Victims of Sarah Lawrence College sex cult leader attempted suicide while under his spell: Feds

An accused Sarah Lawrence College sex cult leader presented himself as a mental health expert to victims, many of whom attempted suicide while under his spell, prosecutors wrote Friday.

The new Manhattan Federal Court filing came during arguments over just how far Lawrence Ray, 58, can probe his alleged victims’ mental health histories at trial.

Ray, who served as best man at former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik’s wedding, is accused of manipulating a small group of students who were his daughter’s college friends.

Prosecutors say he forced some of his victims into prostitution and maintained a stash of compromising information to prevent them from leaving his orbit.

“Many of the Victims attempted suicide and were hospitalized after those attempts. The defendant was often present prior to the Victims’ attempts and discussed the Victims’ vulnerability to suicide with both the Victims and other individuals. The defendant was also present after the suicide attempts, including by inserting himself into their treatment,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Mollie Bracewell wrote.

She added that Ray portrayed himself as a mental health expert and diagnosed victims with conditions such as borderline personality disorder.

Ray has pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 20.