OneTaste Founder Sentenced to 9 Years for Forced Labor Conspiracy

Nicole Daedone and former sales head Rachel Cherwitz convicted of exploiting members through manipulation and abuse.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:18pm by Ben Kaplan

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Nicole Daedone, the 58-year-old founder of the sexual wellness company OneTaste, was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison on Monday, March 30 for forced labor conspiracy. Her former sales head, Rachel Cherwitz, 45, received a 6.5-year sentence. The two were convicted of creating a scheme from 2006 to 2018 that involved manipulation, surveillance, and psychological abuse to force OneTaste members into unpaid labor and sexual acts for the company's benefit.

Why it matters

The case highlights the dangers of wellness and self-help companies that can exploit vulnerable people under the guise of personal growth. It also raises concerns about the lack of oversight in the burgeoning 'orgasmic meditation' industry and the potential for financial, psychological, and sexual abuse within these types of organizations.

The details

Prosecutors alleged that Daedone and Cherwitz forced OneTaste members to live in communal housing under heavy surveillance and pressure them into massive debts for expensive courses. Members were also allegedly forced to sexually service the company's main investor. A federal grand jury indicted Daedone and Cherwitz on forced labor conspiracy charges in June 2023, and they were found guilty after a five-week trial that included witness testimony about the exploitative tactics used by the two women.

  • On March 30, 2026, Nicole Daedone was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison.
  • On March 30, 2026, Rachel Cherwitz was sentenced to 6.5 years in federal prison.
  • On March 18, 2026, a federal judge granted a motion for the forfeiture of $12 million from the sale of OneTaste in 2017.
  • On May 5, 2025, the criminal trial of Daedone and Cherwitz began in Brooklyn federal court.
  • In June 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Daedone and Cherwitz on forced labor conspiracy charges.

The players

Nicole Daedone

The 58-year-old founder of the sexual wellness company OneTaste who was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for forced labor conspiracy.

Rachel Cherwitz

The 45-year-old former sales head of OneTaste who was sentenced to 6.5 years in federal prison for forced labor conspiracy.

Diane Gujarati

The Brooklyn federal judge who granted the motion for the forfeiture of $12 million from the sale of OneTaste in 2017.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold those who engage in forced labor and exploitation accountable for their actions.”

— Diane Gujarati, Brooklyn Federal Judge

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Nicole Daedone to appeal her sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater oversight and regulation of the wellness and self-help industry, which can too easily become a breeding ground for financial, psychological, and sexual exploitation under the guise of personal growth and empowerment.