In 2010, a recently released ex-convict named Larry Ray moved into his daughter’s dormitory at Sarah Lawrence College. What began as friendly dinners, life advice, and mentorship slowly evolved into one of the most shocking cult cases in modern American history. Over the next decade, Ray manipulated a group of students through psychological coercion, isolation, humiliation, forced confessions, financial exploitation, sex trafficking, and fear. This episode explores the rise and fall of the Sarah Lawrence Sex Cult, examining how a charismatic predator gained extraordinary control over intelligent young adults, the devastating impact on his victims, the survivors who ultimately exposed the abuse, and the federal trial that ended with Ray receiving a 60-year prison sentence. It is a disturbing story of manipulation, dependency, and the dangers of coercive control hidden in plain sight.
Part 1 – Larry Ray: Brooklyn, Lies, Crime, and Reinvention Part 2 – The Dorm Room: Sarah Lawrence and the First Circle Part 3 – Manhattan, Pinehurst, and the Expansion of Abuse Part 4 – Sex Trafficking, Extortion, Exposure, and Arrest Part 5 – Trial, Sentencing, Survivors, and Legacy
From silent compounds to subway attacks, from charismatic prophets to catastrophic ends, Hidden Cults is a documentary-style podcast that digs deep into the world's most extreme, elusive, and explosive fringe groups. Each episode unpacks a different cult with investigative depth, emotional clarity, and gripping storytelling. You'll hear the full timeline: from the origins and ideology, to the rise of control, to the final descent into chaos. We're not here for the sensational. We're here for the truth. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people fall into extraordinary belief systems, and what happens when those systems implode, you're in the right place.
New episodes weekly Listener stories always welcome Anonymity guaranteed.
Listener stories: hiddencultspodcast@gmail.com
International Resources
International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) https://www.icsahome.com Provides information, recovery support, referrals, and events for survivors and concerned families.
Open Minds Foundation https://www.openmindsfoundation.org Offers education and support about undue influence and manipulative organizations.
The Hotline (USA – Domestic Abuse) https://www.thehotline.org 📞 1-800-799-7233 — 24/7 support for victims of domestic, emotional, and religious abuse.
Freedom of Mind Resource Center (Steven Hassan) https://freedomofmind.com Resources on cult recovery, exit counseling, and mind control education.
FaithTrust Institute https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org Support and resources for survivors of religious abuse, especially within faith communities.
United States
Cult Recovery Hotline (ICSA) 📞 1-239-514-3081 Referral and support line for ex-members, families, and researchers.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) https://www.rainn.org 📞 1-800-656-4673 — Confidential support for trauma survivors.
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