3.Maegan Rees — Direct (Part 1)
594 linesMS. HAJJAR: Thank you, Your Honor.
The Government calls Special Agent Maegan Rees.
(Witness enters the courtroom and assumes the stand.)
COURT CLERK: Please raise your right hand.
Do you solemnly swear the testimony you shall give to the Court will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
MAEGAN REES: I do.
COURT CLERK: Please have a seat. Please state and spell your full name for the record.
MAEGAN REES: Maegan Rees, M-A-E-G-A-N, R-E-E-S.
THE COURT: You may inquire.
MS. HAJJAR: Thank you, Your Honor.
(Continued on the following page.)
M A E G A N R E E S, called as a witness by the Government, having been first duly sworn/affirmed by the Courtroom Deputy, was examined and testified under oath as follows:
DIRECT EXAMINATION BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: Good morning, Agent Rees.
MAEGAN REES: Good morning.
MS. HAJJAR: Where do you work?
MAEGAN REES: I work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
MS. HAJJAR: And how long have you been a special agent with the FBI?
MAEGAN REES: I have been an agent for a little more than a year-and-a-half.
MS. HAJJAR: What is your educational background?
MAEGAN REES: I have a Bachelor of Arts in international relations and a Master's in public policy.
MS. HAJJAR: And what did you do after getting your Master's degree?
MAEGAN REES: I spent some time working for a non-profit focusing on education policy and then I designed war games and exercises for a defense contractor, Booz Allen Hamilton.
MS. HAJJAR: Did you join the FBI after that?
MAEGAN REES: I did.
MS. HAJJAR: Are you assigned to a particular unit or squad?
MAEGAN REES: I am. I am currently assigned to the Public Corruption Squad.
MS. HAJJAR: And were you assigned to any other squads within the FBI?
MAEGAN REES: I have. I spent time on a squad focused on background investigations, and then a squad focused on civil rights.
MS. HAJJAR: Did there come a time where you learned of an investigation into Keith Raniere?
MAEGAN REES: Yes, approximately May 2018.
MS. HAJJAR: And did you participate in that investigation in any way?
MAEGAN REES: I did. My role was primarily to support the case agents and I did that primarily through reviewing electronic evidence.
MS. HAJJAR: Were you asked to review certain materials in connection with your testimony today, Agent Rees?
MAEGAN REES: I was.
MS. HAJJAR: And what materials were those?
MAEGAN REES: I primarily reviewed the vicibaby@gmail.com account, as well as camilascastle@yahoo.com and KeithRaniere@yahoo.com.
MS. HAJJAR: Special Agent Rees, I want to show what's in evidence as Government's Exhibit 1588-R.
Do you see that exhibit, Agent Rees?
MAEGAN REES: I do.
MS. HAJJAR: And the top, where it is below Google subscriber information, can you read the name and e-mail address that's listed?
MAEGAN REES: The name is Camila. The e-mail address is vicibaby@gmail.com.
MS. HAJJAR: Now, are you aware if a search warrant was obtained for this account vicibaby@gmail.com?
MAEGAN REES: I am.
MS. HAJJAR: And I want to show you a disk.
MS. HAJJAR: May I show something to the witness for identification only, Your Honor?
THE COURT: Go ahead.
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: All right, Agent Rees, I am showing you a disk that's marked with the following: Government Exhibits 301, 301-R, 302, 302-R, 305 to 308, 305 to 308-R, 310, 310-R, 527 to 534, 1145, 1147 to 1158, 1160 to 1162, 1164 to 1166, 1183 to 1191, and 1701 to 1737, 1739, 1742 to 1746, 1748 to 1756, 1764, 1767 to 1777, 1779, 1781 to 1782, 1784 and 1789.
Have you reviewed this disk that contains these exhibits?
MAEGAN REES: I have.
MS. HAJJAR: And did you initial the disk, the disk cover?
MAEGAN REES: Yes, I have.
MS. HAJJAR: And was the information contained in these exhibits received from Google in response to the search warrant for vicibaby@gmail.com?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: Your Honor, at this time the Government moves into evidence those exhibits. I can read them again into the record, but the exhibits that I just read.
MR. AGNIFILO: Can I have one second to ask Ms. Hajjar a question?
THE COURT: Sure.
(Pause.)
MR. AGNIFILO: We have no objection.
THE COURT: All right, Government Exhibits 301, 301-R, 302, 302-R, 305 to 308, 305-R to 308-R, 310, 310-R, 527 to 534, 1112 to 1123, 1145, 1147 to 1158, 1160 to 1162, 1164 to 1166, 1183 to 1191, 1764, 1767 to 1177, 1179, 117 -- I'm sorry, 1781 to 1782, 1784 and 1789 are received in evidence.
MS. HAJJAR: Thank you, Your Honor.
(Government's Exhibits 301, 301-R, 302, 302-R, 305 to 308, 305-R to 308-R, 310, 310-R, 527 to 534, 1145, 1147 to 1158, 1160 to 1162, 1164 to 1166, 1183 to 1191, and 1701 to 1737, 1739, 1742 to 1746, 1748 to 1756, 1764, 1767 to 1777, 1779, 1781 to 1782, 1784 and 1789 were received in evidence.)
MS. HAJJAR: Just one note, Your Honor, the 1112 to 1123, based on Your Honor's recent ruling, the Government did not offer. That is just the only --
THE COURT: I see, all right. Okay, so those exhibits are not admitted.
MS. HAJJAR: Thank you, Your Honor.
THE COURT: All right, thank you for clarifying that. Thank you.
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: Now, Agent Rees, did some of the materials you reviewed contain text files containing what appear to be WhatsApp chats between Camila and other WhatsApp users?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: Are you familiar with WhatsApp?
(Continuing on the following page.)
(Continuing)
MS. HAJJAR: And can you -- is there a function WhatsApp whereby you can export chats?
MAEGAN REES: There is.
MS. HAJJAR: Can you explain that to the jury, please?
