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Vengeance – not branding – was Vanguard fatal flaw

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By Frank Parlato

Keith Alan Raniere was a man who had it all.  He had the Bronfman fortune at his disposal. With two gullible sisters, willing to let him spend tens of millions on his plans and schemes – whatever it was – they didn’t care – he could have done good or evil.

They believed whatever he said.

And them not having earned a dime of the money made it hard for them to calculate just how much harm or good could be done with their inherited money. They had no proportion, no sense of money.  A million was just something they knew they had lots of – they never worked to get it – and here’s someone telling them that he was able to know how to use it — far better than them.

And they believed him.

And he had a harem of pretty women waiting to serve and service him – at a moment’s notice. At any given time – at his sole discretion – he had the choice of at least a dozen or more women, who would drop everything and do anything he told them.

And when I say a dozen or more, I really mean more, at times much more.  But the core dozen or so, he did not even have to work or persuade. He just had to hint and they would do whatever – from any kind of sex to any kind of errand.

Like he said once in an interview, the clothes he was wearing just magically appeared. Someone was always on top of making sure he had all the creature comforts he wanted.

For years, he had five women in his house – he slept alternately with them and would then go off some nights to sleep with other women at their homes – homes they bought or rented to live near him.  For years, he lived menage a trois with Pam Cafritz and Mariana Fernandez – three in a bed. On many nights, he just went out for a walk and dropped in on any number of women – came in, dropped his trousers – came and went. Or stayed and slept.

He did not have to work. He ate what he pleased. He had women vying to buy him gifts, run errands, feed him grapes as he lay on a couch.  He could call any number of women and tell him he might let them do his laundry – and they would rush away from whatever they were doing to pick up his soiled underwear and wash it and count it a blessing.

He had adoring devotees and a cult he founded where everyone who took a class entered, and praised him as Vanguard – and he never had to teach a class. He had hundreds of followers tell others he was the smartest man in the world, a top athlete and a great saintly ethicist.

He did not have to say it himself. He had others say it for him, so when he wanted fresh meat – his wing women set him up as akin to the gods. His own harem were his matchmakers and he had them all believing they were blessed in getting other women into his fold.

He could travel when he wanted – in private planes – he could sleep when he liked. Eat when he liked. Walked when he wanted  with women waiting to go on walks with him. He had no schedule – except what he wanted when he wanted. Oftentimes, he kept people waiting for hours – made appointments and showed up late or not at all. Just because he changed his mind or did not feel like going.

Maybe another woman popped into his head and he decided to bed her. Or maybe he was tired and needed a nap.  He was in the habit of making appointments and having people wait for him and when he did not show, he did not have to make excuses, or just made his standard excuse – oftentimes made through one of his women – that he was working on saving the mission – and he was excused. After all, he was Vanguard.

They were far below him. For he was the smartest, most ethical man in the world.

And when he called them next – he knew – for an appointment or a meeting or a bedroom frolic – he knew they would wait again – wait for hours – hoping he would come.

He had the people and the money to back him to do great things – make noble movies, write inspiring books, and publish them – or feed the hungry, serve the needy. He had powerful friends in Mexico, England and elsewhere. He had people who wanted his counsel.  He had the world on a string. It was his oyster.

Somehow, this was not enough. He had to go and spoil it by branding women and blackmailing them. To set up a scheme so outlandish that anyone who heard it, would really call it bonkers.

But it was not the branding that did him in.

He got away with financial crimes for years. He had law enforcement in his area cowed or stymied or bribed.   He used the US legal system – with its unfair advantages to those with wealth – to aggressively harass and oppress his enemies. He knew that with the Bronfman’s wealth to back him, he was untouchable.

But it was the making of enemies – of former friends and lovers – frightened people mostly – people he terrified – and sought to destroy – that undid him.

Most guys who have it as good as Vanguard, don’t bother much to seek out frightened former lovers or friends and engage them in public fights.  Who sues their ex-lovers, when they have millions to burn?  Usually someone with a Bronfman-sized fortune and a harem of adoring women doesn’t bother to make a public spectacle [and courts are public] to sue near bankrupt ex-lovers from whom they can never hope to recover any money, and then, after making them spend every dollar defending themselves in court, intervene in their bankruptcies.

The contented, stable person ends well with ex-lovers. They break clean and fair. They don’t try to put ex-lovers in prison or see them dead. No, most people who had the world by the tail would be content to enjoy it, and if one or two people – even an ex-lover or two out of hundreds of women – went their own way – they would be content to let them go.

What harm, really, could Toni Natalie or Barbara Bouchey have done to Vanguard if he had just let them go? Compared to the harm of his suing them and the indecent revelations about him that came out solely because he sued them, the harm would have been minuscule.

But not Vanguard. It was not about money. It was not about decency. He went after Toni Natalie over something like $50,000. He spent 100 times that going after her. It was not about money. It was not about principle. It was vengeance.

Even if Toni was in the wrong – it was stupid on his part. There was no noblesse oblige in this guy’s character. He had to settle scores with everyone. No one, but him, wanted the blood of Toni Natalie.  Clare Bronfman and Sarah Bronfman-Igtet didn’t care. Nancy Salzman didn’t care.

He wanted to ruin Toni and they went along and helped because he told them to do so. If he had said, ‘Toni or Barbara are gone – good riddance,’ no one in his cult would have cared or thought of it again.

His vengeance ruined him.

I can’t say it enough. Almost any man – who worked and schemed in the first place to get it – would have been happy to piss away the Bronfman millions on caprices, live like a high school boy all his life – have all the women he wanted – and sleep all day and play all night. But not Vanguard. It was not enough to play volleyball with adoring women watching.  He needed vengeance added to his game of tricks. He needed to ram the ball in somebody’s face.

He went after ex-lovers, Natalie, and Bouchey, ex-business associates and consultants – like Susan Dones, Joe O’Hara and myself. He went after Kristin Keeffe, the mother of his first child. And he went after those who wrote about him like Rick Ross, Suzanna Andrews and Jim Odato.

And, with everyone he sought to destroy, he gave no quarter, offered no respite, no olive branches. There was no settling. No turning back. It was bloodsport. And by degrees, with each public fight, the world learned more and more about the creature Raniere. His internet record turned foul. He lost untold potential followers because of that, because people Googled him and found that here was a guy with a lot of baggage.

But his internet record also served as warning to those who might try to leave him. He was a dangerous man.

Because he was relentless – he destroyed many of his former friends and lovers – turned enemies – or ruined their lives for years, put them in terror and fear, robbed them of their freedom, or their lot in life. Some he pushed underground to fight against him.

For years, for instance, Toni and Joe O’Hara fought – sometimes underground and sometimes publicly.  Raniere started the war. He got them both indicted – twice.  In turn, they dragged his name through the mud. Not because they were after him – but because he was out to get them – trying to destroy them. It was self defense.

He did this also to me. Had he let me alone, I would have went my own way – frankly unaware of how bad the monster was.

But when he had Clare Bronfman lie about me – perjure herself in the grand jury – it dawned on me that everything his critics said was true and probably worse.

He forced me to fight, and I took it up, once I knew he was rotten to the core, but I marveled also – ‘why would a guy who has it all seek to destroy me over a pittance?’ It wasn’t the money. It may sound like a lot – a million dollars. But I knew he would spend 10 times that to get me. No, it was something sick and sinister. And I knew then that I would have to get him, [or he’d get me] and that it would cost him far more than a million. But I also knew that if I lost, it would cost me my freedom.

The spark that turned to flame my long months of kindling was when Catherine Oxenberg called me and told me her daughter was branded.  After months of investigating and writing about him, when she called, and I confirmed it was true, I said, “Eureka.”

I knew we had him.

I wrote about it – and people quit his cult. The branding was the shocker that got them. Even some of the branded women left – because they realized if I could write about branding and he didn’t release anyone’s collateral – they were safe to leave also.

So his cult cratered.

To put the finishing touch on it, the New York Times – giving me credit for breaking the story – and quoting Oxenberg, Mark Vicente, Bonnie Piesse, Anthony Ames, and Sarah Edmondson – who bravely showed her brand – made it worldwide news.

Barry Meier’s masterful and chilling story prompted the DOJ  – Eastern District of New York – to do what other law enforcement failed to do — start investigating.

Many of the crimes I alleged – wound up being investigated.  Raniere was arrested. So was Allison Mack, Nancy Salzman, Lauren Salzman, and one of his heiress-benefactors too – Clare Bronfman.   [Also arrested was the feeble, witless bookkeeper, Kathy Russell].

Had he not been a bully – he might have got away with branding.

Branding was merely the tipping point to launch an investigation – for a man who brands women is a man who would do other depraved and criminal things.  But, in the end, it was not branding, but the fact that he went after people – that got him where he is now – in jail.

The people he hurt – me included – knew he would never leave them alone.  No one could leave him without fear he would go after them.  We had to fight. We had no choice.

This is what did him in.

Some of the women I spoke to got out safely by being quiet.  They sneaked out and hoped he would not go after them. But they helped. They gave me information – to use against him. If he were stopped, they might not have to fear.

Some of them I helped get to a certain attorney – who has asked that his name not be revealed – who in turn got them to the FBI.

There were many people who wanted to end the risk of his going after them.

Toni Natalie and Joe O’Hara helped immensely. Susan Dones helped. Sarah Edmondson helped. Jen Kobelt, Anthony Ames, helped. Many others who asked that their names not be mentioned helped.

Some had been attacked and so they helped. Others helped for they knew he might one day attack them.

Bullies have to be fought. You cannot run. They are always after the weak, those weaker than them.

I had to proactively fight. I was fighting for my life. He thought I was weaker than him.

I know the only remedy for the strong oppressing the weak is to thrash the strong.  With the help of some of his victims, and potential victims, we thrashed him.

He brought it on himself.  Anybody else would have been content to live the life Raniere had, instead of going after associates and ex-lovers who would have otherwise left him alone – had he not sought to destroy them.

I hope he thinks of that during the long, cold, dark days in his prison cell. He’d be enjoying now, – they’d be calling him Vanguard – but for that – his fatal flaw: He was a man of vengeance and because he was a bully and a fool – he thought he could live by the sword and not die by it.

 

 


Buy Vanguard a subscription to a magazine, details here

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Vanguard sits in the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) and has to follow the rules of ordinary prisoners and detainees. His commissary is limited [despite Bronfman wealth] to a mere $300 or so dollars per month – just like any common prisoner.

Other than reading material, you cannot send random gifts to prisoners at MDC.  [Someone suggested a love doll, but a former inmate said they were not allowed.] You can’t send him food or clothes – and he is not getting enough of either, I am told.

No, the only things you can send Vanguard are books, magazines or newspapers to encourage and inspire his fine mind. And, even then, you have to have the reading materials sent directly from a prison-approved re-seller or vendor.

Because there must be many who might wish to give Vanguard something to read to help occupy his long days and nights in jail  – I have taken the trouble to compile a list of suggested magazines to send him and a place that will take care of the mailing etc..

There is a re-seller of magazines that handles the whole thing for you. You just pay them and they take care of the mailing [even multiple magazines] and make sure Vanguard get them.

The website is called mailtoprison,com

Of what they offer, here are the ones I recommend. They will be sent to him as soon as some of his followers kick in with the money.

Magazine Subscription for prison inmates, send magazine to prison, ABC Soaps in Depth

Vanguard never used much soap on the outside, This might help him with prison hygiene.

