Podcast Summary: "The Moth" – Episode Featuring Tristan Jimerson: "A Dish Best Served Cold"

Introduction

In the December 31, 2012 episode of The Moth, Tristan Jimerson shares an enthralling personal narrative titled "A Dish Best Served Cold." Recorded live at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Minnesota in 2011, Tristan recounts his tumultuous journey from a struggling art student to a determined "private eye" seeking justice after falling victim to identity theft.

Background: Struggles in Minneapolis

Tristan's story begins with his move to Minneapolis, a period marked by a series of unfortunate events:

• Academic and Personal Setbacks: He transferred to a small art school, faced a breakup when his girlfriend wrecked his car, and had to contend with a condemned living situation.

• Financial Hardships: Working a minimum-wage job at a comic book store while attending night classes, Tristan found his only solace in the anticipation of spring break—a week he had been saving for over six months to escape his current hardships.

The Turning Point: Identity Theft Unveiled

After completing his final exams, Tristan eagerly prepared for his spring break:

• Moment of Realization: Upon depositing his last paycheck at the bank, Tristan discovered his account was overdrawn by $536, with unauthorized charges totaling $1,000, including $600 in Western Union transfers and a $400 charge to inmatecanteen.com (Timestamp [00:05:36]).

• Initial Response: The bank assured him the funds would be restored within a week, but Tristan was left disillusioned by the lack of immediate support and the ease with which his identity had been compromised.

Initiating the Investigation

Determined to reclaim his savings and confront the perpetrator, Tristan embarked on a personal investigation:

• Connecting the Dots: He traced the unauthorized charges back to local establishments and identified that his last legitimate transaction was a Domino's pizza order on the night of his finals.

• Suspicions Arise: Realizing that his credit card might have been compromised at Domino's, Tristan suspected an employee exploited his information, especially poignant given his background as a delivery driver where he upheld strong ethical standards.

Deepening the Investigation

Tristan's relentless pursuit led him to several critical steps:

• Confronting Domino's: He visited the local Domino's multiple times, eventually obtaining delivery tickets from the Green Mill restaurant, where some fraudulent orders originated (Timestamp [00:13:20]).

• Stalking the Suspect: Observing a woman matching the suspect's description at Green Mill, Tristan meticulously documented her appearance and behavior, even recording her cell phone number for further investigation.

• Unveiling Personal Details: Utilizing online platforms like eBay, Flickr, and MySpace, Tristan uncovered extensive personal information about the suspect, including her favorite food—pizza—a detail that underscored the personal betrayal he felt (Timestamp [00:18:45]).

Climactic Confrontation and Resolution

Tristan's efforts culminated in a dramatic resolution:

• Police Involvement: Despite initially stalling, the police eventually acted on the evidence Tristan provided, leading to the arrest of the suspect at Domino's during her shift (Timestamp [00:22:30]).

• Unexpected Apology: The CEO of Domino's personally reached out to apologize and reimburse Tristan for his losses. Instead of seeking compensation, Tristan requested measures to prevent future incidents, emphasizing the need for ethical conduct among employees.

Aftermath: A Transformative Experience

The resolution of the case had a profound impact on Tristan:

• Restoration and Recognition: He received letters confirming the suspect's guilty plea and a personal thank-you from Domino's CEO, along with the reimbursement he sought.

• Personal Growth: More than recovering his lost funds, Tristan gained a sense of empowerment and resilience. He reflects, "I wasn't the pathetic, depressed art student. No, for that week, I was Tristan Jimerson, private eye." This transformation highlights the profound effect that taking action and seeking justice can have on one's life.

Notable Quotes

• On Identity Theft and Personal Loss: "They only take the good parts. You know, they don't take the rat trap apartment and the Depression and... And the shitty job." ([00:07:15])

• On Persistence and Obsession: "And the thing about going crazy is you can't stop." ([00:13:45])

• On His Transformation: "I wasn't the pathetic, depressed art student. No, for that week, I was Tristan Jimerson, private eye." ([00:22:50])

• Closing Reflection: "Revenge, like delivery pizza, is best served cold." ([00:23:15])

Conclusion

Tristan Jimerson's story on The Moth is a compelling testament to resilience and the pursuit of justice. Faced with significant personal and financial setbacks, Tristan's determination not only restored his finances but also transformed his self-perception, illustrating the profound impact that proactive problem-solving and unwavering resolve can have in overcoming adversity.