Official says Feds took Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell’s bedsheets, clothes to prevent hurting herself

Officials took away longtime Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell’s clothes and bedsheets and had her wear paper attire while in custody over fear that she may take her own life, an official familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. 

Maxwell was arrested and held in custody earlier this month on multiple charges in connection with Epstein, who authorities believe participated in the sexual abuse and trafficking of young women. 

The official told the AP that the Justice Department added extra security precautions and placed federal officials outside the Bureau of Prisons in charge of ensuring there is adequate protection for Maxwell. The precautions are to prevent other inmates from harming her and to stop her from harming herself, the official reportedly said. 

The steps to ensure the safety of Maxwell while she is in federal jail in New York City exceed the measures officials used when they arrested her last week in New Hampshire, according to the AP. 

The Federal Bureau of Prisons declined to comment when contacted by The Hill. 

Maxwell was moved to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed to The Hill on Monday. 

The concern over Maxwell’s safety comes after Epstein was found dead last year at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan while he was awaiting trial on charges of trafficking minors. Medical examiners ruled Epstein’s death a suicide. 

Maxwell, the daughter of the late British media magnate Robert Maxwell, is being detained without bail as a prosecutor declared her a flight risk. She is facing up to 35 years in prison if convicted on four counts related to procuring and transporting minors for illegal sex acts and two counts of perjury for allegedly lying about her involvement.  

She is expected to first appear in federal court in Manhattan on Friday.