Maxwell confirmed she would not testify in her defense Friday. Asked by Judge Alison Nathan if she understood her rights, Maxwell pulled down her mask and responded, “Your honor, the government has not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt and so there is no need for me to testify.” The jury was not present.
Closing arguments are expected Monday, and Judge Nathan said she expects to instruct and charge the jury the same day, giving jurors two days to deliberate before court closes next Thursday and Friday for the Christmas holidays.
The jury can return to continue deliberating the following week if they have not reached a verdict.
Maxwell has pleaded not guilty to six federal charges, including sex trafficking of minors, enticing a minor to travel to engage in illegal sex acts, transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and three counts of conspiracy.
Maxwell’s defense attorneys have argued she is being scapegoated for Epstein’s actions and have attacked both the motivations and memories of the women who say they were abused.
The defense on Friday called to the stand Eva Andersson-Dubin, who testified she dated Epstein on and off from 1983 through about 1991. She confirmed that she and her…
Source : cnn