$39.97

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Magazine Subscription for prison inmates, send magazine to prison, ABC Soaps in Depth

$26.95

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Magazine Subscription for prison inmates, how to send magazines to prison, Order Inmate Subscriptions,

La Palabra Diaria: Vanguard always had diarrhea of the mouth. It would be good for him to do it in a foreign language.

$19.99

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AFAR Magazine Subscription for prison inmates

Afar: Well he ain’t coming anywhere near.

$20.00

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American Angler Magazine Subscription for prison inmates

American Angler: He was always an angler and he is an American.

$24.00

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Bust Magazine Magazine Subscription for prison inmates

Bust: He got busted alright.

$18.00

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Magazine Subscription for prison inmates, how to send magazines to prison, Order Inmate Subscriptions,

Charisma: It worked for awhile

$19.97

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Closer Magazine Subscription for prison inmates

Closer:  He’s got his cell mate to think of now.

$22.50

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Consciousness Magazine Subscription for prison inmates

Consciousness: He doesn’t need this because he is cosmically unified – but still might amuse him.

$31.86

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Magazine Subscription for prison inmates, how to send magazines to prison, Order Inmate Subscriptions,

Logic Problems: He is one of the top three problem solvers in the world so this will be child’s play for him.

$14.58

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Magazine Subscription for prison inmates, how to send magazines to prison, Order Inmate Subscriptions,

Math and Logic Problems: $24.99

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Fate Magazine Subscription for prison inmates

Fate: Something for him to ponder about his own…

$23.83

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Little White Lies Magazine Subscription for prison inmates

Little White Lies: Look he made the cover  – which is not bad since he only told whoppers.

$34.09

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MAD magazine subscription for prison inmates

Mad: It’s just right for his maturity level.

$27.99

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Mindful Magazine Subscription for prison inmates

Mindful: He spoke a lot about this and now he can be more mindful — about his new lifestyle.

$23.88

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Professional Artist Magazine Subscription for prison inmates

Professional Artist: He’s a Professional Con Artist.

$47.97

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Reason Magazine Subscription for prison inmates,

Reason: That’s what he’s all about.

$23.09

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Under The Radar Magazine Subscription for prison inmates

Under the Radar: If only he could have stayed that way.

$23.98

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Scientific American Subscription for prison inmates

Scientific American: He is a scientist with over 100 patents.

$28.87

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Skeptical Inquirer Magazine Subscription for prison inmates

Skeptical Inquirer: Isn’t that the exact opposite of Rational Inquirer?

$40.99

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Seventeen Magazine Subscription for prison inmates

Seventeen: The right age …

$23.78

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Tattoo Magazine Subscription for prison inmates

Tattoo: Never as good as branding

$23.99

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V Magazine Magazine Subscription for prison inmates

V Magazine: I bet he thinks this magazine is about him.

$30.99

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V Man Magazine Subscription for prison inmates

V Man Magazine: This one really is about him.

$57.77

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War Cry Magazine Subscription for prison inmates

War Cry: That’s what the DOS women are supposedly going to do for him. Cry that is…

$38.89

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Please do not send money to Frank Report. Make your checks, money orders or credit card authorizations for subscriptions to  mailtoprisoners.com.

According to their website:

How long will it take for the first subscription to arrive?
The industry standard is 30 to 120 days. Most of the publishers use mail processing centers which tabulate and processes the millions of orders received, and they perform the actual sorting and mailing. That takes a lot of time. Additionally, most magazines are printed months in advance, and each printing is pre-allocated only to the amount of subscribers at the actual time of printing. Thus, an order received in January might actually commence in April. There is very little difference in the processing time whether one orders directly through the publisher, or through a subscription reseller such as this, or any other website.

As a general rule, daily subscriptions take 4 to 8 weeks to start, weekly subscriptions take 6 to 10 weeks to start, monthly subscriptions take 8 to 12 weeks to start and bi-monthly and quarterly subscriptions take 10 to 16 weeks to start.

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Attorneys seek to hide from public names of people willing to post bail on 2nd attempt to bail Raniere; lawyers blame Frank Parlato for need for secrecy

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By Frank Parlato

A new filing in federal court seeks to hide from the public the names of  “friends” of alleged sex trafficker and racketeer Keith Alan Raniere – AKA Vanguard – who may be planning to cosign on a new bail application for him.

The Raniere-filing – dated August 28th – primarily blames me for the reason that secrecy is required.

Written by Raniere attorneys, and in the form of a letter to the judge, it alleges that I will write about the individuals who seek to bail out Raniere in a way that might cause them harm.

I am named in the filing some 42 times.

While Raniere’s attorneys seek to shield the identities of the cosigners for Raniere’s bail bond from the public, they plan to disclose them privately to the court and the prosecution.

From this filing, it appears that a second attempt at bail – the first one was denied in June – will be made to try to persuade the court that Raniere – who faces life in prison and who has access to millions of dollars – will have the ‘moral suasion’ – if released –  not to flee the jurisdiction because his ‘friends’ are posting bail for him.

Personally, I suspect the true reason Raniere’s attorneys seek to shield from the public the names of people willing to cosign for him has little to do with me in fact.

I suspect the reason is these “friends” are:

A: NXIVM members who don’t have any money – and the disclosure of their names will lead to my own and other media scrutiny which might establish that these members may be using other people’s money –  i.e. Bronfman money.

B: Semi-hidden NXIVM members – not coaches or proctors – but people aligned with NXIVM. These people – some of whom might own businesses – have a reputation in their communities – or have kept hidden from their families and friends their association with Raniere and NXVM. These people, obviously, would not want it revealed publicly that they are associated with the cult that is associated with branding women and other alleged nefarious and sickening deeds.

I doubt there is anyone in the world who would like the publicity of being known as someone who bailed out Keith Raniere – especially if he subsequently escapes jurisdiction.

Even if Raniere does not flee [which I wager is a 50-50 proposition], the publicity of bailing out an alleged sex trafficker – who allegedly brands and blackmails women  – and has been in the past accused of pedophilia – could have an adverse impact on anyone’s reputation and business.

However, I think the concept of shielding bail cosigners should be rejected by the judge.  What is the precedent here?  The defenses cites no precedent in their filing that should make the normal public court proceedings private – based on seeking to avoid bad publicity for cosigners for bail bonds.

This would indeed set an unusual precedent since then – in the future –  every time a controversial criminal seeks bail, the argument could be made by the defense that the cosigners’ names should be kept secret – since bad publicity might impact their reputations.

Part and parcel of the criminal justice system is that it is open to the public. What special right of privacy should the people who support Keith Raniere expect?  This wreaks of a two-tiered criminal justice system, where the wealthy Raniere [with access to Bronfman millions] can seek to shield the privacy of those who wish to support him – while other, equally controversial defendant’s cosigners – without such wealth – are not shielded.

There is another remedy for the reluctant cosigner other than privacy. The remedy for them is to sue me or other media outlets for defamation by libel.

The defense’s whole argument it seems is,  “Let these cosigners be protected from Frank Parlato – he’s a bad actor, a dishonest journalist – in fact, he’s indicted! So the normal open-to-media court should be excepted in this case – because of this bad man.”

But the indictment argument cuts both ways. If the defense seeks the presumption of innocence for the indicted Raniere – my indictment [which I submit is false and bogus in every way – and was caused by Bronfman-Raniere] – is nothing more than that – an indictment.

I’ve never been convicted of anything.  I, of course, should be afforded the same presumption of innocence.

Instead, the defense cynically seeks to impugn me because I was indicted – taint me with a presumption of guilt – as part and parcel of their main argument – which is – because of me – they seek a special exception to traditional bail applications being public – right down to the cosigners.

In so making this request, the defense asks the court to judge my reporting as, in effect – good or bad – true or untrue – hence asking the court to take the unusual role in judging the veracity of a reporter.

Despite the defense’s attempts to discredit me, dozens of media outlets have noted that I broke crucial elements of this story. [see list below]. Insofar as I own publications both in print and online that reach a million people per month, it is clear I am a member of the media with an established audience.

My publications are:

The Front Page [print only] est. 1954

The South Buffalo News [print only] est. 1923

Artvoice, [online only] est. 1995

The Niagara Falls Reporter [print and online] est. 1999

Frank Report [online] est. 2015

It is irrelevant whether I have one reader or one million readers [Indeed, if the Raniere request is granted, it will probably boost readership].

What is relevant is that Raniere seeks to induce the judiciary to set precedent by taking the role of judging the merits of a specific media outlet or reporter – as an argument to convert normally public proceedings to ones that are sealed and shielded from scrutiny by that particular media, all other media, and the public in general.

It is not known whether the prosecution will oppose this request.

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Here is the complete court document. 

My next post will give a line-by-line analysis of the many misleading characterizations in the Raniere defense filing –  which was the subject of this post. Below are just a few of the many media outlets that credit my work as a journalist in this case.

 

  1. NY Times, October 17, 2017,  https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/17/nyregion/nxivm-women-branded-albany.html
  2. NY Daily News:  http://beta.nydailynews.com/entertainment/prosecutors-open-quickly-resolve-allison-mack-sex-cult-case-article-1.3951680
  3. Inside Edition 
  4. The Sun:  https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/4875033/hollywood-actress-allison-mack-brainwashed-into-recruiting-up-to-25-women-into-the-terrifying-nxivm-slave-cult-where-they-are-beaten-and-branded/
  5. Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5652293/Who-Smallville-actress-Allison-Mack-Arrested-ex-cult-leader-revealed.html
  6. Oxygen:  http://www.oxygen.com/crime-time/frank-parlato-keith-raniere-sex-cult-NXIVM
  7. Heavy.com 
  8. Fox News: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2018/03/29/smallville-stars-used-by-alleged-cult-leader-to-recruit-women-witness-claims.html
  9. NY Post https://nypost.com/2018/03/28/alleged-sex-cult-leader-used-smallville-stars-to-recruit-women-witness/
  10. The Sun:  https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/6107956/inside-the-warped-world-of-hollywood-star-turned-accused-sex-trafficker-allison-mack-and-how-she-used-her-fame-to-lure-women-to-the-secret-sex-lair-of-cult-leader-she-loved/ 
  11. NY Post/Page Six: https://pagesix.com/2018/04/28/alleged-slave-india-oxenberg-gets-off-sex-cults-diet/ 
  12. Newsweek:  http://www.newsweek.com/roger-stone-nxivm-sex-cult-allison-mack-keith-raniere-907558 
  13. Miami New Times: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/alejandro-sanzs-wifes-miami-school-closed-by-state-tied-to-nxivm-sex-cult-founder-10295903 ]
  14. Fox News: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2018/03/29/smallville-stars-used-by-alleged-cult-leader-to-recruit-women-witness-claims.html 
  15. Rolling Stone: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/nxivm-what-we-know-about-alleged-sex-trafficking-forced-labor-w518483 
  16. Page Six: https://pagesix.com/2017/10/29/india-oxenbergs-dad-speaks-out-about-daughter-involved-in-cult/
  17. Vancouver Sun: http://vancouversun.com/news/b-c-actress-tells-of-her-descent-into-a-bizarre-group-and-ultimate-escape 
  18. Vice:  https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/kzxnqx/these-actresses-have-been-linked-to-an-alleged-sex-cult 
  19. Fox News: .http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2018/04/25/allison-mack-groomed-and-branded-slaves-for-alleged-cult-leader-at-her-home-sources-say.html 
  20. New York Daily News:  http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/prosecutors-open-quickly-resolve-allison-mack-sex-cult-case-article-1.3951680
  21. Hollywood Life:  http://hollywoodlife.com/2018/04/20/allison-mack-arrested-sex-cult-nxivm/ 

 

VIDEO: Voters Don’t Want A Corporate Democrat

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NEW YORK, NY – In the wake of Andrew Gillum’s unexpected, progressive victory last night in Florida, the Cynthia for New York campaign released a new video today, highlighting why Americans across the country are consistently rejecting corporate, establishment Democrats whose sole campaign message is that they’re not Donald Trump. The video features the uncomfortable similarities between Governor Cuomo and President Trump when it comes to privilege, corruption, intimidating the free press, and ignoring sexual harassment.

