Day 29 - October 27, 2020

Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis calculated a Sentencing Guidelines range of life imprisonment, based on total offense level 49 and Criminal History Category 1. He upheld the leadership and pattern-of-prohibited-sexual-conduct enhancements, among other disputed provisions, but sustained objections to the custody and serious-bodily-injury enhancements. He excluded alleged trafficking involving Sylvie and additional DOS Victim 1 because the government had not established it by a preponderance of the evidence. The defense preserved its objections. Fifteen victim statements were presented in person, through recordings or through a prosecutor. Camila described sexual contact beginning when she was 15 and Raniere was 45, photographs taken while she was a minor, isolation and lasting harm. Other speakers described branding, collateral-backed sexual coercion, financial losses, litigation and alleged retaliation. Adrian expressed regret for supporting his sister's confinement, while Adriana and Daniela described harm to their family. Several speakers requested life imprisonment. Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo requested 20 years, citing Raniere's age, support letters and work counsel described as beneficial. Garaufis challenged the defense's account of intent and emphasized Raniere's conduct. Prosecutor Tanya Hajjar requested life imprisonment, citing victim harm, public protection and just punishment. In his allocution, Raniere apologized for pain and asked forgiveness while maintaining his innocence and disputing some speakers' accounts. Garaufis imposed a cumulative 120-year prison sentence, citing prolonged exploitation, victim harm, lack of remorse, deterrence and obstruction of justice. He also imposed concurrent supervised-release terms including life, a $1,750,000 fine and additional assessments. Restitution claims were to be submitted within 90 days.