The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday urged the Supreme Court to reject Ghislaine Maxwell’s appeal of her sex-trafficking conviction, reinforcing her 20-year sentence amid growing criticism of the DOJ’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for facilitating Epstein’s abuse of underage girls. Her legal team argues that she should have been shielded from prosecution under a 2007 non-prosecution agreement between Epstein and federal prosecutors.

Maxwell’s appeal claims that courts have issued conflicting rulings on how such agreements apply to third parties like herself, and that the Supreme Court should step in to resolve the issue. However, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals already rejected her arguments, and the DOJ insists her conviction stands on solid legal ground.

This latest DOJ move comes as public frustration intensifies over the government’s lack of transparency in the Epstein case. Critics have slammed the department’s recent claim that no “client list” exists and expressed concern over gaps in the surveillance footage from Epstein’s 2019 jail cell death, which was ruled a suicide. Missing footage and unanswered questions continue to fuel suspicions of a broader cover-up.

Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, criticized the DOJ’s position and invoked former President Donald Trump’s reputation as a dealmaker. “When the United States gives its word, it should keep it,” Markus said, arguing that the government reneged on a binding agreement made during Epstein’s 2007 plea deal.

Meanwhile, sources close to Maxwell told the Daily Mail she is willing to testify before Congress. As the only person jailed in connection with Epstein’s network, her testimony could shed new light on the powerful individuals allegedly involved. Epstein’s victims continue to demand justice, as pressure mounts for full disclosure and accountability.