Betrayal: Weekly - Episode 23: "Dawn" Summary

Introduction

In Episode 23 of Betrayal: Weekly, host Andrea Gunning delves into the harrowing true story of Dawn Harris, a woman whose life was upended by deceit, infidelity, and financial fraud. This episode unravels Dawn's journey from discovering her husband's hidden life to rebuilding her existence amidst overwhelming betrayal. Through candid interviews and poignant narration, listeners gain insight into the complexities of trust, resilience, and personal transformation.

Dawn's Background and Initial Betrayal

Dawn Harris, a spirited woman from East Texas, begins her story by acknowledging her own role in the initial betrayal. In the early 2000s, married with two young daughters, Dawn describes her first husband as kind but unfulfilling. Seeking companionship, she met Wes, an oil man with a charismatic presence, at a bar. Their connection was immediate and intense.

Dawn [07:13]: "He told me, I have enough money to take care of you, so I want you to stay home."

Their relationship started as an emotional affair, with daily conversations and weekly meetings, despite Wes's false claims of being single with no children. Dawn's skepticism led Wes to eventually confess his existing marriage and daughter, precipitating Dawn's decision to leave her husband and pursue a life with Wes.

The Affair Turns Physical and Wedding Plans

As Dawn and Wes's relationship deepened, their emotional connection transitioned into a physical one, solidifying Dawn's resolve to dissolve her marriage. They became engaged and began planning a public life together, including a lavish Vegas wedding. However, their plans were soon marred by deceit.

During the wedding preparations, Dawn noticed inconsistencies regarding Wes's employment. Her attempts to contact him at his alleged workplace, Chaparral Steel, yielded no results, leading her to suspect that Wes was lying about his job. A pivotal moment occurred when Dawn contacted Wes's ex-wife, revealing that Wes had never separated from his first marriage despite his assurances.

Dawn [08:12]: "I called Chaparral Steel. I got to get hold of him. And I'm like, yeah, I need to speak to Wesley. And they're like, we don't have anyone who works here by that name. And I'm like, what? Are you sure?"

This revelation shattered Dawn's trust, uncovering that Wes was still entangled with his first family. The confrontation that followed confirmed Wes's continued marriage, leading to the dissolution of Dawn's relationship with him.

Legal and Financial Betrayal

Despite the betrayal, Dawn initially sympathized with Wes during his mental health crisis, believing they could reconcile. However, as Wes re-entered her life, he exploited her trust once more by concealing his true employment history. After securing a legitimate job in the oil and gas industry, Wes's career soared, further complicating Dawn's situation.

Wes's meteoric rise masked his fraudulent activities. An SEC investigation revealed that Wes had orchestrated a boiler room scheme, illegally raising $13 million under false pretenses. Dawn discovered that funds were diverted to fund their lavish lifestyle, leaving her unknowingly complicit in his crimes.

Dawn [29:42]: "Have a friend who works for the SEC, and so I called her one day and I said, I just need to vent about the stuff I'm finding out about his company."

As federal investigations intensified, Dawn found herself entangled in legal battles, facing potential asset seizures and financial ruin. Wes's manipulative tactics included filing restraining orders and attempting to control Dawn's legal standing, further exacerbating her plight.

Personal Trauma and Healing

The culmination of Wes's deceit led to a devastating personal and financial collapse for Dawn. Beyond betrayal, Dawn endured drugging and sexual assault, perpetrated by Wes during their tumultuous relationship. These traumas left Dawn feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and contemplating despair.

Dawn [36:17]: "There was times I pulled in my garage and shut the garage door and leaned the seat back because I knew that the government was about to come in and take my home and take all of my things."

Despite the immense challenges, Dawn found strength in her role as a mother and her determination to rebuild her life. She took accountability for her actions during the affair, seeking honesty and healing as pathways to recovery.

Rebuilding and Moving Forward

Over a decade after the end of her relationship with Wes, Dawn has transformed her life. She owns her own spa, fulfilling a long-held dream of becoming an esthetician, and has found love again with a partner who values honesty and treats her with respect.

Dawn [42:45]: "I always wanted to be an esthetician, so now I own my own spa."

Her commitment to honesty and personal growth has been pivotal in her healing process. Dawn emphasizes the importance of transparency and self-acceptance in overcoming past traumas and moving forward.

Dawn [41:25]: "What gets me the most is the betrayal to myself. Like, I don't know that woman, and thank God I don't know her anymore."

Notable Quotes

• Dawn [06:59]: "He told me, I have enough money to take care of you, so I want you to stay home."

• Dawn [08:12]: "I called Chaparral Steel. I got to get hold of him. And I'm like, yeah, I need to speak to Wesley."

• Dawn [29:42]: "Have a friend who works for the SEC, and so I called her one day and I said, I just need to vent about the stuff I'm finding out about his company."

• Dawn [36:17]: "There was times I pulled in my garage and shut the garage door and leaned the seat back because I knew that the government was about to come in and take my home and take all of my things."

• Dawn [41:25]: "What gets me the most is the betrayal to myself. Like, I don't know that woman, and thank God I don't know her anymore."

Conclusion and Reflections

Dawn Harris's story is a profound exploration of trust, manipulation, and resilience. Her experiences underscore the complexities of human relationships and the devastating impact of deceit. Through her journey, Dawn illustrates that healing is possible through honesty, accountability, and unwavering strength. Her transformation from a betrayed wife to a successful business owner and loving partner serves as an inspiring testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome profound betrayal.

Final Thoughts

Andrea Gunning masterfully weaves Dawn's narrative, highlighting the multifaceted nature of betrayal and its long-term repercussions. This episode not only recounts a personal tragedy but also offers valuable lessons on rebuilding and finding inner strength amidst chaos.

Contact and Support

Listeners are encouraged to share their own betrayal stories or reach out to the Betrayal team via email at betrayalpodmail.com. Support the show by subscribing on Apple Podcasts and leaving a five-star review to help others discover these impactful stories.

Betrayal: Weekly continues to provide gripping accounts of trust shattered and lives rebuilt, offering listeners both cautionary tales and inspiration for overcoming unimaginable challenges.