Nicole Daedone, the co-founder of the sex-focused wellness organization OneTaste Inc., was sentenced on Monday to nine years in federal prison. The sentence stems from a conspiracy conviction involving the exploitation and coercion of vulnerable women.

Exploitation Under the Guise of Wellness

U.S. District Court Judge Diane Gujarati imposed the sentence in Brooklyn federal court. The judge stated that Daedone’s actions were criminal, not related to enlightenment, noting a lack of remorse from the defendant. Daedone was also ordered to forfeit $12 million, and seven identified victims were awarded approximately $890,000 in restitution.

Joseph Nocella, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, issued a statement emphasizing that coercion disguised as empowerment remains exploitation and a crime causing harm. One victim testified that she fell into Daedone’s “trap,” believing in the “so-called feminist mission,” but was left with significant emotional and financial damage.

The Prosecution's Case

Federal prosecutors had initially sought a 20-year term for Daedone. They argued that her scheme left numerous victims psychologically, emotionally, and financially scarred. The prosecution detailed how Daedone and her co-conspirators used:

  • Economic pressure
  • Psychological manipulation
  • Physical exhaustion
  • Emotional degradation

The years-long scheme allegedly involved grooming adherents, many of whom had histories of sexual trauma. Prosecutors stated that Daedone and co-conspirator Rachel Cherwitz used indoctrination and abuse to compel members into sexual acts, including with clients and investors.

Defense Arguments and Support Letters

Daedone’s legal team argued for a sentence of around two years, calling lengthy imprisonment “bonkers.” They highlighted that the 58-year-old New York resident had no prior criminal record. Over 200 letters were submitted to the court attesting to her positive influence and generosity.

Notable figures wrote letters supporting leniency, including CNN correspondent Van Jones and actor Richard Schiff of The West Wing. Jones described Daedone as possessing “uncommon wisdom, grace and moral courage.” Schiff noted her dedication to bringing compassion to often-shamed aspects of human experience.

Sentencing of Co-Conspirator and Company History

Rachel Cherwitz, OneTaste’s former sales director, was also sentenced on Monday to six and a half years for her involvement in the forced labor conspiracy. Daedone’s lawyers stated they plan to appeal her conviction. Since her conviction last June, Daedone has reportedly been teaching meditation to inmates at the Brooklyn federal detention center.

Prominent attorney Alan Dershowitz has indicated plans to seek pardons for both Daedone and Cherwitz from President Donald Trump.

Background on OneTaste Inc.

Daedone co-founded OneTaste in San Francisco in 2004. The organization was structured as a self-help commune emphasizing female orgasms as central to wellness and connection. A core practice was “orgasmic meditation” (OM), often performed manually in group settings.

In the 2010s, the company received positive media attention as an enterprise focused on women’s sexual pleasure, expanding to locations like Los Angeles and London. Daedone sold her stake in the company for $12 million in 2017, one year before scrutiny began regarding the company's labor and marketing methods. Current owners of OneTaste maintain that the executives' actions were misconstrued.