'Smallville' Actress Allison Mack Pleads Guilty to Charges in NXIVM Sex Cult Case

Former "Smallville" actress Allison Mack pleaded guilty Monday to federal racketeering charges connected to her lengthy membership in NXIVM, a cult-like group in upstate New York whose leader is accused of turning women into sex slaves.

The 36-year-old actress, who played Chloe Sullivan on the CW series, signed a plea agreement in Brooklyn federal court acknowledging she committed racketeering crimes. A sentencing hearing was scheduled for Sept. 11. She could face up to 15 years in prison.

Her plea occurred the same day as jury selection started for the trial of Keith Raniere, the alleged leader of the group. 

Mack had previously pleaded not guilty to charges including sex trafficking, forced labor and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. She is one of six defendants in a federal racketeering indictment filed last year against the group.

Prosecutors claimed Mack helped recruit women by telling them they were joining a mentor program for women.  As part of her role, authorities said, Mack helped Raniere in sex trafficking.

Others charged in the case include Clare Bronfman, an heiress to the Seagram fortune. 

The women were presented to Raniere for sex and some had his initials branded on their bodies, prosecutors said.

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