“Democratic voters understandably think it’s too low a bar for a candidate to just be better than Donald Trump,” said Cynthia campaign Chief Spokeswoman Lauren Hitt. “Progressive candidates like Cynthia are presenting a real vision with policies like Medicare for All, abolishing ICE, ending cash bail, taxing the rich and rejecting all corporate donations. Corporate, establishment Democrats like Governor Cuomo are just saying over and over again, ‘I’ll oppose Trump,’ without providing any real substance. And when you look at Cuomo’s record specifically, there are too many uncomfortable similarities between him and Trump.”

A bombshell report from the New York Times shows that Cuomo and Trump, who both came to power through their fathers at roughly the same time, have a far chummier history than the Governor wants to admit. It’s no wonder then that Cuomo initially refused to criticize Trump for most of the President’s first year in office; or that Cuomo backed down when challenged by the President just this month; or that the Governor refuses to return the $64,000 Trump donated to Cuomo’s campaign.

The Facts: Cuomo and Trump’s Similarities
Both Men Came to Power Through Their Fathers. It’s widely known that Trump inherited his real estate company from his father, which was valued at $200 million at the time the President inherited it. Governor Cuomo also got his start in politics, thanks to his father, three-term Governor Mario Cuomo. Additionally, Mario Cuomo secured his son a partnership at a law firm and an assistant secretary position at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Both Men are Seeing their Campaign Managers and Former Fixers Going to Jail. Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort is headed to jail as is the President’s former fixer, Michael Cohen. Cuomo also saw his former campaign manager and fixer, Joe Percoco, convicted of corruption this year. Cuomo’s former top economic development aide, Alain Kaloyeros was also convicted this summer, along with several of Cuomo’s top donors in a pay to play scandal.

Both Men Prematurely Ended Investigations into Their Own Misconduct.Governor Cuomo dissolved the Moreland Commission, when it starting investigating ethical misconduct in his office. Cuomo has been criticized by Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara and other top ethics and law enforcement officials for dissolving the Commission. Similarly, President Trump fired Former FBI Director James Comey in attempt to halt the Russia investigation.

Both Men Bully Media Outlets. Governor Cuomo recently threatened a reporter’s parent company, when the reporter asked Cuomo about donations he received that were under investigation by the FBI. Cuomo also had his aides compile a dossier on another reporter he disliked and presented it to her bosses in an apparent attempt to have her fired.  President Donald Trump has a notoriously hostile relationship with the media.

Both Men Have Turned a Blind Eye to the Harassment of Women, Or Worse.Cuomo hired a top aide who had previously been barred from interacting with interns because of inappropriate behavior. Cuomo also ignored an IG report that found another one of his top aides committed systemic sexual harassment, until it was leaked to the media. The Trump administration has also had numerous scandalsrelating to sexual harassment.

 

This message provided by Cynthia for New York 

The Reviews Are In: Cynthia Won

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Hempstead, NY – The reviews are in and Cynthia is the clear winner of tonight’s debate. Cynthia’s policy breadth and confidence knocked the Governor off his game, leading to a series of bizarre assertions, misstatements and rants that revealed the Governor as a corporate Democrat and mansplainer. In an apparent twist on Mitt Romney’s infamous line, Cuomo repeatedly claimed Cynthia wasn’t a human but a corporation. The Governor also praised stop-and-frisk king and current Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani as a great prosecutor, and condemned the teachers strike that have inspired the country this year. The Governor also misstated the size of the state budget and the cost of the single-payer healthcare.

Praise for Cynthia’s Performance

David Weigel, Reporter, Washington Post: “(This is what we call a self-own.) CUOMO: Can you stop interrupting?; NIXON: Can you stop lying?; CUOMO: As soon as you do.” [tweet]

New York Times: “[Cynthia] used the spotlight to rip Mr. Cuomo as a “corrupt corporate Democrat” while promising an array of progressive policies she said he had bottled up in the last seven years.” [The New York Times]

Daily News: “Nixon right out of the gate of the CBS2-sponsored debate at Hofstra University ripped Cuomo of being an Albany insider, knocked his prolific fundraising, accused him of handing over control of the state Senate to the Republicans, and pointed out the corruption problems within his administration. And that was in response to the first question” [Daily News]

USA Today: “Nixon, a fellow Democrat, directly and repeatedly challenged Cuomo’s record on progressive issues during the hour-long moderated discussion.” [USA Today]

Alyssa Katz, Daily News Editorial Board Member: “Just watching a smart woman spar capably with Gov. Cuomo for an hour on full public display is worth the entire Cynthia Nixon candidacy, win or lose.” [tweet]

Alyssa Mastromonaco, Former Deputy Chief of Staff Obama: ABSOLUTELY – uh @CynthiaNixon came to fight and WON [tweet]

Nicole Silverberg, Writer for Full Frontal with Samantha Bee: Andrew Cuomo would never fucking speak to a man in the condescending, bitter way he’s speaking to Cynthia Nixon and to me, that’s just as disgusting as his shitty, embarrassing ideas and gubernatorial record [tweet]

Emily Crockett, Senior Editor, @Shareblue: And @CynthiaNixon is THRILLINGLY good at this. Damn. [tweet]

The Guardian: “She represents a distinctly progressive platform, based on education reform and social and economic equality, and is part of a populist wave of candidates assailing establishment figures with challenges from the left. As a political ingenue who has not held office at any level before, she represents an audacious, if outside, threat to establishment figure Cuomo who has powerful standing in the party.” [The Guardian, 8/29/18]

Cynthia Nixon Will Legalize Marijuana in New York

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Hempstead, NY – In tonight’s debate, Cynthia again called for New York to follow the lead of eight other states and DC and legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Her full plan for legalizing the drug and for ensuring that communities who have been most hurt by the drug war benefit from its legalization is available here.

In contrast, the Governor has proved himself repeatedly out of touch when it comes to marijuana legalization. Just last year, he described marijuana as a gateway drug, and his shift on the issue is widely attributed to pressure by Cynthia.

#TheCynthiaEffect: Cuomo’s Evolution on Marijuana

Just Last Year Cuomo Called Marijuana a Gateway Drug. According to Politico, “Gov. Andrew Cuomo remains opposed to legalizing marijuana for recreational use because he believes it is a “gateway drug,” he told reporters Wednesday. “It’s a gateway drug, and marijuana leads to other drugs and there’s a lot of proof that that’s true,” the Democratic governor said before attending the grand opening of a new casino. “There’s two sides to the argument. But I, as of this date, I am unconvinced on recreational marijuana.”” [Politico, 2/8/17]

Cuomo “Laid The Groundwork” For “Legalizing Marijuana In New York” With His “Strongest Comments To Date…Just A Day After” Nixon Called Current Marijuana Laws Discriminatory. According to the New York Post, “The governor’s comments were his strongest to date in favor of legalization and came just a day after Democratic rival Cynthia Nixon charged that current marijuana laws discriminate against minorities. “The facts have changed,” Cuomo said during a stop in Brooklyn to spotlight new subway equipment…He responded to Nixon by pointing to that commission. “Let’s get the facts and make a decision based on the facts,’” he said on Long Island Wednesday. “We now have states that have legalized marijuana, let’s look at the facts and see what happened there.” Twenty-four hours later, in Brooklyn, the governor went a lot further. “The situation has changed dramatically with marijuana,” he said.” [New York Post, 4/12/18]

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NORLIC MOVES TO SELL FIRST PROPERTY

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Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corp. has posted NT property

 

LOCKPORT— The newly created land bank is a comprehensive and inclusive approach to community development.  Economic Development leaders from across the region identified a missing piece in their economic development tool box.

“As we work to attract businesses to our communities, one of the factors that companies look to in deciding their location is available workforce and customer base, and housing plays a big role in that. We needed a tool to help us address this issue, while we simultaneously work to grow the commercial and industrial sectors,” said Lumber City Development Corp., Executive Director, Michael Zimmerman.

Prior to the creation of NORLIC, municipalities were left with only the option of a tax foreclosure auction, effectively leaving the door wide open to slumlords and out of town land lords. Niagara County, Orleans County, and the cities of NT, Lockport and Niagara Falls, created NORLIC as a community development tool that could assist with the neighborhood blight and troublesome properties that cycle onto auction lists.

“North Tonawanda is excited to partner with NORLIC to direct positive development in our neighborhoods,” said Mayor, Arthur G. Pappas.

The North Tonawanda City Council removed 250 Miller St. from its auction in favor of placing the property with NORLIC.  NORLIC will market the property and seek offers from the public.

“As a county legislator, I advocated for a tool that would enable the City of North Tonawanda and the County of Niagara to combat blight and steer development in a direction that aims to preserve our neighborhoods and promote our rich sense of community. NORLIC does just that, and the Miller St. property is just the first step of many to come,” said Niagara County Legislator Richard Andres, R-North Tonawanda.

Applicants can submit an application with a monetary offer and a redevelopment plan to be considered by the board. The highest level of redevelopment for the neighborhood and ensuring future stability of the property is the primary goal. It will be a competitive process that will take the entirety of the application into consideration. The applicant cannot have any other outstanding property tax obligations; must show proof of financial ability that supports the proposed redevelopment plan; and identify whether or not they intend to use the property as their primary residence.

The NORLIC website features a comprehensive property report summarizing the necessary improvements and a downloadable application for those who would like to apply.

“Ultimately, we would like to achieve a sale with someone who will occupy the residence; additionally, we will set a standard for redevelopment that will ensure an improvement to the neighborhood. We believe the residents within the neighborhood will appreciate this approach and hopefully feel encouraged by our efforts; it’s another way we can support our community,” said North Tonawanda Legislator, Randy Bradt.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Niagara County Center for Economic Development Office at (716) 278-8761 or the website http://www.niagaraorleanslandbank.com/properties.html.

Guest View: Raniere will risk his very life to see the light of day

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Guest View: By A Reader Who Is Informed

This bail request by Keith’s attorney is faulty on many levels and when you are being paid $1500-$2500 an hour it is hard to stop laughing all the way to the bank. At this rate that Bronfman Legal Trust Fund will be depleted before we get to trial. I do recall the Judge in court asking Keith if he was represented by attorney. The judge did advise that the court would appoint an attorney if he should need one any time in the future. The wise judge may see the handwriting on the wall.

1. The language smells of Keith dictating and his attorney, Marc Agnifilio, dutifully recording Keith’s “projections” of all the accusations of his victims.

Mr. Agnifilio I suggest a private lesson on the Projection Module.

