NEW YORK _ The co-founder of a bizarre sex cult where female members were branded with the leader's initials pleaded guilty Wednesday to racketeering conspiracy for her part in the NXIVM operation.
Nancy Salzman, known to her followers as the "Prefect," entered her plea to a single count at a Brooklyn Federal Court hearing and will face 33 to 41 months in prison at her July 10 sentencing.
A trial is slated to begin next month for accused cult leader Keith Raniere, who was charged along with Salzman's daughter Lauren, Seagram liquor fortune heiress Clare Bronfman and TV actress Allison Mack.
The 64-year-old Salzman served as second-in-command to Raniere. She entered plea discussions with prosecutors seven months ago.
Some of Rainier's brainwashed followers were actually branded with cult head's Raniere's initials, authorities charged.
The cult operated like an extortion plot, with the female members forced to follow his directions _ including engagement in sexual acts _ after revealing "highly damaging information about themselves or family members," authorities charged.
The 20-year-old operation portrayed itself as a mentorship group, with its brainwashing and sexual components kept secret from new members. The operation was initially known as "Explorations of Meaning" before its founders used the self-help group to manipulate its members.
