Ghislaine Maxwell accuser tells of ‘tremendous relief’ at guilty verdict
The only victim of Ghislaine Maxwell who testified in court under her full name has spoken out of the ‘tremendous relief’ she feels following the verdict.
Annie Farmer was the fourth woman to give evidence in the sex-trafficking case – sharing graphic stories about the interaction she had with the former socialite and the late billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.
Maxwell, who was described as Epstein’s ‘partner in crime’ by the prosecution, was found guilty of grooming and trafficking underage girls to be sexually abused by her ex-boyfriend.
She is now facing up to 65 years in prison.
Following the verdict on Wednesday, Ms Farmer said she ‘wasn’t sure that this day would ever come’.
Speaking on ABC’s Good Morning America, she said: ‘It’s a tremendous relief.
‘I just feel so grateful that the jury believed us and sent a strong message that perpetrators of sexual abuse and exploitation will be held accountable, no matter how much power and privilege that they have.’
Ms Farmer told jurors during the month-week trial in Manhattan that she was left ‘frozen’ when the socialite asked her to undress for a massage and rubbed her breasts.
She said the defendant had encouraged her to have a massage after teaching her how to rub Epstein’s feet, at the age of 16.
The incident happened in 1995 after the teenager had traveled to New York to visit her older sister, who worked for the wealthy financier.
She was then lured to his ranch in New Mexico, where she was introduced to Maxwell.
At the time, the paedophile spanned a long list of high-profile friends like former US presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, and Prince Andrew.
Ms Farmer now works as a psychologist, treating many patients who have had similar experiences.
She said: ‘Having the privilege of hearing so many stories from the people that I work with, I have really recognized that it’s a very rare opportunity to be able to be in court and tell your story.
‘And to be able to see the person who perpetrated the abuse held accountable.
‘I definitely felt that was not just for me but for so many other people that were involved in this case that didn’t have that opportunity, and also for the many people that I have worked with and I have known that have contacted me to say they didn’t get that chance.’
A date for Maxwell’s sentencing has not been set yet but it is likely she will be condemned to death behind bars.
There is now speculation she could look to court favour with the judge and FBI by disclosing information about other powerful figures who abused girls in homes owned by Epstein.
Prince Andrew remains one of the most significant figures accused of crimes connected to Epstein and Maxwell. However, he has denied any wrongdoing.
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