Podcast Summary: Betrayal: Season 4, Episode 7 — The Golden Few

Introduction

Betrayal Season 4 delves into the harrowing story of Karoline Borega, whose life unravels as she discovers her husband, Joel Kern, a Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) officer, has been betraying both his sacred vows and his official duties. Hosted by Andrea Gunning and produced in collaboration with iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts, this episode, titled "The Golden Few," unpacks systemic issues within law enforcement that enable misconduct to flourish unchecked.

Unveiling Police Misconduct and Its Ripple Effects

The episode opens with Andrea Gunning highlighting the critical role trust plays in the justice system. She emphasizes that the integrity of police officers is foundational, as their testimonies can make or break cases. Andrea states:

"Think about it. Our entire justice system relies on the integrity and character of cops."
(03:21)

Gunning introduces us to John, a former CSPD officer and a 30-year military veteran, who provides an insider's perspective on the department's toxic culture. John explains how promotions within CSPD are often influenced by personal relationships rather than merit:

"The folks at CSPD get promoted based on whether or not they play golf with the chief. You know, it's all about me if I'm a sergeant or above."
(12:10)

Glenn Thomas: The DUI God Turned Liability

One of the central figures discussed is Glenn Thomas, once revered as the "DUI God" for holding the highest DUI arrest records in Colorado. Despite his accolades, Thomas's methods raised red flags. John recounts an alarming allegation:

"He writes down that he refused any kind of testing, serves him as a refusal, and then leaves."
(16:53)

John theorizes that Thomas prioritized speed over accuracy to maximize his arrest numbers:

"I think it was all about speed, so he could get more in one shift rather than having to worry about the technicalities of it."
(17:35)

This behavior not only compromised the legitimacy of DUI arrests but also eroded public trust. When John attempted to address these concerns, he faced severe backlash from the department, culminating in mutual investigations:

"They opened an investigation, and I have never been privy to the investigation."
(19:39)

Joel Kern: A Parallel Case of Betrayal

Similar to Thomas, Joel Kern is another CSPD officer whose misconduct remained unpunished due to the department's protective culture. Although details about Kern are less elaborated in this episode, the pattern of misconduct and institutional protection mirrors Thomas's case, underscoring systemic issues within CSPD.

Sarah's Struggle Against Institutionalized Abuse

Sarah, Glenn Thomas's ex-wife and a former CSPD officer herself, provides a poignant narrative of domestic abuse intertwined with institutional failure. Despite comprehensive evidence of Thomas's abusive behavior, Sarah faced insurmountable barriers when attempting to seek justice:

"I didn't feel like I would be taken seriously even if I went to them. I did not feel like there would be any consequences for him."
(29:13)

After enduring years of abuse, including violent incidents witnessed by their children, Sarah finally sought help. However, her complaint to Internal Affairs (IA) was dismissed:

"After reviewing the case, it was determined that the acts you complained of were justified, legal, proper, and adhered to department policy."
(36:08)

This dismissal not only invalidated Sarah's experiences but also highlighted the department's preference for protecting its own over addressing genuine misconduct.

Cultivating a Culture of Silence and Protection

Major Neil Franklin, a former Maryland State Police officer, underscores the entrenched culture that discourages whistleblowing within police departments:

"We've developed this. Stop snitching. Don't snitch on your peers. And it's a culture that I don't think has changed over many, many, many decades."
(49:56)

Franklin attributes this to strong camaraderie and the insular nature of police communities, which prioritize loyalty over accountability. This environment makes it exceedingly difficult for officers like John and Sarah to effect meaningful change or expose wrongdoing without facing severe repercussions.

The Case Against Glenn Thomas Expands

As the episode progresses, Glenn Thomas faces new allegations involving inappropriate sexual contact with a minor. Despite previous exonerations, recent actions have placed him on the Brady List—a registry of officers deemed unreliable in court due to misconduct:

"The DA has to notify opposing counsel anytime they use an officer from the Brady List as a witness."
(47:34)

Thomas's attempts to manipulate the situation, such as confronting his daughter at school and lying during emergency custody hearings, further tarnish his credibility and exemplify the department's failure to hold officers accountable.

Systemic Implications and Call for Reform

The episode draws parallels between the cases of Joel Kern and Glenn Thomas, illustrating a broader issue within CSPD where corruption and misconduct are perpetuated by a protective and toxic culture. Major Franklin calls for a reformation of internal practices:

"We are to provide a service. We take an oath to protect people's constitutional rights... I'm asking you to raise the level of professionalism within your craft."
(56:14)

His appeal emphasizes the need for integrity and accountability to restore public trust and ensure that officers serve the community ethically and justly.

Conclusion

Betrayal: Season 4, Episode 7 — The Golden Few exposes the deep-rooted issues within the Colorado Springs Police Department, where personal relationships and departmental loyalty often overshadow justice and integrity. Through the tragic stories of Karoline Borega, Sarah, John, and the misconduct of officers like Joel Kern and Glenn Thomas, the episode paints a compelling picture of institutional failure and the desperate need for cultural change within law enforcement. It challenges listeners to reflect on the broader implications of unchecked power and the vital importance of accountability in maintaining the rule of law.

Notable Quotes

• Andrea Gunning: "If you can't trust cops, you have no rule of law."
  (06:24)

• John: "I was blamed for the whole thing... if you show up and, you know, you didn't talk to the guy and you wrote down that he was a refusal. That's a lie."
  (19:57)

• Sarah (Glenn Thomas's ex-wife): "I just didn't feel like I would be taken seriously even if I went to them. I did not feel like there would be any consequences for him."
  (29:13)

• Major Neil Franklin: "We have done a very good job in policing, of isolating ourselves from community at large."
  (50:27)

• John: "When it's systemic across an organization, that's a leadership problem."
  (53:02)

• Neil Franklin: "We are to provide a service. We take an oath to protect people's constitutional rights... I'm asking you to be the best."
  (56:14)

Further Listening

Listeners are encouraged to explore the preceding seasons of Betrayal and follow Karoline Borega’s ongoing journey towards healing and resilience. Engage with the community on the Beyond Betrayal Substack for exclusive content and discussions.