Susan Dones

Susan Dones delivered a victim impact statement at Raniere's sentencing, describing alleged retaliation and lasting harm after leaving NXIVM. She told the court that she belonged to ESP/NXIVM from December 2000 to April 2009 and opened its first offsite center in Tacoma, Washington.

Dones said that after she sought unpaid commissions and the value of the business she had developed, Raniere pursued criminal extortion allegations against her. She also described litigation against her and her wife in bankruptcy court. She said defending themselves without lawyers consumed two years and limited her ability to work full time. She characterized these legal actions as punishment for leaving and a warning to others who might speak out.

Dones reported PTSD, anxiety, and recurring night terrors. She said the night terrors largely stopped after Raniere's arrest but returned when his supporters sought to delay sentencing and obtain a new trial. Expressing fear that he could continue directing followers against former members, she asked the judge to cut off his contact with people associated with NXIVM.