The Binge Cases: Baby Broker — Episode 2: Three Babies

Host: Sony Music Entertainment
Release Date: February 10, 2025

Overview

In the second episode of The Binge Cases: Baby Broker, host Peter McDonnell delves deeper into the intricate and manipulative world of Tara Lee, the founder of Always Hope Adoption Agency. This episode focuses on the Granites—Tammy and Nick—who navigate the turbulent waters of adoption under Tara Lee's control, leading to a shocking revelation of manipulation and fraud that intertwines their fate with another couple, Teresa and Mike Matheny.

The Granites' Adoption Journey

Tammy and Nick Granite, a couple deeply longing to become parents, initially turned away from traditional private adoption agencies due to their uncomfortable experiences with discriminatory practices and exorbitant fees. Instead, leveraging their successful hair and makeup business, they sought the expertise of an adoption consultant who introduced them to Tara Lee of Always Hope Adoption Agency in Detroit.

Tammy Granite [02:03]: "To be honest, I always knew that likely I couldn't have my own children. I just knew it. So how I felt is I want to adopt."

The Granites were swiftly matched with two birth mothers through Tara Lee, paying approximately $20,000—a sum intended to cover living expenses for the birth mothers and legal fees. Their preparations included baby-proofing their home and setting up nurseries, signaling their readiness for parenthood.

Introduction of Stephanie and the Third Match

As Tammy and Nick prepared for the impending adoptions, Tara Lee introduced a third birth mother, Stephanie, under seemingly accidental circumstances. This unexpected match added complexity to their adoption plans.

Tammy Granite [05:28]: "This is where it gets even more wild. And I can never forget it."

The introduction of Stephanie coincided with doubts about their second match with Sabrina, raising red flags about Tara Lee’s practices. Tara Lee's insistence that the Granites adopt Stephanie's baby—a boy named Atticus—despite their prior preparations for a girl, showcased her manipulative control over the adoption process.

Nick Granite [07:06]: "And she's just falling in love with you guys. And we're completely silent on our end."

Red Flags and Rising Tensions

As the Granites delved deeper into the adoption process, inconsistencies began to surface. Tara Lee's updates about Sabrina were distressing and unprofessional, portraying Sabrina in a negative light and withholding crucial information. The situation escalated when Tara Lee claimed that Sabrina was on the brink of despair, pressuring the Granites to remain matched with her.

Tammy Granite [20:01]: "She was saying that no matter what, the baby was going to be special needs."

The agency's behavior, including abrupt cancellations and shifting blame, further eroded the Granites' trust. The revelation that Tara Lee was orchestrating a "double match" without the couples' knowledge highlighted the sinister extent of her manipulation.

Manipulation and Fraud Unveiled

The Granites' suspicions intensified when they discovered discrepancies in the financial transactions and the authenticity of the baby matches. Tara Lee's deceitful tactics, including fake ultrasounds and emotional blackmail, were meticulously documented by Tammy, who began compiling evidence of fraud.

Nick Granite [23:37]: "If we're still matched with Sabrina and the potential child that comes from that, they would have put us with three kids."

The situation reached a critical point when the FBI initiated a secret investigation into Tara Lee for adoption fraud, uncovering the breadth of her criminal scheme. The convergence of the Granites and the Mathenys in Detroit set the stage for a collective response against Tara Lee's manipulation.

Conclusion and Upcoming Conflict

As both couples converged in Detroit, unaware of each other's involvement, they were poised to confront Tara Lee's fraudulent operations. The Granites, armed with evidence and determined to reclaim their integrity, joined forces with the Mathenys to expose and dismantle Tara Lee's criminal network.

Peter McDonnell [33:19]: "We knew we had given this money."

The episode culminates with the imminent clash between the affected families and Tara Lee, promising a dramatic resolution to the harrowing tale of deception and resilience.

Notable Quotes

• Tammy Granite [02:03]: "To be honest, I always knew that likely I couldn't have my own children. I just knew it. So how I felt is I want to adopt."
• Nick Granite [07:06]: "And she's just falling in love with you guys. And we're completely silent on our end."
• Tammy Granite [05:28]: "This is where it gets even more wild. And I can never forget it."
• Nick Granite [23:37]: "If we're still matched with Sabrina and the potential child that comes from that, they would have put us with three kids."
• Peter McDonnell [33:19]: "We knew we had given this money."

Final Thoughts

Episode 2 of Baby Broker masterfully unravels the complexities and emotional turmoil faced by adoptive parents manipulated by a cunning and unscrupulous adoption broker. Through the Granites' journey, listeners gain insight into the darker aspects of adoption fraud and the resilience required to overcome such adversities. The impending confrontation in Detroit sets the stage for an enthralling continuation of this true crime saga.

Stay tuned for the next episode of Baby Broker to witness the culmination of Tammy and Nick Granite's fight against Tara Lee's criminal enterprise.