Betrayal: Season 4 - Episode 6: "Circling the Drain"

Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts
Title: Circling the Drain

1. Introduction and Background

In the gripping sixth episode of Betrayal: Season 4, hosted by Andrea Gunning and Caroline Borega, listeners delve deeper into the tumultuous unraveling of Karoline Borega's marriage to Joel Kern, a once-respected Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) officer. Karoline had married Joel, believing in his integrity and dedication to his family, unaware of the deep-seated deception he harbored.

2. The Turning Point: Discovering Joel's Infidelity

The episode takes a pivotal turn when Karoline and her daughter, Nicole, embark on a Labor Day weekend trip to New Mexico. During their journey, they receive a heartfelt message from Joel:

"I just want you guys to know I love you more than anything in the world. I think about your mother and you guys every day. I regret my stupid actions. I hope that we can be a family."
— Joel Kern [00:05:22]

This message, however, contrasts starkly with Joel's subsequent actions. Upon arriving at their destination, Karoline's son, who is in college, urges her to inspect the family’s digital photo vault. What they uncover is a disturbing collection of photos capturing Joel engaging in inappropriate activities:

"He'd sent it to both Caroline and Nicole in a group chat... picture after picture of women on a beach who you can clearly tell they have no idea they're being photographed."
— Karoline Borega [07:34]

These revelations confirm Joel's ongoing infidelity, completely shattering the family's trust and exposing his duplicity.

3. The Impact on the Family

Joel's betrayal profoundly impacts the Borega family. Nicole, especially, grapples with the emotional fallout:

"He still holds this sort of grasp on me."
— Karoline Borega [06:18]

During Nicole's high school graduation, the trauma peaks when she discovers a mysterious envelope:

"She just had this desperation in her face like she just was hoping for it. And she said, oh my gosh, is that from my dad?"
— Karoline Borega [14:04]

The absence of Joel during significant milestones, coupled with his lack of genuine remorse, leaves profound scars on both children. The family's struggle is further exacerbated by community gossip, especially within the CSPD, where Caroline faces daily humiliation and isolation.

4. Systemic Issues in the Colorado Springs Police Department

A critical examination of the CSPD reveals systemic flaws that allow officers like Joel to evade accountability. Despite clear violations during internal investigations, Joel manages to retire rather than face termination:

"The legislative intent is very clear that we cannot allow peace officers remain employed when they've lied during an IA investigation."
— Karoline Borega [26:14]

However, Joel's retirement was facilitated seamlessly, bypassing the intended disciplinary actions. This pattern is not isolated. Investigations uncover that many officers resign or retire while under investigation instead of being formally terminated, effectively avoiding public repercussions and maintaining their careers elsewhere.

5. Whistleblowing and Accountability

The episode highlights the challenges within the CSPD regarding accountability and transparency. Claudia Aldrich, a whistleblower, exposes the double standards and the culture of silence that pervades the department:

"CSPD cops are too afraid to call out misconduct because of the rules for reporting."
— Claudia Aldrich [41:06]

Anonymous reports and testimonies from former and current officers reveal a network of protection for misconduct, where personal connections and favoritism overshadow ethical standards.

6. Expert Insights

Legal expert Will Aitchison provides a balanced perspective on the CSPD's handling of disciplinary actions:

"It always helps an employee to come in and tell the boss, I know I've done something wrong and I apologize for it. He did get a reprimand and he did lose what is considered in law enforcement to be a really good job."
— Will Aitchison [37:23]

While acknowledging Joel's misconduct, Aitchison suggests that the departmental processes, including rights to retire, offer a necessary layer of protection against arbitrary dismissal. However, this also inadvertently facilitates the evasion of proper accountability.

7. Conclusion and Reflections

"Circling the Drain" serves as a poignant exploration of personal betrayal intertwined with institutional corruption. Karoline Borega's journey underscores the devastating impact of deceit within both familial and professional spheres. The episode not only narrates a personal tragedy but also sheds light on broader systemic issues within law enforcement agencies.

"Every time she opened the door just a little bit, another lie would come up... the truth hurt, but it was powerful. And it was needed. That was the only way to move forward."
— Karoline Borega [22:35]

The narrative culminates in a call for greater transparency and accountability within institutions meant to uphold justice, highlighting the relentless struggle for truth and healing in the wake of profound betrayal.

Notable Quotes:

• "He still holds this sort of grasp on me." — Karoline Borega [06:18]

• "The legislative intent is very clear that we cannot allow peace officers remain employed when they've lied during an IA investigation." — Karoline Borega [26:14]

• "CSPD cops are too afraid to call out misconduct because of the rules for reporting." — Claudia Aldrich [41:06]

• "Every time she opened the door just a little bit, another lie would come up... the truth hurt, but it was powerful." — Karoline Borega [22:35]

This episode of Betrayal not only delves into a deeply personal story of trust and deception but also critically examines the institutional shortcomings that allow such betrayals to persist unchecked. Through Karoline's harrowing experience, listeners are invited to reflect on the broader implications of accountability and justice within society.