Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This episode details the dramatic turning point in a stalking and harassment investigation, where detectives discover that the wrong man, Adam Mejia, was arrested because the true mastermind was the victim's close confidante and best friend of ten years, Paul Augustine. After receiving spoofing company records linking the harassing texts and calls directly to Paul, investigators confront him at his workplace before ultimately executing a search warrant and arresting him at his home. Meanwhile, detectives bring the victim, Carl Bryan, and his boyfriend Drew to the station to carefully reveal the shocking truth, showing Carl the undeniable forensic evidence that shatters his disbelief. The episode explores Paul's calculated deception, his elaborate attempts to frame others, and his bewildered reactions during questioning, leading up to a final revelation about a secret four-hour recording capturing his confession.
The host opens the episode, setting the stage for the story of betrayal and police investigation.
Paul Augustine hears a knock on his door, marking the beginning of the investigation into alleged stalking.
Detectives George and Morrow question Paul at his job, using a staged approach to gather evidence against Adam.
Carl learns from the spoofing report that Paul, not Adam, orchestrated the harassment and framing.
Detectives seize Paul’s phone, revealing spoofing app data that ties him to the harassment.
A recorded confession from Paul explains his motives, concluding the episode with a call for listeners to share their stories.
Police confront Paul at workstory
Detectives visit Paul Augustine at his workplace at Sam's Club to question him about the harassment, using polite theater while knowing he is the prime suspect.
Paul denies using spoofing appsinsight
During the workplace interview, Paul claims he deleted his messages and denies any knowledge of spoofing apps, though he admits downloading one briefly out of curiosity.
Separating victims for interviewsstrategy
Deputies bring Carl and Drew to the sheriff's department and interview them separately to ensure unbiased statements and rule out all other possibilities.
Revealing the truth to Carldata
Deputies present Carl with the spoofing company report that traces all threatening texts, calls, and police reports directly back to Paul Augustine.
Incriminating search history uncovereddata
After seizing Paul's phone, detectives uncover a damning search history filled with queries on how to spoof numbers, frame people for crimes, and get revenge.
Detectives return to Paul's residence with a search warrant and place him under arrest for felony stalking, while his mother arrives in disbelief.
“Paul seemed reluctant to get too close to the officers, who were now standing in his living room.”
“The day after Detective George arrested Adam Mejia, she got a report back from the spoofing company.”
“Paul was clearly uncomfortable. The detectives told him they needed to search his phone.”
“Detectives calmly placed Paul in the backseat. They buckled his seatbelt and warmed up the car while they spoke with Paul's mom.”
The real perpetrator is unmasked, and Carl is forced to face an unimaginable truth. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing us at [email protected] mailto:[email protected] and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod https://www.instagram.com/betrayalpod/ and @glasspodcasts https://www.instagram.com/glasspodcasts/. To access our newsletter and additional content and to connect with the Betrayal community, join our Substack at betrayal.substack.com. If you are currently in crisis, please reach out to organizations that offer immediate support. We are including a few US-based resources here: 988 Lifeline. https://988lifeline.org/ If you or someone you know is in crisis or need to talk to someone immediately, please call or text 988 – the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24/7/365. National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=domestic_violence. They offer 24/7 phone and chat support to help you create a personalized safety plan and connect you with local support. For resources on sexual violence, visit rainn.org/betrayal. You can also get free, confidential, 24/7 support through RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline. Text HOPE to 64673 or call 1-800-656-HOPE. Every state has a domestic violence coalition. If you’re looking for help in the US, search the web for your state’s domestic violence coalition. See omnystudio.com/listener https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7,854 words · 8 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
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