Rep. Krishnamoorthi opposes clemency for Epstein associate Maxwell

While no clemency has been formally proposed, the resolution responds to growing public speculation and concern about potential political interference.

Raja Krishnamoorthi / File Photo

Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) introduced a resolution opposing any presidential clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted sex trafficker and longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein.

The resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives follows recent disclosures that Maxwell is seeking a pardon, commutation, or other form of clemency in exchange for testifying about Epstein’s criminal network.

Also Read: Epstein partner Maxwell opposes release of her grand jury materials

In a letter submitted to the House Oversight Committee, Maxwell’s attorney wrote that she would be “willing and eager to testify openly and honestly…if she were to receive clemency,” but would otherwise remain silent.

“Ghislaine Maxwell enabled one of the most appalling child exploitation networks in modern history. Her conviction was not only just, it was necessary,” Krishnamoorthi said in a statement. “The idea that she could now bargain for clemency insults every survivor and undermines our justice system. The message must be clear: no one gets to traffic children and then negotiate their way out of accountability.”

Maxwell was convicted in December 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on multiple federal charges, including sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking conspiracy, and conspiracy to transport minors to engage in illegal sex acts. Evidence presented during her trial showed that she actively participated in grooming and recruiting underage girls for Epstein and others. She is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.

The resolution introduced by Krishnamoorthi states that the House “formally opposes the granting of a pardon, commutation, or other form of clemency to Ghislaine Maxwell.” It also condemns child sexual abuse and sex trafficking, reaffirms support for survivors of Epstein and Maxwell’s crimes, and warns that clemency in this case would deny victims the justice they deserve.

While no clemency has been formally proposed, the resolution responds to growing public speculation and concern about potential political interference. Maxwell’s cooperation offer has raised alarms among lawmakers and victims’ advocates who say any attempt to reduce her sentence would undermine accountability.

Krishnamoorthi was joined by Democratic colleagues Reps. Emanuel Cleaver (MO), Lou Correa (CA), Yassamin Ansari (AZ), Dan Goldman (NY), Shri Thanedar (MI), Dina Titus (NV), Suhas Subramanyam (VA), and Eric Swalwell (CA) in introducing the measure.

Jeffrey Epstein, Maxwell’s co-conspirator, died by suicide in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial.

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