A disturbing narrative of a sex cult at Sarah Lawrence College led by Larry Ray, manipulation tactics, survivor stories, connections to influential figures like Bernie Carrick, and the unraveling of a cult leader's control through manipulation and abuse. The podcast explores coercion, false confessions, romantic manipulation, and the harrowing tale of Claudia's descent into sex work under Larry's control, leading to arrests and legal repercussions.
Larry Ray used physical violence and coercion to manipulate and control his victims in the sex cult.
Apartment owner Lee Chen failed to intervene, allowing Larry Ray to take over and operate the cult illegally.
Larry Ray's criminal background and connections highlight his manipulative nature and willingness to exploit others.
Members of the cult were subjected to extreme tactics, including sexual coercion, psychological abuse, and acts of self-harm, under Larry Ray's control.
Deep dives
Larry Ray's Manipulation and Abuse Escalate
Larry Ray's manipulation and abuse tactics reached horrifying levels as he resorted to physical violence and psychological torture. He used violence, such as pressing a spatula to a Marine's neck to fake a knife attack, and even forced one member to wear a dress and engage in humiliating acts. The violence escalated into serious threats and actual harm, leaving the victims traumatized and debased.
Lee Chen's Inaction and Larry's Overwhelming Control
Lee Chen, the apartment owner where the cult operated, failed to intervene as Larry Ray took over completely. Larry's cult performed unauthorized renovations in the apartment, breaking building codes, leaving electrical wires exposed, and painting walls without permission. Despite Lee's efforts to regain control and evict Larry, it took three years to get a judgment and six years to finally remove the cult.
Larry Ray's Troubled Past and Criminal Activities
Larry Ray's criminal background, including his involvement in a Wall Street scheme connected to the Gambino crime family, sheds light on his manipulative and criminal nature. He pleaded guilty after being caught and served time, showcasing his willingness to flip on others to avoid punishment. His complex relationships and connections further illustrate his adeptness at exploiting others.
Intensification of the Cult's Control and Manipulation
The cult's tactics became increasingly extreme, including forcing members to engage in sexual acts and subjecting them to physical and psychological abuse. Larry Ray escalated his control, pushing members to question their sexuality, endure humiliation, and commit acts of self-harm. The cult's environment fostered fear, coercion, and complete subjugation to Larry's demands.
Claudia's Harrowing Experience with Trafficking
Claudia, a former college student, was manipulated by Larry into sex trafficking, forced to perform sex work for four years, initially being coerced to do so and then yielding over two million dollars to him through her trauma.
The Cult Leader's Deceptive and Damaging Actions
Larry, the cult leader, utilized manipulation and abuse to control his followers, faking seizures during trial to evade testimony, ultimately being found guilty on numerous charges like racketeering, sex trafficking, and extortion, leading to a 60-year sentence.
Survivors' Testimonies Against the Cult Leader
Survivors of Larry's cult, including Felicia, Santos, and Yeliza, bravely shared their traumatic experiences and aided in the prosecution's case, shedding light on the long-lasting impact of Larry's abusive practices on their lives.
The true story of a sex cult of students from Sarah Lawrence told in the victims’ own words -- a tale of control, sex trafficking, violent assault and extortion, all orchestrated by a master manipulator.
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