FREE September 12th, 2018 - September 18th, 2018 NiagaraReporter.com Vol. 19, No. 18 FREE Niagara Reporter Recognized by Proclamation at North Tonawnada Council Meeting By: Nicholas D. D'Angelo Upon taking over as Man- aging Editor of this newspa- per in January, 2018, it was clear there was much work to do in terms of building the pa- per into something bigger (and better). In the months that fol- lowed, we made some meaning- ful and much-needed changes. We changed the name. Alderman Berube, Clerk/Treasurer Quinn, Mayor Pappas, Managing Editor Nicholas D. We changed the layout. We D'Angelo, Council President Zadzilka, AldermanPecoraro & Alderman Braun. changed our writers. We began es, albeit an exciting one for us, ly basis, in addition to the City printing on a weekly basis. All was the decision to begin cover- of Niagara Falls, back in March. in all, we changed our focus. ing North Tonawanda on a week- (Cont. on pg. 8) 2QHRIWKHOHVVÁDVK\FKDQJ- Saving the Day: PAGES 4 & 5 Pecoraro: Two Coalitions PAGES 4 & 5 Robert Restaino's in North Tonawanda YOU Donation to 'Baby Need to Know About Shawn' Puts Walk By: Bob Pecoraro for Pediatric North Tonawanda Alderman-at-Large Cancer Across the Becoming an elected rep- Council informed on daily $20,000 Mark resentative came from my de- happenings in the city. I am sire to serve my fellow North most fond of the coalition By: Nicholas D. D'Angelo Tonawanda residents. This is work I have accomplished The Third Annual Pe- a continuation of my 30 years with two organizations in diatric Cancer Awareness of active duty in the United particular: The Community Walk led by ‘Baby Shawn’ States Air Force. As a North Health Alliance of North Kennedy was held on Satur- Tonawanda Councilman, I’m Tonawanda (CHANT) and day September 1st, 2018, at proud to serve the residents of the North Tonawanda Hub the Niagara Falls State Park. North Tonawanda to the best for Services. More than a hundred RIP\DELOLWLHV7KHÁH[LELO- The mission of CHANT people attended the event ity of retirement allows me is “to reduce substance use and, as of the following to attend meetings during the among youth by empower- morning, organizers found day, and I then keep the other ing our community as we members of the Common (Cont. on pg. 9) (Cont. on pg. 2) 2 NIAGARA REPORTER SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 - SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

Restaino Cont. from Cover The Veteran House Renovation Saga Continues NF City Councilman Kenny Tompkins On Friday, September 7th, three trucks and an excavator arrived at the house. Jeff Bryk, Kyle Staub and Jessie Griggs, from H.W. Bryk and Sons, began work digging a 4' deep foundation wall. They were joined by members of IBEW 237 Electrical Union led by Mark Grozio, along with Salim Kinan, to set conduit for the electri- to offer his assistance and keep me cal services. from making a fool out of myself As the day progressed, we were trying to hump concrete around. Thank you to A to Z Rentals for use of a concrete buggy and to the driver, Ken, from LaFarge. Both GHÀQLWHO\KHOSHGDWRQ Felicetti Concrete supplied a pallet of cinder block and mortar so that Fontanarosa can lay block for Robert Restaino (left) and 'Baby Shawn' Kennedy (right) the walls. So far, everything is rolling along fairly smoothly with only a themselves Five Hundred Dollars video that Shawn likes to shoot few glitches. The dedication of all short of their $20,000 goal. hoops. Although I am far too old to involved get us past those quickly. joined by Peter Fontanarosa, of Upon hearing how close the move around like he does anymore, Some things that are still need- Fontanarosa Construction, to layout ed: event came to meeting their goal, I’d love to see if he can make a the pitch and level the top of the Insulation and an installer local Niagara Falls Attorney and three point shot.” foundation wall. Kudos to Mark Closet door Grozio for jumping into the ditch School Board President Robert “I think we can make that hap- Closet shelving and racks and working the laser level. Interior trim Restaino called and offered to pro- pen,” said Esposito. On Saturday, with a truckload of concrete donated by LaFarge vide the difference. Within two days Restaino met Concrete, a crew of laborers from Clearly ecstatic for reaching ‘Baby Shawn,’ shook his hand and Local 91(consisting of Dick Pala- their goal, Mike Esposito asked told his mother, Nicole Vathy, what dino, Bill Grace, Joe Ventresca and Bruce Stenzel) set out pouring the what they possibly could do to a special boy he is. “I wish we could foundation and putting in the rebar, thank him. Restiano, without think- all have the strength and