Prominent nxivm cult leader lauren salzman avoids jail time after 'extraordinary' cooperation

In this Jan. 29, 2019 file photo, Lauren Salzman leaves Brooklyn federal court in New York. Testifying in NXIVM leader Keith Raniere's trial on sex trafficking charges Tuesday, May 21,

2019. Seth Wenig | AP A federal judge sentenced Lauren Salzman, a high-ranking leader of an upstate New York sex cult, to five years of probation on Wednesday, following her

"extraordinary" assistance to prosecutors. The loyal follower and inner-circle confidante of NXIVM (pronounced "nexium") founder Keith Raniere had been looking at a

prison term of seven to nine years. But prosecutors had urged Brooklyn-based U.S. District Court Judge Nicholas Garaufis to consider a lesser sentence due to her help in bringing down

Raniere, who was convicted on charges that included sex trafficking for forcing women in the group into having sex with him. In addition to time served, Salzman on Wednesday was also

sentenced to five years of probation and 300 hours of community service. READ MORE FROM NBC NEWS Massachusetts Covid cluster balloons to more than 760 cases Pelosi, McCarthy trade barbs over

return of House mask mandate 'Better Call Saul' actor Bob Odenkirk collapses on set, is rushed to hospital In a memo to Judge Garaufis two weeks ago, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya

Hajjar wrote: "The extent of Lauren Salzman's cooperation and the significance of her assistance to the government were extraordinary." Some victims were even branded with

his initials, which symbolized their status as sex slaves for the self-help guru. Salzman in 2019 pleaded guilty to racketeering and racketeering conspiracy charges, testified against

Raniere and assisted prosecutors, who advocated for a lesser sentence. Raniere was sentenced to 120 years in prison nine months ago. He ran the cult with the help of several woman, including

Salzman's mother, NXIVM president Nancy Salzman, bookkeeper Kathy Russell, Seagram liquor heiress Claire Bronfman and "Smallville" actress Allison Mack. They've all

pleaded guilty to various charges. Last month, Mack was sentenced to three years in prison. She had faced 14 to 17 1/2 years behind bars, but prosecutors said the actress deserved less time

because of her cooperation with investigators.