FBI agents who had narrowed in on Jeffrey Epstein’s gal pal Ghilsaine Maxwell lied to a suspicious resident, and may have had to hasten Maxwell’s arrest before the agency’s cover was blown.

Citing The Sun, the New York Post reports that residents near the New Hampshire hideout where Maxwell had been living noticed what appeared to be spy planes in the area. One resident became so fed up that he drove to an area, apparently near Maxwell’s property, where unmarked law enforcement vehicles were gathered.

“They were a nuisance. We began calling each other to find out what the noise was about. Finally one snapped and drove down to where the vehicles were lined up,” another resident reportedly told The Sun.

“He demanded to know who they were and they replied they were from the New England Aerial map society – it was totally fictitious. The problem the FBI had was that the guy is an expert in maps and geology. It’s what he does for a living,”

The man reportedly asked to see the inside of a van that was at the scene, but was abruptly dismissed. He then told his wife about the incident, who called the police, according to the interview.

Shortly after, on Thursday, federal agents a long with local police and NYPD officers raided the luxury home and took Maxwell into custody. She is facing multiple federal charges, including transportation of a minor with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity.

The report suggests that authorities may have hastened the arrest because the secret operation was in danger of being exposed, but it is not clear what day that resident confronted law enforcement agents.

As the New York Post reports, Maxwell is expected to appear in New York this week for a court appearance related to the charges.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:

[Feature image: AP Photo/John Minchillo]