energy that which was supplied by Preferred ing, said, “I saw in your Shawn has,” said Restaino. Materials. Again, Mark Grozio was there 3 NIAGARA REPORTER SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 - SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 Who or What Killed Laura Burkett? case but Laura's friends hope they are able Tony Farina WRÀQDOO\SXWWRJHWKHU/DXUD VODVWKRXUV on earth and determine how she wound up The life of the once-pretty young dead in an alley before her 30th birthday. woman and mother came to a grisly end Laura's story is not an isolated one. as she wound up on a slab at the county There are many stories like hers, many PRUJXHDPLGXQFHUWDLQW\DERXWZKDWÀQDOO\ mysterious drug-related deaths in the killed her as friends lamented her passing streets that never get solved, with some of in the dark of night. them possibly more than an overdose case. Was she the victim of a drug overdose, The culture is all around and very danger- of a beating, or a combination of both? Did ous. Just how dangerous? Well, we can't the downhill spiral of her life and her drug ask Laura Burkett anymore because she's dependence doom her, as it has so many gone forever. Maybe her death will be an others, to a tragic end? eye-opener for others heading in the wrong It all did come to an end for 29-year- direction. old Laura Burkett in an alley between the One can only hope. 2200 blocks of Grand and Independence Avenues in Niagara Falls where her body was found Sunday night, Sept. 2. Cataract City police are keeping a tight lid on the investigation as they attempt WRSXWWRJHWKHUWKHÀQDOPRPHQWVRIWKH woman's life and determine how she died. Make no mistake. While authorities are still awaiting the medical examiner's report as well toxicology results, police are inves- tigating her death as a possible homicide. The toll of heroin addiction continues to grow as painkiller users turn to heroin, described by the experts as one of the most powerful and destructive substance abuse conditions in the U. S. today. form or another across the alleys and low- an alley," said her friends during a recent +HURLQFDQEHRQHRIWKHPRVWGLIÀFXOW end saloons in Niagara Falls and in other interview. "We could see it coming, from drug addictions to break free from, and to cities across the land. The short-term side the guys she was hanging with, from the those who knew Laura Burkett, she was effects from heroin abuse include cloud- people around her. It was all about getting deeply addicted to heroin and would do ed thinking, nausea, severe itching, and enough money to buy heroin, that was it. anything to get the money she needed to impaired breathing. We can only hope that police can put the get the "rush" it provided, even if only for a The long term effects can include liver puzzle together and solve the mystery of few minutes. and kidney disease, collapsed veins and how she died." "You could see the needle marks on pneumonia. So far, police are staying mum on the KHUDUPVDQGÀQJHUVVDLGRQH\RXQJ /DXUD%XUNHWWLGHQWLÀHGLQWKHDOOH\ woman who knew her intimately before the where she was found by a tattoo on her heroin took hold. "She was a big-time user wrist, will never know the long term ef- and was forced by her male companions to IHFWV7KHPRWKHURIÀYH\HDUROG%HQWOH\ prostitute herself to keep the money com- who was adopted out recently, didn't live ing, for them and for her habit." long enough. It is a tragic tale that plays out in one "She didn't need to die like that, in 4 NIAGARA REPORTER SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 - SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 LIKE "THE ACTION NIAGARA FALLS" ON FACEBOOK!! Investigation into Death of WEEKLY HEADLINES 29-year-old Turns to Homicide -For the second time in as many nights, Niagara Falls Police responded to 18th and Ash- land Avenue for a report of a stolen vehicle. According to police, the driver left the keys inside the vehicle while going into a store. -Updating a story from late Sunday, September 2nd, the deceased woman has been identi- ÀHGDV/DXUD%XUNHWWRI1LDJDUD)DOOV$FFRUGLQJWR6HOLQD6WRUPVZKRZDVDFORVH family friend of Laura, “she was struggling very much in life but always had a smile on her face.” -In the early morning hours on Monday September 3rd, Niagara Falls Police responded to UHSRUWVRIDRQHYHKLFOHDFFLGHQWRQWKHFRUQHURIWKDQG:KLWQH\$YHLQYROYLQJDÀUH hydrant where the driver ran from the scene. -Niagara Falls Police responded to an armed robbery in the early morning hours of Tues- day, September 4th, of a cab driver. The robbery occurred around 13th and Linwood and the victim reportedly had over $200 taken. -In the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 4th, Niagara Falls Police & Fire were called to the 1300 block of Portage for a female driver passed out in a vehicle in the middle of the road. While being watched, she woke up, drove off & hit a pole near Main & Willow. -Niagara Falls Police and Medical responded to the LaSalle area Thursday afternoon for a Photos courtesy of NC News Service person who overdosed on over-the-counter cough drops. 