Democrat from House of Representatives inquiries Justice Department over prison transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell; meets with senior Department official
Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted sex trafficker, has been moved from a maximum-security federal prison in Florida to a minimum-security federal prison camp in Texas. This transfer, which occurred in late July or early August 2025, is considered highly unusual and has no publicly provided official justification.
Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 of multiple sex trafficking-related charges, is serving a 20-year sentence typically warranting higher security custody. The move to a less secure facility is atypical for someone with her crimes and sentence severity.
The transfer took place following a highly unusual visit and interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, a former personal defense attorney for Donald Trump. Blanche questioned Maxwell regarding her knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s associates, victims, and her role in the trafficking scheme.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Senator Dick Durbin have demanded documentation and transparency from the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Justice about the decision to transfer Maxwell. Whitehouse’s letter highlights that it is "highly unusual, if not unprecedented," for such a senior Justice Department official to personally interview Maxwell rather than a familiar line prosecutor.
Legal experts and congressional leaders see the transfer as unconventional, especially given Maxwell’s conviction and the gravity of her offenses. Epstein victims’ relatives have expressed concerns that Maxwell is being shown leniency.
The transfer to the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) in Bryan, Texas, a minimum-security institution typically housing less dangerous inmates such as Elizabeth Holmes, raises questions about the reasoning and any possible motivations behind the move.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., has demanded information about Maxwell's transfer from the Department of Justice. In a letter signed by all Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee, Raskin seeks a cache of documents related to why Maxwell was transferred from FCI Tallahassee to FPC Bryan. He also seeks a transcript and recording of Maxwell's recent, hours-long meeting with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche at the Tallahassee prison.
Raskin believes that Maxwell's transfer sends a clear message that the Administration can punish or reward her for its own purposes. He is also demanding information regarding any possible benefits to Ghislaine Maxwell, including transfers, changes to conditions of confinement, pardons, commutation, or changes to DOJ positions in ongoing matters.
The meeting between Maxwell and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is considered highly unusual as it took place with no line prosecutors present and just days after the Justice Department fired one of the chief career prosecutors on the Epstein matter, Maurene Comey.
For further information, contact Danielle Wallace, a breaking news and politics reporter at the website Digital, at [email protected] and on Twitter @danimwallace.
The DOJ has confirmed receiving Raskin's letter but declined to comment further. The transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell remains shrouded in mystery, with calls for transparency and investigation growing louder.
- The transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted sex trafficker, from a maximum-security federal prison to a minimum-security federal prison camp is considered highly unusual and has no publicly provided official justification, despite Maxwell serving a 20-year sentence for multiple sex trafficking-related charges.
- Legal experts, congressional leaders, and victims' relatives view Maxwell's transfer as unconventional, raising questions about the reasoning and possible motivations behind the move, especially given Maxwell's conviction and the gravity of her offenses.
- Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Senator Dick Durbin, and Rep. Jamie Raskin have demanded documentation and transparency from the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Justice about the decision to transfer Maxwell, citing its highly unusual nature.
- The meeting between Maxwell and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is considered highly unusual, as it took place with no line prosecutors present, just days after the Justice Department fired one of the chief career prosecutors on the Epstein matter, Maurene Comey.
