Trigger Warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of physical abuse and sex trafficking
Larry Ray, the father of a Sarah Lawrence College student, has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for sex trafficking, racketeering, and extortion. Ray was found guilty of presiding over a cult by survivors of his abuse and authorities who successfully prosecuted him. The case, which made headlines as the “cult at Sarah Lawrence,” was a stunning example of how predators can exploit vulnerable young people, such as college students.
In the fall of 2010, Larry Ray moved into the dorm room of his daughter Talia Ray’s friend, Daniel Levin. Daniel was struggling with depression and uncertainty about his sexuality at the time. Ray soon had several of Talia’s friends hanging on his every word. He became involved in their personal lives, cooked for them, and even had one-on-one counseling sessions with Talia’s friends. Ray had a way of dominating space and time, making it hard for students to question things.
Larry Ray controlled when students ate and slept and was in charge of organizing the apartment. He frequently accused the students of breaking his things and berated them, keeping them tired on purpose. Isabella Pollok always slept in Larry’s room with him at the apartment, and he directed Daniel and Isabella to have sex. Ray even hit Santos repeatedly with a hammer and shoved pliers in Daniel’s mouth. Larry Ray’s victims came to believe they’d been subjected to mercury poisoning as part of a wide-ranging conspiracy.
Larry Ray’s victims surrendered themselves to his brainwashing techniques and psychological and physical abuse. Some cut off contact with their parents, and Larry accused Claudia, Santos, and Yalitza of poisoning him, Isabella, and Felicia. One family gave Larry more than $200,000, believing their children’s lives were in danger. Larry convinced Claudia to work as an escort, advertising services for as much as $8,000 per night.
Daniel Levin disentangled himself from Larry Ray in the spring of 2013 and moved into campus housing. After leaving, he authored a book about his experience, Slonim Woods 9, and teaches a course on how to translate difficult memories into memoirs. Felicia Rosario participated in the series Stolen Youth and set out to reunite her family. Isabella Pollok was indicted on charges of conspiring to engage in sex trafficking and money laundering but pleaded guilty to a single charge of conspiracy to launder money in September 2022.
Larry Ray’s case illustrates how predators can manipulate vulnerable young people, such as college students. It’s crucial that we continue to have conversations about how to protect ourselves and our loved ones from individuals who seek to harm us. By shining a light on Larry Ray’s “cult” at Sarah Lawrence, we can help prevent future abuse and exploitation.