MAEGAN REES: When a user is using WhatsApp within the chat page, at the top left corner you will see a phone number or a contact or a thread name for that chat. If the user clicks on that name or phone number, they are provided a menu of functions. One of those functions would be to export the chat. If selected, the WhatsApp will fetch the data of the chat and provide the user the ability to text it or e-mail the chat.
MS. HAJJAR: And as an example, did you export chats from your phone just to test that process?
MAEGAN REES: I did.
MS. HAJJAR: Your Honor, I apologize. May I have one moment to confer with Defense Counsel?
THE COURT: Sure.
MS. HAJJAR: Thank you.
(Pause in the proceedings.)
MS. HAJJAR: Agent Rees, I want to show you what's been marked for identification only as Government Exhibit 377 and 378.
Do you recognize these exhibits?
MAEGAN REES: I do.
MS. HAJJAR: What are they?
MAEGAN REES: They are an example of a WhatsApp chat. The image that is on top --
MS. HAJJAR: Sorry. Are these the screen shots that you, yourself took as an example?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: Your Honor, the Government offers Government Exhibit 377 and 378 only as aids to the jury.
MR. AGNIFILO: We don't object.
THE COURT: All right.
Exhibits 377 and 378 are admitted into evidence as aids to the jury.
(Government's Exhibit 377 and 378 received in evidence.)
(Exhibit published.)
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: I'm showing you Government's Exhibit 378.
Can you just explain what this is, Agent Rees?
MAEGAN REES: So as I mentioned, when -- if you select the icon in the top left corner in this case where it says dinner plans, that was the name of the chat thread, the chat will provide a menu of functions or features. This is a screen shot of that menu.
MS. HAJJAR: And this is a screen shot from your own phone? This is a test of what the WhatsApp?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: Okay. And if you were to open WhatsApp on your phone, is this what it would look like?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: And this user here, is that you?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: And this?
MAEGAN REES: Is the person that I'm communicating with.
MS. HAJJAR: And the export chat feature, is this the feature you were just referring to?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: Turning to the second page.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Can you just explain to the jury what this depicts, the second page?
MAEGAN REES: This is a screen shot of the text message communications that I had with the other user.
MS. HAJJAR: So what happens after you have these communications and you hit export chat?
MAEGAN REES: The WhatsApp will fetch the raw data of the communication. The user will be provided an option to include media or not include media and then, you are able to either text it or e-mail it.
MS. HAJJAR: And showing you Government Exhibit 377.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Can you explain what this is?
MAEGAN REES: That is a screen shot of the raw data that was exported.
MS. HAJJAR: So after you hit export chat, this -- this is -- this file is created?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: How did you receive this file?
MAEGAN REES: Via e-mail.
MS. HAJJAR: And so the content of this document, is it similar to -- is it the same as the content of the chats between you and user KB?
MAEGAN REES: It is the same, except I did opt to omit the media. Therefore, you see image omitted.
MS. HAJJAR: Can you explain to the jury what you mean by that? Just go these chats a little bit.
MAEGAN REES: So if we had looked at the original screen shot of the chat, there was a picture of pizza. When I exported it, I had the option to include the images or omit them. I opted to omit them. So this e-mail includes all the raw data of the chat, except the actual image.
MS. HAJJAR: Okay. And here, where -- at the top left-hand corner where it says 6/2/19, were these the times and dates associated with the chats that you were testing?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: Okay.
MS. HAJJAR: Your Honor, can we switch the PowerPoint function.
THE COURT: Is that it?
MS. HAJJAR: Yes, Your Honor.
MS. HAJJAR: So I'm showing you what's in evidence --
MS. HAJJAR: Can we publish it to the jury, Your Honor? This is all in evidence.
(Exhibit published.)
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: I'm showing you what's in evidence as Government Exhibit 1702.
What is this exhibit?
MAEGAN REES: This is an e-mail sent from Camila to unknown user at -- my apologies. This is a little blurry.
MS. HAJJAR: It's hard to read.
THE COURT: Can you zero in on that portion of it and enlarge it?
MS. HAJJAR: Let me see, Your Honor.
(Pause in the proceedings.)
THE COURT: All right. Thank you.
MS. HAJJAR: So Agent Rees, this is an e-mail from the Camila the vicibaby@gmail.com account?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: And what is the date of this e-mail?
MAEGAN REES: June 4th, 2008.
MS. HAJJAR: And is there an attachment?
MAEGAN REES: There is.
MS. HAJJAR: Have you reviewed the attachment?
MAEGAN REES: I have.
MS. HAJJAR: So turning to the next page.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Can you describe what the attachment appears to be?
MAEGAN REES: The attachment appears to be a scan of a Mexican passport as well as a border crossing identification card.
MS. HAJJAR: And what's the name associated with both of these documents?
MAEGAN REES: Camila.
MS. HAJJAR: What is the date of birth associated with each of these documents?
MAEGAN REES: Both documents show March 1st, 1990, date of birth.
MS. HAJJAR: And are these documents for -- of Camila, they're Mexican -- they're documents for a Mexican national?
MAEGAN REES: That is correct.
MS. HAJJAR: What is the date of issue on the passport?
MAEGAN REES: May 23rd, 2008.
MS. HAJJAR: So based on Camila's birthday of March 1st, she's approximately -- she's 18 years old?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: So showing you what's in evidence as Government Exhibit 1743.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Looking at the first page, can you tell who this e-mail is from?
MAEGAN REES: This e-mail is from Cami.
MS. HAJJAR: And who is it to?
MAEGAN REES: Camila@yahoo.com.
MS. HAJJAR: And what's the date on this e-mail?
MAEGAN REES: December -- is there a way you could zoom in?
MS. HAJJAR: Yes.
MAEGAN REES: December 7th, 2014. Yes, December 7th, 2014.
MS. HAJJAR: And the subject line?
MAEGAN REES: WhatsApp chat with C.
MS. HAJJAR: Is there an attachment to this e-mail?