2. The First Amendment clearly states our right to an open and free press. Anyone wanting to put upwards of $100 million to bail out Keith should not be permitted anonymity. If you support Keith, have the courage and conviction to do it publicly. So many inconsistencies.

Perhaps Mr Agnifilio could use a lesson from his client Keith on being ethical and consistent with his values and beliefs.

The bigger issue here is that the judge stated in June that bail was denied because Keith has no assets and therefore had no skin in the game. That has not changed and I don’t see this 13-page letter addressing that fact.

Keith never signed his name to anything. The one time he signed his name to a financial disclosure he stated that he has zero cash and no income. Keith’s ticket to no bail assets. Karma is a bitch.

3. Keith is a proven flight risk. He did it once and he will do it again. OJ Simpson was not given bail because of his infamous chase. Why would Keith be more special than OJ, a public figure and revered football hero? No, Keith, your only fame is being a lazy, pedophile, rapist, tax-evader, money launderer, all of which will be proven in this trial.

4. The Anonymous friends of Keith; who could they be? Wealthy celebrity types needing to shield themselves from public ridicule or devotees pooling their meager assets to support their leader? Keith is the dispensable evil front for something that has tentacles that go way deeper. Keith is like a rat in a box. He will risk his very life to see the light of day.

I doubt the judge will grant bail or any closed door sealed hearing. That is reserved for cases involving minors and matrimonial files.

The true danger here is that Keith risks being murdered by those seeking his silence. The case falls apart and Bronfman goes free with perhaps a Kathy Russell doing 3-5

Everyone is happy and the money laundering operation is back in business. Happy ending!

THIS BAIL REQUEST NEEDS TO BE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY WITHOUT ANY OPPORTUNITY FOR FURTHER REQUESTS!


Lauren Salzman’s bail modified – she may see her mother three times per week – for three hours per visit

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Viva Executive Success!

Nancy Salzman – along with partner-in-crime Keith Raniere – did so much to break up families and keep children apart from their parents.

Now, she is experiencing a startling dose of karma.

Most adult children can see their parents at will –  but thanks to the brilliant, criminal technology devised by Raniere  – Nancy Salzman, and daughter, Lauren, can only see each other at hours the court approves – and the court just approved a visitation schedule for mother, 64, and daughter, 41.

Here is the judge’s order:

Full docket text:
ORDER re: Defendant Lauren Salzman’s [115] Request for Modification of Bail Conditions: The court APPROVES with modification the three specific adjustments to Lauren Salzman’s bail order that were requested by Lauren Salzman and consented to by the Government because good cause was shown by Lauren Salzman’s letter requesting modifications to the court’s bail order.

Lauren Salzman may:

(i) have daily in-person visitation with Nancy Salzman at Nancy Salzman’s residence between 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. for a two-week period, commencing on August 30, 2018;

(ii) have in-person visitation with Nancy Salzman at Nancy Salzman’s residence three times per week for three hours per day, commencing after the two-week daily in-person visitation period has expired and until further order of the court; and

(iii) have incidental contact with her brother-in-law, Ben Myers, while visiting her mother and with the understanding that Lauren Salzman will not discuss the facts of the

From this point forward, whether and the extent to which Lauren Salzman will be permitted to visit Nancy Salzman in person outside of the specific times provided for by this order will be subject to the court’s further review.

All other conditions of bail remain in full force and effect.

Additionally, the court GRANTS Lauren Salzman’s motion that her letter requesting modifications to the court’s bail order be filed under seal.

Ordered by Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis on 8/29/2018. (Haddad, Andrew)

***

The fact that Lauren’s letter requesting bail modification is under seal may be because details of Nancy Salzman’s illness are disclosed therein.

How gravely ill Nancy might be is not known. According to sources, Nancy spoke of having breast cancer at V-Week 2017 – and reportedly said she would use Raniere’s NXIVM technology to heal herself.

Later, another source implied she was feigning cancer. Another said she told another person privately she had a biopsy done and  there was no malignancy.

Because this is NXIVM which = pathological lying – it is hard to know what is truth.  Other than the fact that Nancy told the court she has a “life threatening illness”, we have no solid information.

Nancy may be gravely ill – in which case I pray for her speedy recovery – with or without NXIVM technology to help heal her.

She may be lying to get various advantages from the court or elsewhere.

Were I the judge, and knowing what I personally know about NXIVM, I would want to see a doctor’s letter – and not a letter from Dr. Danielle Roberts or Dr. Brandon Porter.

Finally, as a word to the wise, if Nancy is ill, and if she plans to use NXIVM technology in lieu of medical assistance – I would remind her that the last two women – close inner circle women and longtime members of Raniere’s harem – known to have used Raniere’s technology to cure them of life-threatening illnesses – were the late Pam Cafritz and the late Barbara Jeske.

If you see Nancy drinking a tall glass of a thick, milky-colored beverage over at So Fabulous Hair Salon – where she gets her hair done – don’t count on her going to trial. This might be just what the Dr. Raniere ordered.

 

Recent photo of Nancy Salzman

 

 

Government responds to Raniere’s motion to seal and close the courtroom so his friends can secretly post bail for him

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The U.S. Department of Justice, United States Attorney, Eastern District of New York, is opposing criminal defendant Keith Alan Raniere’s motion to close the courtroom and hide from the public his “friends”  – who evidently wish to post bail for him.

In opposition to the Raniere defense team’s 13-page letter, the prosecution’s response is slightly more than two pages.

The unnamed blogger referenced below [in the letter] is myself and the blog is Frank Report.

The DOJ does not get into many details of Raniere’s defense team’s numerous allegations. They merely point out that they are conclusory and not backed up with any evidence whatsoever.

No, that’s not a DOS member, it’s AUSA Moira Penza, who will be prosecuting Keith Alan Raniere.
While AUSA Tanya Hajjar might otherwise be a suitable candidate for DOS, she seems to have joined up with the opposition, joining Moira in the prosecution of Keith Alan Raniere.

Here is the DOJ’s letter in full.

Dear Judge Garaufis:
The government respectfully writes in response to the defendant Keith Raniere’s submission, dated August 28, 2018, seeking closure of court proceedings relating to an anticipated motion for pretrial release on bond.

In United States v. Alcantara, 396 F.3d 189 (2d Cir. 2005), the Second Circuit set forth the procedures to be followed before a court may close criminal proceedings.

The court explained: [A] motion for courtroom closure should be docketed in the public docket files maintained in the court clerk’s office. The motion itself may be filed under seal, when appropriate, by leave of court, but the publicly maintained docket entries should reflect the fact that the motion was filed, the fact that the motion and any supporting or opposing papers were filed under seal, the time and place of any hearing on the motion, the occurrence of such hearing, the disposition of the motion, and the fact of courtroom closure, whether ordered upon motion of a party or by the Court sua sponte. Entries on the docket should be made promptly, normally on the day the pertinent event occurs. Id. at 200 (citations omitted).

The Second Circuit in Alcantara also reiterated that “[b]efore excluding the public from [criminal] proceedings, district courts must make findings on the record demonstrating the need for the exclusion.” Id. at 192. It observed that “[t]he power to close a courtroom where proceedings are being conducted during the course of a criminal prosecution . . . is one to be very seldom exercised, and even then only with the greatest caution, under urgent circumstances and for very clear and apparent reasons.” Id. (quoting United States v. Cojab, 996 F.2d 1401, 1405 (2d Cir. 1993)).

The Second Circuit has identified “four steps that a district court must follow in deciding a motion for closure.” United States v. John Doe, 63 F.3d 121, 128 (2d Cir. 1995). First, the Court must identify, through specific findings, whether there exists “a substantial probability of prejudice to a compelling interest of the defendant, government or third party.” Id.; see also United States v. John Doe, 2015 WL 6444945, at *3 (2d Cir. Oct. 26, 2015) (summary order).

The Circuit has provided specific, illustrative examples of such compelling interests, including the defendant’s right to a fair trial, the privacy interests of the defendant, victims or other persons, “the integrity of significant government activities entitled to confidentiality, such as ongoing undercover investigations or detection devices,” and danger to persons or property. John Doe, 63 F.3d at 128; see Woods v. Kuhlmann, 977  F.2d 74, 76-77 (2d Cir. 1992) (finding no error in partial closure of a courtroom for the testimony of a witness who “was ‘scared to death’ because she had been threatened by at least one member of the defendant’s family,” after the “trial judge adequately assessed the scope of [the witness’s] fear.”).

The defendant’s thirteen-page submission fails to identify any compelling interest supporting courtroom closure of a pretrial detention hearing or the sealing of potential suretors’ identities.

The defendant argues, without factual support, that he and “his supporters” have been the subject of “increasing negative press, including false and defamatory statements,” and that critics of Nxivm may have access to personal information about these potential suretors that could be published if their identities were made public. Def. Mot. at 5.

Even if the Court were to credit these claims, they do not provide a sufficient basis for the Court to make specific findings that there is a “substantial probability of prejudice to a compelling interest” of any party; the defendant alleges only generalized fears of negative media attention, including in a blog critical of Nxivm, whose author publicly admits to writing “fictional stories” to make the defendant “look ridiculous,” Def. Mot at 6 n.6. 1.

These allegations, which are not particularized to any individual or potential suretor, cannot support a motion for courtroom closure.

1 The defendant’s suggestion that the author of the blog is the recipient of a “steady stream of law enforcement leaks” is false.

In circumstances where “a conclusory or wholly implausible allegation of danger is presented,” as in this case, “a district court may be justified in denying a closure motion without making any explicit findings of fact.” Doe, 63 F.3d at 130.

Accordingly, the government respectfully submits that because the defendant’s motion does not provide a sufficient basis for courtroom closure or sealing, it should be summarily denied.

Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD P. DONOGHUE
United States Attorney
By: /s/
Moira Kim Penza
Tanya Hajjar
Assistant U.S. Attorneys

***

To close a courtroom from the public in a criminal trial is an extraordinary remedy – and not one to be accomplished merely because the defendant or his “friends” think they will get bad press from the media or even from one vexatious blog writer.

I imagine if the judge thought the 13 pages of conclusory allegations made against me and other so-called critics of NXIVM had possible merit, he could conduct an evidentiary hearing to determine the truth or fallacy of what Raniere’s attorneys allege.

I would welcome such a hearing and would be pleased to come to Brooklyn at my own expense and testify – with ample evidence – of many new and startling Raniere realities.   And I would not ask for the court to be closed from the public.

Personally, I think these individuals who wish to secretly bail out Keith Raniere should have some confidence in the law’s presumption of innocence and put their names out there publicly.

It’s the ethical thing to do. Keith Raniere has enjoyed great fame as the “world’s smartest man” and one of its most ethical.  Why would someone who truly believes that not have the courage to put their name in support of such a grand person in his time of need?

It is suspicious.

I think they should consider adopting this motto:  “We have nothing to fear but Ranier’- himself!”

Raniere’s lawyers Marc Agnifilo and Paul DerOhanessian want the people who wish to bail out Keith Raniere kept utterly secret – from me.  And the courtroom closed when they come into court so I don’t out who they are.

 

Friends of Raniere come hither and be counted: “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.” Above Photo of Keith Raniere AKA Vanguard.

 

Here is the pdf version of the letter: https://frankreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018-08-30-Govt-Response-to-Close-Court.pdf

 

Rosales: ‘My two cents’– Raniere is convicted, sentenced to SuperMax – for life!

