MEDIA, PA – District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer announced criminal charges against Lawrence Arata, the Executive Director of the Opioid Crisis Action Network (OCAN), for his use of 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. Defendant Arata is charged with thirty-three (33) criminal counts including Trafficking in Individuals, Patronizing Prostitutes, Witness Intimidation, and Obstruction of Justice.
“People in recovery from opioid and other narcotic addictions need support which Delaware County seeks to prove utilizing the Opioid Settlement funds my Office and County Council obtained in order to help our residents. Our investigation concluded that Larry Arata cynically and cruelly misused those funds as leverage to satisfy his sexual desires.” said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. “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. We heard you and we support you.” Stollsteimer continued.
“We also believe that there may be more victims of Mr. Arata’s predator behavior. 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.” said Stollsteimer.
These charges come after a joint investigation by Upper Darby Township Police and the Delaware County District Attorney’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) in response to allegations brought to law enforcement by victims of Mr. Arata and women who support them in the recovery community.
“I want to commend Upper Darby Township Detective Amanda Shephard, CID Lt. Vincent Ficchi, Sgt. Steve Bannar, and Detective James Simpkins and as well as Deputy District Attorney Kristen Kemp for their work in leading this investigation.” said District Attorney Stollsteimer. “I also want to thank Sandra Garrison, Delaware County’s Chief of Social Services and Community Programs for her constant support of the county’s effort to combat opioid abuse using Settlement Funds.” Stollsteimer continued
Defendant Arata turned himself in to law enforcement today and was arraigned by Magistrate District Judge David R. Griffin and was granted bail of $500,000 with 10% required for release. The Defendant has posted bail.
CRIMINAL CHARGES, AND ANY DISCUSSION THEREOF, ARE ALLEGATIONS AND ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNLESS AND UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.
The District Attorney and the Criminal Investigations Division remind anyone in Delaware County who observes suspicious activity to call 911 immediately and provide the most specific and accurate details possible to assist law enforcement agencies investigating the call for service.
For press inquiries, please contact Raeleigh Korp, Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, 610-610-891-4139.