Gone South

Season 4 | Episode 17: Public Access | Part 1
Release Date: February 5, 2025
Host: Jed Lipinski
Produced by: Audacy Podcasts

Introduction

In “Public Access | Part 1,” host Jed Lipinski delves into a gripping story unraveling the dark secrets behind a beloved Baton Rouge TV personality, Scott Rogers. This episode explores themes of deception, power, and the quest for justice within the Southern community.

The Unexpected Email

[02:32] Ronna Gray:
"I was in a rush to get to the press conference, so I just hit print and printed it out and stuffed it in my purse and walked on down to the news conference."

Ronna Gray, a seasoned public relations consultant in Baton Rouge, receives a shocking email from a man named Ethan. The email accuses Scott Rogers, known for his charismatic presence on the local TV show "Around Town," of being a dangerous child abuser.

Ronna’s Past with Scott Rogers

[05:47] Ronna Gray:
"It was such a bizarre story. I mean, the reporter talked to me, I said, none of this is true."

Three years prior, Ronna had collaborated with Scott on the "Red Stick Ready" campaign to prepare Baton Rouge for natural disasters. Their professional relationship soured when Scott billed the city for unrendered services, leading Ronna to sue him. This conflict culminated in a tarnished reputation when Scott’s influence led to a defamatory article questioning Ronna’s credibility.

Connecting with Ethan

[07:32] Ronna Gray:
"My first reaction in reading the email honestly was fear. I didn't know who this person was. I didn't know what their motive was."

Ethan claims to have been a victim of Scott Rogers’ abuse in the UK during the mid-90s. He alleges that Scott kidnapped two of his male students and relocated to the US, continuing his abusive behavior. Ethan’s detailed accusations prompt Ronna and her friend, Nathan Fisher—a criminal defense attorney—to take his claims seriously.

Assembling the Team

[16:05] Nathan Fisher:
"She asked me what I would charge her to do this, and I said, hang on, hang on. I mean, someone came to you. You're trying to save some children from being molested. You know, I don't know that there's anything I can do for you. Let me just look at it and see. And I'm not going to charge you anything."

Ronna enlists Mary Jane Mercantile, an experienced paralegal with a background in solving complex criminal cases, to assist in investigating Scott Rogers. Mary Jane’s expertise becomes pivotal in uncovering the layers of Scott’s facade.

Investigation Begins

[17:09] Ethan:
"When we got on the phone call, they introduced themselves, and then they were asking me questions about Scott Rogers to start off the conversation. And I really told them as much as I knew."

During an initial conference call, Ethan details his traumatic experiences with Scott, highlighting the duality of Scott’s personality—charming and philanthropic publicly, yet sadistic and manipulative in private. This revelation deepens the sense of urgency for Ronna and her team to expose the truth.

Uncovering Scott’s Influence

[26:15] Mary Jane Mercantile:
"According to the website, Scott had even received an award from Child Services for becoming a licensed foster parent and for promoting foster care and adoption. In Baton Rouge, US Senator David Vitter was present for the ceremony."

As the investigation progresses, Ronna monitors Scott’s TV show closely. She discovers his strategic alliances with local officials, including the head of Louisiana State Police and prominent senators, which appear to shield him from scrutiny. Additionally, Scott’s establishment of a church in a struggling shopping mall raises suspicions of cult-like activities designed to manipulate and control his followers.

The Adoption Controversy

[28:41] Mary Jane Mercantile:
"Mary Jane visited the website of the Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services. She was looking for the form you fill out to foster and adopt kids when something else caught her eye."

Mary Jane investigates how Scott managed to adopt a child despite his past accusations. She discovers discrepancies in his adoption application, leading her to file a public records request. However, encountering resistance from the Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services suggests potential corruption or cover-up efforts to protect Scott’s image.

Conclusion and Cliffhanger

[32:51] Mary Jane Mercantile:
"That's next time on Gone South."

As the team faces bureaucratic obstacles and uncovers deeper layers of Scott’s manipulations, the episode concludes on a suspenseful note. The unresolved questions about Scott’s true intentions and the extent of his influence set the stage for the next installment.

Notable Quotes

• Ethan on Scott’s Duality:
  [17:31] Ethan:
  "Scott Rogers, how you describe him was he had two faces, probably more than two faces... the only people that would see that side were the victims."

• Ronna on Community Trust:
  [26:46] Ronna Gray:
  "You do for our community, our state. And our country, just emphasizing the positive when others do the negative. This is what we..."

• Mary Jane on Scott’s Adoption:
  [29:13] Mary Jane Mercantile:
  "If the state of Louisiana then approved him to be a foster parent, we need a new set of people working in Child Services."

Insights and Themes

• Power and Influence: Scott Rogers leverages his charm and connections to maintain a spotless public image despite heinous accusations.
• The Quest for Justice: Ronna, Nathan, and Mary Jane embody the relentless pursuit of truth against formidable opposition.
• The Impact of Trauma: Ethan’s journey highlights the long-lasting effects of abuse and the challenges victims face in seeking justice.

Conclusion

"Gone South | Public Access | Part 1" masterfully sets up a complex narrative interweaving personal vendettas, systemic corruption, and the resilience of those seeking justice. As the story unfolds, listeners are drawn into the intricate web surrounding Scott Rogers, promising a tense continuation in the following episode.

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