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By Former NXIVM,Omar Rosales, Esq.:

I think the entire motion to seal and shield the potential guarantors on Keith Raniere’s bond is ridiculous. There is no precedent for a guarantor on a bond to remain anonymous, close the bond hearing, or shield the guarantors from scrutiny.

Keith has painted himself into a corner. Because if you claim to have zero assets,

1) how do explain $8 Million in your bank account and

2) how does it harm you if you post a bond then jump bail and skip town? It doesn’t, because it is not your money.

It appears Clare is trying to set up strawmen to post the bond for Keith. If their identities are revealed, there are enough of us to investigate and follow the money trail.

I think the big factor will be Keith’s behavior prior to his arrest. Fleeing to Mexico. Living it up in a $10,000 a week villa with his girlfriends, changing his electronic trail so as not to be tracked.

If anything, the motion will bring more readers to the Frank Report. I really hope the NY Post covers it. That will bring more traffic and visibility. Plus, it brings more attention to the sham case against Frank. So, hopefully the added community outcry will help to convince the US Attorneys Office to drop Frank’s case….

I particularly like the Gov’t response on Raniere’s motion to close the courtroom.  It is quite funny. I like that last line at the end:
“Even if the Court were to credit these claims, they do not provide a sufficient basis for the Court to make specific findings that there is a ‘substantial probability of prejudice to a compelling interest’ of any party; the defendant alleges only generalized fears of negative media attention, including in a blog critical of Nxivm, whose author publicly admits to writing ‘fictional stories’ to make the defendant ‘look ridiculous, Def. Mot at 6 n.6. 1.”
Hahahaha! I don’t think VanGrifter needs any further help to look ridiculous. He and his flying monkeys are doing fine all on their own.
I totally agree. No reason for Judge to grant it or grant bail….
In the end, I think Keith painted himself into a corner – since he claimed zero assets. And now these mysterious benefactors (Clare and Sara) want to post his bail. What incentive does Keith have to comply with the bail conditions if none of the money is his?
None. He can walk and it won’t hurt him at all.
And even with electronic monitoring. He can cut the ankle monitor, step on a boat. Head to Canada, take a private jet. There are so many ways to engineer an escape.
Fake fire. Fake heart attack, escape at hospital.
So, I think Judge will deny.
My prediction: Trial next year. Raniere guilty on nearly all counts. Will spend life in SuperMax.  And he’s kind of creepy. Put him in front of a jury. Forget about it.
If I were his attorney, I would never let him testify. Because now he’s been labeled as a David Koresh-like messianic figure. And we know what happened at Waco. But stupid Keith is so ego driven, he will want to testify and he’ll get dusted by the AUSAs.
My two cents…

Speaking of ridiculous, this is a writer’s embellishment of what I can well imagine Keith Raniere telling his lawyers:
“Frank Parlato never gets that information. That identity of the guarantors for my bail bond is perfect for him; it’ll make him a big blogger and I’m gonna run him out of the internet – and let me tell you why: Frank Parlato ruined one of Vanguard’s most valuable secret organizations. For three years, I was branding women  – giving a-cappella singing lessons, the Source acting lessons, Jness women’s lessons, the Knife Media – to lure them in. I spent millions of Bronfman dollars, I was gonna make a thousand women branded. And let me be even more frank, just to show you that I’m not a hard-hearted man, and that it’s not all about blackmail and enslavement: the women were beautiful; they were young; they were skinny. They were the best pieces of ass I’ve ever had, and I’ve had ’em all over Clifton Park. And then Frank Parlato comes along with his olive oil voice and guinea writing style and breaks up the cult. The Jane Does threw it all away just to make me look ridiculous! And a Vanguard, especially one who’s heading up a sex-slaver cult, can’t afford to be made to look ridiculous!

Will Diamond; James Del Negro raped my girlfriend

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By Will Diamond

This is in response to Frank Parlato’s article on Jim Del Negro. There is one thing that was not told in his article. Jim Del Negro drank mass amounts of liquor. Videos I have show him drunk, faking jerking off to the cameras. While at the Beverly Hilton, he is standing in the hotel drunk and thinking he’s funny.

Jim Del Negro came home drunk. Rose, my then girlfriend told me. He’d come home drunk and started clowning around. Saying sexual things to Rose.

He then held her down and forcibly raped her, that’s what she told me. She said she tried to get away. But he was very persistent. And he ripped off her panties. As she always wears a dress. Then he told her if she told anyone, she would be shipped back to the Philippines. And never see her baby again.

Then he made up lies saying I just told Jim – that I had an affair with another woman. He said many lies to manipulate Rose who was 19 and persuade this very immature girl who was not even a U.S. citizen into going against me.  By telling her many lies and threats to never see her child again.

He used hypnotism. Saying statements over and over to her. He said he was a teacher of ethics and that made me drop my guard. She even to this day says she was hypnotized just like the Bronfman sisters with Keith.

He coerced Rose through threats and manipulated her through lies and hypnotic suggestions – just like Keith. He turned her  against me. Jim could control the young girl. Same tactics used by Keith. These are the true details that happened.

It was a slow calculated brainwash. Brought on by large amounts of alcohol . After the rape, he told her that if she said anything to me or anyone he would have her kicked out of U.S. and never see her child again. Rose coming from the Philippines, living in the poorest conditions, living in a tent with 6 brothers and sisters. She had a daily struggle just for food. Her father had abandoned them. Just another girl taken advantage of by Nxivm. Talking about ethics and how good they are doing helping the world. To get your guard down. So they can then swoop in like Satan and ruin lives and relationships.

Turning wives against husbands and vice versa. To satisfy their demonic pleasures. Just another Nxivm trait. To control and manipulate.

[Editor’s note – to Jim Del Negro – please feel free to submit your version of what happened to you and Rose. I will publish your response in full. Don’t hesitate. If you did rape this young woman, the statute of limitations has passed and it is unlikely you will be prosecuted. You have told me you were raped by her, so don’t you think that, as an ethical man and a leader of NXIVM, you should come forward with the truth. Perhaps you do not, but if you do, Jim, please feel free to email me or call. Frankparlato@gmail.com or 716-990-5740. I am interested in the truth, of course.]  

 

Part 1: Debating Raniere’s motion to seal names of friends posting bail: Raniere’s ‘first collateral’ insufficient

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Over the next several posts, let’s dive into the 13-page letter to Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis that was sent by Keith Alan Raniere’s attorneys, seeking to shield from the public the names of his friends who would guarantee his bail bond — if, in fact, a bail bond was even allowed.

Despite its length, the letter only addresses one of the reasons that Judge Garaufis cited in denying bail for Raniere: Raniere’s total lack of “skin in the game” that would keep him from fleeing. It entirely fails to address the other reason – that being that Raniere is a danger to society. .

Below [and in the next few posts] are portions of the new Raniere document – followed by my comments.

The Raniere filing  – dated August 28, 2018 – is signed by all five of Raniere’s attorneys.

To distinguish the Raniere document from my comments, I will use initials – not unlike Keith Alan Raniere used when he had women branded.

Keith Alan Raniere Motion [KAR]:

…  Since Mr.  Raniere’s June 12, 2018 bond hearing, several potential bond co-signers have come forward indicating their willingness to post property or cash in support of a bond for Mr. Raniere. However… these individuals have a … concern that …  they will be subject to reprisal and potentially be the victims of unlawful and criminal conduct.

Accordingly, in anticipation of a release application, we make two requests: (1) the sealing of potential co-signers’ names and (2) a highly limited courtroom closure in where the co-signers can be fully vetted by the government and the Court in a non-public setting.

My Comments [FP]

Attorneys for Raniere seek to hide from the public the names of individuals who are willing to pledge their own cash or property, or perhaps Bronfman or Salinas cash laundered to them – as part of an upcoming bail package application seeking to free Raniere from his present detention at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center.

The reason for secrecy, argue Raniere’s lawyers, is that certain friends of Raniere  are concerned that should their names be known, they will become crime victims and suffer “reprisals” or retaliation – for the act of posting their assets to ensure Raniere will not flee the jurisdiction of the US Courts [i.e., leave the country].

***********************************************************************************

KAR

Mr. Raniere previously moved for release on bail pending trial on June 5, 2018…  which the government opposed… At a hearing on June 12, 2018, the Court noted that Mr. Raniere’s proposed bail conditions were deficient because “there’s no moral suasion placed upon the defendant to adhere to the terms of the bail because… he has nothing to lose.” …

Mr. Raniere’s proposed bail package did not enable the Court to “question the surety” and ask “[a]re you going to be able to cast moral suasion on this individual to guarantee that this person is going to come back?”… This Court denied Mr. Raniere’s motion without prejudice writing that Mr. Raniere “poses a serious risk of flight if he is released pending bail” and that the proposed conditions do not mitigate the court’s concerns. … In short, “[w]ithout anything to offer as collateral, Defendant would have nothing to lose if he were to flee.”

***********************************************************************************

FRP:

Isn’t it ironic? Keith Raniere offered collateral and the court rejected it.  When he was Grand Master of DOS, he demanded collateral be given by slaves monthly. Oftentimes, the DOS slave masters, and Grand Master Raniere himself, rejected slaves’ collateral. Rejections of graphic nude pictures and videos often occurred because Raniere had too many nudes for that particular slave. Sometimes collateral was rejected because the confession of crimes [true or false confessions] or some embarrassing [true or false] secret was not incriminating or humiliating enough.  The slaves were ordered to try again. Sometimes this was truly terrifying and coercive for the slave women – as they told me.

Imagine having to come up with new collateral every month – and nude pictures and videos were not sufficient after the first month or two. The collateral had to be more extreme each month in order to ensure that collateral would be sufficient for the destruction of all areas of a woman’s life – if she were to escape from DOS.

Sure – it might have started voluntarily – the first time – or two – when Raniere, as grand master of DOS, was hidden from the women – and they were told DOS was an all-women’s group. But, once a certain amount of collateral was given into the hands of the masters [and Raniere], the women reached a point of no return, a point of terror.  Raniere was back of it all – demanding – urging his Front Line Slaves to demand more and more collateral from the increasingly frightened women.

Now, ironically, Raniere’s own proffered collateral – a $10 million cash bond [not his money] and armed security to guard him in a mansion – in lieu of prison – was rejected by the court.  Raniere has to try again – – more, new collateral – for his new master – the criminal justice system.

The idea Raniere’s lawyers are floating now is to have “friends” come forward – secretly of course – to squeak up to “moral suasion.”

They want to add to the bail package these secret “friends” because the court recognized in his [first collateral] bail package that the $10 million bond he offered was not his cash  – therefore what moral suasion would bind a Vanguard and hold him in place?

Here is a man who blew through $65.6 million in [purported] commodities losses – money that belonged to the same people who proposed posting his $10 million bond  – the Bronfman sisters.

They, and he, did not care about losing $65.6 million. After they lost it [purportedly] in commodities, the Bronfman sisters gave him tens of millions more – which he spent or blew through.

What moral suasion could there be – on him – if the Bronfman sisters posted $10 million and he fled and they lost it? It would merely add 5 percent to what he already squandered [or stole] and they lost.

So now – the new plan is to bring in some other followers of Raniere [presumably creditable people] to do his bidding and offer up cash or properties. Only they can’t be known. Not to the public. They might experience reprisals or become victims of crimes, his lawyers argue.

