Nicole Daedone, the founder of the San Francisco-based sex wellness organization OneTaste, has been sentenced to nine years in prison. The sentence stems from her conviction in a scheme involving forced labor.

Conviction and Trial Details

Daedone and OneTaste executive Rachel Cherwitz were found guilty last June following a five-week trial held in Brooklyn Federal Court. Jurors reviewed evidence demonstrating how the pair groomed susceptible women over more than ten years.

Federal prosecutors detailed how the business model relied heavily on abuse and forced labor. Witnesses testified that they were initially attracted by promises that OneTaste's techniques could resolve past addiction issues or sexual trauma.

Exploitation and Coercion

Instead of receiving healing, victims were allegedly coerced into opening lines of credit to cover costly courses. They were also forced into working extensive hours, often seven days a week, for minimal or no compensation.

This labor included performing manual tasks as well as providing sexual services. One affiliate website described a practice where “one person strokes the clitoris of the other person for 15 minutes with no goal except to feel.”

Furthermore, three witnesses testified about being compelled to act as “handlers” for Daedone’s boyfriend, who was also an initial, wealthy founder of OneTaste. These duties reportedly involved performing sexual acts, using sex toys, and, in one instance, walking him on a leash.

Judicial Remarks and Defense Arguments

During sentencing on Monday, Judge Gujarati addressed Daedone’s lack of remorse. The judge stated that she reviewed all correspondence, including a video submission from Daedone’s team, before making a decision.

The judge asserted, “Ms. Daedone exploited certain women in a calculated way and made money off of that exploitation. Ms. Daedone is not the victim here.” The court emphasized that the activities were criminal, stating, “What she was doing was not about enlightenment or operating on a different dimension. It wasn’t a game or a show. It wasn’t ‘Harry Potter’ or ‘The Matrix.’ It was criminal.”

Defense lawyer Jennifer Bonjean argued against the prosecution's portrayal. Bonjean stated, “We disagree that she targeted vulnerable people,” adding, “The government wants to paint OneTaste, paint Ms. Daedone’s work, in one broad stroke. I just don’t think that’s fair.”

Victim Impact and Daedone's Response

One victim provided a statement to the judge, recounting her trust in Daedone’s “so-called feminist mission.” The victim concluded, “In reality, I fell into Nicole’s trap... I was left with significant financial damages and emotional harm.”

Daedone, who has been detained at MDC Brooklyn since her conviction, has reportedly engaged in a public relations effort, including writing a book titled “Jailbirds in Flight” while incarcerated.

When asked if she wished to offer a statement before the sentencing, Daedone declined, saying, “No, thank you.”