NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge sentenced the co-founder of a California wellness company focused on female sexuality to nine years behind bars Monday following her conviction on forced labor charges, according to federal prosecutors.
Nicole Daedone, who helped establish OneTaste Inc., must also give up $12 million — the sum she received when selling the company, said John Marzulli, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn’s Eastern District.
Federal prosecutors had pushed for a two-decade sentence for Daedone, stating in court documents that her operation created “scores of victims financially, emotionally and psychologically scarred.”
“Daedone and her co-conspirators exercised control through economic pressure, psychological manipulation, physical exhaustion and emotional degradation, leaving behind a trail of financial ruin and lasting trauma,” prosecutors wrote.
Defense attorneys called a lengthy prison term “bonkers” while requesting approximately two years for their client.
The legal team emphasized that the New York resident had a clean criminal history and received more than 200 character reference letters from supporters who praised “her character, her generosity, and her positive influence.”
“She has lived an uncommon and impactful life, and she is deeply respected by people from all walks of life, including many entirely unconnected to OneTaste,” her defense team stated in sentencing documents. “She is a prolific writer, teacher, and spiritual practitioner whose work has long focused on reducing suffering and fostering meaningful human connection.”
CNN correspondent and former Obama administration advisor Van Jones wrote a support letter for Daedone.
The criminal justice reform advocate called Daedone “a woman of uncommon wisdom, grace and moral courage” who has “dedicated her life to helping others find healing, empowerment and a deeper sense of human connection.”
“The West Wing” actor Richard Schiff also submitted a letter arguing Daedone deserved mercy because she has “spent her life trying to bring compassion, awareness, and honesty to a part of human experience that is often shamed or misunderstood.”
Daedone’s legal team did not respond to requests for comment following the sentencing. Rachel Cherwitz, who served as the company’s former sales director, was scheduled for sentencing later Monday.
Throughout the month-long trial, prosecutors argued the two women operated a multi-year scheme targeting followers — many who had experienced sexual trauma — to carry out their demands.
According to prosecutors, Daedone and Cherwitz from California employed financial, sexual and psychological abuse along with intimidation and brainwashing to compel OneTaste members into unwanted sexual activities, including intimate encounters with potential investors or customers.
The pair convinced followers these troubling activities were essential for achieving “freedom” and “enlightenment,” while proving their dedication to the organization’s beliefs.
One defense lawyer described her client as a “ceiling-shattering feminist entrepreneur” who built an innovative business focused on women’s sexuality and empowerment.
Daedone launched OneTaste in San Francisco during 2004 as a self-help community that considered female climax essential for sexual and mental health plus human relationships.
The organization’s main practice involved “orgasmic meditation,” abbreviated as “OM,” where men would manually stimulate women in group environments.
The business received positive press coverage throughout the 2010s as an innovative venture emphasizing women’s sexual satisfaction, rapidly expanding locations from Los Angeles to London.
Daedone divested her company ownership in 2017 for $12 million — one year before OneTaste faced investigation over its marketing methods and workplace practices.
Current ownership has rebranded the organization as the Institute of OM Foundation. They continue asserting their work has been misrepresented and the criminal charges against former leadership were unwarranted.
