NEW YORK: A federal prosecutor says a self-help used threats, “shame and humiliation” while grooming women for sex.
Assistant US Attorney presented opening statements Tuesday at the sex-trafficking of Keith Raniere, the former leader of an upstate New York group called NXIVM (NEHK’-see-uhm) that’s been likened to a cult.
The prosecutor alleged that Raniere had sex with a 15-year-old girl and took nude photos of her. She also described how some female followers were branded with Raniere’s initials.
The trial is expected to feature testimony from women who claim they were forced to have sex with Raniere.
Raniere denies the allegations. His lawyers say his relationships were consensual.
Five of Raniere’s co-defendants, including TV actress Allison , have pleaded guilty.
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