Alleged NXIVM Sex Cult Recruiter Allison Mack Seen ‘Laughing’ In Courtroom
Allison Mack and her alleged cult leader Keith Raniere appeared in Brooklyn Federal Court together on Friday, May 4 for the first time since their arrests. RadarOnline.com can reveal exclusive details on the status hearing for their sex trafficking charges.
Mack’s team asked the judge to waive the right for her to appear in status conference hearings.
The judge was reluctant to grant the request, saying, “I don’t generally grant a waiver. This is a very serious matter.”
Mack, 35, who wore a maroon shirt with a black cardigan and black pants to the hearing, arrived to the courtroom early.
“She did not seem upset as expected for someone in her position,” and eyewitness told RadarOnline.com. “Allison was quite animated as she chatted quietly with her lawyer and even let out a few laughs before the conference began.”
Mack did not look in Raniere’s direction when he walked into the courtroom.
Prosecutors argued there is a “large amount of discovery in this case” after inspections of Raniere’s home. Investigators discovered an “enormous amount of electronic evidence” that included “years worth” of email accounts and victim material.
The government told Raniere’s lawyers that under “no circumstance” would they consent to a bail package. The judge explained how any bail package applications would have to go through him.
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Raniere’s lawyer asked for a mid-July trial date, but the judge set the trial for October 1. The next scheduled status conference has been set for June 12 at 11a.m.
Prosecutors said they are “anticipating there will be additional charges and defendants,” meaning additional arrests could take place in coming weeks.
At one point during the hearing, Raniere’s attention shifted towards Mack’s lawyer.
“He did not show any emotion on his face,” an onlooker told RadarOnline.com. “Allison kept her eyes facing down, but also did not show emotion. At one point during the hearing while the judge was talking, Keith looked back and it looked as if he was attempting to catch a sight of Allison. The two did not make direct eye contact during the hearing.”
The Smallville actress was indicted on sex trafficking conspiracy and forced labor conspiracy charges on April 20. Her arrest is related to her alleged recruitment of members to Raniere’s sex cult NXIVM.
Stay with RadarOnline.com for more on the case.
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