In "The High School Hoax," the latest episode of "PRETEND," we explore the true story of Shelby Hewitt, a 32-year-old woman who enrolled as a high school student in Boston. What compels an adult to return to high school? How did this go unnoticed? Janelle, a 16-year-old classmate and friend of Shelby's, offers a unique window into this bizarre ruse. See video of Shelby Hewitt: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C02ngXjsUh1/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pretendpod/video/7312640020207242538...
Jan 23, 2024•23 min•Season 16Ep. 1
Dartanyon A. Williams (DAW) stole his parents’ identities at the age of 15. Unfortunately, they weren’t his last victims. Dartanyon, who also goes by DAW, claims he has stolen thousands of identities. So many that he’s lost count. It’s rare to hear firsthand from an identity thief. In this episode, Dartanyon How to steal someone’s identity How did he do it? He had many tactics. But the most proven technique was paying off restaurant employees, car dealerships, and tax preparation companies. Thes...
Jan 16, 2024•55 min•Season 15Ep. 10
Peter Pan syndrome is when someone refuses to grow up. It’s neither a disease nor a recognized mental disorder—it’s just a state of mind. Today, you’ll meet a man who became a fugitive to live in his very own Neverland. Larry Douglas Jones is not your typical fugitive. He had a wife and three kids. He’s not a dangerous man. Larry just became overwhelmed with life and decided to run away. This is a rebroadcast of a previous series about fugitives running from the law. In season 4 of PRETEND, we e...
Jan 02, 2024•50 min•Season 15Ep. 9
In today's Christmas episode, we delve into the story of David Ellisor, a man whose grand Christmas scheme left the city of Miami in disbelief. Ellisor, a real-life Grinch, planned to host "Christmas From Around the World," a supposed once-in-a-lifetime event promising the presence of ambassadors, live reindeer, and a spectacle of global traditions. But the event never happened. He collected the cash and made a run for it. This is a Christmas caper for the ages. Plus, listeners tell their own Ch...
Dec 24, 2023•40 min•Season 15Ep. 8
The Stalker Saga Continues: Trial Back On for Tanya and Rick Fernandez Hey there, avid followers of the "Stalker" series! You might recall my last update, where I mentioned Tanya and Rick Fernandez may have taken a plea deal. Well.... There was a bit of a mix-up: while the State of Arizona court website had the trial marked as "vacated," a peek into the Maricopa Superior Court website told a different story. It turns out they have a new trial date set for February 27, 2024. So, what does this me...
Dec 12, 2023•25 min•Season 15Ep. 7
So, I've got to tell you about this crazy rabbit hole I slipped into. It's about that bizarre olive lady from the Maury show. Remember her? Sally was freaked out by olives because they reminded her of, get this, dead people's eyes. Wild, right? I always wondered, was Sally for real or just putting on a show for the cameras? This question sent me down a path that ended with me chatting with Anthony Freire, a guy who used to produce for Maury. Man, the stuff I learned while putting together this e...
Dec 05, 2023•35 min•Season 15Ep. 6
Today on "PRETEND," we explore the unsettling world of red-collar criminals, as defined by Frank Perri. These are white-collar offenders who commit murder to hide their frauds. This episode takes a closer look at the motivations and warning signs of these dangerous individuals. They could be closer than you think: a friend, family member, or coworker. We also investigate how male and female red-collar criminals differ in their methods and motivations. Understanding these distinctions is crucial ...
Nov 28, 2023•25 min•Season 15Ep. 5
Red Collar Killers: The Hidden Violence of White Collar Crimes Can white-collar criminals be driven to murder? In this episode of PRETEND, we explore 'Red Collar Criminals,' a term coined by attorney, CPA, and Certified Fraud Examiner Frank Perri. Perri defines red-collar criminals as white-collar offenders who turn to violence to hide their frauds. We investigate the psychology and patterns common among these criminals, revealing how ordinary financial crimes can escalate into brutal acts of vi...
Nov 21, 2023•30 min•Season 15Ep. 4
I checked the Arizona court website and it looks like Tanya and Rick Fernandez accepted a plea deal. So is this the end? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 20, 2023•8 min•Season 15Ep. 3
"PRETEND: The Stalker" is back with a bombshell that you've all been waiting for: new court audio from The Fernandez Settlement Conference. It's been a while since we've delved into the world of Tanya and Rick Fernandez, the subjects of one of The Stalker series. In the nine months since their indictment on January 25, 2023, where they faced a barrage of six felony charges, the Fernandez case has been marked by a relentless procession of delays. The defense attorneys? They've been hitting the pa...
