Ghislaine Maxwell ?a sophisticated predator?, prosecutors say in closing arguments

Closing arguments in Ghislaine Maxwell's sex-trafficking trial began in federal court in Manhattan on Monday with a simple, chilling message.

"She was a grown woman who preyed on vulnerable kids," prosecutor Alison Moe told jurors.

"She targeted a girl whose father had just died. She targeted a girl whose mother was an alcoholic. She targeted a girl with a single mom who was struggling to raise her daughters.

"Maxwell was a sophisticated predator who knew exactly what she was doing. She ran the same playbook again and again and again."

The 59-year-old Briton was arrested in New Hampshire in July 2020 for alleged involvement in the sexual abuse of minor teenagers by Jeffrey Epstein, her longtime boyfriend.

The financier and convicted sex offender, who mixed with powerful associates including Prince Andrew and former presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, was arrested in July 2019 for crimes against girls as young as 14. He killed himself in custody about a month later.

Maxwell pleaded not guilty to all charges.