Something Was Wrong: "We Got Her!" (S22 E8)
Released December 12, 2024
Host: Broken Cycle Media | Wondery

Overview

In the eighth episode of the award-winning docuseries Something Was Wrong, host Tiffany Reese delves into the intricate and high-stakes operation that led to the arrest of Megan Stoner, a notorious figure accused of orchestrating multiple scams and manipulative schemes. Titled "We Got Her!", this episode meticulously outlines the collaborative efforts of community members, activists, and vigilantes who sought justice against Stoner's alleged abuses.

Recap of Megan Stoner's History and Previous Attempts to Arrest Her

The episode begins by revisiting the events from the previous installment, where Indianapolis community member Alyssa, posing as a journalist, attempted to entrap Megan Stoner. On August 12, 2023, Stoner met with Alyssa and her accomplice Vero, founder of the Megan Stoner Scam Awareness Facebook group. However, despite initial hopes, the attempt faltered when local police, encountering a bench warrant rather than an arrest warrant, released Stoner due to jurisdictional issues. Following her failure to appear in court, an additional arrest warrant was issued.

“At the time the warrant was a bench warrant and not an arrest warrant and they were in a different county, the police let Megan Stoner go.” ([03:09])

Stoner continued her elusive behavior, renting multiple Airbnbs and presumably using funds from her alleged scam victims to sustain her lifestyle. This persistence only heightened the community's frustration and fear, galvanizing members to devise more effective strategies to apprehend her.

The Yoni Massage Operation: Devising a New Plan

Justin and Amanda, both acquainted with Stoner through the Young Republicans political scene, hypothesized that Stoner's obsession with yoni massages could be exploited to lure her into a trap. Recognizing the absence of scientific backing and legal acceptance for yoni massages—illegal in all states except Nevada—they identified Stoner's fervent dedication to these practices as a vulnerability.

“We created a fake yoni Practice called True Renewal Bloomington and connected with Stoner on Instagram through its fake account. Stoner took the bait.” ([06:55])

Leveraging Amanda's graphic design skills and Justin's deep understanding of Stoner's behaviors, they established a credible facade to engage her.

Engaging with Megan: Interactions and Challenges

Once the fake practice was set up, Stoner enthusiastically reached out, arranging consultations and appointments. The episode features an authentic exchange between Stoner and Justin, who impersonated a yoni practitioner named Xavier St. Clair:

[08:03] Justin (as Xavier St. Clair): “So tell me more about yourself. And I know we've talked a little bit on Instagram and we'd just like to know more about you.”
Megan Stoner: “I live in Indy and I have been with a couple different practitioners that do this work...”
Justin: “It's really hard. And I can't travel to the East Coast...”

Stoner's immediate involvement and continued trauma dumping—sharing fabricated stories of sexual assault and manipulation by her previous practitioner Haribo (Harry Friedman)—revealed her patterns of deceit.

“She started telling me about how Haribo, her previous practitioner, had assaulted her... She doesn't know she's talking to Justin here.” ([14:35])

Despite the emotional toll, Justin and Amanda maintained their composure, carefully navigating Stoner's relentless and fabricated narratives.

The Final Operation: Coordinating the Arrest

As Stoner grew increasingly eager to meet, the team recognized the critical moment to act. With Alyssa's assistance, they orchestrated a coordinated effort to involve law enforcement without alerting Stoner, who was suspected of monitoring police scanners.

Amanda detailed the meticulous preparation:

“I write it all down on a piece of paper and I'm like, all right, I'm going upstairs. Let's make this call... That's how I was brought in on the situation...” ([26:40])

Alyssa eventually called the non-emergency police line, providing comprehensive details about Stoner's location at an Airbnb, including potential escape routes.

“We got her. She was in jail.” ([24:36])

The team waited anxiously, fearing that Stoner might evade capture. Their patience was rewarded when, late at night, the sheriff's office confirmed her arrest.

“I screamed fuck yes.” ([26:40])

Reactions and Aftermath: Community and Team Member Responses

The episode transitions to live audio from a Twitter space hosted shortly after Stoner's arrest, capturing the raw emotions and relief of the team and community members involved.

Justin: “I didn't think she had my phone number because we had talked that one time over Zoom... but we got her. This is one of the most exciting things that's ever happened to me.” ([30:35])

Alex: “I was at a LEGO convention... Right as it crossed the finish line, the notification pops up on the top bar of the screen saying, we got her... It was the most incredible moment... We got her for good this time.” ([32:28])

Alyssa: “We created a fake yoni account, and Megan has messaged us. All of this that she's saying is lies... She scam a lot of people...” ([19:54])

Tom: “Megan and I go back ways, and, Jesus, she really gaslit me. It was manipulative... She cannot do this to anybody anymore.” ([29:50])

These testimonials underscore the emotional and psychological impact of their mission, highlighting both personal and communal triumphs.

Conclusion

"We Got Her!" serves as a compelling narrative of vigilance, community solidarity, and the pursuit of justice against manipulative wrongdoing. Through strategic deception and unwavering determination, Justin, Amanda, and their allies successfully dismantled Megan Stoner's facade, bringing her to account for her alleged transgressions. The episode not only celebrates their victory but also emphasizes the importance of collective action in combating trauma and abuse.

Notable Quotes:

• “We created a fake yoni Practice called True Renewal Bloomington and connected with Stoner on Instagram through its fake account. Stoner took the bait.” — Justin ([06:55])

• “We got her. She was in jail.” — Amanda ([26:40])

• “She scam a lot of people. She's done a lot of people wrong. And this is going to make a lot of people happy to know that she's going to be finally brought to justice.” — Amanda ([26:40])

• “I didn't think she had my phone number because we had talked that one time over Zoom... but we got her.” — Justin ([30:35])

• “Right as it crossed the finish line, the notification pops up on the top bar of the screen saying, we got her... It was the most incredible moment...” — Alex ([32:28])

This detailed summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and emotions conveyed in the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to "We Got Her!".