Clare Bronfman, the heir to Seagram - the powerful liquor company - who provided financial support to Keith Raniere, the leader of NXIVM, was
sentenced to six years and nine months in prison for her involvement in the sex cult.
Bronfman, 41, is the daughter of the late philanthropist and Seagram CEO Edgar Bronfman, and last year she pleaded guilty to two crimes in connection with her involvement with NXIVM,
linked to identity theft and immigration fraud.
The defendant housed someone who was living illegally in the United States for unpaid “work and services” and committed credit card fraud on behalf of Raniere, who was convicted last year of turning the women in his group into sex slaves. which were marked with his initials.
[Sect leader who had firemarked sex slaves refuses to testify]
Prosecutors demanded that United States District Court Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis convict Bronfman because his financial support was the foundation of the NXIVM sect.
Prosecutors estimate that she gave at least $ 116 million to that organization that operated a program of intense self-improvement classes.
"There is no doubt that Raniere would not have been able to commit the crimes for which he was convicted were it not for powerful allies like Bronfman,"
prosecutors said in court documents.
["Smallville" actress pleads guilty in Nxivm sex cult case]
But defense attorneys were demanding parole, arguing that Bronfman was not directly involved in NXIVM's most troubling activities.
Additionally, Bronfman's attorneys said she has pre-existing health conditions that increase her risk of catching coronavirus if she is sent to prison.
Last month, the defendant stated in a letter to the court that she "never intended to hurt anyone, however I did and I am deeply sorry."
But he also maintained that "NXIVM and Keith changed my life a lot for the better."
As part of a plea deal, the heir to the liquor empire has already agreed to
pay a $ 6 million fine.
Prosecutors have valued her fortune at $ 200 million.
Raniere and NXIVM are best known for the role of Allison Mack, the "Smallville" actress, in the group's leadership structure.
Last year, Raniere was found guilty of multiple charges including racketeering, sex trafficking and possession of child pornography related to his group operating near Albany, New York.
Both Raniere and Mack await sentencing.
With information from NBC News and The New York Times
