The jury was brought in around 10 am and one juror needed to be replaced by an alternate.
The judge described the 7 charges Raniere is facing—racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, forces labor conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, sex trafficking conspiracy, sex trafficking, and attempted sex trafficking.
10:40 prosecution openings began. Assistant US atty Tanya Hajjar says Raniere claimed to be a leader and guru but was in fact a conman and a predator. She says he promised success and money but used everything for his own gain.
She says his inner circle was loyal to him and did everything for him including helping him commit these crimes.
She described a Mexican family who followed Raniere to he Capital Region. There were three daughters she said he had sex with. One whom he locked in a room for nearly 2 years when she disobeyed him.
The youngest daughter, Hajjar says, was 15 years old when Raniere began having sex with her. She claims Raniere took sexually explicit photos of the young girl as a souvenir and for control.
Hajjar also described the branding process and the formation of DOS along with the collateral necessary to join the secret organization.
She said we can expect to see evidence of Raniere’s emails and messages, photos, testimony from DOS members, and testimony from the inner circle that has already pleaded guilty.
11:37 Raniere’s attorney Marc Agnifilo began openings. He told the jury never to forget to ask “why.” He quoted To Kill a Mockingbird and asked them to put themselves in his clients shoes.
He said Clifton Park is beautiful and he believes witnesses will say they had fun in NXIVM, having bbqs and playing volleyball—a favorite pastime of Raniere’s.
He says the issues isn’t control, but the intent behind control and asked the jury to focus on that.
He said the evidence of branding and the photos were all done willingly by members and meant to be good experiences
He said he will defend Raniere until his last breath inside the courtroom.
First prosecution witness then called talked about NXIVM, taking intensive classes, a secret handshake and honoring Raniere as Vanguard.
Technically difficulties here in the overflow room in regards to the witness’ microphone so much of her testimony was unheard by the press.
I’m headed back inside now and will have another update for you later. #NXIVM
