Farmer Recruitment Narrative: Age 16

TRIAL TESTIMONY — ANNIE FARMER Case: United States v. Ghislaine Maxwell, No. 20-cr-330 (S.D.N.Y.) Date: December 2021 Witness: Annie Farmer (identified by real name with her consent) BACKGROUND: Annie Farmer was one of four victims who testified at Ghislaine Maxwell's federal trial. Unlike other witnesses who used pseudonyms, Farmer chose to testify publicly under her real name. TESTIMONY SUMMARY: INITIAL CONTACT (1996): Farmer first encountered Epstein in 1996 when she was 16 years old. Her older sister had separately been introduced to Epstein through academic and artistic circles. Farmer was invited to visit Epstein in New York for what was described as an educational and cultural opportunity. GROOMING THROUGH ACADEMICS: Farmer described how Epstein and Maxwell presented themselves as sophisticated patrons of education and the arts: - They discussed college applications and career opportunities - They offered access to cultural events and intellectual circles - Maxwell served as a normalizing female presence, making interactions seem safe - The academic framing was designed to gain trust from both Farmer and her family VISIT TO ZORRO RANCH: Farmer was invited to Epstein's Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, where she testified that: - Maxwell directed her to give Epstein a foot massage - The encounter escalated into unwanted physical contact - Maxwell participated directly in the inappropriate touching - Farmer felt trapped in the remote location with no easy way to leave IMPACT: Farmer testified about the lasting psychological impact of the abuse, including difficulty trusting authority figures and the trauma of learning years later about the full scope of Epstein's crimes. SIGNIFICANCE AT TRIAL: Farmer's testimony was significant because it established Maxwell's direct participation in the abuse, not merely as a recruiter but as an active participant, and it demonstrated the grooming methodology. Source: Trial Transcript / SDNY Court Records Available at: https://www.courtlistener.com/