CATCHING THE FBI'S MOST WANTED WOMEN | FBI AGENT FRAUD STORIES
Apr 2, 2025
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Tom Simon, a former FBI Special Agent and now a private investigator, shares captivating tales from his career and dives into the world of female fraudsters. He recounts the outrageous story of a woman who hired a hitman online, only to discover he was an informant. The discussion touches on the emotional impact of fraud on victims, including cases of embezzlement and the bizarre lengths some will go to in prison for love. Simon also humorously navigates the complexities of restitution in financial crimes and explores the morality of theft, offering a nuanced view of deception and redemption.
The bizarre case of Christy Falcons illustrates the dangers of desperation, leading individuals to make reckless decisions through online platforms.
Stacy League's bank robbery story raises questions about emotional responses in criminal behavior and the potential leniency in women's sentencing.
Sarah Beth Clendaniel and her extremist plans highlight the risks of online radicalization and the complex interplay between love and crime.
Janet Mello's fraudulent activities expose the disconnect between lavish lifestyles and criminal enterprises, challenging perceptions of what constitutes a criminal.
Deep dives
Criminal Enterprises and Femme Fatales
The episode presents a series of stories that showcase various federal crimes committed by women, highlighting the intriguing narratives that come with these cases. The host discusses the bizarre case of a woman named Christy Falcons who, frustrated with her ex-husband, attempts to hire a hitman through a dark web site only to find out that it was a government sting operation. She offers payment in Bitcoin and details on how to execute the hit, which complicates her situation further once authorities intervene. This case exemplifies a theme of desperation leading to dangerous decisions and the ridiculous lengths individuals will go to resolve personal conflicts.
The Complexities of Crime and Consequences
The episode further delves into a dramatic bank robbery case involving a woman named Stacy League, who storms a bank with a gun to take hostages. Instead of executing her plan, the bank manager manages to escape, leading Stacy to a change of heart about her crime as she later turns herself in to the fire department seeking redemption. Her previous criminal history complicates her sentencing, prompting a discussion on whether women's sentencing tends to be more lenient than men's. The balance of intention and outcome frames this story, highlighting how emotional responses can shape criminal behavior and judgments.
Online Extremism and Dangerous Liaisons
A stirring narrative centers on a woman named Sarah Beth Clendaniel, who aligns with extremist ideologies and plans to attack an electrical grid with a partner who turns out to be an informant. Their conversations about conspiracy reveal a deeper understanding of online radicalization and the lengths individuals go in pursuit of polarizing agendas. The episode emphasizes the blurred lines between love and criminality, as both Sarah Beth and her accomplice engage in discussions that could have catastrophic racial implications. It raises the question of accountability and the consequences of acting upon extreme beliefs fueled by misguided love.
Desperation and Dual Lives
The podcast shifts to the case of a woman in a life of crime as she becomes embroiled in identity theft and fraud. A man recounts the dramatic tale of a seemingly innocent individual who perpetrated a fraudulent scheme against unwitting victims. This segment illustrates how ordinary people can mask their criminal activities behind facades of normalcy, demonstrating that the allure of easy money can lead otherwise law-abiding citizens astray. It challenges preconceived notions of what a criminal looks like and how deception can often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
The Rise and Fall of the Gucci Goddess
A particularly eye-catching portion of the episode centers on Janet Mello, dubbed the 'Gucci Goddess,' who swindles $108 million from military contracts through a fake children's charity. She lives a lavish lifestyle filled with extravagant purchases, completely disconnected from the astounding amount of theft she is committing. Unlike some of the other cases discussed, Janet's story highlights the stark contrast between crime and civilian responsibility, probing the idea of greed versus necessity. The detailed accounts of her lifestyle serve as a stark reminder of how criminal enterprises can flaunt their ill-gotten gains before eventual downfall.
The Mechanisms of Embezzlement
The podcast examines Adele Starin, who crafted an elaborate scheme to defraud a Canadian lender out of millions using a faux company for inventory purchases. Her story illuminates how individuals can exploit financial systems, using the facade of business operations to mask fraudulent activities. As Adele maximizes her deceitful tactics, the conversation unfolds regarding safeguards businesses should implement to prevent such embezzlement schemes. This case serves not only to entertain but also to educate listeners on the vulnerabilities in financial systems and the lengths to which individuals can go to exploit those weaknesses.
Modern Crimes and Digital Traps
One of the cases addresses how people attempt to recruit hired hits online, epitomized by Christy's failed attempt at using the dark web. This story intertwines the digital landscape with criminal elements, showing how modern technology can facilitate, and ultimately thwart, criminal activities. The absurdity of how an online hitman turned out to be a government informant adds an element of dark humor while also imparting a lesson on the dangers of engaging in illicit activities that invite law enforcement scrutiny. The inherent risk of digital communication highlights an essential aspect of modern crime and how it evolves.
Law, Morality, and a New Future
Lastly, the episode hints at the journey of rehabilitation and the ramifications of criminality post-incarceration. The discussion reflects on the societal impacts of crimes and the challenges individuals face during reintegration, particularly in recovering restitution for their actions. Insights from personal experiences share the internal conflict of navigating life post-release, underscoring the emotional weight that follows alongside the legal obligations to repay those victimized. This aspect introduces a human element to the discussion of crime—one that resonates with themes of accountability, redemption, and second chances.
Stop leaving yourself vulnerable to data breaches. Go to my sponsor https://aura.com/matt to get a 14-day free trial and see if any of your data has been exposedTom Simon was an FBI Special Agent for 26 years before becoming a Licensed Private Investigator in Florida. On this Episode Tom and Matt breakdown Women Fraud stories.Tom's IG https://www.instagram.com/simoninvestigations/?hl=enToms Website https://www.simoninvestigations.comGet 50% sitewide for a limited time. Just visit https://GhostBed.com/cox and use code COX at checkout. Go to https://www.Qualialife.com/true for up to 50% off and use code true at checkout for an additional 15% off. For your convenience Qualia Senolytic is also available at select GNC locations near you.Do you want to be a guest? Fill out the form https://forms.gle/5H7FnhvMHKtUnq7k7Send me an email here: insidetruecrime@gmail.comDo you extra clips and behind the scenes content?Subscribe to my Patreon: https://patreon.com/InsideTrueCrime 📧Sign up to my newsletter to learn about Real Estate, Credit, and Growing a Youtube Channel: https://mattcoxcourses.com/news 🏦Raising & Building Credit Course: https://mattcoxcourses.com/credit 📸Growing a YouTube Channel Course: https://mattcoxcourses.com/yt🏠Make money with Real Estate Course: https://mattcoxcourses.com/reFollow me on all socials!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidetruecrime/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewcoxtruecrimeDo you want a custom painting done by me? Check out my Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/coxpopartListen to my True Crime Podcasts anywhere: https://anchor.fm/mattcox Check out my true crime books! Shark in the Housing Pool: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0851KBYCFBent: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV4GC7TMIt's Insanity: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KFYXKK8Devil Exposed: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TH1WT5GDevil Exposed (The Abridgment): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1070682438The Program: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0858W4G3KBailout: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bailout-matthew-cox/1142275402Dude, Where's My Hand-Grenade?: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXNFHBDF/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1678623676&sr=1-1Checkout my disturbingly twisted satiric novel!Stranger Danger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSWQP3WXIf you would like to support me directly, I accept donations here:Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/MattCox69Cashapp: $coxcon69
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