Guest Bobby C. Thompson, a fraudster, evaded authorities after scamming a veterans charity. The podcast details his elaborate deceptions, nationwide manhunt, and eventual capture. It also uncovers his true identity, John Donald Cody, and delves into his sentencing and appeals.
Charity director misleads donors with fabricated history and diverts funds for personal gain.
Eccentric fraudster uses multiple false identities to evade authorities and continue fraudulent activities.
Investigative efforts and technology uncover fraudster's true identity, leading to conviction and hefty penalties.
Deep dives
The Corruption Scandal Involving Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White
Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White faced a corruption scandal involving bribery, conspiracy, and lying to the FBI. White utilized his position as Public Transportation Commission chairman to solicit bribes, allowing tow truck companies to pay for spots on the city's towing list. The scheme involved creating dummy corporations and offering bribes to secure positions on the list, ultimately leading to White accepting cash bribes and a vehicle in exchange for towing approvals.
The Exposed Fraud of the United States Navy Veterans Association
The United States Navy Veterans Association, a charity organization, was exposed as a fraudulent operation by investigative journalists. The commander, Bobby Thompson, headed the organization, fabricating a charity history and misleading donors. Thompson diverted vast sums of charitable contributions for personal gain, using telemarketing partnerships to pilfer donations meant for veterans. The investigation revealed fictitious addresses, unsupported financial records, and bogus political contributions.
The Nationwide Manhunt for Bobby Thompson and Revelations of Stolen Identities
After being exposed, Bobby Thompson triggered a nationwide manhunt for charges of identity theft, money laundering, and fraudulent activities. Authorities discovered Thompson's use of stolen identities in nine states, including deceased veterans and retirees. The commander employed facial recognition software to create false identities, spreading confusion among individuals unknowingly implicated in Thompson's elaborate schemes.
The Elusive Fugitive's Multifaceted Identities
The fugitive known as Bobby Thompson, who ran a phony charity, used a series of false identities to evade capture for years. From adopting the persona of Lance Martin to masquerading as Anderson Yazzie, he left a trail of deceit across multiple states, including Ohio and Rhode Island. Despite being a Harvard-trained lawyer and former military intelligence officer named John Donald Cody, his intricate web of identities, including Kenneth Morcette and Alan Reese Lacey, allowed him to continue his fraudulent activities without being caught.
Unveiling the Con Man's Web of Lies
John Donald Cody's elaborate scheme involved misleading politicians, such as George W. Bush, and donors with his bogus charity, the United States Navy Veterans Association. Cody's trial revealed his penchant for deception, with the defense claiming he was part of a secret CIA operation or a victim of brainwashing. Ultimately, his true identity was uncovered through a series of Google searches and fingerprint matching, leading to his conviction on 23 charges, including identity theft and money laundering, culminating in a 28-year prison sentence and a $6 million fine.
The eccentric director of a veterans charity goes on the run after being exposed as a fraud. Prelude: The downfall of a county commissioner in Florida.