Nov 14, 2023•35 min•Season 15Ep. 2
Get ready, folks! I've just wrapped up listening to the Settlement Conference audio, and let me tell you, it's nothing short of mind-blowing. Right now, "WOW" is all I can muster. It's jam-packed with the answers we've all been itching to find. Ever wondered what might happen if this case goes to trial? Will the Fernandez's stand firm in their refusal to accept a plea deal? What does the judge think of all this madness? Well, get ready to find out as the judge describes Tanya and Rick's possible...
Nov 10, 2023•59 sec•Season 15Ep. 1
Learn how to cheat a polygraph test. Ex-cop, Doug Williams, says it’s a lot easier than you think. Doug Williams is looking over his shoulder because, since 1979, he’s been on a crusade to defeat the polygraph machine. In 1996, he started a website called polygraph.com, offering a handbook and one-on-one training teaching people how to pass the test. “There is no Pinocchio response. Your nose does not grow when you lie.” Doug Williams, polygraph critic According to Doug Williams, a lie detector ...
Nov 07, 2023•2 hr 37 min•Season 14Ep. 15
In today's episode titled "The Babalawo," we delve deep into the world of Santería - the religion, not the song. While many might recognize the song, few are familiar with this mysterious Afro-Cuban faith, also known as Regla de Ochá, La Regla de Ifá, or Lucumí, which translates to the worship of saints. You might wonder, "Where's the twist in this tale?" I've always felt an unsettling vibe around this religion. My fellow Cubans often consult Santería priests as if seeking divination. But is thi...
Oct 31, 2023•47 min•Season 14Ep. 14
This week, we journey into the heart of dark tourism, exploring iconic haunted locations like the Winchester House, The Myrtle Plantation, and the eerie Lost City of Frenier. But how much of what we hear is historically accurate, and how much is just for show? Are the tales of the curse of Julia Brown rooted in fact, or are they just spine-chilling fables? Brandon Schexnayder of the Southern Gothic Podcast is here to help us separate spectral facts from fiction. Prepare for a deep dive into the ...
Oct 24, 2023•59 min•Season 14Ep. 13
Former Lieutenant Governor's Ex-Staffer Arrested for Elaborate Deception in Divorce; Husband Speaks Out Beth Green, a former member of Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan's staff, was arrested, facing felony charges stemming from a plot to torment her husband during their divorce proceedings. Accused of impersonating her former boss and employing deceptive personas, Green's arrest follows a warrant issued by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). But what's even more astonishing is what...
Oct 17, 2023•38 min•Season 14Ep. 12
On the next episode of Pretend, we investigate the perplexing case of 17-year-old Rudy Farias. While he was presumed missing for eight years, an unexpected twist raised suspicions of a hoax. Our investigation uncovers a trail of fraud linked to Rudy's mother, Janie Santana, spanning decades. This includes multiple marriages, charity scams, a fabricated cancer diagnosis, and even laying claim to the house of a late sheriff's deputy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 10, 2023•41 min•Season 14Ep. 11
Missing teen is found. From Heartwarming Reunion to 'Wait, What?' Hoax Claims So, here's a plot twist for you: Rudy Farias, the Houston teen who was reported missing in 2015, returned after eight years. Instead of celebration and joyful tears, rumors were swirling about possible deception. Where was Rudy Farias hiding? This is not your typical missing person's case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 03, 2023•25 min•Season 14Ep. 10
Subscribe to the Ponzi Playbook podcast: https://linktr.ee/ponziplaybook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 26, 2023•29 min•Season 14Ep. 9
James Freedman: Unmasking the Modern-Day Pickpocket In a world where the hustle and bustle of everyday life increasingly revolves around smartphones and digital wallets, the age-old craft of pickpocketing has found new avenues to thrive. Enter James Freedman, a British entertainer and professional pickpocket who has chosen a unique and unexpected path. Rather than succumbing to a life of crime, Freedman employs his extraordinary skills to aid law enforcement in apprehending criminals. The notion...
Sep 19, 2023•33 min•Season 14Ep. 8
Pickpockets in the Digital Age: The Evolution of a Timeless Crime In a world where technology reigns supreme, the art of pickpocketing has not vanished into history's annals. While traditional pickpocketing still thrives in popular European tourist destinations like Barcelona, Prague, and Rome, the game has evolved. In an era where wallets bulging with cash have been replaced by minimalist essentials - a smartphone and keys - cunning thieves have adapted to exploit new opportunities. In this eye...
