She is accused of exploiting her status as an actress to make connections with women. She appealed to feminist ideals in friendly messages inviting them to workshops she had described as “the most profound and awesome thing I have ever done.” She seemed kind. But authorities allege Smallville actress Allison Mack hid her true motives: to recruit women into Nxivm, the controversial self-help group one former member has described as a “cult," and a sub-group within Nxivm that sexually exploited women. Now Mack, 35, faces sex trafficking and related charges along with Nxivm co-founder Keith Raniere. Raniere has not yet entered a plea and Mack has pleaded not guilty. Both face at least 15 years in prison if convicted on all charges. Yoga instructor and author Jennifer Pastiloff tells PEOPLE she met Mack online in 2014 , after the actress followed her on Twitter. The two started emailing back and forth, and Pastiloff says Mack “seemed really swee...