Overview
- Lawrence “Larry” Arata, 65, executive director of the Opioid Crisis Action Network in Upper Darby, faces counts including human trafficking, patronizing prostitutes, obstruction of justice and witness intimidation.
- Investigators allege he exchanged cash, gift cards, bus passes, meal credits and rental assistance for sexual acts and urged women to meet him at a hotel in Chester.
- Arata turned himself in and was released after posting 10% of a $500,000 bail as the joint investigation by the Delaware County CID and Upper Darby Police continues.
- The probe began after a former program director reported concerns to police, with multiple clients providing accounts; authorities say they seized Arata’s phone and laptop this month and are seeking additional victims.
- OCAN, founded by Arata and his wife in 2018 and supported in part by county and state opioid settlement funds, has not responded to requests for comment.