In 2010, a group of eight Sarah Lawrence sophomores moved into an on-campus apartment. One of them, Talia Ray, had a dad who became their ninth roomate. In his 50s and recently released from prison, Larry Ray ingratiated himself by making or buying dinner every night. Soon he started conducting “therapy sessions,” captivating five of the roommates. He knew what he was doing. Five years earlier, when Ray was evaluated as part of a custody struggle for Talia, the report claimed, “His personality dynamics are so configured that he is able to manipulate and control almost any situation in which he finds himself, including a psychological interview with a forensic examiner, no matter how experienced that examiner may be. Mr. Ray is very good at what [he] does.” Ray formed a cult that lasted for over a decade. He forced labor, funds, and sex from the members. It took a 2019 New York magazine article to get the F.B.I. on the case. Finally, a few weeks ago, Ray was sentenced to 60 years in prison. In this three-part series, his victims tell their side of the story. —Clara Molot