Defense to make its case in Maxwell trial starting Thursday

NEW YORK — A New York City assemblage has heard 4 women item accusations that they were teens erstwhile they became victims of a sex-abuse strategy devised by Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein.

Starting Thursday, Maxwell's attorneys are expected to marque their lawsuit that Maxwell isn't the 1 to blame.

The British socialite's proceedings volition resume with the defence calling its ain witnesses successful national tribunal successful Manhattan.

The intimately watched proceedings is moving on much rapidly than initially expected, and the defence lawsuit could past conscionable 2 days.

Prosecutors accidental Maxwell lured and groomed underage girls into a trafficking strategy acceptable up by Epstein successful the 1990s and 2000s.

Maxwell's attorneys are expected to reason that she should not beryllium blamed for the crimes of Epstein.

Epstein was arrested successful July 2019 connected charges of sexually abusing dozens of girls. He died by termination successful jailhouse a period later.

Epstein had previously served 13 months successful jail successful transportation with a 2008 Florida condemnation connected prostitution charges and solicitation of a minor. Experts person called that condemnation a "sweetheart deal" betwixt Epstein and section prosecutors.

Epstein's high-profile connections with satellite leaders similar Prince Andrew and erstwhile presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump person enactment a worldwide microscope connected Maxwell's trial.

Maxwell faces up to 70 years successful situation if convicted connected each six counts of conspiracy and enactment trafficking charges. She has denied immoderate wrongdoing.