NXIVM judge says he’ll crack the whip on juror misconduct

Incoming Nxivm jurors: beware.

The Brooklyn federal court judge overseeing the trial of Nxivm’s accused sex cultists made very clear Thursday he won’t tolerate any juror shenanigans — and even said he’ll seek to have unruly panelists criminally charged.

The threats from Judge Nicholas Garaufis come on the heels of allegations of rampant juror misconduct during the recent prosecution and conviction of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.

“The El Chapo trial case [shows] that people don’t listen to judges,” Garaufis railed Thursday as the accused cult leaders — including “Smallville” actress Allison Mack, Seagram heiress Clare Bronfman and leader Keith Raniere — looked on.

“The jurors will go on the internet, Twitter, and ignore their duties. This is a real issue and I am going to come down very hard on the jurors,” the judge said. “I’ll even make a reference to the US Attorney. We are here to do justice, not spread gossip about the defendants on trial.”

The comments came as the Nxivm members and their lawyers convened to discuss outstanding issues, including a juror questionnaire, ahead of the April trial.

Jurors have not yet been seated on the case, where the defendants are variously charged with sex trafficking, forced labor, racketeering conspiracy and other counts for allegedly running a secret sex ring where women were branded, starved and encouraged to sleep with Raniere.

El Chapo, 61, was convicted earlier this month in the same courthouse on various drug trafficking counts. A juror later reached out to Vice News to reveal that the panel routinely ignored Judge Brian Cogan’s instructions against reading media accounts during the three-month trial — and even lied to Cogan’s face when asked if they’d seen certain stories. Lawyers for the runty drug lord have since said they will seek a new trial.

Meanwhile, Nxivm prosecutors Thursday reiterated previous claims that another indictment, possibly charging new defendants, is imminent.

“We’re getting very close,” Garaufis said as he the government to hurry up. “I have no intention of putting off this trial.”

Prosecutors Thursday also expressed concern about Bronfman adding West Coast legal eagle Mark Geragos to her trial team.

Geragos, whose clients have included Michael Jackson and Winona Ryder, also happens to be the father of Teny Geragos, Raniere’s lawyer.

“It’s good to have families in the room,” Garaufis responded.

The parties are due back in court March 18. Opening statements are scheduled for April 29.

Later Thursday, an emaciated Mack and her attorney returned to the courtroom for questioning about an irrevocable trust Bronfman created to help pay her co-defendant’s lawyers.

A trembling Mack said she understood there was the potential for a conflict of interest, but was “very satisfied” with her attorneys, who were recommended by Bronfman.

Garaufis has previously said the trust is rapidly running out of cash.