Maxwell appeared virtually for a closed-door deposition from the Texas prison where she is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking.
Republican House Oversight Committee chairman James Comer said that “as expected”, Maxwell pleaded the Fifth Amendment, invoking her right to remain silent.
“This is obviously very disappointing,” he said. “We had many questions to ask about the crimes she and Epstein committed, as well as questions about potential co-conspirators.”
In criminal trials, not civil. You technically do not even have a fifth amendment right in civil trials.
Can one be criminally prosecuted based on statements made in civil court?
Yes. It just didn’t work the same. Statements you refuse to answer can be seen in the light least favorable to your position whereas in criminal cases you can’t make any determination or assumption about answers that people refuse to answer.