1LDJDUD)DOOV3ROLFHUHVSRQGHGWRUHSRUWVRIDKXJHÀJKWLQWKHEORFNRI2QWDULR Police are now investigating the A tattoo on her wrist helped detectives Ave. involving Thaddeus Pryor, 18, who, after being accused of shooting a gun at another circumstances surrounding the death of learn her identity, individual Wednesday, was arrested again last night after several females were assaulted. 29-year-old Laura Burkett of Cheektow- 3ROLFHKDYHFRQÀUPHGKHULGHQWLW\DV -Niagara Falls Police responded to Walmart Friday afternoon after security footage aga who was found lying in an alley as a 29-year-old Laura Burkett of Cheektowa- showed a family of four, including two adults and two children, shoplifting. “A family homicide. ga. who steals together stays together, apparently,” said one employee. Police say the body was seen lying in Burkett's death is being investigated as -Niagara Falls Police received a call for a suspicious person late Saturday night. A caller some high grass between Grand and Inde- a homicide. UHSRUWHGVHHLQJDWDOOSHUVRQGUHVVHGXSDVDFORZQFDUU\LQJDEDOORRQLQDÀHOGQHDUWK pendence Avenue. A press release issued Tuesday af- and Buffalo Avenue. The body had not been there for very ternoon said, "we have collected relevant -Early Sunday morning, around 8, Niagara Falls Police arrested a 30 year old man on long when police arrived at the scene video, interviewed several witnesses and attempted robbery charges after he attempted to rob both the 7-Eleven on 29th & Pine and around 11 p.m., they say. Emergency persons with knowledge and are in the the Tim Hortons on Hyde Park & Pine. responders tried to revive the woman, but process of piecing together Ms. Burkett's could not. last moments." 5 NIAGARA REPORTER SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 - SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 Back to School Photos Submitted on Social Media 6 NIAGARA REPORTER SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 - SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

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Restaurant Review: The Marketside are a local I have no doubt you will see seasoned just right with a side of Italian someone you know in there. toast. Mike, the owner, is one of the She also had 2 chocolate chip pan- friendliest and kindest people I have FDNHVWKDWVKHFRXOGQ·WHYHQÀQLVK6KH ever met in my life. He greets each and soon proclaimed that these were the every customer and checks on them best pancakes EVER and I seconded during their meals. I have even seen that proclamation. him walk around and hand all of the Mike’s restaurant is jam packed children dollar bills. Just an all-around from the moment it opens at 7:30 to Stop in, give it a try, and don’t good guy. close at 12:00pm; or 12:30pm on Sun- forget to tell Mike and Kristen Jamie We were greeted and seated by days. sent you!! my long lost best friend Kristen (who I hardly have seen since high school). See! Didn’t I just say you would run Jamie DePetris into someone you know? Food Expert/Critic On to the food! So as of this moment I sincerely So I literally just waddled out of have not had a more delicious or fresh- The Marketside Restaurant located at HUEUHDNIDVW DQG,DPQRWÀEELQJ  714 E. Market Street in Niagara Falls. I had a single slice of French toast A lot of you know this already, but with fruit. The toast itself was thick 0DUNHWVLGHLVGHÀQLWHO\D1LDJDUD)DOOV cooked perfectly with cinnamon and staple and has been here forever. If you dusted with powdered sugar. It also came with fresh cut fruit; plump blue- berries, sweet strawberries and bananas toppled over the French toast. Perfect! I also had the “Sal Maglie” with HYHU\WKLQJ,WZDVÀOOHGZLWKVDXVDJH bacon, hot peppers, green peppers, mushrooms, ham, spinach, potatoes, and cheese. In all honesty I’m probably leaving something out but it’s a long list. The vegetables, just like the fruit, were crisp, fresh, crunchy and perfectly cut. I have no other words but SU- BERB! Mandy had the two eggs, home fries and toast. The eggs were cooked just right and the potatoes were the best; crisp outside with a tender inside 7 NIAGARA REPORTER SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 - SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

