An alleged cult with Capital Region roots is suspending its operations as its leader faces federal sex trafficking charges -- and is denied bail.

In a message posted Tuesday on its website, the NXIVM organization, which claims to be a self-help group, wrote "It is with deep sadness that we inform you we are suspending all NXIVM/ESP enrollment, curriculum and events until further notice."

It later added, "While we are disappointed by the interruption of our operations, we believe it is warranted by the extraordinary circumstances facing the company at this time." 

Those circumstances involve founder Keith Raniere as well as Allison Mack, both of whom appeared in court Tuesday afternoon in Brooklyn. Raniere was denied bail less than a week after his lawyers pushed for him to be released on a $10 million bond.

The pair is accused of running a sex cult that branded women in Clifton Park, all under the guise that they were running a self-help group. The full trial is set to begin in October.