Sep 12, 2023•27 min•Season 14Ep. 7
In this bonus episode, we pick up where we left off, diving into the events leading up to the much-anticipated August 24th contempt of court hearing involving Patrick Tomlinson. In our previous episode, we shared the suspenseful build-up to this critical date, where Patrick faced potential jail time for failing to pay the legal fees of the opposing party. In our last interview. Patrick had made it clear that he had no intention of making the required payment. So, what happened on August 24th con...
Sep 05, 2023•8 min•Season 14Ep. 6
A mother's anguish resurfaces as her son's convicted killer is set free due to a jury verdict reversal by a judge. This is the story of Pravin Varughese. Binge all 9-episodes ad-free: Patreon: https://patreon.com/CriminalConductPodcast PRETEND+ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 29, 2023•29 min•Season 14Ep. 5
There are always two sides to every story. In part 4, listen to my interview with the online forum administrator. We discuss the ongoing legal battle with Patrick Tomlinson and why Patrick may go to jail over this feud. _____________ Binge all 9-episodes of CRIMINAL CONDUCT ad-free: Patreon: https://patreon.com/CriminalConductPodcast PRETEND+ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 22, 2023•53 min•Season 14Ep. 4
WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Sci-Fi Writer Patrick Tomlinson Loses Harassment Lawsuit Against Online Forum, Faces Hefty Legal Fees Patrick Tomlinson, known for his imaginative works in the science fiction genre, took a stand against the onaforum's vicious gangstalking attacks, hoping to end the torment he endured for over five years. However, the court ruled against him, leaving him without the justice he sought and burdened with...
Aug 15, 2023•34 min•Season 14Ep. 3
WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Police Storm Sci-fi Writer's Home 42 Times in "Swatting" Campaign Wisconsin science fiction author Patrick Tomlinson and his wife have been living a nightmare, enduring years of terror as cyber stalkers repeatedly sent police to their doorstep in a relentless "swatting" campaign. The couple, who claim to have experienced this terrifying ordeal 42 times, describes the chilling encounters with officers ...
Aug 08, 2023•31 min•Season 14Ep. 2
WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Wisconsin Author Faces Cyberstalking Nightmare After Tweeting that Norm MacDonald Isn't Funny. Wisconsin science fiction author Patrick Tomlinson and his wife have been living in fear for years, enduring a relentless campaign of terror orchestrated by cyberstalkers, all stemming from a seemingly innocuous tweet about the late comedian Norm Macdonald. Tomlinson's criticism of the "Saturday Night Live" ...
Aug 01, 2023•33 min•Season 14Ep. 1
This is the episode you've been waiting for! While we've primarily heard from Tanya and Rick Fernandez's perspective, it's time to introduce you to a key figure in this fascinating case: Dr. Grace Gressman (not her real name). As a central player, Dr. Gressman holds valuable insights into the stalker's actions. What is her connection to the Fernandez family? What does she have to say about the mysterious messages? In today's episode, we finally hear Dr. Gressman's story. Learn more about your ad...
Jul 18, 2023•32 min•Season 13Ep. 11
The IRS knocked on John Coutu's door, demanding $80,000. Jennifer Mitchell, his girlfriend, offered to handle John's taxes. At first glance, it seemed like a simple act of love. Little did he know that this act of goodwill would lead him down a treacherous path of deception and impersonation. Unbeknownst to John, Jennifer never actually filed his taxes and instead fabricated an elaborate web of lies. She even went as far as impersonating the IRS to fool John into believing everything was in orde...
Jul 04, 2023•42 min•Season 13Ep. 10
Previously on PRETEND, we heard the story of David Crow and his criminal father, Thurston. In today's episode, we delve deeper into "The Pale-Faced Lie," a memoir about growing up as his father's accomplice. David's father, Thurston Crow, lived a life of crime: stealing, lying, and killing anyone who stood in his way. And right beside him, the whole time, was his young son David. In this episode, hear David's story of overcoming a life of crime and trying to understand why the one person he trus...
Jun 13, 2023•20 min•Season 13Ep. 9
David Crow says he was his father's criminal accomplice. In today's episode, we delve into the extraordinary story of David Crow, author of the book titled "The Pale-Faced Lie." It's the story of a father and son entangled in a life of crime. David recounts his experiences as his father's criminal accomplice, always by his side. And what it was like growing up with a violent and convicted felon who used the Native American reservation as a refuge to evade his enemies. This episode is the story o...
Jun 06, 2023•29 min•Season 13Ep. 8
