WASHINGTON — The House Oversight Committee is preparing to depose Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, as part of an ongoing investigation into Epstein's activities and connections. The deposition, scheduled for Monday, marks a significant step in the congressional probe into the sex trafficking scandal that has ensnared high-profile figures for years.
According to a report from CBS News, the committee aims to question Maxwell about her role in Epstein's operations, which involved the recruitment and abuse of underage girls. Maxwell, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in June 2022 for her involvement in the scheme, has maintained her innocence despite her conviction. The deposition comes amid renewed scrutiny of Epstein's network, including his ties to politicians, celebrities, and business leaders.
The House Oversight Committee, chaired by Representative James Comer, R-Ky., has been examining how federal agencies handled Epstein's case before his death in 2019. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died by suicide in a New York jail cell while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death sparked widespread conspiracy theories and calls for greater transparency from law enforcement.
"This deposition is a crucial opportunity to uncover the full extent of Epstein's influence and the failures that allowed his crimes to persist for so long," Comer said in a statement released by the committee. The Republican-led panel has previously subpoenaed records from the Justice Department and the FBI, citing what they describe as mishandling of evidence and witness protection issues.
Maxwell's legal team has not commented publicly on the deposition, but sources close to the matter indicated that she intends to cooperate under oath. The British socialite, once a fixture in elite circles, was arrested in 2020 after years on the run following Epstein's death. Her trial in New York revealed harrowing accounts from victims who described being groomed and trafficked by Maxwell on Epstein's behalf.
One victim, identified in court as "Jane," testified that Maxwell approached her at age 14 in 1994, promising opportunities in modeling that led to abuse at Epstein's Palm Beach mansion. "She was the one who made it all seem normal," Jane said during the trial, according to court transcripts. While that testimony predates the current probe, it underscores the details the committee may seek to explore further.
The investigation has drawn bipartisan interest, though Democrats on the committee have expressed concerns about the scope. Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the ranking Democrat, noted in a recent hearing that while accountability is essential, the probe should not devolve into political theater. "We must focus on the victims and systemic reforms, not partisan point-scoring," Raskin said.
Epstein's case first gained national attention in 2005 when Florida authorities investigated reports of molestation at his Palm Beach estate. Despite evidence involving dozens of minors, Epstein secured a controversial plea deal in 2008, serving just 13 months in a county jail with work release privileges. Federal prosecutors, including then-U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta, later faced criticism for the leniency.
Acosta, who resigned as President Donald Trump's labor secretary in 2019 amid the backlash, defended the deal at the time, saying it was the best outcome possible given the evidence. Critics, including victims' advocates, argued it shielded Epstein and his powerful associates from full prosecution. The House Oversight Committee's current efforts build on a 2019 Justice Department review that faulted the original handling but stopped short of recommending charges.
Maxwell's deposition is set to take place virtually, given her incarceration at a low-security federal prison in Florida. Committee staffers have prepared a list of questions focusing on Epstein's flight logs, his private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and alleged introductions to influential figures. Documents unsealed in civil lawsuits have named individuals like former President Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew as having traveled on Epstein's plane, though neither has been accused of wrongdoing in the criminal case.
Prince Andrew settled a civil suit with accuser Virginia Giuffre in 2022 for an undisclosed sum, denying any impropriety. Giuffre, who has been vocal in pushing for more disclosures, welcomed the congressional action in a social media post last week. "It's about time someone in power holds these enablers accountable," she wrote.
The probe also intersects with ongoing civil litigation. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, a lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase alleges the bank ignored red flags in Epstein's accounts, facilitating his trafficking operation. The bank has denied the claims, stating it severed ties with Epstein in 2013. Similarly, Deutsche Bank settled a related suit for $75 million in 2023, without admitting liability.
Victims' rights groups have praised the committee's move but called for broader action. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children highlighted how Epstein's case exposed vulnerabilities in protecting minors from wealthy predators. "Congress has a duty to ensure no one is above the law," said the organization's president, John Shehan, in an interview with CBS News.
As the deposition approaches, security measures around the committee's proceedings have been heightened, reflecting the sensitive nature of the testimony. Maxwell's lawyers have previously argued that much of the information sought is already public from her trial, but the committee insists on sworn statements to clarify inconsistencies.
Looking ahead, the Oversight Committee's findings could lead to legislative proposals aimed at reforming plea deals in sex trafficking cases and improving federal oversight of high-profile investigations. With midterm elections looming, the probe may also fuel debates over accountability in both parties, given Epstein's documented donations to Democrats and Republicans alike. For now, all eyes are on Monday's session, which promises to peel back another layer of one of the most notorious scandals in recent American history.
The Epstein-Maxwell saga has left a lasting scar on public trust in institutions, from law enforcement to the judiciary. As new details emerge, the focus remains on delivering justice for survivors and preventing future abuses. The House Oversight Committee's work underscores a commitment to that end, even as challenges persist in untangling the web of influence Epstein wielded.