “spill the beans”.

“There are incredibly prominent people right now who are terrified,” Mr Schiffer said. His company represents Ms Araoz in her civil claim against the Epstein estate. He said that the high conviction rate of federal prosecutions meant Ms Maxwell would come under huge pressure to offer information to reduce a ­potential 35 years in jail. “She holds the keys to unlock further investigations,” he said.

Lisa Bloom, a Los Angeles lawyer who represents six women in civil cases, said that it was “95 per cent” certain that Ms Maxwell would seek a plea bargain. First, however, her lawyers could argue for the case to be thrown out, she said. The granting of bail would be a significant factor, she added. “If bail is denied then she’s stuck in jail, she may be more likely to make a deal.”

Steven Hoffenberg, who spent 18 years in prison for running a Ponzi scheme that he said ­Epstein masterminded, claimed on Friday that Ms Maxwell would be “fully co-operating” with the FBI and that Prince ­Andrew might be “very worried”.

He told The Sun that Ms Maxwell would “crack in two seconds” in prison. “Andrew handled it poorly. He should have spoken to them through his lawyers. He should have given them something. She’s going to co-operate.”

Laura Goldman, a friend of Ms Maxwell, told The Daily Telegraph that Ms Maxwell was more likely to talk about Mr Clinton or Mr Trump. No allegations have been made about either man.

THE TIMES