Summit Life Outreach “Let Life Shine” of women and men who recognizes the poor Years later after my return home to Niagara doesn’t make up for what I once did, nor does it options facing women and men in an unexpect- Falls I came to realize the sanctity of life, and ed pregnancy. Together with the support of our I regretted what I had done. Even if it was my community, we have opened a center that pro- child, I had no right to request her to terminate YLGHVDZDUPVDIHFRQÀGHQWLDOHQYLURQPHQWWR the pregnancy. Furthermore, because there everyone, regardless of your age, race, income, was a great deal of doubt that it was my child, I QDWLRQDOLW\UHOLJLRXVDIÀOLDWLRQRUFLUFXPVWDQF- certainly had no right to make that decision for es.” another man who may have wanted, or not, to It goes on to say that, “Our staff of active become a father. volunteers is trained to walk through your One day, I was walking through the Sum- pregnancy with you, supporting you with the mit Park Mall with a family of my friends when freedom to explore your fears and the issues in I stumbled upon the closed Outreach Center. your life that make your pregnancy an over- Remembering my Virginia Beach mistake, I whelming experience.” vowed to return the next day. I did and I found FRPSDUHWRWKHÀQHZRUNWKDW6XPPLW2XWUHDFK For me, their mission is personal. I was out the wonderful things that those kind people does every week in aiding your families in the Ken Hamilton once confronted with an unwanted pregnancy. were doing; I thereby dedicated myself to sup- decision for life, supporting them through the I was a stupid 22-year old sailor in Virginia port their very worthwhile efforts. pregnancy, and then providing follow-up and Let’s face it, we support the things that Beach who met and spent a few evenings with I once crawled into burning building and support to them for up to 2 years thereafter. mean the most to us, whether it is because of the a young Navy woman whom I met there. Upon carried a woman to safety, not initially knowing What can you do to help? good things that we have done or for penance returning back to port from a 3-month cruise, who she was. I previously had been responsi- You can help us save lives by attending for the bad things. No matter, the outcome is the woman told me that she was carrying my bility for pulling 4 drunken sailors from their the Summit’s annual fundraiser. It takes place what matters, and I am proud to be associated child. Her roommate had advised me that she overturned vehicle that dangerously teetered between 7:00 – 9:00 PM on Thursday, October with the outcomes of our own Summit Life Out- was as promiscuous as was I, and that during the on an overpass high above Military Road in 11th, 2018 at Antonio’s Banquet & Conference reach Center at 1622 Pine Ave. at 17th Street, duration of my cruise she had been with a dozen Virginia Beach, and later, in Niagara Falls, Center, 7708 Niagara Falls Blvd. Niagara Falls, 1LDJDUD)DOOV1<7KHVHÀQHSHRSOHEULQJOLIH other guys as well. It was a different time in my ZDGHGLQWRWUDIÀFWRSURWHFWDSUHJQDQWZRPDQ NY. Tickets are $50, well-spent. to what many consider a dying city. life, and the last thing that I wanted was neither who had been thrown from the passenger side Please call (716)298-8600 for more infor- Quite frankly, we need your help. the woman nor the child, and I convinced her to of a vehicle at Hyde Park Blvd and Porter Road. mation and tell them that you want to be at my There are those who believe that people terminate her pregnancy. But I am here to tell you, no matter what I did, it table – and let life shine. who say that they believe in the sanctity of the life do nothing to help the mother after the child is born. Those people are so very wrong. There is nothing more precious than a newborn child, and no one more responsible than a mother, despite her hardships, decides to carry her baby to term, and then love that child with all that she has. Summit is there to help, not only such women, but the fathers of those babies as well. According to our web page, “Summit Life Outreach is an organization composed 8 NIAGARA REPORTER SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 - SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