MAEGAN REES: There is.
MS. HAJJAR: I'm going to turn to the attachment -- I'm sorry, what's the attachment called?
MAEGAN REES: WhatsApp chat with Robbie Chiappone.
MS. HAJJAR: Turning to the next page.
Agent Rees, is this the attachment to that e-mail?
MAEGAN REES: Yes, it is.
MS. HAJJAR: Can you describe what the attachment contains?
MAEGAN REES: It contains a WhatsApp chat between Camila and Robbie Chiappone.
MS. HAJJAR: Similar to the WhatsApp chats that you yourself exported from your phone?
MAEGAN REES: Yes, that's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: They have the date, the name, the time the messages were sent?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: And there are many chats included in this attachment; right?
MAEGAN REES: Yes.
MS. HAJJAR: All right. So turning to what's in evidence as Government Exhibit 1744, the first page.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Again, can you tell who this e-mail is from?
MAEGAN REES: It's from Camila@yahoo.com.
MS. HAJJAR: Who is it to?
MAEGAN REES: Camila@yahoo.com and vicibaby@Gmail.com.
MS. HAJJAR: Now, when you exported messages from your phone, it came via e-mail to you?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: And the WhatsApp chat were an attachment to that e-mail?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: Okay. Can you read when this e-mail was sent and the subject line?
MAEGAN REES: It was sent December 10th, 2014 and the subject is WhatsApp chat with Unknown Caller.
MS. HAJJAR: And is there a text file attached to it?
MAEGAN REES: There is.
MS. HAJJAR: And what is that? What is it called?
MAEGAN REES: WhatsApp chat with Unknown Caller.
MS. HAJJAR: Have you reviewed the attachment to Government Exhibit 1744?
MAEGAN REES: I have.
MS. HAJJAR: Can you describe what it is and its length?
MAEGAN REES: Its length is over a thousand pages -- hundreds of pages worth of text message conversations between Camila and a user known as Unknown Caller.
MS. HAJJAR: And so looking at the first page of the text file that's attached to this particular exhibit, these are messages between Camila and Unknown Caller that you reviewed?
(Exhibit published.)
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: Just going through a few of these. Again, Agent Rees, you reviewed hundreds of pages of these text messages?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: These are just the first few pages?
MAEGAN REES: Yes.
MS. HAJJAR: Okay. So turning to page 139 of Government Exhibit 1744.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Can you read the message sent by Camila on October 31st at 1:25 p.m.?
MAEGAN REES: Not only were you supposed to be my partner and my love, but you are also Vanguard.
MS. HAJJAR: Now turning to page 239 of Government Exhibit 1744.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Can you read the highlighted text, please?
MAEGAN REES: Camila: I don't want to go without a fight. Unknown Caller: I don't understand. What's right is you build a conscience, not what you are doing. You are not fighting in the right direction for building a conscience or giving me what I deserve. I have earned what I deserve from you. Ask yourself, does Keith deserve this from his partner.
MS. HAJJAR: And these messages were sent on November 27th at 12:45 p.m.?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: Have you reviewed similar e-mails containing WhatsApp messages between Camila and the user identified as Unknown Caller?
MAEGAN REES: Yes, I have.
MS. HAJJAR: And are these representative of the types of chats that you reviewed?
MAEGAN REES: Yes, they are.
MS. HAJJAR: I'm showing you what's in evidence as Government Exhibit 1782.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Maybe we can zoom in on the text.
Thank you.
MS. HAJJAR: Is this another e-mail attaching a text file called WhatsApp chat with Unknown Caller?
MAEGAN REES: Yes, it is.
MS. HAJJAR: It looks like there's a chain of e-mails. Can you describe what is on the first page of Government Exhibit 1782?
MAEGAN REES: It appears that the first e-mail was sent on December 28th in which Camila@yahoo.com wrote the first e-mail. That e-mail was then forwarded from Camila@yahoo.com to KeithRaniere@yahoo.com. And then forwarded again from Keith Raniere to vicibaby@gmail.com on January 29th, 2016.
MS. HAJJAR: I'm sorry, Agent Rees. Is your microphone on?
MAEGAN REES: It is.
MS. HAJJAR: And this again attaches chats between Vicibaby and Unknown Caller?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: So I want to look at a few more of these e-mails. Let's look at Government's Exhibit 1779.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Looking at the top of this slide. Is that an excerpt of the cover e-mail attaching the text file?
MAEGAN REES: Yes, it is.
MS. HAJJAR: And the bottom of this slide, is it the excerpt of the attached text file on page 49 of this attachment?
MAEGAN REES: Yes, it is.
MS. HAJJAR: I'm going to ask you to read the messages sent by Vicibaby and I will read the messages sent by Unknown Caller.
(The following WhatsApp chats were read into the record.)
MAEGAN REES: May 24th, 2015 at 10:02 p.m.
I sent you an e-mail. It is not urgent or important, just sweet.
MS. HAJJAR: I haven't received anything.
MAEGAN REES: Really? KeithRaniere@yahoo.com?
MS. HAJJAR: Yes...resend?
MAEGAN REES: I sent you two other e-mails on Friday. Did you get those?
I just resent.
MS. HAJJAR: Have not received anything from you Friday either.
MS. HAJJAR: So turning to the next slide, the same exhibit, page 237.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Again, is this an excerpt of the attached text file to Government Exhibit 1779?
MAEGAN REES: Yes, it is.
MS. HAJJAR: Can you please read the text highlighted in blue.
MAEGAN REES: September 8th, 2015, 8:53 p.m.
I am trying to decide what to do the rest of the Night...Should I go out meet people...should I go get a tattoo that says I heart Keith?
MS. HAJJAR: Read? Love us? I miss you honey!
MS. HAJJAR: All right. I am going to turn to the next slide, which is in evidence as Government Exhibit 310-R.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Can you read the attachment which is at the top of this slide, the cover e-mail at the top of the slide?
