BROOKLYN (CN) — Prosecutors on Tuesday previewed their case against two women accused of exerting full control over their employees’ lives and manipulating them into doing menial and sexual labor for little to no pay.
Nicole Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz
face a count each of forced labor conspiracy stemming from their conduct while running OneTaste, a Bay Area-based company Daedone founded to teach a 15-minute sexual practice she created as a path toward higher meaning, deeper connection and healing from past trauma.
The pair lured vulnerable women into the community, targeting those who suffered past trauma; isolated them from the outside world; and drove them into debt as they were tasked with cooking, cleaning, gardening, providing sexual favors for investors and catering to Daedone’s every need, prosecutors said during opening statements.
“These victims came to OneTaste seeking personal growth. They left as shells of their former selves,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Fern said. “And what did the defendants get out of this? Power, prestige and money.”
While members shared beds in crowded communal housing and worked long hours, Daedone and Cherwitz enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, Fern said.
While members shared beds in crowded communal housing and worked long hours, the leaders of OneTaste enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, prosecutors said.
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