Zadzilka, Pecoraro, Braun, and Berube recognize Niagara Reporter as a free and viable news source for NT residents to go to for the latest news and information. Cont. from Cover NT because there’s a lot that goes on here - good and bad - that nobody knows about.” Nicollette Silluzio, who moved “The decision was all part of our stra- her family into North Tonawanda a tegic expansion plan,” said Owner and year ago, hopes the Reporter contin- Publisher Frank Parlato. “There is un- ues to grow in its coverage of the City. doubtedly a need throughout Niagara “I just moved into NT about a year County for a free news publication that ago,” said Silluzio, “so I obviously wasn’t is reliable and produced regularly. We very dialed in with what was happening are thrilled to provide that to the people throughout the community other than the of Niagara Falls and North Tonawanda.” one big Facebook page people post stuff With more than three thousand pa- to. It seems as though every week I open pers delivered throughout North Tonawa- up the Reporter and see events or coverage nda, and delivery locations including of issues that I had no idea were going on.” Tops, Budwey’s, Save-A-Lot, Platter’s Council President Eric Zadzilka reading the Proclamation in front of residents at the Common Council As it turns out, our coverage of news, Chocolates, and more, people through- Meeting on Tuesday September 3rd, 2018. events and government in North Tonawanda out the City are noticing a difference. DWWUDFWHGWKHDWWHQWLRQRI&LW\2IÀFLDOVDVZHOO da, sees the good happening through- “I’ve lived in North Tonawanda for meeting on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2018. “A lot of times you open the paper, out the City each and every week. most of my life,” said Sandy Harmen, “and Before the meeting concluded, Com- turn on the news or scroll down your Face- “There’s more going on in North have witnessed many papers come and go. mon Council President Zadzilka read a book newsfeed and see a lot of negative Tonawanda than I think people realize,” We used to have the Tonawanda News, but proclamation recognizing the Niagara things,” said Eric Zadzilka, Common Coun- said McDonough. “Yes there are your oc- they, like so many others, weren’t able to Reporter for their growing and evolving cil President. “But the reality is that there casional negative stories or drama in City sustain the number of subscribers to stay role in the North Tonawanda community. are more positive things happening that Hall, but on the whole so many positive viable. Truth is, people just don’t have the 6SHFLÀFDOO\ IRU ´FRYHU>LQJ@ WKH FLW\ just don’t always get reported. Fortunately things go on that - if not for our paper - I money to spend on a newspaper in this com- of NT, its local news, events, reports and for North Tonawanda residents, the Niag- don’t think would ever be reported on.” munity. I had always been a fan of the Re- updates.” ara Reporter seems to understand the im- Brendan's reporting, as well as our efforts porter and the way they reported on Niagara ´7KH 1LDJDUD 5HSRUWHU LV >D@ QHZ portance of being balanced in terms of the throughout each week to highlight things Falls and other topics of interest through- free, viable news source for our NT res- positive and negative news they report on.” happening throughout the City, prompted out Niagara County and was happy when idents to go to for the latest news and in- Brendan McDonough, who is the North Tonawanda Common Council I noticed they consistently were covering IRUPDWLRQµ ÀQLVKHG =DG]LOND ´DQG ZH our Reporter for North Tonawan- to acknowledge the Niagara Reporter at a are happy to have them in our City.” 9 NIAGARA REPORTER SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 - SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 Cont. from Cover: Pecoraro Says "Together We Can Make North Tonawanda a Better Community" monitor, assess, and contribute to the increase our membership. revitalization for a safe and healthy Another coalition that serves tour North Tonawanda.” How many arti- residents is the Hub for Services. The cles have you read about the opioid North Tonawanda Hub for Services crisis that we now face? Of course, began when we realized transporta- our vision is to prevent substance tion issues facing residents in North abuse from ever entering a young Tonawanda prevented them from person’s life. Northpointe Council accessing state and county programs. began this community-based orga- This problem was complex, given the nization in 2014 and, through their many different types of social service great assistance, CHANT was funded programs. A Hub for Services was by a Federal Drug-Free Communities designed to bring critical services to Grant in 2017. This allowed CHANT residents in need who are not able to to hire a full time coordinator, Lisa travel to Niagara Falls or Lockport, Peterangelo. where many support agencies are Ribbon Cutting at the inaugural Hub for Services including Service provid- Today, CHANT assesses daily our located. Our inaugural Hub was held ers, State Senator Ortt, Assemblymen Schimminger and Morinello, North community’s needs and resources. in September 2017 at the Redeemer