DOJ-OGR-00010466.jpg
Extracted Text (OCR)
Case 1:20-cr-00330-PAE Document663_ Filed 06/15/22 Page 20 of 77
Nor can general deterrence be used to justify a harsh sentence for Ms. Maxwell. Probation
identifies two groups of potential offenders who will purportedly be deterred from committing
future crimes as a result of Ms. Maxwell’s sentence: (1) sexual predators who exploit and degrade
minor victims and (2) “untouchable individuals who feel their privilege and affluence entitle them
to victimize others without fear or consequence.” PSR at 67. With regard to the first group, courts
have expressed legitimate doubt as to whether people who have a sexual predilection for minors
can be deterred at all. See, e.g., United States v. D.M., 942 F. Supp. 2d 327, 346 (E.D.N.Y. 2013)
(“[T]he compulsive behavior and disorders motivating many offenders is less susceptible to
general deterrence.”). With regard to the second group, the purported justification sweeps far too
broadly. Rather than identify a particular class of similarly situated defendants who will be
deterred from committing specific crimes, Probation essentially makes the sweeping assertion that
a harsh sentence for Ms. Maxwell is necessary to deter rich people from exploiting poor people.
See PSR at 67. That is not the purpose of general deterrence and should not be given any weight
in determining the appropriate sentence.
A Below Guidelines Sentence Would Provide Just Punishment, Promote Respect for the
Law, and Avoid Unwarranted Sentencing Disparities
While the offense conduct is indisputably serious, the record reflects that Epstein was the
main offender. Given the foregoing discussion, a shorter term of incarceration for Ms. Maxwell
best serves the long-term goals of punishment. A significantly below-guidelines sentence in this
case would also promote respect for the law by demonstrating that the justice system considers
each person who comes before the Court as an individual. A sentence tailored to Ghislaine
Maxwell’s particular circumstances—would appropriately distinguish between this defendant and
more culpable individuals similarly charged. See United States v. Dorvee, 616 F.3d 174, 187 (2d
Cir. 2010) (“[C]Jourts must guard against unwarranted similarities among sentences for defendants
19
DOJ-OGR-00010466
Extracted Information
Dates
Document Details
| Filename | DOJ-OGR-00010466.jpg |
| File Size | 772.1 KB |
| OCR Confidence | 94.6% |
| Has Readable Text | Yes |
| Text Length | 2,270 characters |
| Indexed | 2026-02-03 17:59:10.066524 |