Former US Attorney General Pam Bondi told House lawmakers on Friday that convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell should “die in prison” as questions continue over the handling of files linked to late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.Bondi made the remarks during a four-hour transcribed interview before the House Oversight Committee, which is currently investigating the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) handling of Epstein-related records.Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon later told The New York Post that Bondi had also made it clear Maxwell should never receive a presidential pardon.According to Dhillon, Bondi said: “Females who collaborate with sex offenders are worse because they procure other victims for the sex offender.”Bondi also described Maxwell as “very evil” and said she should serve her full prison sentence.64-year-old Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year federal sentence after being convicted in 2021 on charges including sex trafficking conspiracy and trafficking of a minor. She was known as an associate and former girlfriend of Epstein.Epstein died in a Manhattan jail cell on August 10, 2019, while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death and the handling of records connected to his case have remained the focus of public scrutiny in US.Bondi’s appearance before lawmakers came amid her own personal health battle. In a separate interview with CNN, the former attorney general revealed she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer after leaving the Justice Department in April.She said she recently underwent surgery and is continuing treatment but added she is “doing well, though.”Bondi was removed from her role as attorney general by USPresident Donald Trump earlier this year, with Todd Blanche now serving as acting attorney general. Before her departure, Bondi faced criticism over her handling of the Epstein files.Despite leaving office, Bondi is expected to remain involved in public affairs. Axios reported that she will join the Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. US vice president JD Vance praised Bondi in a statement to CNN, saying: “Pam has been an enormously valuable asset to the president’s team, and I’m thrilled for her and for all of us that she’s going to remain involved in confronting some of the most important issues the administration faces.”
