US files new charges of sex trafficking against Ghislaine Maxwell

United States prosecutors expanded the criminal case against British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, adding new charges of sex trafficking in her alleged involvement in procuring and grooming underage girls for sex with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Jayson Albano reports.

On Monday, US prosecutors said the 59-year-old helped to recruit a fourth underaged girl for sex for the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Maxwell was a long-time Epstein confidant and former girlfriend.

In addition to the new charge of sex trafficking of a minor, the amended indictment against her now also includes a charge of sex trafficking conspiracy.

It covers alleged crimes stretching from 1994 to 2004, including accusations that she paid the girl hundreds of dollars for each sexual act with Epstein.

The girl was fourteen years old when the grooming began, the indictment said.

Maxwell has previously pleaded not guilty to helping Epstein procure and groom three other underaged girls for sex.

She has been held in a Brooklyn jail since her arrest last July.

Her lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It is unclear whether the new charges will lead to a postponement of her trial, which is scheduled for July 12th.

Maxwell now faces a total of eight counts against her, including earlier charges of perjury.