The witness known as "Carolyn" delivered some of the most devastating testimony at Ghislaine Maxwell's federal trial in December 2021. Testifying under a pseudonym to protect her privacy, she described being recruited into Epstein's abuse network at the age of 14 in Palm Beach, Florida, around 2002.

Carolyn testified that she was initially brought to Epstein's Palm Beach residence by Virginia Giuffre, who was herself a teenager at the time. This recruitment pattern — where victims were incentivized to bring other girls — was a central element of Epstein's operation that prosecutors documented extensively. Carolyn described performing sexual massages for Epstein and being paid $300 per visit. She testified that the abuse occurred approximately 100 times between the ages of 14 and 18, a period of roughly three years.

Her testimony about Ghislaine Maxwell was particularly significant for the prosecution. Carolyn stated that Maxwell was present at the Palm Beach residence, that Maxwell touched her on at least one occasion, and that Maxwell's presence normalized what was happening. She described Maxwell asking about her age and background — testimony that undercut the defense's argument that Maxwell was unaware of the victims' ages. Carolyn also testified about the lasting trauma, including substance abuse struggles that she connected directly to the years of abuse.

Carolyn's testimony was widely described by legal observers and journalists as among the most compelling and emotionally powerful moments of the trial. Prosecutors relied heavily on her account in closing arguments. The jury convicted Maxwell on five of six counts on December 29, 2021. Carolyn's willingness to testify, despite the personal cost, was credited as a crucial factor in securing the conviction. Her story also illustrated the lasting damage inflicted on Epstein's victims, many of whom were recruited from vulnerable circumstances and suffered long-term consequences.

Court Documents / Trial Testimony / Palm Beach PD Investigation