American Scandal: "Listen Now: American Criminal" - A Detailed Summary

Podcast Title: American Scandal
Host: Lindsay Graham
Episode Title: Listen Now: American Criminal
Release Date: November 18, 2024

Introduction to Sante Kimes and Her Crimes

The episode opens with a gripping narration introducing Sante Kimes, a woman whose insatiable greed drives her to commit extreme acts to achieve her version of the American Dream. From altering her appearance to engaging in fraud and even more sinister activities, Sante's ambition knows no bounds.

Narrator [00:01]: "Sante Kimes did all of these things and more, because for her, nothing was ever enough to satisfy her."

Sante's lust for wealth, property, and influence sets the stage for a deep dive into her criminal endeavors, painting a portrait of a woman willing to cross any line to attain her desires.

Life on the Run and the Downfall

After a failed attempt in Washington, D.C., Sante and her husband, Ken Sr., go into hiding in Las Vegas, frequently moving to evade authorities. However, their aging and exhaustion from constant movement lead them to settle in a condo in La Jolla, San Diego.

Host [01:08]: "Ken Sr's closing in on 70 by now, and Sante's not as sprightly as she once was either."

On August 3, 1985, federal marshals apprehend them, not for petty crimes like fur theft, but for far graver offenses: slavery and human trafficking. Over the years, Sante has systematically smuggled young women from countries such as Mexico, El Salvador, and Peru into the United States to work as unpaid maids and tutors for her 10-year-old son, Kenny.

Narrator [00:01]: "Sante's been in the habit of smuggling young women across the border... to work as maids in her homes."

These women were deceived with promises of luxury and generous pay, only to face abuse, including physical violence and psychological torment. Despite numerous complaints and even a severe incident involving a 14-year-old girl, authorities took years to act against Sante and Ken Sr.

Legal Proceedings and Strategic Manipulations

As the number of complaints surged, federal authorities finally moved in, leading to Sante and Ken Sr.’s arrest. They were transported to Las Vegas to face multiple charges, including involuntary servitude and human trafficking. The media quickly picked up the story, revealing their extensive network of corruption and deceit.

Narrator [00:01]: "Ken Sr. is looking at 75 [years in prison]."

An attorney in Hawaii mobilizes former maids and tutors to file a civil lawsuit seeking $31 million in damages. This legal pressure looms over Sante and Ken Sr., threatening to drain their financial resources even if they evade criminal convictions.

Faced with overwhelming evidence and public backlash, both Sante and Ken Sr. are offered plea deals. Ken Sr. pleads guilty to misprision of a felony, receiving probation and a felony record, while Sante is to plead guilty to multiple charges with a potential sentence of up to two years.

Courtroom Turmoil and Sante's Escape

The pivotal moment arrives in court when Sante and Ken Sr. are to sign their plea agreements. Ken Sr. complies without issue, but Sante faces a significant setback due to a clerical error in her plea deal.

Host [08:56]: "She starts screaming and crying and has to be physically restrained."

Instead of addressing the mistake calmly, Sante erupts in uncontrollable rage, refusing to sign the agreement. This refusal forces her back into the trial process, keeping her behind bars. However, Sante's manipulative nature soon resurfaces.

On December 30, 1985, leveraging a fabricated medical emergency, Sante orchestrates a jailbreak by convincing authorities to transfer her to a less secure medical facility. She successfully escapes custody, leaving Las Vegas authorities and the public in a frenzy.

Aftermath and Public Reaction

Sante's escape transforms her from a high-profile criminal to a fugitive, with headlines spotlighting her as a cunning and elusive figure. The media highlights her resemblance to Elizabeth Taylor, adding a sensational twist to the narrative.

Narrator [08:56]: "Now all of Las Vegas is on the lookout for the Liz Taylor lookalike who's on trial for slavery."

The episode concludes without revealing Sante's fate post-escape, leaving listeners pondering the complexities of her character and the depths of her criminal empire.

Conclusion and Reflections

"American Criminal" offers a chilling exploration of Sante Kimes' rise and fall, emphasizing the lengths to which she went to secure her version of success. Through meticulous storytelling and impactful quotes, the episode sheds light on the darker aspects of the American Dream, questioning how ambition and power can corrupt absolutely.

Listeners are left to contemplate the systemic failures that allowed Sante's crimes to go unchecked for years and the intricate web of manipulation that ultimately led to her temporary downfall.

Notable Quotes:

• Narrator [00:01]: "She wanted it all and she was willing to do whatever it took to get it."

• Host [01:08]: "Ken Sr's closing in on 70 by now, and Sante's not as sprightly as she once was either."

• Narrator [00:01]: "But now the sheer number of complaints against Sante has become impossible to ignore."

• Host [08:56]: "She starts screaming and crying and has to be physically restrained."

Final Note:
For those intrigued by the intricate details of American scandals and the psychology behind notorious criminals, "American Criminal" offers an in-depth and compelling narrative that captivates and educates. To explore more exclusive content, consider subscribing to Wondery+.