A former convict has revealed that Ghislaine Maxwell's transfer to a low-security prison camp in Texas sparked resentment among other inmates and led to disciplinary actions against those who complained.
Julie Howell, who served a one-year sentence for financial crimes at the Federal Prison Camp Bryan in Texas, told The Telegraph that Maxwell's arrival in late July 2025 resulted in increased security measures and lockdowns, causing frustration among the prison population. Howell was subsequently moved to the Federal Detention Centre Houston shortly after voicing her concerns.
Howell stated: "Every inmate I've heard from is upset she's here. This facility is supposed to house non-violent offenders. Human trafficking is a violent crime." Maxwell was convicted for luring teenage girls to be sexually abused by Jeffrey Epstein.
After her comments, Howell was summoned by the warden, Tanisha Hall, who told her she had "ruined her weekend." Howell was then transferred to Houston, where her lawyer said she was placed in solitary confinement for three months without a window before moving to a halfway house.
Following her release, Howell told CNN: "There are some women in there who literally have no one. They don't have family support. They don't know what to advocate for. They make it so difficult, I think, so that you don't put that work in."
A Bureau of Prisons report cited Howell for "contacting the public without authorisation" and "disruptive conduct," noting her communications involved sensitive security information. Another inmate, speaking anonymously, claimed she was also moved to Houston after speaking with a journalist.
The prison bureau stated that inmates may speak to the media but generally require permission from the warden. A spokesperson affirmed that staff are not allowed to give preferential treatment and are committed to integrity and professionalism.
Additional reports suggest Maxwell received perks, including private meal deliveries, custom food options, VIP gym and shower access, and a training service dog. According to The Wall Street Journal, inmates were confined to their dormitories during Maxwell's meetings in the chapel, with some told the lockdown was due to the importance of her visitors.
Maxwell told fellow prisoners she did not know why she was transferred, and her lawyer cited safety concerns. Prisoners were warned not to threaten her after she was heckled as a child abuser. Maxwell was previously held at FCI Tallahassee before moving to Houston after giving interviews to the Justice Department.
Victims of Epstein have questioned the transfer. Recently, a congressman investigating the Epstein scandal called a potential pardon for Maxwell "absolutely outrageous." Reports that some Republican committee members were open to clemency in exchange for testimony sparked opposition from Democrats.
Representative Suhas Subramanyam stated: "I have not met one oversight committee member, Democrat or Republican, who supports a Ghislaine Maxwell pardon. I think a Ghislaine Maxwell pardon is absolutely outrageous and should never happen."
The White House has ruled out a pardon, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt insisting it is "not something he's talking about or even thinking about."
