TRIAL TESTIMONY — "CAROLYN" USA v. Maxwell — December 7, 2021
The witness identified as "Carolyn" provided testimony that was central to establishing the pyramid-like recruitment structure of Epstein's operation.
RECRUITMENT: Carolyn testified she was recruited at age 14 in the early 2000s in Palm Beach, Florida. She was brought to Epstein's mansion at 358 El Brillo Way by another young girl — a critical detail that illustrated how victims were incentivized to recruit other victims.
PAYMENT STRUCTURE: Carolyn described being paid $300 in cash for each visit to Epstein's mansion. She testified about escalating abuse over multiple visits and described being offered additional money — typically $200-$300 — for each new girl she brought to the residence.
VISITS: Carolyn estimated she visited Epstein's Palm Beach residence approximately 100 times between ages 14 and 18. Each visit followed a similar pattern: arriving at the residence, being directed upstairs by an assistant (often Sarah Kellen), entering the massage room, and receiving cash payment afterward.
MAXWELL'S INVOLVEMENT: Carolyn testified that she saw Maxwell at the residence and that Maxwell was aware of the ages of the young women visiting. She described Maxwell as being part of the household management that facilitated the encounters.
IMPACT: Carolyn's testimony was particularly effective in humanizing the prosecution's case for the jury. Her description of the incremental escalation of abuse and the financial incentive structure demonstrated how Epstein's operation systematically exploited vulnerable young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The testimony directly supported the sex trafficking conspiracy charges by establishing that Epstein and his associates recruited, maintained, and exploited a network of minor victims.