MAEGAN REES: So the e-mail is from Cami to Camila@yahoo.com dated August 6th, 2016.
MS. HAJJAR: And the text at the bottom, is that part of the attachment to that cover e-mail?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: I'm going to ask you to read the text in blue, please.
MAEGAN REES: October 11th, 2015, 5:40 p.m.
Do you want to have babies with me?
MS. HAJJAR: I've told you this...I'm sad you don't remember...
MAEGAN REES: You said yes? Did you say you wanted a litter of Keiths and Camis?
MS. HAJJAR: Agent Rees, how many pages of these messages have you personally reviewed?
MAEGAN REES: Approximately 1500.
MS. HAJJAR: And based on your review of these messages, have you been able to identify the identity of the user Unknown Caller?
MAEGAN REES: Yes.
MS. HAJJAR: And who is that user?
MAEGAN REES: Keith Raniere.
MS. HAJJAR: Turning to what's in evidence as Government Exhibit 301-R. It's the same exhibit that we were reading from.
And turning to the -- it's sent from Camila to Camila and on January 11th, 2015.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: So I'll turn to the first page of the attachment.
MS. HAJJAR: And I'm going to start reading from the top at 3:06 p.m. on August 18th, 2014.
MS. HAJJAR: Unknown Caller: Are you there?
MAEGAN REES: I'm here. Got your text. Having emotions about it.
MS. HAJJAR: Did you get my normal text? Did you accomplish the mission by the time you reached Silver Bay?
What emotions...We spoke of that before yes?
MAEGAN REES: I don't think so.
MS. HAJJAR: Oh honey I thought you understood and said yes...I believe it was yesterday...
I thought it was just a reminder...What about the other shift?
What happened? Did you fall off the swing?
MAEGAN REES: I don't think I would ever agree to that.
MS. HAJJAR: Yes...It will restore many things...I spoke with Kristanna in that conversation...Why not agree to such a strong positive thing?
You said you would do anything. This is my first request. Please do.
MS. HAJJAR: Turning to the next slide, which is page 3. Actually, skip ahead to -- sorry. I'm going to skip ahead to page 7.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Can you read the highlighted portion starting at 11:51 a.m. on August 24, 2014?
MAEGAN REES: Where are you and where will you be?
MS. HAJJAR: In my cabin...Are you free?
MAEGAN REES: Not now, but can be soon. Which cabin?
MS. HAJJAR: Let me know...I can go to ours.
MS. HAJJAR: 4...???
4...Small risk around 2 of your sister...
MAEGAN REES: Okay.
MS. HAJJAR: When do you think we can meet my love? I waiting...
MAEGAN REES: I hadn't been able to connect to check in.
MS. HAJJAR: Turning to the next slide, which is page 8 of Government Exhibit 301-R.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: If you can read the highlighted text starting at 2:56 p.m.
MAEGAN REES: I'm waiting to wish you a happy birthday.
MS. HAJJAR: I love love love you so.
When can you possibly sneak away? How are we? How was the module last night?
I wanted to bite your emoticon.
When can we possibly meet so I can taste you?
MAEGAN REES: What does your schedule look like?
MS. HAJJAR: I've had a few offers for my birthday...No virgins that I know of...But I've been intentionally saving it for you...I want you...
Maybe after 6?
And there's an emoticon.
I avoided the dinner trap...Was hoping we could meet...But you got trapped!!! Shit!!!
Been trying you on 8.3.
Not sure...I was contemplating your sleeping in the cabin...But you'd have to be very careful...No lights, et cetera.
I was trying to reach you for quite some time...sad face.
MAEGAN REES: My honey.
I have failed without with technology.
I got trapped without technology, so I couldn't communicate.
I wanted to run away with you.
I was sad you left with Monkey.
I hope I can see you.
MS. HAJJAR: I want so much for you to find a way to go to our cabin and be there for me tonight without being discovered coming, going or staying there. This will require resourcefulness...
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: Agent Rees, when Camila says I'm waiting to wish you a happy birthday, what's the date associated with that message?
MAEGAN REES: August 6th, 2014. I'm sorry, August 26th, 2014.
MS. HAJJAR: And I'm turning to the next slide.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Which is the next slide which is page 9. Camila says at the top: When can I sneak in?
Now if you're careful... so I'm going to skip to the next slide, which is page 10 of the same exhibit.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Can you read the text, the highlighted text starting at 1:05 a.m.
MAEGAN REES: I just wanted to check in.
I was struggling with some stuff.
I heard from Monkey that you are coming to breakfast with the family.
Why am I hearing this from her and not you?
MS. HAJJAR: I am not coming to breakfast...They really want me to do some meal with them...I just found this out after I spoke with Simply...I wanted to speak to you about the situation...
MS. HAJJAR: Turning to the next slide, which is page 17 of the Government's Exhibit 301-R.
(Exhibit published.)
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: And can you read the highlighted text in blue?
MAEGAN REES: Vball?
Time?
MS. HAJJAR: 12:30 or so...Depending on breaks...
MAEGAN REES: Okay. Let me see.
Can't promise anything, though.
MS. HAJJAR: It is such a painful, bittersweet thing...The truth of our life together that could have been made real yet now is forever a secret and nullified...I love you so much...I'm so proud to have been your husband for 8.75 years...and shared a home for 4...Yet I am also so heart broken..
When are you home?
MAEGAN REES: Home now.
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: Now, at this time when the defendant says 8.75 years, what's the date attached to that?
MAEGAN REES: September 4th, 2014.
MS. HAJJAR: And are there similar references in the messages you reviewed to the length of time at which Unknown Caller says that he's been with Camila?
MAEGAN REES: Yes.
MS. HAJJAR: Okay. What is the -- what is that length the time -- when did their relationship start based on this message?
MAEGAN REES: Based on this message, eight years from 2014 would be September of 2006, .75 approximately the end of 2005 or the early 2006.
MS. HAJJAR: So turning to the next slide, which is page 101 of Government Exhibit 301-R.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Okay. Can you read the text highlighted in blue?
