Keith Raniere, the founder of Nxivm, a self-help organization, was sentenced to 120 years in prison in October 2020. He was convicted of multiple charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and conspiracy. However, Raniere is not giving up on his legal battle just yet. He is now requesting a new judge to decide on the evidence planting claim against him.
The Alleged Evidence Planting
Raniere’s lawyers are claiming that the prosecution planted evidence to secure his conviction. The evidence in question is a collection of child pornography found on Raniere’s computer. According to his legal team, the prosecution did not have a warrant to search his computer, and the evidence was planted to strengthen their case against him.
The prosecution denies these allegations, stating that they had a valid warrant to search Raniere’s computer. They also argue that the evidence was crucial in proving Raniere’s guilt in the sex trafficking charges.
The Request for a New Judge
Raniere’s lawyers have filed a motion requesting a new judge to decide on the evidence planting claim. They argue that the judge who presided over Raniere’s trial, Judge Nicholas Garaufis, is biased and has made multiple errors during the trial. They claim that Judge Garaufis did not allow them to fully present their case and that he was influenced by the media attention surrounding the trial.
The defense team is requesting a new judge to review the evidence planting claim and to determine whether the evidence was obtained legally. They argue that a new judge would be able to review the case with fresh eyes and would not be influenced by any previous biases.
The Latest Updates
The request for a new judge is still pending, and it is unclear when it will be ruled on. However, Raniere’s legal team is continuing their fight to overturn his conviction. They have also filed an appeal, claiming that the evidence used against Raniere was insufficient to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Meanwhile, the victims of Nxivm are still coming forward, sharing their stories and seeking justice. The organization has been described as a cult, and its members were subjected to emotional and physical abuse. Many of them are still dealing with the trauma caused by their involvement with Nxivm and Raniere.
Conclusion
The Nxivm case is far from over, and Raniere’s request for a new judge is just the latest development in this ongoing legal battle. The evidence planting claim is a serious allegation, and it will be up to the courts to determine whether it has any merit. In the meantime, the victims of Nxivm continue to speak out, and the world is watching as this controversial case unfolds.