Stephen Trupp / Star Max via AP Images
Allison Mack, best known for her role in the TV hit series Smallville, was arrested on Friday for her alleged involvement in a secret sex trafficking cult led by Keith Raniere, who was also arrested in March.
Mack and Raniere were both charged with sex trafficking, sex trafficking conspiracy and forced labor conspiracy. The two face a minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and could potentially receive a lifetime imprisonment sentence if convicted.
“As alleged in the indictment, Allison Mack recruited women to join what was purported to be a female mentorship group that was, in fact, created and led by Keith Raniere,” United States Attorney Richard Donoghue said in a press release.
“The victims were then exploited, both sexually and for their labor, to the defendants’ benefit. This Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to prosecuting predators who victimize others through sex trafficking and forced labor.”
Images of the brandings, allegedly in Rainere’s initials
Justice Department
A representative for Mack told BuzzFeed News, “At this time, I have no comment regarding the arrest of Allison Mack.”
Raniere allegedly created a master-slave cult within the facade of a self-help organization called NXIVM. Authorities alleged he manipulated women into “master-slave” sexual relationships and forced them to follow strict diets and respond to his call whenever they were summoned.
The women were also forced to endure 20–30 minute branding “ceremonies,” where Raniere’s initials were burned into their pubic region with a cauterizing pen, authorities said.
“As this pyramid scheme continues to unravel, we ask anyone who might have been a victim to reach out to us with information that may further our investigation,” FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney, Jr. said in a press release.