A New Jersey man who also runs a nonprofit out of Pennsylvania has been accused of sexually preying on women battling addiction, officials said.
Lawrence Arata, from Villas, New Jersey, is the executive director of the Opioid Crisis Action Network, an organization based in Upper Darby to provide financial support to those struggling with substance abuse. He founded the nonprofit in 2018 with his wife, Heather, shortly after their son died from a heroin overdose, according to its website.
On Wednesday, 65-year-old Arata was charged with 33 counts of trafficking, patronizing prostitutes, witness intimidation and obstruction of justice, police said. He is accused of using funds from his nonprofit to coerce sexual favors from women experiencing addiction, according to a statement from the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office. He surrendered to police and has since been released on bail.
Authorities initially launched their investigation into Arata in October, when a former Opioid Crisis Action Network employee reported him for acting inappropriately with his clients, NBC Philadelphia reported. She specifically alleged Arata tried to force women into staying into hotels with him.
In the weeks since, several women have come forward with allegations against Arata, including that he withheld critical resources in exchange for sexual acts, at times going as far to withhold program benefits, including meal credits, gift cards, bus passes, money and rental assistance, according to WHYY.
“Our investigation concluded that Larry Arata cynically and cruelly misused those funds as leverage to satisfy his sexual desires,” Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said in a statement.
“I want to thank the courageous women in recovery who fell victim to Mr. Arata, as well as those working to help others find their way into recovery, for having the courage to come forward and trust law enforcement to stop this predator,” he continued. “We heard you and we support you.”
Stollsteimer said authorities think it likely Arata had additional victims.
“I would encourage anyone with more information to contact my Office or reach out to the Victim’s Assistance Center of Delaware County to have your voice heard,” he said.
