Photo of Epstein and Maxwell at a July press conference
Photo: Lucas Jackson / REUTERSThe ex-partner of Jeffrey Epstein, who has been convicted of sex crimes, is apparently unable to get out of solitary confinement for the time being. US media reported that judge Alison Nathan in New York rejected a request from her defense.
The defense had argued that Maxwell could not adequately prepare for their trial in solitary confinement. The judge dismissed the reports as unfounded.
She had previously turned down a request from Maxwell to change the surveillance strategy of the high-security prison in New York's Brooklyn neighborhood.
Indicted on six counts
Maxwell was arrested in early July in the US state of New Hampshire. She is charged with six charges, including seducing minors into illegal sex acts and perjury. The charges relating to the years 1994 to 1997 carry maximum sentences of five to ten years in prison.
Maxwell is said to have played a major role in Epstein's sex crimes. However, the 58-year-old had denied aid in court in mid-July and pleaded "not guilty". If convicted, she faces up to 35 years imprisonment.
The American businessman Epstein allegedly abused dozens of minors and forced them into prostitution. In 2008 he escaped federal proceedings on this matter by entering into an agreement with the public prosecutor. Epstein pleaded partially guilty at the time and received a mild prison sentence. He was tried again in New York in 2019 and shortly thereafter committed suicide in a prison cell.
Icon: The mirrorkko / dpa