On April 16, 2026, Ghislaine Maxwell sent a FedEx envelope from her minimum-security prison in Bryan, Texas to the U.S. Attorney's office for the Southern District of New York. The envelope contained a USB drive with an amended habeas corpus motion and exhibits — her latest attempt to vacate her 20-year sex trafficking conviction.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton confirmed receipt in a letter to federal judge Paul Engelmayer. Maxwell cited approximately 50 exhibits, but only 33 were included — 17 are missing without explanation. Clayton called the claims “equally meritless” but acknowledged they are “fact and document intensive” and requested until June 5 to respond. Maxwell wrote the motion herself.
The timing is notable: the USB was sent exactly 7 days after Melania Trump's surprise April 9 White House statement denying Epstein ties. However, the court had authorized Maxwell to file an amended petition back in February with a March 31 deadline — suggesting the filing may be a delayed submission rather than a response to Melania.
The broader context is what matters: Maxwell keeps filing motions. The DOJ keeps calling them meritless. Meanwhile, the DOJ has released only roughly 58% of Epstein files, Blanche claims “all” files are out (false), Bondi dodged her deposition, and MTG alleges Trump “flat out told” Bondi not to release the files. Maxwell's original December petition referenced 4 named co-conspirators and 25-29 men who allegedly reached “secret settlements” and were never indicted.
Note: The motion's contents are not yet public. What arguments or evidence Maxwell is presenting remain unknown.
See also: melania-epstein-denial-white-house-podium, blanche-doubles-down-epstein-not-one-more-file, bondi-no-show-epstein-deposition-contempt, mtg-epstein-files-feud