Podcast Summary: "Billionaire Island: The Secret Predator Network That Escaped Justice"

Title: Murder, Mystery & Makeup
Host: Audioboom Studios (Bailey Sarian)
Episode: Billionaire Island: The Secret Predator Network That Escaped Justice
Release Date: July 8, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Billionaire Island: The Secret Predator Network That Escaped Justice," Bailey Sarian delves deep into the harrowing tale of Frank Duffield Sheldon and the sinister activities that unfolded on North Fox Island in Lake Michigan. Blending her expertise in true crime with compelling storytelling, Bailey exposes how privilege and power enabled a network of exploitation to operate with near impunity.

The Sheldon's Dynasty and North Fox Island

Bailey begins by painting a picture of North Fox Island, a seemingly idyllic 839-acre wilderness retreat in Lake Michigan. Established as a summer camp for at-risk boys, the island's facade concealed a dark underbelly of abuse and exploitation.

Frank Duffield Sheldon, the central figure, hailed from an "old money" lineage with deep roots in Michigan's elite circles. Born on September 5, 1928, Frank inherited immense wealth at the age of 21, allowing him to lead a life of privilege without the constraints of necessity. His family's legacy, established by his great-grandfather Alan Sheldon, intertwined with prominent figures like Zacharias Chandler and General Russell Alger, positioned Frank at the pinnacle of societal power.

"Frank wasn't just rich, he was old money rich. I'm talking Detroit elite, okay?" [05:30]

Frank's education at Yale and service in the Michigan Air Guard during the Korean War further cemented his status. With his vast resources, he purchased North Fox Island in 1960 for $20,000—a mere pittance for someone of his means—and began transforming it into his personal haven. He built an airstrip, stocked the island with deer for hunting, and established connections with influential individuals, including local prosecutors and police chiefs, ensuring his activities remained under wraps.

The Rise of Brother Paul's Christian Mission

In 1975, Frank co-founded Brother Paul's Christian Mission, ostensibly a charitable organization aimed at preventing juvenile delinquency by providing remedial tutoring, counseling, and temporary lodging for runaways. The mission's headquarters in Port Huron, Michigan, and its association with elite institutions like Cranbrook painted a picture of legitimacy and benevolence.

However, behind closed doors, Brother Paul's was a front for exploiting vulnerable young boys. Gerald Richards, a physical fitness teacher and camp director at the mission, became the linchpin in unveiling the network's dark activities. Arrested in July 1976 for pedophilia, Richards struck a deal, providing authorities with crucial evidence that linked Brother Paul's to a nationwide child pornography ring.

"Gerald made, like, this whole diagram of all the connections... it was crucial evidence of a child pornography ring happening on North Fox and more." [18:45]

The Investigation and Unraveling of the Predator Network

The Traverse City Record Eagle broke the story on December 11, 1976, revealing connections between North Fox Island and a broader network involved in child exploitation. The investigation unveiled ties to other dubious organizations, including the Boys Farm Inc. in Tennessee, founded by Reverend Claudis Ira Vermeil Jr. ("Bud"), who was subsequently charged with multiple counts related to the abuse.

A key figure, Adam Starchild, emerged as a nexus connecting various entities within the ring. Initially presenting himself as a benign figure associated with underwater exploration, Starchild was later discovered to be an alias used to manage finances and facilitate the network's operations.

"Adam Starchild was connected to each of the three major organizations involved... he was about to play a pivotal role in helping Frank Sheldon and his accomplice Dyer Grossman, vanish into thin air." [35:20]

The Escape of Frank Sheldon and Dyer Grossman

As police closed in, both Frank Sheldon and his partner Dyer Grossman orchestrated their disappearance with meticulous planning. Utilizing their extensive resources and connections, they evaded capture by relocating across the United States and eventually to Europe. Frank settled in Amsterdam, leveraging newfound Dutch citizenship to shield himself from extradition, while Grossman remained elusive, his whereabouts unknown.

"Frank actually filed a lawsuit against Adam Starchild from abroad in 1982, alleging mismanagement of the trust." [42:10]

Despite international efforts and the issuance of felony warrants, Frank lived out his days in relative comfort, passing away in Amsterdam on July 9, 1996. Grossman's fate remains a mystery, with occasional sightings unverified over the years.

Unresolved Questions and Speculations

Bailey touches upon lingering theories that suggest possible connections between the North Fox Island ring and other infamous unsolved cases, such as the Oakland County Child Killer. While no concrete evidence links Frank Sheldon and his network to these crimes, the overlapping timelines and similar patterns of abuse fuel speculation among true crime enthusiasts.

"Most investigators today don't believe that Frank Sheldon and Dyer Grossman... were directly responsible for the Oakland County Child Killer murders. Now, it's speculation." [46:30]

Conclusion

The episode concludes on a somber note, highlighting the failure of justice in the face of wealth and power. Bailey emphasizes the enduring frustration of victims and investigators alike, as Frank Sheldon and Dyer Grossman remain unaccounted for, their crimes enduring shadows over their lives and families.

"This case didn't just go cold. It became a decades-long source of frustration for those who tried to pursue it... Neither man was ever arrested." [47:50]

Bailey leaves listeners with a poignant reflection on the systemic flaws that allowed such heinous acts to go unpunished, urging a continual pursuit of truth and justice.

Notable Quotes

• Frank Sheldon's Hypocrisy:
  "I just personally don't enjoy hunting. I guess I'm the world's biggest hypocrite. I plan their destruction." [12:15]

• Adam Starchild's Deception:
  "He tried to pass it off, saying, oh, my God, this is so disgusting... Like, don't bring me into this." [38:50]

• Detective Gorzen on the Case:
  "The men are in their 60s. Now, we know Sheldon Frank is somewhere in Europe, but we still don't know where Grossman Dyer is. I hope one day they will be arrested and this case can be closed." [50:10]

Final Thoughts

"Billionaire Island: The Secret Predator Network That Escaped Justice" serves as a chilling reminder of how privilege and power can cloud judgment and obstruct justice. Through meticulous research and heartfelt narration, Bailey Sarian ensures that the victims' stories are not forgotten, while also critiquing the systemic failures that allowed perpetrators like Frank Sheldon to evade accountability for so long.