235 episodes

PRETEND exposes the masterminds behind some of the most notorious scams and cons. From cult leaders to con artists and undercover FBI agents, this podcast pulls back the curtain on those who've pretended to be someone they're not.

PRETEND PRETEND+

    • True Crime
    • 4.7 • 1.8K Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

PRETEND exposes the masterminds behind some of the most notorious scams and cons. From cult leaders to con artists and undercover FBI agents, this podcast pulls back the curtain on those who've pretended to be someone they're not.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 1

    Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 1

    LaDonna Humphrey. Remember that name because she is central to this story. I've tried to sum up this tale quickly, but every time I attempt an elevator pitch, I fail. When friends ask me what this new series is about, I'm at a loss for words. It's impossible to explain in just a few minutes.
    I'm about to retell the story the way I learned it: completely out of order. By the end, you'll need a suspect board like the ones in the movies. I've conducted over 20 interviews and counting, and you're going to hear some far-fetched allegations from many different people—strangers who share one common thread: they've all crossed paths with LaDonna Humphrey.
    There's a lot of he said, she said in this story, and I'll do my best to prove or disprove each claim. This series is going to be a long one, unfolding in real-time as you listen. By the end, I hope I've done enough for you to make up your own mind and understand why so many people are afraid of LaDonna Humphrey.
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    • 42 min
    Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 2

    Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 2

    In this episode, we explore the troubling allegations against LaDonna Humphrey surrounding the Melissa Witt case. Crime victim advocate Patti Rush shares her story, claiming that Humphrey, once seen as an ally, was actually behind years of harassment and deceit. From stolen evidence to questionable motives, we peel back the layers on a complicated figure.
    Patti Rush, a dedicated crime victim advocate, shares her experiences and evidence, suggesting that Humphrey, who was once seen as a supportive ally, may have been orchestrating years of harassment and deceit. We'll discuss stolen evidence, questionable motives, and the broader implications for the true crime community.
    Highlights:

    [00:01:00] Alicia Lockhart's story of being tormented by "Fetish Master" and the shocking discovery that it might have been LaDonna Humphrey.

    [00:04:00] Introduction of Patti Rush, her work with REVAMP, and her connection to the Melissa Witt case.

    [00:08:00] Patti’s account of LaDonna's unusual access to the Melissa Witt case files and evidence.

    [00:13:00] The story of the mishandling evidence and crime scene video posted online.

    [00:16:00] Details of the harassment Patti faced after reporting the video to the police.

    [00:20:00] Allegations of LaDonna’s desire for fame and how it influenced her actions.

    [00:26:00] Discussion of Charles Ray Vines, a possible suspect in the Melissa Witt case, and why LaDonna ruled him out.

    [00:31:00] Insights into LaDonna’s new suspect and ongoing investigations.

    Call to Action: The story is far from over. Don’t miss out on the next part of this series. Listen to part three now on Patreon or PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast.
    Links:

    Patreon

    PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast

    Follow Us:

    Twitter: @pretendpod


    Instagram: @pretendpodcast


    Facebook: Pretend Podcast



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    • 36 min
    Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 3

    Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 3

    In part 3 of Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey, we explore the intense battle between Anthony Christopher and LaDonna. Anthony, LaDonna's former boss, shares his story of harassment, alleging LaDonna's relentless efforts to destroy his life and career. From sending spoof emails to unauthorized background checks, LaDonna's actions led to a legal showdown that landed her in jail for destroying evidence and contempt of court and awarded Anthony a multimillion-dollar judgment.
    Highlights:
        [00:00:00] Anthony Christopher introduces his experience of feeling isolated as LaDonna's victim and discovering other victims.
        [00:02:00] Patti Rush speaks about finding empowerment after realizing she wasn't alone in being deceived by LaDonna.
        [00:03:00] Anthony details the start of his professional relationship with LaDonna and her swift dismissal from Absolute Pediatrics.
        [00:07:00] Nae Heintz discusses LaDonna's unauthorized background checks on colleagues.
        [00:15:00] Anthony recounts the beginning of the harassment and the steps he took to address it, including filing a lawsuit.
        [00:25:00] LaDonna admits to forwarding intimidating text messages under police questioning.
        [00:30:00] The judge finds LaDonna in contempt of court for evidence spoliation and orders her to serve jail time.
        [00:32:00] Anthony's attorney uncovers key phone records that contradict LaDonna's claims about her phone being stolen.
        [00:36:00] LaDonna's damaging actions lead to a $3.5 million judgment in Anthony's favor.
        [00:38:00] The broader impact of LaDonna's actions on other victims and the ongoing legal repercussions.
    Part 4 is in the works. Please be patient as my team and I work through these next few episodes.
    Follow Us:
        Twitter: @pretendpod
        Instagram: @pretendpodcast
        Facebook: Pretend Podcast
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    • 48 min
    Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 4

    Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 4

    Old Flames Reignited: The Mysterious Return of LaDonna Humphrey in Allen Arson Case
    LaDonna Humphrey, with a history marked by harassment allegations, emerges from the shadows 13 years later to entangle herself in the arson investigation of her former boss and preacher, Jon Allen. As the flames of the past reignite, investigators uncover a convoluted story of manipulation, embezzlement, and vindictiveness. Why has LaDonna returned after all these years to discredit the Allens, and what does this mean for the longstanding accusations against her? This episode revisits one of her earliest cases of alleged deceit and retribution.
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    • 29 min
    Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 5

    Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 5

    True Crime Author LaDonna Humphrey Targets Ex-Boyfriend in Melissa Witt Killing, According to Recordings
    LaDonna Humphrey is accused of relentlessly pursuing Daniel Watson as a suspect in the unsolved murder of Melissa Witt. Watson, who has consistently maintained his innocence, claims he is being unfairly targeted by Humphrey, who is alleged to be driven by personal and financial motives.
    Later in the episode, Julie Murray, whose sister Maura Murray disappeared in 2004, also had a contentious experience with Humphrey. Despite initial cooperation, Murray's family became wary of Humphrey's motives, leading to accusations of fabricated evidence and misrepresentation.
    Follow Us:
        Twitter: @pretendpod
        Instagram: @pretendpodcast
        Facebook: Pretend Podcast
    For more information and updates on Maura Murray's case, visit mauramurraymissing.org.

    Today's episode was written and produced by Javier Leiva.
    Producer: Alison Byrne
    Editor: Puneeth Shenoy with the Podcast Pundits https://podcastpundits.com/
    Theme Music: The Chicken https://www.thechicken.net/
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 43 min
    Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 6

    Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 6

    STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING! The LaDonna Humphrey interview episodes are in.

    In this first part of my exclusive interview with LaDonna Humphrey, we dive deep into the accusations and controversies surrounding her. I confront LaDonna with the tough questions to unravel the intricate details of her story. We also hear from her supporters. Don't miss out on Part 2 of this interview, available now on Patreon and Pretend+ on Apple Podcasts.

    Episode Highlights:


    -LaDonna's surprising reaction to my interview request
    - Confronting LaDonna about accusations related to Melissa Witt's case files and the River Valley Killer.
    - Hearing from LaDonna's supporters and their perspectives on the situation.
    - Discussing LaDonna's admissions about sending spoof messages and other allegations.
    - A deep dive into LaDonna's legal battles and contempt charges.
    - Addressing the evidence and LaDonna's strategy against the accusations.

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
1.8K Ratings

1.8K Ratings

TreDogg2.0 ,

Incredible story!

This is a great podcast! I grew up with Alecia and also listened to her podcast with Ladonna and listening to this story unfold is just mind blowing. Keep up the good work!

Dumpster Muffin ,

Deliciously binge-worthy!

I am so glad I found this podcast! I’m a big fan of excellent podcasts so I am checking many out, but few hold my attention for more than one or two episodes. The first time I listened, I knew this podcast was different. Javier is an excellent storyteller, I find myself spellbound and impatient for the next episode. This podcast is never boring or predictable. Javier and crew keep it up, I will be listening!

Josie F. ,

Drawn out

The seasons are frustrating to listen to because they are so drawn out with unnecessary, uninteresting information. The producers need to condense 8-9 episodes into 1-2 episodes.

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