Conspiracy Theories Podcast Summary: "Buried Gold: How the FBI Got Involved In a Treasure Hunt"

Release Date: May 14, 2025
Host/Author: Spotify Studios
Episode Title: Buried Gold: How the FBI Got Involved In a Treasure Hunt

Introduction

In this riveting episode of Conspiracy Theories, hosted by Carter Roy, listeners are taken deep into the enigmatic tale of the lost gold of Dent's Run in Elk County, Pennsylvania. The episode, titled "Buried Gold: How the FBI Got Involved In a Treasure Hunt," delves into the intersection of local folklore, determined treasure hunters, and federal intervention.

The Legend of Dent's Run Gold

The story begins with Dennis Parada recounting a family bedtime tradition: telling his son, Kem, the legend of Dent's Run gold. According to the folklore, in the summer of 1863 during the Civil War, Union soldiers transporting gold to the US Mint in Philadelphia mysteriously vanished in Elk County, leaving the gold hidden and awaiting discovery.

Dennis Parada [00:01]: "Kem pleads with his dad to go look for it again together, but Dennis tells him they can't. They don't have the resources, and it's dangerous."

This enduring legend has spurred numerous theories, most agreeing that the gold remains buried in Elk County.

Dennis and Kem's Early Treasure Hunt

Inspired by the legend, Dennis once pursued the treasure himself but ultimately abandoned the search due to lack of success and resources. However, years later, Dennis and Kem locate what they believe to be the exact spot of the lost gold, setting the stage for a confrontation with the FBI.

Formation of Finders Keepers USA

In 2004, Dennis rekindles his treasure hunting ambitions, leading to the formation of Finders Keepers USA alongside Kem and other associates. Over several years, they conduct approximately 300 expeditions using metal detectors and other equipment, navigating the challenging cave systems in Dent's Run.

Despite their enthusiasm and initial findings, such as promising ground-penetrating radar results, they struggle to locate the gold until a representative from Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) advises a more invasive drilling approach.

Enter Warren Getler and the Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC) Theory

In 2017, journalist Warren Getler discovers Dennis's post on an online treasure hunting forum. Warren, who has extensively researched Dent's Run gold and authored a book on the subject, approaches Dennis with a compelling theory:

Warren Getler: The Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC), a secret society aiming to establish a slave empire, may have buried substantial gold reserves across various locations, including Dent's Run. He posits that the Lost Gold Ingot Treasure story might be a fictional account laden with coded clues pointing to these caches.

This revelation aligns their efforts, as both Dennis and Warren believe they are on the cusp of uncovering the legendary treasure.

Collaboration with the FBI

Warren facilitates a meeting between Dennis, Kem, and himself with FBI agents in January 2018. Dennis presents the case that any discovered gold rightfully belongs to the federal government, seeking recognition and a finder’s fee.

On March 9, 2018, a Pennsylvania judge issues a warrant authorizing the FBI to excavate the Dent's Run site within a two-week window, restricting operations to daylight hours.

The FBI Excavation Process

The FBI initiates excavation on March 12, 2018, but complications arise:

• March 13: Dennis and his team are initially allowed limited access but are eventually asked to leave after an hour of excavation, leaving them puzzled as discovery efforts halt prematurely.

• March 14: A second excavation attempt similarly concludes without findings, despite earlier promising scans indicating potential gold deposits.

Dennis Parada [Throughout the excavation]: "He later tells writer Chris Heath from the Atlantic that the agent in charge walks him up to the edge of the hole and tells him to look inside. At this point, Dennis is still hopeful that they've found something. When he looks down, all he sees is dirt."

Local residents report unusual activities during the excavation, including late-night noises and sightings of armored vehicles, which the FBI denies.

Aftermath and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests

Following the excavation, Finders Keepers USA seeks transparency through FOIA requests. Initial responses from the FBI are dismissive, claiming no records exist:

FBI Statement: "They were unable to identify any main file records responsive to the plaintiff's request."

Persisting through legal appeals supported by then-Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey, the team eventually obtains access to over 2,000 pages of documents in summer 2019. These include:

• Geophysical Survey Reports: Indicate high-density anomalies consistent with gold but remain inconclusive.
• Photographic Evidence: Predominantly black-and-white images showing excavation efforts without clear signs of gold.
• Correspondence: Emails between FBI agents and Wells Fargo's archives reveal no direct records supporting the gold shipment legend.

Despite these documents, skepticism remains as much undisclosed information is likely withheld under FOIA exemptions.

Emerging Witness Testimonies

In October 2023, a new witness, Eric McCarthy, an elk shed guide, comes forward with startling accounts:

Eric McCarthy [28:59]: "You could hear clanking and different noises that just, you know, it's 5:30 in the morning, it should be quiet. ... But there was different noises, vehicles, machinery, sounds of steel. It was just weird. It didn't belong."

Eric reports observing FBI activities outside authorized hours and the presence of armored vehicles, contradicting official statements.

Further corroboration from Eric's client adds weight to these claims, suggesting unauthorized excavation activities potentially hinting at concealed operations.

Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Questions

By March 2024, the lawsuit filed by Finders Keepers USA against the Department of Justice accuses the FBI of violating FOIA by withholding critical documents. As of the recording date, no new filings have emerged, leaving the case in a state of limbo.

The FBI continues to assert that no gold was found, maintaining consistency in their official narrative despite contradictory evidence and witness testimonies.

Conclusion

The episode concludes by highlighting the unresolved mysteries surrounding the Dent's Run gold excavation. Despite extensive searches and federal involvement, the true fate of the gold remains elusive. Dennis Parada and his team persist in their quest, driven by both belief and skepticism towards official accounts.

Carter Roy [Conclusion]: "Maybe if Dennis, Cam and Warren had been allowed to witness the dig, there would be no question about what was or wasn't there. They'd put years of their lives into researching and hunting for the gold. They went into their treasure hunt having the time of their lives and came up empty handed."

The narrative leaves listeners pondering the thin line between myth and reality, and whether the truth about Dent's Run gold will ever surface.

Notable Quotes

• Dennis Parada [00:01]: "Kem pleads with his dad to go look for it again together, but Dennis tells him they can't. They don't have the resources, and it's dangerous."

• Eric McCarthy [28:59]: "You could hear clanking and different noises that just, you know, it's 5:30 in the morning, it should be quiet... But there was different noises, vehicles, machinery, sounds of steel. It was just weird. It didn't belong."

• Carter Roy [Conclusion]: "Maybe if Dennis, Cam and Warren had been allowed to witness the dig, there would be no question about what was or wasn't there..."

Final Thoughts

"Buried Gold: How the FBI Got Involved In a Treasure Hunt" expertly weaves together elements of local legend, dedicated exploration, federal intervention, and unresolved mysteries. By presenting multiple perspectives and testimonies, the episode encapsulates the essence of conspiracy theories—where official narratives collide with alternative explanations, leaving room for endless speculation.

For those intrigued by the interplay of history, mystery, and authority, this episode is a compelling listen that underscores the enduring allure of hidden treasures and the secrets they may hold.

Credits:
Written and Researched by Mickey Taylor
Edited by Chelsea Wood
Fact-Checked by Laurie Siegel
Video Editing and Sound Design by Ryan Contrast
Host: Carter Roy