Smallville actress Allison Mack was arrested on Friday night for sex trafficking, which she has done as a member of the sex cult NXIVM.

Mack was arrested and could face up to 15 years to life imprisonment once convicted. She was also facing charges of sex trafficking conspiracy and forced labor conspiracy. The sex cult's leader, Keith Raniere, was already arrested in March in Mexico.

The 35-year-old TV personality was regarded as one of the "masters" of the sex cult and was said to have a sexual relationship with the cult leader, becoming what was said as a "direct slave" to him. Furthermore, she holds a higher position that lures women, who will then be sex slaves for Raniere. Mack's participation seemed to be essential for the group to recruit members, with the false promise of becoming a member of a mentorship group.

The sex cult's scheme had been ongoing for the past 20 years and is based in New York. As Mack appeared in court, she pleaded not guilty. She wasn't granted bail as her camp's offer wasn't approved by the judge, who deemed it wasn't "sufficient" for such a serious case.

Initiation Rights

The means of membership of the sex cult were disturbing and graphic, to say the least. Slaves, or those recruited, will have to provide a "collateral," like nude photos or anything damaging to their reputation, that will be used for blackmail. It was also mandatory for them to have the initials of Raniere imprinted in their pubic region, which was done with a cauterizing pen.

Pretty much like what's done to animals, as one might say. During the burning of skin process, in an eerie move, Mack is there to witness it all, and was even reported to place her hand on the chest of the neophyte and instruct her to "feel the pain" and to "think of [their] master." She also prepares them by giving orders, like to not have sex with other people and ensure they follow strict diets, all of these in preparation for them to sleep with Raniere.

Mack's role in the sex cult was valuable and vital for the group to thrive and grow. Apart from that, she had become one of the key players in making the health of the members deteriorate, specifically when members were required to be available any time of the day, making them sleep-deprived.

Furthermore, in exchange of the sexual activity of the member and Raniere, Mack receives monetary and other benefits. If the member doesn't adhere to any of the rules, refuses to the secret society's actions, or tell on or leave the group, the collateral would be released.

NXVIM is "an acronym for a Latin phrase that loosely translates to 'Lord/Master of the Obedient Female Companions,'" the U.S. Attorney's Office said.