On Her Own? Allison Mack Begs Court To Sever Sex Cult Trial From Leader Keith Raniere
Former Smallville star Allison Mack has begged a court to sever her sex cult trial from NXIVM founder Keith Raniere, RadarOnline.com can exclusively report.
A court filing obtained by RadarOnline.com showed that Mack, 36, wants to defend herself against sex trafficking and racketeering charges separate from Raniere, 58.
The filing came on the heels of the explosive accusations included in a second superseding indictment filed by the government earlier this month. The indictment accused the sex cult creep of possessing child pornography and two counts of sexual exploitation of a child.
Mack's attorneys claimed her trial should be separate because she didn't even know Raniere at the time his child exploitation crimes allegedly took place.
"These new charges against Raniere are highly inflammatory and unfairly prejudicial if offered at a trial of Ms. Mack," the documents stated.
Additionally, Mack claimed that keeping her trial alongside Raniere's would give the jury the wrong impression.
"The law is clear that allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation of children – including the creation and possession of child pornography – create a substantial risk of eliciting a visceral response of disgust and anger from potential jurors," the court filing furthered.
In an attempt for "justice and fairness," Mack's attorneys claimed the court should sever her "because a joint trial at which this evidence is offered unfairly would prejudice Ms. Mack and create a serious risk that a jury could not make a reliable judgment as to Ms. Mack's innocence."
As RadarOnline.com readers know, the former actress was arrested last April. In July 2018, she was named in the first superseding indictment along with defendants Raniere, Kathy Russell, Clare Bronfman, Nancy and Lauren Salzman.
Nancy Salzman has since pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy.
Last week sources spilled to RadarOnline.com that Mack is "terrified" of going to prison for a long time. She is reportedly in the works to strike a plea deal with the government.
Meanwhile, an insider told RadarOnline.com that Raniere is not backing down because he believes "he is innocent."