Clare Bronfman, a wealthy benefactor of NXIVM sex cult leader Keith Raniere, is facing sentencing in the federal conspiracy case
A wealthy benefactor of Keith Raniere, the disgraced leader of a self-improvement group in upstate New York convicted of turning women into sex slaves branded with his initials, is facing sentencing in the federal conspiracy case.
The 41-year-old Bronfman admitted in a guilty plea last year that she harbored someone who was living in the U.S. illegally for unpaid “labor and services” and that she committed credit card fraud on behalf of Raniere, leader of the group called NXIVM. At trial, prosecutors told jurors the 60-year-old Raniere’s organization, NXIVM — pronounced NEHK-see-uhm — operated like a cult whose members called him “Vanguard.” To honor him, the group formed a secret sorority comprised of brainwashed female “slaves” who were branded with his initials and forced to have sex with him, the prosecutors said.
The defendant had long been affiliated with NXIVM, giving away tens of million of dollars to bankroll Raniere and his program of intense self-improvement classes. She also paid for lawyers to defend the group against a lawsuit brought by its critics.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NHS faces pandemic 'triple whammy' this winterHealth bosses warn about rising Covid-19 cases, a major backlog in treatment and reduced capacity.
Read more »
U.S. faces ongoing court battles over TikTok, WeChat bansThe Trump administration faces ongoing court battles after two legal setbacks in its efforts to bar U.S. app stores from offering Chinese-owned TikTok or WeChat for download.
Read more »
Titans and Vikings suspend activities as NFL faces potential coronavirus crisisThe Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings have suspended in-person activities after members of the Titans organization tested positive for coronavirus.
Read more »
Chris Wallace faces criticism for letting candidates run wild in first debateHere's just one example of the chaotic crosstalk during tonight's debate. Moderator Chris Wallace: “No – No, I, I – No, the answer to the question is no – No, I, sir? Sir? You know what, wait – Stop. You're going to have – Gentlemen!”
Read more »