MAEGAN REES: That would be good.
MS. HAJJAR: Why else would you feel that way?
MAEGAN REES: I am not disagreeing.
MS. HAJJAR: Besides, you do not need that to do the right thing... Breaking up is the wrong thing considering that and 8.5 years...Fix first and never use breakup as a possibility...
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: And when -- what year were these messages sent?
MAEGAN REES: 2014.
MS. HAJJAR: Agent Rees, I'm now going to show you what's in evidence as Government's Exhibit 1701.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Who is this e-mail from?
MAEGAN REES: Camila.
MS. HAJJAR: And is this the part of the vicibaby@gmail.com account that you reviewed?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: What is the e-mail address that it is to?
MAEGAN REES: It is to kunterre@nycap.rr.com.
MS. HAJJAR: And what's the date?
MAEGAN REES: February 21st, 2008.
MS. HAJJAR: And what's the subject?
MAEGAN REES: Full moon.
MS. HAJJAR: Can you read the text, please.
MAEGAN REES: Full moon is tomorrow and that would make it 30 full moons that we've been together. Smiley face.
MS. HAJJAR: Agent Rees, do you know how long a full moon cycle lasts?
MAEGAN REES: I believe a full moon is 29.5 days or approximately 30 days.
MS. HAJJAR: And so what's 30 full moons? What's the length of time that's referring to?
MAEGAN REES: That would be 30 months or approximately two-and-a-half years.
MS. HAJJAR: And so what is that in terms of the duration of time? When does that begin in terms of when Camila says we've been together?
MAEGAN REES: That would take you back to approximately September 2005.
MS. HAJJAR: Agent Rees, I'm going to turn your attention to back to Government's Exhibit 301, page 32.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Zoom in a little bit.
I'm going to start reading from the text highlighted on September 14th, 2014, at 11:08 a.m.
MS. HAJJAR: Keith Raniere: You don't hurt enough or desire me enough...Postulate-wise you need to feel better, more strongly, and be more desirous of me in every single way compared to anything with R.
MAEGAN REES: Okay. I thought I did.
MS. HAJJAR: Doesn't seem that way. For example you don't crave me sexually.
That was especially needed during the past 24 hours?
MAEGAN REES: What does that have to do with R?
MS. HAJJAR: Sex.
It is not only shared by us as a thought object. There is subconscious evaluation, comparison, and postulates...
It is very destructive.
I/we really needed you to want me sexually yesterday and earlier.
MAEGAN REES: I don't know what to do, then. I offered.
MS. HAJJAR: You were almost asleep...You offered seemingly more as a favor instead of needing it so badly you couldn't live without it...
You need to be more aggressive, by far, than you ever were with R.
MAEGAN REES: Okay.
MS. HAJJAR: Take the most you want of something with him and your internal desire has to be more with me.
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: Agent Rees, the references to R, is this a common reference throughout the messages that you reviewed?
MAEGAN REES: Yes, it is.
MS. HAJJAR: Turn to the next slide.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Well, I will turn to the slide following.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Are these some of the -- I'm turning to slide 32, which is various excerpts from different Government exhibits; Government Exhibit 301-R at page 20, Government Exhibit 1779 at page 20, 1779 at page 27 and 1779 on page 82.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Are these just some of the excerpts relating to R or R?
MAEGAN REES: Yes, they are some of the excerpts.
MS. HAJJAR: And can you infer what R represents?
MAEGAN REES: R is an abbreviation for Robbie Chiappone.
MS. HAJJAR: Okay. I'm going to start reading from the top of this excerpt, which is September 6th, 2014, at 2:06 a.m.
Keith Raniere: Robbie was there tonight yet I still longed for you.
And can you read from the next excerpt?
MAEGAN REES: May, 31st, 2015 at 3:49 p.m.
No, but he'd make more sense than Robbie.
I was insane to choose Robbie.
MS. HAJJAR: If you hadn't seen this side of R...What were you choosing about him over me?
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: Then July 16th, 2005, at 6:46 p.m.
Keith Raniere: Fluffy believes you slept in the same bed with Robbie last summer.
I think with his door closed.
By MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: Could you read the last excerpt, please.
MAEGAN REES: 3:52 p.m. October 8th, 2014.
I don't understand this.
MS. HAJJAR: What don't you understand?
MAEGAN REES: Why Farouk is better than Robbie.
MS. HAJJAR: Why not?
Why is R special? Why did you type his full name?
MAEGAN REES: Oh, I was thinking out loud. Should I not have?
MS. HAJJAR: No. Curious.
I don't use his name for several reasons.
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: I'm going to turning to page 76 of Government Exhibit 301-R. October 7th, 2014, at 4:54 p.m.
Keith Raniere: Why are you still protecting what you did with R? Why won't you face this in yourself so things can get better?
MAEGAN REES: I don't have the answers you are looking for...I'm sorry.
MS. HAJJAR: Please find them now...Ask yourself those questions... Visualize what you did, how you made those decisions and see the future evaporate...Also see yourself being the type of person you don't want to be...It should deeply disturb and disgust you...
I hate to be so crude, but it will build your conscience to strongly see our little child saying, Please mommy don't, as you spread your legs and picture that child withering as you do and get that's what you did...
MAEGAN REES: Whoa.
MS. HAJJAR: You seem not to acknowledge the crudeness of the raw destruction...It should be deeply disturbing and disgusting. It's you doing that in reality..
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: Agent Rees, at the beginning of your testimony we reviewed a WhatsApp chat between Camila and Robbie Chiappone, a user identified as Robbie Chiappone.
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: Have you reviewed that attachment?
MAEGAN REES: I have.
MS. HAJJAR: And just generally, based on the messages exchanged in that attachment, did it indicate a kind of romantic or sexual relationship between Camila and Robbie Chiappone?
MAEGAN REES: Yes.
MS. HAJJAR: Agent Rees, is there -- are there references to successors? In your view?
MAEGAN REES: Yes.
