Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage From Deep Cover: The Defendant
Jan 13, 2026
In this gripping conversation, Sarah Kavanaugh, a former VA social worker, opens up about her journey from being perceived as a decorated hero to a convicted fraud. Unraveling her motives behind fabricating cancer identities, she shares the emotional turmoil and the craving for attention that drove her actions. Sarah confronts the consequences of her deception, reflecting on the pain inflicted on victims like Justin. With deep remorse, she discusses her plans for rehabilitation and her insights into the systemic issues within veteran support that facilitated her lies.
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Evidence Built A Complete Public Unraveling
- Investigators assembled a broad case using texts, emails, forged paperwork, and even a country song to prove deception.
- The evidence turned public admiration into legal and social collapse for Sarah Kavanaugh.
Some Cases Demand Pleas, Not Trials
- Ken Barrett saw the case as a ‘third rail’ where certain crimes would instantly turn a jury against a defendant.
- He concluded a plea was the only viable strategy given the strength of evidence and potential exposure to lengthy prison time.
Mitigating Trauma Presented At Sentencing
- Sarah disclosed childhood sexual abuse and submitted supporting letters, including one from her mother, as mitigating factors.
- Ken submitted those materials to humanize her despite her severely damaged credibility.
