Reveal Podcast: "The 13th Step" Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Reveal
• Host/Author: The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX
• Episode: The 13th Step
• Release Date: June 21, 2025
• Description: Reveal delves into investigative stories that expose societal issues, holding the powerful accountable through gripping narratives. This episode, "The 13th Step," uncovers a sinister culture within addiction treatment centers, highlighting sexual misconduct and massive insurance fraud.

Introduction

Host Al Letson opens the episode by referencing a significant investigation initially broken by New Hampshire Public Radio in March 2022. The investigation centered around Eric Spofford, the founder and CEO of New Hampshire's largest addiction treatment network. Spofford had gained prominence by sharing his personal journey of substance use disorder and recovery, becoming a trusted figure in the state's opioid crisis response.

Uncovering Eric Spofford’s Misconduct

In early reporting, Lauren Chulgin uncovered serious allegations against Spofford, including multiple acts of sexual misconduct reported by employees and former clients.

• Elizabeth, a former client, recounts how Spofford began sending her explicit messages on Snapchat after she left his treatment center:

  "The day after she left Green Mountain, she says she started receiving messages on Snapchat from Eric Spofford. He was already planning to come to see me, wanted to take me out, wanted to do explicit things."
  [02:12]

• Lauren Chulgin reflects on the depth of Spofford's manipulative tactics, likening his operations to the infamous Harvey Weinstein:

  "I went into this knowing fully well that he had liabilities. I certainly didn't know that he was going to turn out to be like Harvey Weinstein."
  [02:40]

After the initial story aired, Spofford's direct threats escalated when a reporter, Andrea (a pseudonym), reached out, revealing that Spofford's misconduct was part of a broader pattern within recovery communities. This revelation highlighted systemic issues, encapsulated by the term "13 stepper," a derogatory reference to individuals who exploit newcomers in recovery.

The Emergence of the 13th Step Podcast

Following escalating threats, including vandalism aimed at reporters and their families, Lauren Chulgin and her team produced a podcast series titled "The 13th Step." This series delved into the pervasive culture of sexual misconduct within addiction recovery communities and the significant personal risks faced by those seeking to expose such abuse.

In a pivotal episode update, Jane Coston and Al Letson discuss recent developments:

• Jane Coston shares Spofford's arrest and conviction:

  "According to the feds, it was Eric Spofford... FBI agents arrested Spofford the last week in May."
  [04:50]

• Jane Coston expresses the emotional impact of witnessing Spofford's downfall:

  "I mean, it's. It was the first time I'd seen him in person... to see him in this federal courtroom, I mean, it was... quite the scene."
  [05:09]

Spofford's Crimes:
The federal investigation revealed that Spofford orchestrated a scheme where he paid employees to vandalize the homes of reporters investigating him, aiming to intimidate and silence them. This revelation underscored the lengths to which Spofford would go to protect his reputation and business interests.

Parallel Investigations: Rose Stahl and Debbie Herzog

The heart of "The 13th Step" focuses on two women, Rose Stahl and Debbie Herzog, who independently pursue the truth behind addiction treatment center abuses.

Debbie Herzog’s Investigation into Insurance Fraud

Debbie Herzog, a former federal prosecutor and insurance investigator, begins her investigation after discovering irregular billing practices at Community Recovery Los Angeles (CRLA), led by Chris Batham.

• Debbie Herzog uncovers extensive insurance fraud:

  "Community Recovery popped up at the top of the list and had hundreds and hundreds and hundreds more billings than any other provider on the list."
  [19:21]

Her investigation reveals that CRLA engaged in double and triple billing, fraudulently billing insurance companies for services not rendered. The extent of the fraud eventually totaled $175 million, marking it as one of California's largest health care fraud cases.

Rose Stahl’s Confrontation with Chris Batham

Rose Stahl, initially a client and later an employee at CRLA, becomes suspicious of Batham's unethical behavior amidst rumors of sexual misconduct and drug use with clients.

