(CNN) A trusted inner circle member of the upstate New York group known as Nxivm testified in Brooklyn federal court Friday against the group's leader, saying she was his slave, and she outlined for jurors the alleged depth of his control over her. Lauren Salzman, who pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of racketeering and racketeering conspiracy in March, told jurors that for many years Keith Raniere, 58, was the most important person in her life. Salzmann has admitted being a member of a secret society within Nxivm known as DOS, in which dozens of women were considered "masters" or "slaves." Raniere has been charged with racketeering, sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of children and human trafficking, among other offenses. He has been held in federal custody in Brooklyn since his arrest in Mexico in March 2018.

Source: CNN May 18, 2019 01:52 UTC