More likely the public scrutiny will reveal where the money came from, and who these followers really are, and why it won’t make a difference in the realm of moral suasion.

Public scrutiny – some of it coming right from this blog – might shatter the myth that any number of friends or followers of Raniere, pledging any amount of [theirs or others’] money can ever be strong enough to hold a psychopath to some kind of virtue – no, not a man such as he – a man who brands women, then calls them fuck toys.

He is hardly the candidate to be believed or ever be held to any kind of moral suasion.

The Ethicist.

That’s how I see it. Perhaps the judge will think differently.

 

Image result for moral suasion meaning in law
“Moral suasion” is an appeal to morality in order to influence or change behavior. An example is the attempt by William Lloyd Garrison and his American Anti-Slavery Society to end slavery in the United States by using moral suasion.  It didn’t quite work out. Now Raniere’s attorneys are arguing that one or more ‘secret’ friends pledging collateral will provide the moral suasion that Raniere will need not to try to flee the US.

 

This is how Keith Alan Raniere will look after he escapes.

 

Is Vanguard a Narcissist?

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According to MSN.com, The recently published 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) lists the nine criteria for narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
As I was reading it, I could not help think of a certain leader of a cult I have written about.
Here are DSM’s requirements (slightly condensed, with minor bracketed amendments by Dr. Leon F. Seltzer, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and the author of Paradoxical Strategies in Psychotherapy.) for a person with Narcissistic Personality Disorder:
  1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance.
  2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
  3. Believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should only associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions).
  4. Requires excessive admiration [regularly fishes for compliments, and is highly susceptible to flattery].
  5. Has a sense of entitlement.
  6. Is interpersonally exploitative.
  7. Lacks empathy: is unwilling [or, I would add, unable] to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.
  8. Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her.
  9. Shows arrogant, haughty [rude and abusive] behaviors or attitudes

Dr. Seltzer adds six more [condensed and with bracketed amendments by me] of a toxic narcissist.

1. Are highly reactive to criticism.

If they’re asked a question that might oblige them to admit some vulnerability, deficiency, or culpability, they’re apt to falsify the evidence (i.e., lie), hastily change the subject, or respond as though they’d been asked something entirely different.

2. Have low self-esteem.

Their self-regard would appear to be higher and more assured than anyone else’s and it’s not uncommon for them to rise to positions of power and influence, as well as amass [or steal] a fortune. But beneath the surface—is a degree of insecurity vastly beyond anything they might be willing to avow.

They’re highly skilled at exhibiting, or “posturing,” high self-esteem. But their deep insecurities are discernible in their fishing for compliments, their penchant for bragging and boasting about their [bogus] achievements [or even their need to be called some kind of exalted title like say for instance “Vanguard”]. They’re also experts at complimenting themselves!

3. Can be inordinately self-righteous and defensive.

Anything said or done that they perceive as questioning their competence can activate their self-protective mechanisms. It’s almost as though their survival depends on being right or justified [and even suing or having people killed if they have some hieress’ money is possible – so be careful], whereas humbly admitting a mistake—or, for that matter, uttering the words “I’m sorry” [or ‘I am not the smartest person in the world’] for some mistake —seems impossible for them.

Their “my way or the highway” [or “I’ll see you dead or in prison”] attitude in decision-making—their stubborn, competitive insistence that their point of view prevail—betrays doubts about not being good [ethical], strong, or smart enough.

And the more their pretentious, privileged, exaggeratedly puffed-up self-image feels endangered by another’s position, the more likely they are to…

4. React to contrary viewpoints with anger or rage.

Angry outbursts [or vicious lawsuits if they have heiress’ money] are almost intrinsic to narcissistic personality disorder. They  react with heated emotion when others bring their insecurities too close to the surface.

The reason that anger and rage are expressed by them is that in the moment they externalize the more painful anxiety- or shame-related emotions hiding just beneath them. When they’re on the verge of feeling—or re-feeling—some hurt or humiliation from their past, their rage “transfers” these unwanted feelings to another.  [If only they could get Exploration of Meaning Therapy]

If the mentally healthier individual has no clue as to what provoked their outburst in the first place, such a sudden explosion is likely to make them feel baffled and hurt, maybe even frightened, [or terrorized or dead].

5. Project onto others qualities, traits, and behaviors they can’t—or won’t—accept in themselves.

They habitually redirect any unfavorable appraisal of themselves outwards, unconsciously trusting that doing so will forever keep at bay their deepest suspicions about themselves [like they are stupid, not really a judo champion and can’t even play the piano that well, and that without pathological lying and/or having Bronfman millions there would be no place on earth that would want them outside of a dank prison]. Getting anywhere close to being obliged to confront the darkness at their innermost core can be very scary, for in reality, their emotional resources are woefully underdeveloped.

One of the most reliable ways for them to feel “safe” in a world they’re alienated from—is to invalidate, devalue, denigrate [or sue] others. They’ll focus on others’ flaws rather than come to terms with their own. [In an extreme case they’ll create a cult where they are acknowledged as supreme and all-knowing and their role is to uncover flaws in others to help them – while the actually seek to destroy or enslave them.]

6. Have poor interpersonal boundaries.

They can’t tell where they end and the other person begins. Unconsciously viewing others as “extensions” of themselves, they regard them as existing primarily to serve their own needs—just as they routinely put their needs before everyone else’s (even their own students).

Since others are regarded, if they’re regarded at all, as “narcissistic supplies”—existing chiefly to cater to their personal desires—they generally don’t think about others other than how they might “use” them to their own advantage. Whatever narcissists seek to give themselves, they generally expect to get from others, which is another dimension of their sense of entitlement.

They might share how they “chewed” someone out, [or got rid of their “issues”] and expect the other person to be impressed by their courage or cleverness, when in fact the listener may be appalled by their lack of kindness, tact, or restraint. Additionally, they may ask others questions that are far too personal or intimate—upsetting them [and then later hold that as collateral to blackmail them or intimidate them]. Such a situation can be difficult for the other person if the narcissist is in a position of authority over them [say like being their Vanguard] so that not responding could, practically, put them in some jeopardy [get them banished or sued or worse].

 

 

Cynthia Nixon to Visit Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, and Kingston

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NEW YORK, NY — Democratic candidate for governor Cynthia Nixon will TOMORROW visit Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, and Kingston as part of her multi-day barnstorm across New York State. Earlier this weekend, Cynthia visited Rochester, Ithaca, and Syracuse. Democratic candidate for attorney general Zephyr Teachout will join Cynthia in Schenectady and Kingston. Patrick Nelson and Professor Minita Sanghvi, Members-elect of the New York State Democratic Committee for the 113th Assembly District: Saratoga County will join Cynthia in Saratoga Springs.

Cynthia and Zephyr will travel to Schenectady to address their supporters, at 11:00AM on the steps of City Hall, after visiting the farmers market.

Cynthia will then join Patrick Nelson and Professor Minita Sanghvi, Members-elect of the New York State Democratic Committee for the 113th Assembly District: Saratoga County to address the volunteers who will carry her insurgent campaign to victory in Saratoga Springs, at 12:30PM. Note: Location has changed.

Finally, Cynthia and Zephyr will travel to Kingston to kick off a canvass of volunteers at 3:30PM.

Cynthia and Zephyr to Address Supporters in Schenectady
WHERE: City Hall, 105 Jay St, Schenectady, NY 12305

WHEN: 11:00AM on Sunday, September 2

Cynthia Nixon, Patrick Nelson, and Professor Minita Sanghvi to Address Volunteers in Saratoga Springs
WHERE: Saratoga Arts Center, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

WHEN: 12:30PM on Sunday, September 2

Cynthia and Zephyr to Address #Canvass4TheMany in Kingston
WHERE: 7 Grand Street, Kingston, NY 12401

WHEN: 3:30PM on Sunday, September 2


Part 2: Debating Raniere’s motion to seal: If granted – and if I find out who’s posting bail through sources – I will publish their names!

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This is part 2 of my analysis of the 13-page letter that was recently sent to Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis by Keith Raniere’s attorneys. The letter, which is actually a motion, seeks to shield from the public the names of Raniere’s friends who would guarantee his bail bond.

Below are portions of the Raniere document/motion – followed by my comments.

 

Keith Alan Raniere Document [KAR]: 

The government continues to maintain that there are no conditions it will agree to regarding Mr. Raniere’s release. Moreover, the government indicated it will not agree to the sealing of co-signers’ names or the partial courtroom closure referenced herein.
Accordingly, we bring the instant motion.

FRP Comment

The prosecution is consistent – which in the world of Raniere means they are ethical. To him, ethics consists of being consistent. [i.e., if you lie consistently, you are ethical.] The prosecution opposes any conditions of bail for Raniere. They argue he is a flight risk and a danger to the community. The latter is something his detractors have consistently [and ethically] said for years.

********************************************************************************

KAR

Over the last twenty years, people associated with Executive Success Programs (“ESP”) and NXIVM have been the targets of threats, computer-hacking and blatant false statements on websites and other media specifically to damage their reputations,
businesses and lives.

FRP

This is typical Raniere projection. He has threatened people associated with him, and targeted them. His means of targeting enemies was to use his superior [Bronfman] wealth to bury and wear down, to deplete the assets of – to attack and lie about people in court. He has done this again and again for 20 years.

The instant filing is another example – although, ironically, he is now on defense – something unique for him.

********************************************************************************

KAR

[P]eople antagonistic to ESP/NXIVM have created blogs and websites aimed at targeting those associated with the companies.

FRP

I have a feeling they’re referring to me.

********************************************************************************

KAR

The creators of these blogs have stated publicly that they created the blogs to damage people within ESP/NXIVM’s reputations, businesses and lives. These attacks have only increased under the intense media coverage surrounding this case.

FRP

Two people have created blogs that focused on NXIVM – John Tighe and myself. Tighe is in prison.

Raniere may have helped put him there. I do not know if Tighe is guilty or not.

As for myself, my blog is aimed at exposing the truth about NXIVM and Raniere. I have never said I did [and never would] create a blog to damage people associated with NXIVM. I have said I created the blog to expose the truth about NXIVM and that, of course, includes people associated with NXIVM.

If the truth damages them, so be it.  If the truth helps them, better still.  But creating a blog to expose the truth is different than creating a blog to damage people. Unless Raniere’s attorneys are admitting that the truth will damage NXIVM associates, it is a blatantly false statement.

True, the blog has probably damaged the reputations of some people within NXIVM.  But it is the reporting of the truth on the blog that has done that. This is what happens to people when they align with a man whose temperament leads him to set up a secret society that brands and collects blackmail on women.

********************************************************************************

KAR

[T]here are several individuals who are willing to co-sign a personal recognizance bond for Keith Raniere and to support the bond with their property or funds, they are afraid that their lives and their families will be threatened, their home addresses made public and that they and their families will be the subject of false and defamatory media reports aimed at damaging their businesses and reputations.

FRP

Are there several individuals willing to cosign for Raniere? Is it their money? Have they reason to fear?  Maybe. Once it’s known they are bailing out a man accused of sex trafficking and branding women and running a racketeering organization disguised as a self-help women’s empowerment group, [while branding women as slaves], the public will likely think ill of those who seek to bail him out [especially if he flees].

This might create problems for them. But this is part of our open criminal court system. Should the public have the right to know who is bailing out allegedly dangerous criminals? I think so.

