Something Was Wrong – Season 22, Episode 11: Double Down (Finale Part 1)
Release Date: January 2, 2025
Host: Tiffany Reese, Broken Cycle Media | Wondery
Introduction
In the gripping finale of Something Was Wrong, Tiffany Reese delves deeper into the intricate web surrounding Megan Stoner, a central figure accused of various crimes including fraud, identity theft, and manipulation. This episode, titled "Double Down (Finale Part 1)," serves as the culmination of a season-long investigation into Stoner's tumultuous history of deceit and legal battles.
Recap of Previous Episodes
Reese begins by recapping the previous episode, highlighting how Alex uncovered the mysteries behind Stoner's dealings with Mason Motors. Through civil lawsuits and allegations of identity theft, significant evidence emerged, including a pending judgment of $68,002.10 against Stoner. Reese acknowledges the contributions of community members like Justin, whose early interviews provided crucial insights into Stoner's behavior.
"When my team and I first started working on this case, summer of 2024, I spoke with community member and former politico Justin in one of my early interviews. I'm so thankful to Justin and all of the participants this season for their time."
[03:05] – Tiffany Reese
Confronting Megan Stoner
The episode features intense interactions between Reese and Megan Stoner. Initial communications reveal Stoner's reluctance to engage, opting instead for non-committal responses.
"I mean, I'm happy to touch base with you in November."
[06:56] – Megan Stoner
Reese details her strategic approach in handling Stoner, balancing empathy with directness to elicit truthful disclosures.
"When speaking with someone like Megan Stoner, I knew I had to play my cards correctly."
[04:48] – Tiffany Reese
Legal Proceedings and Stoner’s Defense
Stoner discusses her legal troubles, including multiple misdemeanor charges related to driving violations and theft. She outlines her plans for probation and repayment of fines, expressing hope for a clean slate upon release.
"I have probation for a year, but unfortunately, if I found a place. But if I hadn't found transitional living, I would literally just be on the streets because I'm not under any supervision other than probation."
[08:15] – Megan Stoner
Stoner also addresses her stance on outstanding debts, prioritizing repayment of smaller fines before tackling larger judgments.
"So my first will be the Hamilton county case, because my police stipulates that has to be done first before anything else."
[10:53] – Megan Stoner
Allegations and Counterclaims
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the numerous allegations against Stoner and her responses. Reese presents accusations from various individuals, including fabricated claims of sexual assault and fraud.
"Those allegations are that you would essentially take on the stories of other people in these groups and pretend that the same things that were happening to them were happening to you."
[19:58] – Unknown
Stoner firmly denies these allegations, maintaining her innocence and dismissing claims of deceit.
"That's not true. That's my only comment on that one."
[19:09] – Megan Stoner
Personal Testimonies from Stoner’s Acquaintances
The episode includes heartfelt accounts from individuals like Lainey and Hannah, who recount their personal interactions with Stoner. They describe Stoner's manipulative behaviors and the impact of her deceit on their lives.
"She would never admit to anything. This girl would just double down."
[23:35] – Lainey
"All her victims are like a similar type of person, like a good-hearted person person, a trusting person."
[24:27] – Lainey
These testimonies provide a broader perspective on Stoner's pattern of manipulation and fraud, emphasizing the emotional and financial toll on her victims.
Final Legal Developments
Reese updates listeners on the latest legal developments, including Stoner's guilty pleas to three misdemeanor charges in Elwood, Indiana, and the subsequent closure of related court cases.
"On December 19, 2024, Stoner pled guilty to three criminal misdemeanor charges in Elwood, Indiana."
[07:41] – Tiffany Reese
Despite pledges to rectify her wrongs, Stoner remains entangled in legal obligations, with unresolved judgments and ongoing probation.
Conclusion and Upcoming Stories
As the episode draws to a close, Reese hints at forthcoming revelations and investigative threads that will continue in the next installment of the finale. The intricate details of Stoner's case highlight the complexities of uncovering truth amidst layers of deception.
"That's next time on the season finale of Something Was Wrong."
[44:16] – Tiffany Reese
Key Takeaways
- Megan Stoner’s Legal Struggles: Stoner faces multiple misdemeanor charges, with ongoing probation and efforts to repay fines.
- Pattern of Deception: Personal testimonies reveal Stoner’s manipulative tendencies and fraudulent activities.
- Host’s Strategy: Tiffany Reese employs a balanced approach to extract information while maintaining engagement.
- Community Impact: Stoner’s actions have left a significant emotional and financial imprint on her victims, eroding trust within communities.
Notable Quotes
-
"I'm not trying to label with everyone, obviously."
[19:58] – Megan Stoner -
"Everyone that knows me knows I never had a drink of alcohol."
[34:55] – Megan Stoner -
"Our relationship that we had was a very intimate and close relationship. My trauma was on full display."
[35:24] – Megan Stoner
Final Remarks
In this intense finale, Something Was Wrong sheds light on the convoluted case of Megan Stoner, intertwining legal battles, personal testimonies, and the relentless pursuit of truth by Tiffany Reese. As the season concludes, listeners are left anticipating the next part of the finale, promising further unraveling of Stoner's enigmatic and troubling narrative.
For more information, visit James Patterson's Holmes Is Missing and follow Something Was Wrong on your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for the continuation of this riveting story in the upcoming episode.