Tonawanda Mayor Pappas, and our Mobile Safety Net Team Coordinator Greer Hamilton. CHANT analyzes problems and goals Lutheran Church, an ideal location since it also housed the Niagara Com- bor Legal Services, many services ginning of the support to residents in PXQLW\$FWLRQRIÀFHDQGZHKDGD provided by Niagara County (Health need of critical services. This work I ceremonial ribbon cutting to kick off and Social Services as an example), don’t do for the recognition however, the event. The Hub is held on a quar- and Orleans-Niagara BOCES, just I was pleasantly surprised when I terly basis, with an overall theme for to name a few. Typically, each Hub was honored for my coalition work the event to make it timely to support has 20-25 service providers. Once in 2017 by the Western New York residents. a resident completes an intake form, Chemical Dependency Consortium To date, the major themes these if a service provider is not available and given a Gold Key Award. If you Hubs supported were: Home Energy for immediate assistance, our profes- would like to join these coalitions or Assistance Program (HEAP) sup- sional staff member from the John R. have ideas to improve the process, I’d North Tonawanda Alderman-At-Large port, tax preparation, and Civil Legal Oishei Foundation’s Mobile Safe- like to hear them. Bob Pecararo working intake at the $GYLFHDQG5HVRXUFH2IÀFH &/$- ty-Net Team, Greer Hamilton, will Please email me at robertpec- HUB for services. RO) support for those being sued in connect the resident with the services [email protected] or call so the coalition can develop an action Civil Court or in need of advice for required. This intake form referral me at 716-696-2851. Together we plan to produce change in the com- debt issues. The range of Service service has successfully connected can make North Tonawanda a better munity while attempting to increase Providers include: Blue Cross and many residents with the organization community! its exposure in our community. With Blue Shield of WNY, Cornell Coop- that could help them. this increased exposure, my hope is to erative Extension, Ivy Lea, Neigh- This coalition work is just the be- 10 NIAGARA REPORTER SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 - SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

Dynasty Actress Catherine Oxenberg & Reporter Frank Parlato Feared for their Lives Exposing Sex Slave Cult NXIVM The Sun is the largest publication in each month - including naked pictures, UK and even overseas they acknowledge vows of obedience and taped confessions the huge role Frank Parlato - along with about their family members, which they Catherine Oxenberg -had in bringing threatened to release should they ever GRZQWKHQRWRULRXVVH[WUDIÀFNLQJFXOWWKDW leave. branded and blackmailed women. Here is Many of the DOS women were told to a reprint of the article that appeared this have sex with leader Raniere as a way of week in the Sun on the risks that they took achieving “enlightenment” as well as being in bringing down NXIVM. branded on her pubic area with he initials of Raniere and Mack. Actress Catherine Oxenberg says she When Catherine discovered what was feared for her life as she worked to disman- happening she “lost her mind”. tle a crazed sex slave cult - and rescue her “I wasn't happy with India's involve- daughter India and others from its clutches. ment in NXIVM, but I had no idea what Catherine, who grew up in Britain be- was really going on beneath the surface un- fore starring in Dynasty in the 80s, said she til a young woman, a defector, who reached endured terrifying threats, legal letters say- out to me and said ‘You have to save her’,” ing she would be thrown in jail and feared she said. both she and India would end up dead - as “She started to explain the dynamics she battled against NXIVM, a dangerous of what was going on, that there was this cult masquerading as a self-help group. slave-master hierarchy that these women In an exclusive interview with Sun were being recruited, under the pretext of Online, the mum-of-four revealed how Actress Catherine Oxenberg and her daughter India being involved with the female empower- India, now 27, is now safe and “in a really ment group and that actually Keith Raneire good place”. type of parent that would be willing to take course. was orchestrating the whole thing as their NXIVM’s founder and a bullet for my child and I couldn't stop. It wasn’t long before Catherine ultimate master. None of them knew this. his alleged "deputy", actress , "I didn't care what it costs me because realized the truth - but by then India was “So all of the practices of this group were arrested on a slew of charges relating I