MS. HAJJAR: Many?
MAEGAN REES: Yes.
MS. HAJJAR: I'm going to ask you to read the highlighted portion in blue starting from October 7th, 2014, at 11:40 p.m.
MS. HAJJAR: Keith Raniere: What didn't you consider?
MAEGAN REES: The effects.
I had no idea the successor thing even existed.
MS. HAJJAR: I don't believe that's completely true...You also knew the purity thing was a strong value...I told you many times...But even if it didn't exist anyone other than us, doing what you did, with someone like R...Even with anyone far better...Should bring disgust...
On a general level, what does it say about the reliability of your love? Your word? On a small level, what do your actions the last few days of our vacation say about your traits? How can you feel these things are okay? Even if I'm not around, you would have to hate them...
The only way I can explain these thing is defiance.
Pride.
If your pride doesn't break now with this, you will own it the rest of your life.
Your lack of immediate response is the worst yet...
MAEGAN REES: It takes me a while to process what you say especially something this heavy.
I feel like I'm under attack.
MS. HAJJAR: And turning to page 79 and then page 89?
(Exhibit published.)
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: Okay. Starting at October 10th, 2014, at 11:10 a.m.
Keith Raniere: Please answer the 3 past questions. Also, 4 more questions to be answered right now: What have you done today for this? Have you failed today or done anything against your objectives? What are you doing towards them this moment? What have you done today that was difficult in the name of love for me?
MAEGAN REES: I have not eaten and am dedicating all my free time to you...either reading or communicating to figure it out. I have not indulged in anger.
MS. HAJJAR: Sounds like a start.
MAEGAN REES: Is there anything else you want to ask of me?
MS. HAJJAR: What I have already and as I've said figure out each thing you destroyed and address/fix each one. You need to lift them because there are a good number.
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: And if you can read the text starting on October 10th, 2014, and 12:31 p.m.
MAEGAN REES: I'm sorry.
I feel like I have a gun pointed at me and I'm just trying to say what you want to hear so you won't shoot but I don't know what it is you want to hear.
MS. HAJJAR: Show me you're resourceful. And what should someone do with such an issue? What would be the right thing for you to do for me considering?
MAEGAN REES: Beg you...?
MS. HAJJAR: Figure out what is right.
MAEGAN REES: Can you give me a hint?
MS. HAJJAR: Not really because ethics has to originate with you. If you heard our story what would make that aspect right?
MS. HAJJAR: And I'm going to turn to page 96 of Government Exhibit 301-R, October 14th, 2014, at 3:35 a.m..
(Exhibit published.)
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: Keith Raniere: Do you have physical desire?
MAEGAN REES: Can emotional be enough?
MS. HAJJAR: If you want me to come tonight. I will under these conditions: There will be no talking. You will meet me at the door in the outfit you think I would find sexiest. You will arouse me, we will make love for my satisfaction and pleasure. You will do everything you can to provide that. I will finish and leave. Do you agree yes or no?
MAEGAN REES: Is there a reason why you picked 4:00 a.m. for this?
MS. HAJJAR: Forget it then.
MAEGAN REES: No no no.
MS. HAJJAR: Then?
MAEGAN REES: Why no talking.
MS. HAJJAR: Goodnight.
MAEGAN REES: I don't understand what's going on!
MS. HAJJAR: Too much pride. I'll text you tomorrow.
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: Now, Agent Rees, there were a few messages that we looked at in which Camila references weight. Is weight a common reference in these messages that you've reviewed?
MAEGAN REES: Yes, it is.
MS. HAJJAR: And can you explain what you mean by that?
MAEGAN REES: Throughout the messages there is a push from Keith Raniere for Camila to constantly lose weight, and a desire for her to be around a hundred pounds.
MS. HAJJAR: So I'm going to turn to the next slide.
(Exhibit published.)
MS. HAJJAR: Are these just some excerpts of the messages dealing with Camila's weight?
MAEGAN REES: They are some.
MS. HAJJAR: And so November 28th, 2014, at 1:03 p.m.
Keith Raniere: How much do you weigh?
MAEGAN REES: I don't know.
I think 120.
MS. HAJJAR: Why did you gain?
You were 113?
MAEGAN REES: Lack of exercise during intensives.
MS. HAJJAR: You then need to eat less...The extra weight hurts my heart physically when I am with you.
MS. HAJJAR: And that is from Government's Exhibit 301-R on page 249.
And then December 4th, 2015, at 3:46 a.m.
Keith Raniere: By the way...how's your weight, et cetera?
MAEGAN REES: I don't know.
Why? Do I look fat?
MS. HAJJAR: I'm sad then because it's important to me...
To not know is to not care enough.
MAEGAN REES: I disagree but I will weigh myself for you.
MS. HAJJAR: Okay. Turning to the next slide, which is page 109 of Government's Exhibit 301.
(Exhibit published.)
BY MS. HAJJAR:
MS. HAJJAR: Starting from October 19th, 2014, at 12:32 a.m.
Keith Raniere: How would you lose the weight like you promised?
MAEGAN REES: Like I'm supposed to.
MS. HAJJAR: Question mark.
MAEGAN REES: Calories and exercise.
MS. HAJJAR: You don't get how much this hurts.
Calories and exercise haven't worked.
MAEGAN REES: Haven't worked?
They always work.
MS. HAJJAR: When was the last time you weighed 100? You were also supposed to loss the weight for my birthday...
They don't work because you don't do this consistently.
(Continued on following page.)
DIRECT EXAMINATION BY MS. HAJJAR: (Continuing)
MS. HAJJAR: So, I'm really crushed you B tonight.
Agent Rees, I'm just going to stop there for a moment. Based on the context of the messages around this message, can you infer what B means?
MAEGAN REES: I infer B means bolemia.
MS. HAJJAR: Can you continue reading on?
MAEGAN REES: I am under threat now. Fear is a tool.
MS. HAJJAR: You're making light of the fact. You don't care.
