Episode Summary: Something Was Wrong – S22 E12: Tip of the Iceberg (Finale Part 2)

Release Date: January 2, 2025

Host: Tiffany Reese, Broken Cycle Media | Wondery

Introduction

In the gripping finale of the award-winning docuseries Something Was Wrong, host Tiffany Reese delves deeper into the complex case of Megan Stoner. This episode, titled "Tip of the Iceberg (Finale Part 2)," uncovers the layers of deception, manipulation, and alleged criminal activities surrounding Stoner. As Reese brings the season to a close, listeners are exposed to a culmination of evidence, interviews, and final insights that shed light on the true extent of Stoner's actions.

Revisiting the Contact: Reese and Stoner's Interactions

The episode opens with Reese recounting her initial contact with Megan Stoner while Stoner was incarcerated in Hamilton County Jail. Reese emphasizes the importance of these interactions in understanding Stoner's mindset and alleged crimes.

Notable Quote:

• Tiffany Reese [03:06]: "Last episode, we discussed how Stoner and I made contact while she was in Hamilton County Jail. We'll continue to hear the remainder of my phone calls with Stoner, where she provides comment to her list of allegations."

Allegations Against Megan Stoner

Reese presents a comprehensive overview of the accusations leveled against Stoner, focusing on her fraudulent activities and the impact on her victims. Through detailed accounts from individuals like Hannah and Laney, the episode highlights the breadth of Stoner's alleged scams and manipulative behaviors.

Key Points:

• Rental Fraud: Stoner is accused of intentionally stealing money from individuals, leading to severe consequences such as homelessness for victims.

• False Accusations: There are claims that Stoner has wrongfully accused multiple people of sexual assault, resulting in wasted legal resources and damaged reputations.

Notable Quote:

• Hannah [03:31]: "She intentionally stole money from people who were already in bad places to begin with. She caused one lady to be homeless. But this is just the tip of the iceberg."

Interviews with Community Members and Victims

Reese incorporates testimonies from several individuals who interacted with Stoner, including Hannah and Laney. These interviews provide firsthand accounts of Stoner's deceptive tactics and the resulting emotional and financial turmoil inflicted upon her victims.

Hannah's Account: Hannah describes her experience receiving suspicious messages from Stoner's associate, Haribo, and her subsequent discovery of Stoner's fraudulent activities through a detailed public records request.

Notable Quote:

• Hannah [14:10]: "I honestly think that there's a lot of stuff that we don't know. That's why I was so like, I must find more people. There's more. People were coming out of the woodwork with major stuff."

Laney's Testimony: Laney shares her interaction with Stoner, where Stoner falsely accused a political figure, Brian Bosma, of holding her and an accomplice at gunpoint—an incident that Laney promptly debunked upon investigation.

Notable Quote:

• Laney [28:46]: "She was completely in the dark. I didn't go to the police. I don't know if Elizabeth did."

Megan Stoner's Responses and Final Interactions

Throughout the episode, Reese includes fragments of phone calls and messages between her and Stoner. Stoner's responses range from admissions of wrongdoing to outright denial of certain allegations. As Reese's investigation progresses, Stoner's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, culminating in her release from jail and immediate return to manipulative tactics.

Notable Quotes:

• Megan Stoner [11:11]: "I look forward to getting out and being able to pay them back, and then I think, hopefully, then we can all move on in some way."

• Tiffany Reese [33:03]: "Going forward, though, I don't think there's any need for us to really communicate, you know, at this point."

Climactic Confrontation and Final Statements

In the concluding segments, Reese confronts Stoner with the amassed evidence and the testimonies of multiple victims. Stoner's lack of genuine remorse and continued harassment attempts are highlighted, reinforcing the severity of her actions and the ongoing struggle for justice faced by her victims.

Final Remarks: Reese delivers a powerful closing statement condemning Stoner's actions and reaffirming the podcast's commitment to continuing the fight for the victims, despite the season's conclusion.

Notable Quote:

• Tiffany Reese [33:27]: "Megan Elizabeth Stoner, are you absolutely delusional? Do you have no sense of the pain and the emotional turmoil that you have caused your victims and community?"

Conclusion and Legacy

As the episode wraps up, Reese acknowledges the collective effort of her team and supporters in unraveling the truth behind Megan Stoner's alleged crimes. The finale serves not only as an end to the season but also as a testament to the resilience of survivors and the ongoing pursuit of justice.

Final Remarks: Reese expresses gratitude to her team, partners, and listeners, emphasizing the importance of community support in uncovering and addressing abuse and fraud.

Notable Quote:

• Tiffany Reese [33:27]: "Thank you so much to every survivor and ally who has trusted us to help share their stories. We are forever grateful."

Episode Highlights:

• Detailed exploration of Megan Stoner's alleged fraudulent schemes and manipulative behaviors.
• Personal testimonies from victims and community members who interacted with Stoner.
• Insights into the investigative process undertaken by Reese to uncover the truth.
• Final confrontations and declarations that underscore the impact of Stoner's actions on her victims and community.

For those who haven't listened to the episode, "Tip of the Iceberg (Finale Part 2)" offers a profound and unsettling look into the dark realities of abuse, fraud, and the struggle for truth and accountability. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Tiffany Reese brings to light the hidden facets of Megan Stoner's case, urging listeners to stay informed and vigilant.