Prostitution, Trafficking Charges Filed Against Delco Opioid Support Organization Leader

MEDIA, PA — The head of a Delaware County-based opioid support organization has been charged with human trafficking, prostitution, and related crimes in Delaware County after authorities said he used opioid settlement funds to prey on women suffering from addiction, including a United States military veteran.

Lawrence Arata, 65, of Villas, New Jersey, is charges with two felony counts of trafficking individuals, 25 counts of patronizing prostitutes, two felony counts of promoting prostitution, two counts of witness intimidation, two counts of obstruction of justice, and one count of harassment, the Delaware County District Attorney's Office said.

Arata is the Executive Director of the Opioid Crisis Action Network in Upper Darby, according to authorities.

Authorities said Arata used opioid settlement funds received from Delaware County Government and the Pennsylvania Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust to sexually prey on women suffering from opioid addiction.

The charges come after a joint investigation by Upper Darby Township Police and the Delaware County District Attorney’s Criminal Investigation Division in response to allegations brought to law enforcement by victims of Arata and women who support them in the recovery community.

Authorities launched the investigation in early October

Charging documents include five women who said they had sexual encounters with Arata, who then gave the women rent money, funds for dental procedures, gift and food cards, and even cash starting in 2024.

Witnesses told investigators clients of Opioid Crisis Action Network reported Arata tried to get them to stay in hotels with them, tried to kiss and touch them, and offered them money.

One victim, who authorities said turned to sex work while battling her addiction, told investigators she did not feel coerced into the sex acts in exchange for gift cards and more. Rather, saw the interactions simply as transactions, according to charging documents.

However, a witness told investigators she felt the way Arata dispersed money and more to clients led them to feel as though they owed Arata a debt. That witness was later fired by Arata, according to authorites.

Additionally, authorities said after Arata's devices were seized for a search, he shouted down one of the accusers in front of her supervisor, telling her she made false allegations against him and demanded she recant them.

Arata is also accused of telling one of the alleged victims that a former Opioid Crisis Action Network employee was spreading "lies" about him, and warned her that she would be contacted by police about the allegations against him, charging documents state.

Delaware District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said investigators believe Arata has more victims than currently known.

"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.

Arata turned himself in to authorities Wednesday. He was released after posting 10 percent of $500,000 bail, court records show.