His friends who seek to help him might consult their own standard of ethics and determine which is the greater good – bailing out Raniere and suffering from the scrutiny  and even defamatory media reports – or allowing Raniere to remain where he is – within the walls of the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn NY.

By the way, there is a remedy for defamatory media reports – a lawsuit – for defamation by libel.

********************************************************************************

KAR

First, we ask that we be permitted to refer to any potential bond co-signer by a number (Person 1, Person 2, and so on)…  We will of course identify the individuals to the government and the Court ….

Second, we ask that for that portion of the bond hearing when the Court questions the co-signer that this… hearing be conducted in a closed courtroom. …

Third, we ask that any personal identifying information in the transcript relating to the  Court’s questioning of the potential co-signer be sealed.

FRP

This is truly an extraordinary request. In fact, the proof of this is that Raniere’s lawyers cite no precedent within their 13-page motion of a courtroom ever being closed in order that cosigners on a bail bond be shielded from the media. The reason they cite no precedent is that it has likely never happened in the 244 years of the US legal system.

But there is another problem.

Even if the court were to create precedent and allow the courtroom to be closed because cosigners of a bond are concerned about the free press, it might not work anyway.

How will the cosigners get into court secretly? If the court were to grant the secrecy-from-the-press provision for friends of Raniere, quite likely the media, myself, Toni Natalie, and others associated with or victims of NXIVM will be there.

Between us, we would likely be able to identify almost anyone likely to be a Raniere friend entering the courthouse.

Will Raniere’s attorneys want the block surrounding the courthouse cordoned off? Will Raniere’s friends come in disguise?

What if one of my sources within NXIVM leaks the info to me? Will Raniere’s attorneys want a gag order placed on the media, or just me, preventing the reporting of which friends of Raniere’s are cosigning?

I would be willing to wager that I have sources who will inform me of some, or all, of the cosigners, and whether it is theirs, or Bronfman’s or Salinas’ money they are posting as collateral.

If I find out, I am going to publish it.  Bronfman-Raniere – or any of their friends – can sue me for defamation if they like.

That’s their remedy.

I would welcome discovery and their depositions.

********************************************************************************

 

 

 

 

ESP/NXIVM León is hobbling along – but with hop-a-long cast

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Some say that in León, Executive Success Programs A/K/A NXIVM is alive and almost well.
It’s hard to keep a life-coaching program called Executive Success growing when the founder is such a success that he’s in jail facing trial on charges that could leave him in prison for life.
Yet, recruitment efforts are ongoing. The pitch remains the same — that ESP is based on science; that Keith Raniere is the most intelligent man in the world; that he created a mathematical algorithm that describes the human being; and that this will boost your career and success if you are wise enough to spend thousands of dollars to enter and take the first of many courses.
What is not typically disclosed by recruiters is that some call it a cult – and that it might be a brainwashing machine or a pyramid scheme. Raniere’s arrest and other scandals are downplayed but in León some have learned about Google and a search on it can be an eye opener. This Googling of “Keith Raniere”, it is suspected, has slowed down recruitment, if not entirely stopped it.
Adriana Castelazo

Some years ago, a rich and beautiful lady named Adrianna Castelazo (then Adrianna Nienow) entered the ESP network and introduced ESP/NXIVM to a big tanning company of León.  All employees were to be trained in the superior tech of Executive Success. The tech worked so successfully that the company went out of business.

From out of another company, called CUINBA (that processes leather for the automotive industry) came Roberto Cárdenas and Silvia Ribot. These two earnest, wonderfully gullible souls attended, and eventually became followers of NXIVM.

Then came Roberto Bonilla and Daniel Brown, professors at Monterrey Tech on the León Campus.  They happened to have a consulting firm (Tecnos consutores) that was giving training. They became NXIVM followers.

Roberto Cardenas rose to be the leader of EXP León, which means he is likely broke. He stands by Vanguard – who brands and blackmails women.

When Roberto Cárdenas rose to become head of ESP León, Silvia Ribot became his right hand woman.  There are some who say that Cárdenas regards Ribot as a virtual genius, though not quite as smart as king of all geniuses, Keith Raniere – whose genius will likely land him and all of his closest followers in US prisons for years to come.

Some wonder if Silvia is not smarter than Keith. At least she has avoided prison to date.

Silvia Ribot

Others of note in ESP are Pilar de la Rosa, currently head of Jness in León and Daniel Brown, leader of the Society of Protectors.

Pilar de la Rosa

Dan Brown

As for Brown, he had to leave his high-ranking, low paying position with ESP since he failed to recruit any new members and could not make a living,  After devoting years of his life and hundreds of thousands of pesos learning Executive Success Programs, he is now selling cosmetic products.

As for Roberto Bonilla, this earnest man went on with his consulting firm with indifferent results. Some friends say he did not achieve anything remotely resembling executive success.  But in fairness, he never took a major part in ESP activities and now offers a variety of courses “all based in Ethics”.

Since Raniere has claimed to have invented ethics, it is surprising that Clare Bronfman or Emiliano Salinas have not sued Bonilla [or pressed criminal charges] for violating the Non Disclosure Agreement which requires a student to never reveal any of the teachings of NXIVM or use them to make money without Raniere’s consent.

[I am not exaggerating this propensity of Raniere threatening to sue someone for trying to teach anything outside of NXIVM. There was a yoga teacher who took some ESP courses. She got fed up and left and resumed teaching yoga. Clare Bronfman actually threatened to sue her because she said the teachings of yoga are in some ways similar to what is taught in ESP and, therefore, she was violating the NDA. The poor woman actually lost her livelihood. Despite the threat being ridiculous and unfair, this poor woman did not have the resources to risk fighting Clare in court and closed down her yoga school. There is one consolation to this sordid tale. The woman is, I have reason to believe, one of the Jane Does and will likely testify against Bronfman and Raniere.]

Of course, in León, not everyone is happy with ESP either. Many people took the ESP courses, but did not become overly involved. They were not even successfully brainwashed, nor did they part with all their available savings to invest in courses,  which is a very poor reflection on the caliber of ESP teachers here.  Some people who paid good money for the secretive courses later openly said it was a scam. Some even dared mock the Vanguard.

But the fight to recruit goes on.  During the last couple of years, León High Rank Roberto Cárdenas has been using a networking group he started in order to market ESP and recruit new members.  His group, which is part of the international franchise BNI, is called “Vanguardia”.  Here is his site: Capítulo BNI León Vanguardia

Some members in Vanguardia are ESPians like Pilar´s sister, Lupita de a Rosa, currently Roberto´s partner in a small consulting services firm called Kleverly Thinking Systems.  It is not known to anyone reached by Frank Report what klever things they consult about.  It is uncertain if Cardenas knows either.

Lupita, is a klever woman and said to be a staunch NXIVM devotee.

Lupita de la Rosa, a former professor and researcher, somehow fell into the NXIVM net. Although klever, her critics say she may lack certain critical thinking abilities [which is a requirement for serious membership in NXIVM].

There also exists an organisation in León called “Observatorio Ciudvdano de León” (Citizens Observatory).  It is not a political group, but former politicians and influential people of Leon form the board of directors. Its main objective is to analyze, criticize and evaluate the direction of the city and the role of municipal government.  Three members of the group’s Security Commission (Crime Watch unit) happen to be ESPians.  They are: Jorge Solainde (an influential business man), Rocío Naveja (a local university director) and Edgar Bravo (former Cardenas´partner in Kleverly).

Since NXIVM itself is alleged to be rife with crime – who better than ESPians to watch for crime in this city?

http://www.ocl.org.mx/web/comision-de-seguridad-integrantes/

 

JORGE-SOLALINDE
Jorge Solainde
Rocío-Naveja-Portal-150x150
Rocío Naveja

 

Edgar-Bravo-Portal-150x150
Edgar Bravo

In February 2017, Observatorio Ciudadano de León decided to help ESP (Inlakech & The Ethical Humanitarian Foundation) promote the now infamous film “Encender el Corazón”, a film that tried to make Raniere into the new Mahatma Gandhi and made almost everyone [not in NXIVM] who saw it deeply embarrassed and sorry for all ESPians who live in Raniere’s mythical world.

Here is a newspaper report of the event: https://www.am.com.mx/2017/02/25/leon/opinion/encender-el-corazon-346813

Then came this newspaper report about ESP and their illegal activities in the state of Guanajuato that appeared last March.

At the bottom of the note, there are other notes. “This is how Raniere conned three thousand Guanaguatenses”

https://www.am.com.mx/2018/03/28/mexico/asi-timo-raniere-a-tres-mil-guanajuatenses-451736

Viva Executive Success!

Jness León. From left to right: Pilar de la Rosa, Mónica Espinoza, two unnamed women, Sivia Ribot and Lupita de la Rosa.

Learn more about the people of NXIVM – León.

Lupita de la Rosa  https://www.facebook.com/lupita.delarosa.319

Roberto Cárdenas: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=904100326

Silvia Ribot: https://www.facebook.com/silviaribotpedro

Daniel Brown: https://www.facebook.com/PAPACARIE

Roberto Bonilla: https://www.facebook.com/roberto.bonilla1

Pilar de la Rosa: https://www.facebook.com/pilar.delarosa

Adriana Castelazo; https://www.facebook.com/adrianna.castelazo

 

León is a city in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato. It’s known for its production of leather goods, sold in the Zona Piel district – and for its having a center and numerous followers of the renowned teachings of the world’s smartest man, Keith Alan Raniere.

 

Influenza virus was the other deadly killer in the World in 1918

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45,000 American Soldiers died from “Spanish Flu” in 1918; 600 died at New York military camps

In September 1918 there were two killers in the world.

World War I, which would claim 20 million lives by its end, and the flu pandemic known as the Spanish Flu, is estimated to have killed between at least 50 million people.

The flu struck an estimated 500 million people, some 28% of the world population.

American combat deaths in World War I totaled 53,402. But about 45,000 American Soldiers died of influenza and related pneumonia by the end of 1918.

More than 675,000 Americans died of influenza in 1918. Based on today’s population, that would be the equivalent of 2.16 million Americans dying.

The disease which launched the worldwide pandemic was known at the time as the Spanish Influenza.

Because Spain was not at war, newspapers there openly reported the virulent influenza. In the warring nations of Europe, information about the flu was kept out of newspapers to not hurt morale.

But many medical historians say it’s likely the virus launched itself onto the world from Haskell County, Kansas, and the United States Army helped move it along to become a world-wide killer.

In January and February 1918, according to the 2005 book “The Great Influenza,” local Dr. Loring Miner found people in the sparsely populated county- 1,720 people occupying 578 square miles– were coming down with a particularly violent strain of flu. Strong, healthy people died.

Miner was so concerned that in March 1918 he let the U.S. Public Health Service know what he had seen and warned of a new type of flu.

The disease burned itself out in March. In the past, it might well have never gotten beyond Haskell County. But in 1918 America was at war and people were moving around the country more than ever.

Young men from Haskell County were training nearby at Camp Funston, what is now Fort Riley, Kansas. They reported to the camp for duty and went back and forth from home when on leave.

The local paper reported numbers of local boys on leave from Camp Funston while Dr. Miner was trying to figure out what was killing Haskell County residents in that fateful spring of 1918.

On March 4, 1918, the first influenza cases were identified at Camp Funston. Within three weeks, 1,100 of the 56,222 troops at the camp were sick.