wouldn't stop until I knew she was safe. already being brainwashed and sucked were based on deception, coercion and WRWKHFXOWLQFOXGLQJVH[WUDIÀFNLQJDQG “This whole journey for me, the deeper into the group. manipulation. conspiracy to commit forced labour - ear- burden, the weight that I felt not knowing India, only 20 at the time, spent "In order to gain admission, they had lier this year. Raniere is currently in prison if my daughter was going to be okay. I felt thousands on more NXIVM course and to give damaging collateral that would be - and Mack on house arrest as they await like I was in hell. eventually left her home in Malibu and ruinous if it was ever revealed. trial in October. “And just now the feeling of what it's moved to Albany, New York, to be nearer “If Keith wanted them for himself - for Catherine, 56, has now written a book like to come out of hell and feeling the the NXIVM’s headquarters. KLVRZQVH[XDOJUDWLÀFDWLRQWKH\ZHUHSXW called Captive about her nightmarish relief of that burden. It was here she fell under leader on these very strict diets, between 500 and journey to save India - and how she and the "People said I seemed like I was wear- Raniere’s spell, and joined a secretive and 800 calories a day, which is starvation. NXIVM’s former publicist Frank Parlato ing this cloak of darkness. And I was - I disturbing sect at the core of NXIVM, a “Then I found out about the branding risked their lives to expose and destroy the never in my life felt so incredibly burdened master-slave cult which branded, beat and and I think at that point I lost my mind. group. and grief stricken.” starved women called DOS. If it wasn't bad enough already - with the She said: “This was a dangerous group &DWKHULQHDQG,QGLDÀUVWDWWHQGHGD DOS - which claimed to be a “badass” recruiting for sex and the slaves having to and I had witnessed what they had done to NXIVM seminar in 2011 in Venice, Cali- female empowerment group forced each recruit more young women aggressively. It other people, but I also I discovered I'm the fornia, believing it to be a business skills member to hand over damaging collateral was growing like an evil vine. 11 NIAGARA REPORTER SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 - SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

me they’d hired two people to assassinate us and they even described how they were JRLQJWRÀQGXVDQGKRZWKH\ZHUHJRLQJ to do it. “I would receive death threats over the phone, emails - and for a long time we were out on our own against this group. It was a lonely four months just me and Catherine up against all these forces. ´,WZDVGHÀQLWHO\DULVNWKHUHZHUH threatening letters from Mexico where lawlessness is commonplace. We knew if either one of us went to Mexico we’d never come back. “We were Raniere’s public enemies number one and two. According to The Sun and “It was terrifying but that was dwarfed Catherine Oxenberg’s blockbuster by the joy we got from all these women book, Captive, investigative report- who were escaping the cult and coming to us one after the other and saying thank you. er Frank Parlato risked his life to “We stopped many women from even expose the sex slaver cult. Parlato being branded - once we started exposing it is also publisher of the Niagara they started cancelling the branding." Falls Reporter. Throughout it all Catherine’s biggest fear was that she’d lose her beloved daugh- ter - either through a suicide pact or worse. “Each ‘slave’ was pressured to recruit “There was a moment when I was con- EHWZHHQÀYHWRVL[VODYHVRIKHURZQVRLW vinced that they were all involved in some had the potential to spread dangerously - suicide pact,” she said. Keith’s own lawyer admitted 150 women “I felt that perhaps Keith needed some had been recruited into DOS. sort of distraction to take the attention away “From what I understood, the women from what he was doing and maybe get had to be held down by the other women in some poor young woman to do that and I their slave cell. thought, what if it's India because it would “They would hold down their legs and be a perfect way to punish her mum for their arms because they would be struggling causing the demise of his group.” to get free, it's just excruciating and it took &DWKHULQHDQG)UDQNFRPSLOHGÀOHVRI them 30-40 minutes for the entire proce- evidence to law enforcement and eventually dure. in March this year Raniere was arrested, “I'm just imagining that my daughter quickly followed by Allison Mack and had been subjected to this. How is that even RWKHUKLJKSURÀOHPHPEHUV possible? As the cult collapsed around her, “So I knew that my mission was to India found work at a vegan restaurant in rescue her from an environment that was 1HZ