Deep Cover: Episode Summary – "Rosemarie’s Story"

Release Date: June 23, 2025

In the gripping episode titled "Rosemarie’s Story," part of Season 6 of Deep Cover: The Truth About Sarah, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jake Halpern and investigative journalist Jess McHugh delve deep into the intricate web of deception spun by Sarah Kavanaugh. This episode uncovers the profound impact of Sarah's double life on those around her, particularly focusing on Rosemarie, Sarah's dedicated community support specialist.

Introduction to Rosemarie and Her Connection to Sarah

The episode opens with Jake Halpern introducing Rosemarie, a recently retired community support specialist who dedicated years to assisting veterans in their most vulnerable moments. Rosemarie recounts her first meeting with Sarah Kavanaugh:

Rosemarie (02:05): "Oh, he's gonna bark at the mailman like all good dogs do."

Rosemarie portrays Sarah as a struggling veteran battling traumatic injuries and cancer, painting a picture of a woman in dire need of support.

Building Trust: Rosemarie’s Role in Sarah’s Life

Rosemarie details her professional relationship with Sarah, highlighting the challenges faced in assisting someone with traumatic brain injury, a prosthetic hip, and PTSD:

Rosemarie (03:11): "What did you understand her physical injuries to be? She had the traumatic brain injury. She had a prosthetic hip, supposedly, and she was also going through cancer treatment."

She emphasizes the personalized approach required in her work:

Rosemarie (08:36): "So there isn't a set blueprint for working with someone with brain injury. It's different in the sense of each person's injury manifests itself in different ways."

Through her compassionate support, Rosemarie becomes a pillar in Sarah's life, assisting with daily tasks and emotional support.

Unraveling the Deception: Signs of a Double Life

As Rosemarie spends more time with Sarah, discrepancies begin to surface. Rosemarie notices inconsistencies between Sarah's public persona and her private struggles:

Rosemarie (10:56): "She was in tears. Wow. She was anxious. She was worked up. There was things that had happened."

A pivotal moment occurs when Sarah desperately attempts to return her Purple Heart license plates, a symbol of her fabricated military heroism:

Rosemarie (14:03): "We have to go to the DMV. I have to return these plates. They're causing so much problems. I just want to get rid of them."

This act raises red flags, hinting at the unraveling of Sarah's constructed identity.

The Revelation: Discovering the Truth

In early 2022, Rosemarie stumbles upon an article exposing Sarah's fraudulent claims. Shocked and devastated, Rosemarie confronts Sarah:

Rosemarie (15:09): "Are you okay?"

Sarah's evasive response confirms the depth of her deception, leading Rosemarie to realize she has been deceived for years:

Rosemarie (16:30): "John, I've been deceived for years. I knew Sarah so intimately, but in other ways, I didn't know her at all."

Investigations and Unanswered Questions

The episode introduces Tom Donnelly, an investigator from the VA's Office of Inspector General, who sheds light on the elusive figure "Ivy," a supposed social worker involved in Sarah's care. Rosemarie recalls conference calls where Ivy provided updates, but discrepancies suggest someone else was impersonating Ivy using Sarah's VA-issued phone:

Tom Donnelly (22:44): "We could never prove that another person was involved, but it's evidence that leads me to believe that 100% somebody else was involved."

The true identity of this accomplice remains a mystery, deepening the intrigue surrounding Sarah's double life.

Aftermath: Emotional and Psychological Impact

Rosemarie reflects on the broader implications of Sarah's actions, expressing regret and questioning the ripple effects of her own involvement:

Rosemarie (27:28): "So many people got scammed. ... I just wish I could have saved some grief for people."

The episode poignantly captures Rosemarie's internal struggle with guilt and the profound sense of loss stemming from Sarah's betrayal.

Unresolved Tensions and Lingering Doubts

In the episode's closing moments, Rosemarie shares her fears about Sarah's future actions post-sentencing, highlighting the enduring uncertainty:

Rosemarie (29:47): "What she's going to do after, because how do you come out of jail and having done this and have some kind of a normal life?"

Jake Halpern concludes by emphasizing the haunting nature of unresolved questions, leaving listeners contemplating the complexities of human deceit and trust.

Conclusion

"Rosemarie’s Story" masterfully weaves personal narratives with investigative journalism, exposing the intricate layers of deception orchestrated by Sarah Kavanaugh. Through Rosemarie's eyes, listeners witness the profound impact of living a double life, the challenges of uncovering the truth, and the emotional toll on those who care deeply. This episode underscores Deep Cover's commitment to unveiling hidden truths and exploring the human stories behind acts of deception.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Rosemarie (08:36): "So there isn't a set blueprint for working with someone with brain injury. It's different in the sense of each person's injury manifests itself in different ways."

• Tom Donnelly (22:44): "We could never prove that another person was involved, but it's evidence that leads me to believe that 100% somebody else was involved."

• Rosemarie (27:28): "So many people got scammed. I mean, that's where I stopped beating myself up was people smarter than me got scammed..."

• Rosemarie (29:47): "What she's going to do after, because how do you come out of jail and having done this and have some kind of a normal life?"

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of "Rosemarie’s Story," offering insightful perspectives into the profound themes of deception, trust, and the human condition explored in Deep Cover.