And because men were constantly moving among the Army’s camps all across the country, the virus spread.

On March 18, Camps Forrest and Greenleaf in Georgia reported influenza cases. By the end of April, 24 of the Army’s 36 main camps were reporting influenza outbreaks.

In April 1918, influenza hit Brest, France, one of the major debarkation ports for American Soldiers who carried the flu with them to Europe.

Influenza was also reported among the civilian populations near Army camps. Civilians coming and going from the military camps, either visiting or doing business, were infected and brought the disease home with them.

During the spring of 1918 more than 11 percent of the 1.2 million Soldiers in the United States were hospitalized with flu, although the death rate was not unusual.

The disease also jumped behind enemy lines.

German General Erich Ludendorff, who had just led Germany’s last-ditch Kaiser Offensive to defeat the allies before the U.S. Army entered the war in force, remembered despairing because so many troops were sick and not on the front lines, he wrote in a book after the war.

With the arrival of summer, the virus disappeared. But in the fall of 1918 it had mutated and came roaring back.

At Camp Devens in Massachusetts the influenza virus appeared in September. By the end of the month 14,000 Soldiers at the camp were sick, a quarter of its population. 757 of those men died.

The Army quarantined the camp, but before that happened, a contingent of troops was sent to Camp Upton on Long Island, just outside Yaphank.

Camp Upton was where the National Guard’s 42nd Division had assembled and where the 77th Division-composed of draftees from New York City-had trained. The disease appeared at Camp Upton Sept. 13.

Four days after the virus sent men to Camp Upton’s hospital, 171 of the 43,000 Soldiers were sick. Col. John S. Mallory shut down the camp to civilian visitors and ended leaves for Soldiers.

The action, Mallory told the New York Times, was to avoid the spread of the disease and he emphasized that there had been no deaths and Camp Upton had not been hit as bad as other camps.

But by the end of September 1918, there were 3,050 influenza cases at Camp Upton and 401 soldiers suffering from pneumonia as well. Fifteen Soldiers died on October 1, 1918 increasing the total death number to 87.

The virus outbreak at Camp Upton reached its peak on October 4, 1918 when 483 soldiers entered the hospital, according to a report compiled by the base hospital commander.

On October 5 there were 4,371 cases of influenza at the camp, twenty men had died that day, and Soldiers were instructed to wear gauze masks to prevent infection, according to the New York Times.

“Soldiers will not be permitted to sit opposite each other at mess tables. Foodstuffs other than in sealed packages will not be sold in the post exchanges, and no person unmasked will be permitted in any YMCA or other welfare building,” the New York Times reported.

The post hospital was overwhelmed, so medical officers established temporary hospitals. Sheets were hung between beds to prevent further infection.

Medical officers expressed horror at the sight of “the hopelessly sick and dying and at the magnitude of the catastrophe,” the Journal of the American Medical Society reported.

Naomi Barnett from Brockton, Massachusetts traveled to Camp Upton to help care for her fiancé, Jacob Julian, when he fell ill with influenza. She planned to marry her Soldier before he shipped off.

She died two days after arriving at Camp Upton. Jacob Julian died 30 minutes after her.

The Camp Upton Surgeon directed Soldiers stay in their own area of the camp unless they were on urgent business. Companies were locked down in their barracks if one case of flu was reported.

The measure, the surgeon reported afterwards, worked when orders were followed. The camp’s remount station-the troops responsible for providing horses-followed strict quarantine procedures and no men developed the flu, he reported. But the 3rd Development Battalion allowed officers and men to mingle throughout the camp and “influenza was soon raging there.”

By the time the epidemic was considered over at Camp Upton, on Oct. 22 when only 11 new cases were admitted, 6,131 Soldiers had been hospitalized and 404 had died.

New York’s other big Army camp in 1918 was just outside of Syracuse on the grounds of the New York State Fair.

Camp Syracuse was run by the 22nd Infantry Regiment. The regiment was responsible for training 10,000 to 12,000 recruits, most of whom were draftee Soldiers from New England. A total of 14,000 Soldiers and civilians lived and worked at what was formally known as the Syracuse Recruit Camp.

Influenza appeared at Camp Syracuse in September. There had been some isolated cases in August but the numbers began going up on Sept. 12 after 10,000 recruits from Massachusetts had shown up on Sept. 4, according to a report from the camp surgeon. Because the camp was not a permanent facility, Soldiers lived in overcrowded tents.

The camp had no hospital, so ill Soldiers were sent to civilian hospitals in Syracuse or to Fort Ontario, a permanent Army post 35 miles away in Oswego, N.Y.

The camp had only three ambulances, one borrowed from Fort Ontario and two from Camp Dix in New Jersey. Eventually the Yates Hotel in Syracuse loaned the camp a bus which was used to move patients.

Eventually temporary hospitals were created in 12 existing buildings until 400 patients were housed.

There were 42 medical officers at Camp Syracuse (including two dentists) but a third of those officers were sick themselves just after the virus appeared.

At Camp Syracuse the total number of flu cases reached 2,289 out of an average strength of 12,000 people during the epidemic which ended officially on October 15. 208 of the sick Soldiers died.

Unfortunately, the need to send Soldiers to local hospitals resulted in spreading the illness to Syracuse itself. By October 4, 8,000 Syracuse residents were sick and the Syracuse Herald was running a daily list of “plague victims.” By the time the epidemic ended, 900 Syracuse residents had died.

Influenza jumped outside the camps and went raging through the civilian population. Because of the way the virus worked it was particularly frightening because it killed young men and women. Normally the flu killed the old and the very young. In 1918, the flu was killing young able-bodied Soldiers.

One of those Soldiers was Private James Down who entered the Camp Upton hospital on Long Island Sept. 23 and died Sept 26.

An Army pathologist clipped a piece of James Down’s lung, preserved it in wax, and sent it to the Army Medical Museum.

In 1999 that section of Pvt. Down’s lung helped doctors at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology determine what made the 1918 virus so deadly. Researchers in 2007 theorized that the 1918 flu forces victim’s over-stimulated immune system to kill the patient as it tries to fight off the virus.

In Europe, doctors of the American Expeditionary Force hospitalized 340,000 Soldiers for influenza during 1918 while 227,000 Soldiers were in the hospital due to wounds suffered in battle.

In October 1918, as the American Army was locked in battle with the German’s in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, 1,451 Americans died from the flu. More 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers were evacuated from the front with influenza than because of wounds suffered in combat.

German General Ludendorf noted on 17 October that the fighting power of the allied forces “has not been up to its previous level…the Americans are suffering severely from influenza.”

The sickness and death at Army training camps even shut down the machinery of drafting men and making new Soldiers. The Army stopped the intake of new draftees in October until the epidemic ended.

Army Surgeon General Charles Richard also recommended against shipping more Soldiers to France until the flu epidemic stopped, but President Woodrow Wilson decided against it.

The American Expeditionary Force was on the attack in France. The Germans were retreating. But men were being killed and wounded and General John J. Pershing, the commander of the AEF demanded re-enforcements.

Stopping the reinforcement convoys would give the Germans breathing room, Army Chief of Staff Payton March argued, so they had to go on. Wilson agreed.

So troopships were loaded with Soldiers who were well when they boarded but fell sick during the 10-to 14 day journey to Europe.

On board the S.S. Wilhelmina a sailor watched as bodies were buried at sea from the S.S. Grant running next to his ship. He’d counted 15 such burials on one day during a voyage from New York City to France.

“I confess I was near to tears, and that there was tightening around my throat. It was death, death in one of its worst forms, to be consigned nameless to the sea,” he recalled.

During the World War I centennial observance the Division of Military and Naval Affairs will be issuing press releases noting key dates which impacted New Yorkers based on information provided by the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. More than 400,000 New Yorkers served in the military during World War I, more than any other state.

A former cult member gives her view on Allison and India – and their mothers

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Here is a letter from a reader. 

 

Dear Mr. Parlato;

I follow daily, with interest, your reporting on NXIVM and the many players.
I do so because I too was in a cult back in the years 1982 to 1984.
All cults, whether religious, pseudo religious, ideology, cult of personality, etc. operate the same and all seem to end up the same way with power and sex being paramount.
Having such experience and intimate knowledge of over 30-plus years of what happens to cult members, I can predict pretty accurately what will happen to certain key players.
Allison is too long invested, morally, physically, financially bankrupt, her life all but stolen by Keith and his cronies that she is a lost cause.
Should she awaken from this dream to realize what has been taken from her, I fear she will end her life.
I would like to note it is never brought up that Allison’s mother never dissuaded her from this group but in fact appeared to have supported her in this.
India, on the other hand, has a mother who sees openly what this group is, fights for her daughter and will not stop to free her from the evil clutches of this group.
India is young enough that with therapy, her mother’s love and support, she can regain her life.
Her mother must always be vigilant as long as any of the others still exist.
Catherine Oxenberg
Catherine Oxenberg fought to get her daughter out of NXIVM and she succeeded – and basically took down the cult in so doing.
The group I was in still has a core group of about 5,000 or less,  greatly diminished from its pinnacle back in the 80’s when I was sucked in.
If you have not done so, I would suggest you read a book titled Snapping by Conway and Siegleman.
These groups all use the same techniques.
I have found it is not intelligence, nor the lack of it, that attracts people to such groups. It is something within us.
To this day I find myself still taken in, though momentarily, by the same techniques, but my recognition and recovery is almost instantaneous which makes me exclaim WOW! Duped again – yet now I am unafraid to backtrack and remove myself from the person or situation.
You are free to use this email, and my first name, in your report.
I have been there, survived, at a cost, and only got out by the grace of God.
Others still remain, in one fashion or another, sadly.
I wish you the best.
Georgia
PS: Please do not publish my email address nor my last name.

CBC’s ‘Escaping NXIVM’ quotes former students who say they found good in the course

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CBC has an upcoming six-part podcast series  Uncover: Escaping NXIVM, coming out in September.

It features Sarah Edmondson and her escape from NXIVM.

Besides Sarah, CBC interviewed many former NXIVM memvers – including Barbara Bouchey, and others like Toni Natalie and myself.

What I found interesting is that many on this blog have criticized Barbara Bouchey for saying she found a lot of good in NXIVM – notwithstanding corruption at the top [which she helped expose ] and that Keith Raniere is, in her opinion, an evil man.

The producers of the CBC podcast said something that seems to support Barbara’s earlier statement.

Josh Bloch, host of the CBC podcast, said, “One of the things they did very well was create a really powerful hook. For whatever messed-up things happened in the higher levels of the organization, we’ve talked to dozens of people who took their entry-level courses … and almost everyone says they loved them. They’re really good, they were stimulating, we got a lot out of them, and we had these breakthroughs, etc.”

The experience of many of the thousands of students who took the NXIVM courses over the years, but did not get caught deeply in Raniere’s sinister web – they merely took an intensive and came back for no more – might be largely positive.
Keith was always seeking out select people, weeding out ones who did not interest him or were not interested in being his slaves.
It is likely there were attractive elements to the initial courses. There had to be. How else would you attract people in the first place if there was nothing good in it?
I like to think [paraphrasing Samuel Johnson] that NXIVM is both good and original; but the part that is good is not original, and the part that is original is not good.
Others may disagree.
Here is the link to the CBC podcast

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/uncover/how-uncover-escaping-nxivm-offers-an-unprecedented-look-inside-an-alleged-cult-1.4683787

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