Epstein Maxwell Cases Highlight Sex Trafficking Problems

Nearly one year after the mysterious death of hedge fund billionaire and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, a new case against Epstein’s alleged partner in crime is reigniting claims that Epstein lured underage girls into sex a ring based largely in his South Florida home.

British heiress Ghislaine Maxwell was recently charged in New York with federal crimes for her role in what CNN called “recruiting, grooming and sexually abusing underage girls as young as 14 as part of a years-long criminal enterprise.” Maxwell is a long-time confidant of Epstein, who she allegedly assisted in what has been described as a sex trafficking pyramid scheme in which young girls were lured to Epstein’s Palm Beach mansion and other locations.

Epstein, who avoided prosecution on the most serious charges brought against him in Florida more than a decade ago, was arrested in New York in July 2019 and charged with federal sex trafficking and one count of sex-trafficking conspiracy offenses. He died while in custody the following month, apparently as the result of suicide.

The saga brought new attention to Maxwell, who has also been linked socially to a number of public figures like President Donald Trump and former president Bill Clinton. A judge in New York recently agreed to unseal documents in a related civil case that could reveal information about the U.K.’s Prince Andrew and others believed to have been involved in Epstein’s teen sex ring.

The high-profile case is one of several that spotlights the unfortunate fact that Florida is a sex trafficking hot spot. It also shows that sex trafficking crimes can be levied against a wide range of people, including for activities like recruiting victims or otherwise aiding the criminal activity.

Because sex trafficking such a huge problem in Florida and across the country, it is one that law enforcement officers take very seriously. Rising public awareness of the problem has spurred police to ramp up their efforts to catch and prosecute any individuals believed to have committed or enabled human sex trafficking.

That is why anyone suspected or accused of trafficking or similar offenses should seek the advice of a seasoned Florida sex crime attorney.

If you or a loved one has been charged with or is under investigation for sex trafficking or another sex crime in Florida, it is important to have an experienced attorney in your corner.

At Whittel & Melton, our sex crime attorneys represent clients throughout the Sunshine State who have been charged with a wide variety of offenses, including child pornography, sexual assault, rape, internet solicitation and offenses involving victims who are minors. We work tirelessly to fight these charges head-on in order to get charges dropped or reduced whenever possible.

Our firm handles cases throughout the state, including in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Pensacola. Contact us online or call 866-608-5529 for a free evaluation with a Florida sex crime attorney.