Lawrence Ray, who was convicted last year of extorting and torturing members of a cult, was sentenced Friday to 60 years in prison.
U.S. District Court Judge Lewis J. Liman described Ray’s program of manipulation that devastated the lives of his victims and their families as a matter of “evil genius,” that warranted what amounted to a life sentence in prison.Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Ottawa SUN, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Jurors at Ray’s trial heard and saw shocking evidence of brainwashing efforts that led well-educated and promising young adults into lives of forced labour, prostitution and physical abuse. The 63-year-old, who was at one point close friends with former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, had a system of emotionally and psychologically breaking down his followers, convincing them they sabotaged him and others and that only he could help them make amends..
One of Ray’s common cons was to convince them that they had damaged his property and owed him money or favours as restitution. The victims described being crippled by their insecurity and obsession with pleasing Ray.
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