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Nxivm mastermind Keith Raniere won't be sentenced this year

https://ift.tt/2Q8lbmV Alleged Nxivm cult leader Keith Raniere’s sentencing for rackeeting, sex trafficking and other charges, which had previously been set for later this month, will not be held until at least next year, a federal judge said on Friday. The sentencing will be held off until after the New Year because Raniere’s pre-sentencing report won’t be finished until the end of November, Brooklyn federal Judge Nicholas Garaufis said at a hearing to discuss potential conflicts of interest regarding one of his defense attorneys. Raniere appeared for the hearing wearing a tan jail outfit and sporting close-cropped hair and glasses and gave brief answers to a few of Garaufis’ questions. “Not currently,” the alleged cult leader answered when asked if he had anything to discuss with attorney Avi Moskowitz. As he left the courtroom, Raniere smiled toward the gallery and pushed his glasses up with his finger. Raniere faces up to life in prison. The hearing was called to discuss possible conflicts of interest that could arise from the fact that Teny Geragos, one of Raniere’s defense attorneys, wants to switch sides — she has applied for a job with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, which secured the conviction against Raniere. “This is a very unusual circumstance,” Garaufis said during the hearing. Another hearing will be held on the issue next month. Following the hearing, Geragos did not respond when The Post asked why she wants to go to work for the feds.

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