Ghislaine Maxwell sentenced to 20 years in prison in Epstein sex abuse case
Ghislaine Maxwell, the jet-setting socialite who once consorted with royals, presidents and billionaires, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for helping financier Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse underage girls.
"A substantial sentence will send an unmistakable message that those who engage in the sexual abuse and trafficking of underage victims will be held accountable by the law," US District Judge Alison J. Nathan said during the reading of the sentence.
"The rule of law demands, and this court agrees, that whether you are rich or powerful or entirely unknown, nobody is above the law."
In December, a jury convicted Maxwell of sex trafficking, transporting a minor to participate in illegal sex acts and two conspiracy charges.
"Maxwell's conduct was shockingly predatory. She was a calculating, sophisticated, and dangerous criminal who preyed on vulnerable young girls and groomed them for sexual abuse," prosecutors wrote in a court filing.
Maxwell denies abusing anyone.
Earlier on Tuesday, she was brought into a New York courtroom in a prison uniform and with her ankles shackled to await her sentence.
The sentence is roughly half of the 30- to 55-year term sought by federal prosecutors. Defence attorneys want a five-year term for the Briton.
The sentencing in New York is the culmination of a prosecution that detailed how the power couple flaunted their riches and prominent connections to lure vulnerable girls as young as 14, and then exploit them.
The hearing was so long that Nathan called for a half-hour lunch break, unusual for such proceedings.
The first up to speak were five women who say they were sexually abused by Epstein with Maxwell's help, followed by Maxwell herself.
Annie Farmer, who identified herself in court by her
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