Nicole Daedone, the founder of the wellness company OneTaste, was sentenced Monday to nine years in federal prison after being convicted of coercing employees into sex acts under the guise of personal and professional development.

The sentence, handed down in Brooklyn by U.S. District Judge Diane Gujarati, follows a jury verdict finding Daedone guilty of forced labor conspiracy. Prosecutors argued that she and her former head of sales, Rachel Cherwitz, manipulated vulnerable employees and members into performing sexual acts for clients and investors as part of the company’s operations.

Cherwitz was also sentenced Monday to 6.5 years in prison.

In delivering the sentence, Judge Gujarati described the conduct as “egregious” and “insidious,” stating that Daedone had stripped victims of their dignity and showed little evidence of remorse.

The case marks a dramatic turn for OneTaste, a San Francisco-based company that once attracted mainstream attention for promoting “orgasmic meditation,” a practice it framed as a form of mindfulness and connection. The company had previously received publicity through platforms like Goop, helping it gain visibility in wellness and lifestyle circles.

At trial, nine former employees testified that the organization operated with elements of coercion and control. Prosecutors said participants were encouraged — and in some cases pressured — to engage in sexual acts as part of courses, business development, or efforts to attract paying clients.

One former employee, identified in court as Michal, told the judge that her time with the company left her financially unstable and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. She described being drawn in while in a vulnerable state and later realizing she had been manipulated.

Federal prosecutors had sought a 20-year sentence, arguing that Daedone deliberately targeted individuals with prior trauma and exploited them under the promise of healing and empowerment. In court filings, they described the company’s practices as coercive and exploitative, including allegations that participants were directed to reenact traumatic experiences as part of training exercises.

Daedone’s defense argued that the case did not involve physical violence or sex trafficking charges, emphasizing that she was convicted of forced labor conspiracy. Her attorney also pointed to ongoing support from some former members, including letters submitted to the court describing Daedone as a positive influence.

Daedone declined to address the court before sentencing.

In addition to her prison term, she was ordered to forfeit $12 million and pay nearly $900,000 in restitution to former employees.

Supporters of the organization, now operating under the name the Institute of OM, were present in the courtroom. Some criticized the outcome, arguing that it criminalized forms of persuasion and personal development practices.

Prosecutors, however, framed the case differently: as a system in which authority and influence were used to pressure individuals into acts they would not otherwise have chosen.

With sentencing complete, Daedone is expected to appeal the conviction.