Disgraced socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, 62, is set to kick off her appeal against sex trafficking conviction in NYC court today as she serves out 20-year sentence for luring young girls to massage rooms for pedophile Jeffrey Epstein

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13186321/Ghislaine-Maxwell-jeffrey-epstein-appeal.html

Ghislaine Maxwell's legal team will argue that her accusers had 'faded distorted and motivated memories' as she begins her appeal against a 20-year sentence that was handed down to her in 2022 for aiding Jeffrey Epstein's pedophile ring.

Maxwell, 62, was described as 'dangerous' during her trial as jurors were told details of how she helped entice vulnerable teenagers to Epstein's various properties for him to sexually abuse.

One of the details that Maxwell's lawyers will argue surrounded juror Scotty David who allegedly failed to disclose that he had been sexually abused in his pre-trial questionnaire. Judge Alison Nathan said at sentencing that Maxwell was 'central' to Epstein's heinous crimes, not a 'proxy.'

'Ms Maxwell worked with Epstein to select young victims who were vulnerable and played a pivotal role in facilitating sexual abuse,' the judge said.

Earlier this month, MailOnline reported that Maxwell was 'focused and motivated' for her appeal. The disgraced socialite serving her time in a minimum security prison in Tallahassee.

'It's unusual for someone to have such a grasp of a complex case like this. It's unique. But she's focused and motivated and that motivates us. It definitely puts some fire in our belly,' her brother Ian said.

The US government lawyers said Maxwell's appeal arguments 'fall far short of establishing Judge Nathan abused her discretion' in her decision not to overturn the jury's verdict.

They will also argue that her sentence was not unfair and that her arguments to the contrary are 'so cursory and undeveloped' that they should be dismissed.

She was convicted of five offences, including sex trafficking minors, conspiracy to entice a minor to travel to engage in illegal sex acts, and conspiracy to transport a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

Maxwell has been incarcerated since July 2020, despite numerous attempts from her defense counsel to have her released on bail.