• Rose Stahl describes her approach to confronting Batham:

  "I ended up believing him."
  [28:45] when Batham denies the allegations during a confrontation.

Rose’s determination leads her to gather incontrovertible evidence against Batham, including discovering drugs and inappropriate handprints in Batham's car, linking him directly to the misconduct.

Challenges Faced by Investigators

Both Rose and Debbie encounter significant obstacles in their quest for justice:

• Lack of Oversight:
  Jane Coston outlines the systemic lack of accountability within addiction treatment facilities, making it difficult for victims to come forward and for authorities to take action.

  "There’s just not enough oversight in general, and we're putting the onus in most cases on people who are in an extremely vulnerable position."
  [08:12]

• Resistance from Authorities:
  Debbie Herzog details her struggles to get law enforcement agencies to take her fraud and assault reports seriously:

  "I was going to bonkers. I mean, bonkers. Like, literally banging my head against the wall. Like, how can nobody be paying attention to this?"
  [32:25]

• Internal Retaliation:
  Upon presenting evidence, Rose Stahl faces retaliation from CRLA, including her termination and ongoing intimidation efforts by Batham.

Breakthrough and Legal Proceedings

Despite the relentless challenges, Rose and Debbie’s perseverance leads to significant breakthroughs:

• Debbie Herzog's Persistence:
  Through persistent efforts, including presenting detailed fraud schemes to the District Attorney's office, Debbie secures the attention needed to move the case forward.

  "They eventually got the sex crimes over to the sex crimes unit and they took that."
  [49:15]

• Chris Batham’s Conviction:
  Multiple agencies, including the FBI and the California Department of Insurance, collaborate to prosecute Batham. In February 2018, Batham is convicted of health care fraud and sexual assault, receiving a 52-year prison sentence. The sentencing memo highlights the profound and lasting impact of his crimes on victims:

  "The crimes committed by this defendant impacted so many lives and is a shadow that will likely continue to follow the victims for the rest of their life."
  [50:59]

Conclusion and Reflections

The episode underscores the critical need for advocates and robust oversight within addiction treatment centers. Debbie Herzog emphasizes the importance of having someone to stand up for victims, who often face numerous barriers to being believed and receiving justice.

• Debbie Herzog concludes:

  "Somebody needs to be their advocate."
  [51:14]

Lauren Chulgin and her team’s investigative efforts highlight the systemic issues within addiction treatment industries and the profound personal courage required to confront powerful abusers.

Key Takeaways

1. Systemic Failures: Addiction treatment centers may lack sufficient oversight, allowing for abuses and fraudulent activities to persist unchecked.
2. Importance of Advocacy: Victims of misconduct in vulnerable populations need strong advocates to ensure their voices are heard and justice is served.
3. Power of Investigative Journalism: Persistent reporting can expose deep-seated issues, even in the face of intimidation and legal threats.
4. Legal Challenges: Overcoming bureaucratic resistance is crucial for initiating meaningful investigations and prosecutions.

Notable Quotes

• Jane Coston on Spofford’s influence:

  "He has built this big reputation as a powerful business owner who's found his way through sobriety and now is giving back."
  [05:19]

• Debbie Herzog on the difficulty of addressing fraud:

  "I mean, honestly, it's hard. It really depends on the person doing the harm, the facility that that person works at, the facility is in."
  [08:12]

• Lauren Chulgin on confronting Batham:

  "I had no freaking way I could not investigate and find out."
  [25:16]

• Debbie Herzog on victims' challenges:

  "Being believed, and there's only so many times you can get beaten over the head and you just stop complaining."
  [51:02]

Final Thoughts

"The 13th Step" serves as a powerful exposé on the dark underbelly of addiction treatment centers, highlighting the indispensable role of dedicated individuals like Rose and Debbie in uncovering and combating systemic abuse and fraud. Their stories exemplify the impact of resilience and the pursuit of justice in transforming and safeguarding vulnerable communities.