NXIVM Update
With A Touch Of Epstein
What is NXIVM (pronounced nek-see-um)? NXIVM was started in 1998 in the upstate NY area by disgraced multi-level-marketer Keith Raniere and bills itself as an organization for personal development that trains people in "human empowerment". In March 2018, Raniere and five of his top inner-circle were indicted by Federal authorities on a variety of charges related to racketeering, conspiracy, money-laundering, sex offenses, human trafficking, and more. The five other women have all pleaded out around April, leaving Raniere as the only person at the jury trial that started on May 7th. Raniere and his top lieutenants have long, deep ties to many NY politicians including Clinton, Gillibrand, Cuomo, and others. The news media is barely reporting this story for obvious reasons.
Raniere was found guilty on all charges by the jury on June 19, 2019. His sentencing, originally scheduled for September 25, 2019, has been postponed with no new date scheduled. He faces life in prison.
Previous NXIVM updates can be found on my homepage Here.
Not Now, We're Busy...
Judge Garaufis has now postponed the sentencing dates for Keith Raniere, Allison Mack, and Lauren Salzman. They were originally all scheduled for September. He also recently postponed sentencing for Clare Bronfman, Nancy Salzman and Kathy Russell. Observers surmised that the original postponements might indicate additional charges coming for the three non-cooperating felons. The judge has ruled that the delay is to give the probation officers more time to research their reports. Once compiled, these reports by probation officers will inform the judge for his sentencing. These pre-sentencing investigations include very detailed background information on each convict along with recommendations to increase or decrease sentences.
Spin The Wheel...
Frank Parlato has some interesting news from his sources. It seems the prosecutors put one offer on the table prior to the trial - life in prison. Raniere's lawyers started by trying to get 15, 20, then even 25 years. No deal. Nothing short of life was the only offer. I think this was a fine strategy and reflects well on the US Attorney's office. I certainly hope the same hardline is taken in Epstein's prosecution.
Bosom Buddy...
Once again, we tip a hat to Frank Parlato who brings us details at his webpage Frank Report that you're just not going to see anywhere else. He's turned up a photo of Keith Raniere, aka Vanguard, aka prisoner #57005-177, from 1992. In drag. Yup. Back during the same time he was honing his conman and sexual predator techniques, he was also getting in touch with his feminine side. Dressing as a woman and hanging out in sex clubs. Is there a bottom to his well of depravity?
Raniere, "Love Stinks"
Raniere, "Dude (doesn't) Look Like A Lady"
Ruling Delayed...
Some notes from Jeffrey Epstein's bail hearing yesterday are in this Forbes article. In short, the defense made the argument that he should be held under house arrest (in his Manhattan mansion) with various stipulations. The prosecution argued that he should be denied bail both as a flight risk, and a danger to the community. The prosecution also introduced two named witnesses who claimed they were victims of Epstein as young teenagers (14 and 15 yo) who argued that he should not be released. U.S. District Judge Richard Berman decided to issue a ruling on Thursday of this week. Prosecutors also revealed that the NYPD never did any checks on him despite the fact that Epstein is a Level-3 offender - the most dangerous. And if that's not enough, a friendly district attorney had tried previously to get him downgraded from a Level-3 offender. While serving warrants, Feds found diamonds, "piles" of cash, "a mountain" of porn, and a fake Saudi passport with his picture in it.
Epstein at July 15 Bail Hearing
Ask me to be added or dropped