MAEGAN REES: Excuse me?
MS. HAJJAR: That's rude.
MAEGAN REES: I'm sorry.
MS. HAJJAR: How will you make up for it? Maybe you should fast until you reach the weight.
MAEGAN REES: Are you asking I fast?
MS. HAJJAR: Why do you always go out of cause? What do you weigh?
MAEGAN REES: I don't want to fast. I don't think that's the best way to lose the weight. You're the one that mentioned it, so I'm asking if that is what you want.
MS. HAJJAR: That doesn't follow. It is out of cause to take a suggestion and try to avoid deciding for yourself by posing it as a question. I deserve more consideration than that.
MAEGAN REES: I don't want it for myself.
MS. HAJJAR: Turning to the next slide, which is the next page, page 110. I am going to start from the top. October 19, 2014 at 12:47 a.m. Penance for indulgence. Penance for love. Penance for indulgence helps to build the character to stop indulgence, penance for love helps you understand the value of love so you can have it. It's also a penance for your word, so you know your word is serious, you collateralized it with something undesirable, yet effective. Oh, yeah, losing the weight is important too, meaning the other three reasons are even more important. But you do not need to fast to do these things. How much do you weight?
MAEGAN REES: I don't know.
MS. HAJJAR: That is really bad considering. Weigh yourself now?
MAEGAN REES: 130.
MS. HAJJAR: So how long will it take to lose the 30 pounds?
MAEGAN REES: Two months.
MS. HAJJAR: Should be much quicker, needs to be much quicker.
And then going down to 1:04 a.m., Keith Raniere that's out of cause too, but this is about you, me and us. You can't get to the me part unless you do the you part. Then once you've gotten done with the me part, you can begin on the us part. You need the weight done in one month. You need to be less than 120 by next Sunday. Ideally much less. Less than 115 would be best.
MAEGAN REES: Okay.
MS. HAJJAR: If you were 115 and you lost five pounce a week, you can make the month. It does appear you need to be 115.
Do you understand that you can't help me without correcting/fixing you?
MAEGAN REES: Yes.
MS. HAJJAR: Do you understand the importance of life of having a conscious?
MAEGAN REES: Yes.
MS. HAJJAR: Do you understand conscious is having the capacity for great pain for bad decisions?
MAEGAN REES: Yes.
MS. HAJJAR: Do you understand in order to have that you must consider others in your decisions?
MAEGAN REES: Yes.
MS. HAJJAR: Like tonight, you did not consider how much your B would hurt me?
MAEGAN REES: No.
MS. HAJJAR: That's no conscious. Do you want to have no conscious?
MAEGAN REES: Question mark.
MS. HAJJAR: You had no conscious tonight when you made the decision to B.
And turning to the next slide. That's page 111 of Government Exhibit 301-R. Can you read from Camilla's portion at the top?
MAEGAN REES: October 19, 2014, 1:22 a.m. There are so many inconsistencies in what you just said. I don't know what to do.
MS. HAJJAR: Question mark. Point out one?
MAEGAN REES: I told you this one before. I would ask and ask for help with the bolemia and your answers have always lose the weight first then I'll help you. It almost felt like you promised it. Certainly not, but you had a problem with it.
MS. HAJJAR: Although it's not highly relevant, it was lose the weight now and I will help you. Focus on the weight.
MAEGAN REES: So now you're saying that you had a problem with the bolemia when that was certainly not your priority.
MS. HAJJAR: There is nothing inconsistent even about what you said. The issue is evolving beyond your body. I just got your text and you were being prideful again instead of me doing this and you should show me how that is not a contradiction now. It is not. It should be easy. Also show me how you should have known your B. Hurt me. How your B hurt me.
Can you read continuing at 1:43 a.m.?
MAEGAN REES: I disagree. You're demanding that I say I don't doesn't make it so.
MS. HAJJAR: You disagree with what?
MAEGAN REES: Your accounts of the facts. This is a very sensitive subject for me. You may have thought you were an ally, but I actually felt very alone and misunderstood which I did tell you about. I agree that the issue has always been overcoming my body, but the emphasis you're putting now on my bolemia seems to be inconsistent what I experienced in the past. For years I asked you for help. So now for you to demand that I overcome it, expect me to do it with ease is hard. I don't have an ally.
MS. HAJJAR: It would be best for you to assume I'm consistent and find out why you're protecting or prideful. I'm known for my consistency, even by my enemies in the legal case. It is unlikely suddenly I would be inconsistent. I'm on the verge of cutting off communication. I need to see and prove to me you do. I've always been your ally and a great alley. Your last text is just untrue.
And then turning to page 113 of Government Exhibit 301-R. Can you read Camilla's portion starting at the top?
MAEGAN REES: 9:14 p.m., October 19, 2014. Not true. I will diet and exercise.
MS. HAJJAR: It is true up to this point. You need to really care about it to hit 115 by next Sunday. How have you done today? I'm sorry to mention this, but it's very important in several ways, even as a penance where you show yourself you care by not indulging. For us, for me, for you, please don't B tonight. After last night, I didn't think I would have to ask.
MAEGAN REES: Oh, I have not done that. I thought this was exactly about the weight. Please don't ask me that.
MS. HAJJAR: How much do you weigh now?
MAEGAN REES: I don't know. I will weigh myself in the morning.
MS. HAJJAR: How did you know 130 last night?
MAEGAN REES: By stepping on the scale.
MS. HAJJAR: Why not now? Keep in mind the pain for me around B. You stopped for several days for a misogynist who played you.
MAEGAN REES: My bolemia is not about you. If this is your idea of helping me overcome it, to force it out of me, it is probably the worst approach. Please don't.
MS. HAJJAR: Okay. I am going to turn to page 122 of Government Exhibit 301-R. Can you read the top starting with Camilla?
MAEGAN REES: 12:05 p.m., October 23, 2014. I don't think we are a naturally perfect match, but I love you more than anything.
MS. HAJJAR: What things are not naturally perfect for you?
MAEGAN REES: We don't share the same sense humor, touching style. We do share core values and love, but there are things that feel effortful.
MS. HAJJAR: I don't necessarily agree, but there is an important point. Many years ago I could have argued the same. You are not the perfect natural fit. You do not have much formal education. You were not a world-class athlete. You were not a musician, blah, blah, blah. I made you my standard of pointed work and attribution. If there was something that wasn't perfect for me, I'd change my definition of perfect for real.
MAEGAN REES: I understand.
MS. HAJJAR: I made you my standard of beauty. What I thought was beautiful before in some case doesn't even rate. It is now compared to you. By definition, nothing can be as beautiful or good. There could never be an R. For me no matter what her qualifications.
MAEGAN REES: Kristanna got close and that was natural. No?
MS. HAJJAR: All is compared to you as the standard of perfection, Kristanna did not come close. I just started to enjoy that she wanted to learn and apply changes. Had it continued and had she changed to my liking, she would have become much shorter, dark-haired Mexican. Oh, yeah, she would have had to become you?
MAEGAN REES: Hahaha.
MS. HAJJAR: No. She has natural fits with me but all that is important as compared to you. She doesn't get why I talk about you like that. I used to find some light-haired women attractive. I moved my standards so much it was hard to stomach them. Even brown hair is washed out for my taste now. Ten years ago that was not the case.
All right turning to page 168 of Government Exhibit 301-R. Can you begin reading November 8, 2014, 8:20 a.m.
MAEGAN REES: Here. My commitment to listen to you to do the right thing. I find my body is not always aligned with my commitment or my head, but I want to uphold my commitment either way.
MS. HAJJAR: How much do you trust me?
MAEGAN REES: I don't want to keep choosing fear, I don't want to be Lucifer.
MS. HAJJAR: Good. Eventually our bodies are inconsequential with respect to our commitment.
MAEGAN REES: Not sure how to quantify that as needed.
MS. HAJJAR: And G-O trust has to be tested.
MAEGAN REES: I think that is connected to the commitment. I understand. I am ready and I am never ready at the same time.
MS. HAJJAR: Agent Rees G-O, the reference to G-O here, is that explained in other messages?
MAEGAN REES: It stands for ground zero.
MS. HAJJAR: G0?
MAEGAN REES: I think the commitment brings G0. Someone just asked another question for you.
MS. HAJJAR: What's the question?
MAEGAN REES: Who do you go to to challenge you? Since you are the highest rank and you are so revered by the community, who challenges you?
MS. HAJJAR: That question may come from pride or not, also an underlying socialism or not. I would have to see the person and how they asked. Of course for me, all people challenge me, as do all things.
Switch to the next slide, which is -- slide on page 178 of Government Exhibit 301-R.
That is a summation of our 8.5 years together. Hard for me to bear. I don't know what actions can be done to reverse the verdict and change the record. I don't know how to get back that part of me that died today.
MAEGAN REES: Please drop the views of think. I only mentioned it briefly. I feel like you're going to a place where it shouldn't be because it's not true.
MS. HAJJAR: What is not true?
MAEGAN REES: What you are making yourself to be. Please let it go for now. I love you.
MS. HAJJAR: Maybe you're just underestimating the significance of a rapid association. The thought of me should never come up in an abuse question and R definitely should. How am I incorrect?
Now, Agent Rees, in the messages you've reviewed, is there references to where Camilla is living at the time that these messages are being sent?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: Okay. I'm going to turn to slide 51. Does this have a few excerpts of messages that reference Camilla's residence?
MAEGAN REES: Yes, it does.
MS. HAJJAR: Can you read from the top starting on September 12, 2014 at 3:01 p.m.?
MAEGAN REES: Willa saw me ride out of Victory.
MS. HAJJAR: Did she see from where?
MAEGAN REES: She did not see me come out of the house. She was between Victory and Hale headed our way.
November 27, 2014, 2:22 a.m. I will go peacefully. I will need a few days to deep clean the apartment.
August 29, 2015, 5:34 p.m. I have worrying news. Anna is moving into Victory, might be a problem. 2/13 or something like that. I believe it is within sight of our place.
MS. HAJJAR: And when Camilla says within sight of our place, are there references to our place, our apartment in the messages that you reviewed?
MAEGAN REES: Yes, there are.
MS. HAJJAR: And turning to page 39 of Exhibit 1781, can you read the highlighted portion, please?
MAEGAN REES: October 10, 2015, 9:32 a.m. 120 Victory Way.
MS. HAJJAR: Now, is this an excerpt from another text file attaching WhatsApp messages?
MAEGAN REES: That's correct.
MS. HAJJAR: Who is that between?
MAEGAN REES: Camilla and Daniela Padilla.
MS. HAJJAR: And have you reviewed this attachment as well?
MAEGAN REES: I have.
MS. HAJJAR: Is it in Spanish?
MAEGAN REES: It is.
MS. HAJJAR: Turning to page 220 of Government Exhibit 301-R. This was bad because you are not at G0, ground zero. You have affirmed him you have made that Friday okay. You have disgraced me. He needed to feel like a rapist and that no part of you liked him or thought him okay. How can you reverse this now, he needs to believe he disgusts you?
MAEGAN REES: I have disgraced you?
MS. HAJJAR: Yes. In the worse deepest sense. Only if he believes he disgusts you and nothing was goo can it not. I'm crushed. I think this has to be the last conversation. You had to be perfect. I told you so. I don't know what to do at all. Each moment is more damaged. Every time he sees you now, more damage. I feel all is lost and you're silent.
MAEGAN REES: I'm crying.
MS. HAJJAR: I'm going to cut off then. We will need to finish a few things and you need to move out.
That's all you can do?
I guess that's it then. Goodbye.
MAEGAN REES: No.
MS. HAJJAR: Then do something?
MAEGAN REES: I don't know what to do.
MS. HAJJAR: Nullify what he might think. Tell me what you did each of the few times right now.