Podcast Summary: True Crime Obsessed – Episode 409: Worst Ex Ever: Betrayed By The Badge

Introduction to the Episode

In Episode 409 of True Crime Obsessed, titled "Worst Ex Ever: Betrayed By The Badge," hosts Patrick and Gillian delve into a harrowing true crime story from the Netflix series Worst Ex Ever. This episode, released on January 7, 2025, unpacks the intricate tale of Simona, a hardworking single mother, and her deceitful ex-boyfriend Jerry, whose betrayal not only leads to Simona’s wrongful imprisonment but also exposes significant flaws within law enforcement.

Background on Simona

Simona is introduced as a dynamic woman balancing a demanding career and personal life. In 2006, she serves as a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley while simultaneously opening a Jamaican restaurant franchise, Golden Crust. As Gillian describes, "Simona is super busy...she's got Wall Street, the restaurant, and she's taking care of Kiara, her daughter."

Simona’s dedication is evident as she juggles her roles with grace, embodying the epitome of a modern, empowered single mother. Her resilience and work ethic are traced back to her upbringing in a hardworking family from Guyana, highlighting her strong foundation and determination.

The Meeting with Jerry

In June 2006, Simona meets Jerry, a man who enters her life under the guise of a Brooklyn detective. Initially, Jerry appears helpful and supportive, offering unsolicited advice on her restaurant’s security and performing favors that seem genuine. Patrick remarks, "Nobody asked. But she's kind of grateful because he's like, let me come back."

Despite Simona’s busy life and reluctance to sacrifice her freedom for a relationship, she becomes entangled with Jerry. Unbeknownst to her, Jerry harbors ulterior motives stemming from a traumatic past, including a pending rape trial against him.

The Assault and Frame-Up

Fast forward to March 2009, the relationship takes a dark turn. Simona receives a distressing phone call from a woman claiming to be Jerry’s wife, revealing Jerry's true nature as a deceitful individual with a history of misconduct. Simona confronts Jerry in her restaurant, only to be violently assaulted and raped by him. In the aftermath, Jerry orchestrates a complex scheme to frame Simona for multiple armed robberies.

Gillian poignantly states, "He's a racist, rapist, and all of this to avoid accountability. What a piece of shit." This betrayal not only devastates Simona personally but also sets off a chain of events leading to her wrongful arrest.

Simona’s Arrest and Trials

In May 2010, Simona is unjustly arrested for a series of robberies she did not commit. The orchestrated crimes, executed by Jerry and his unwilling accomplices, paint Simona as a criminal in the eyes of the law. Despite possessing solid alibis—such as her documented presence at the Mohegan Sun casino—Simona faces severe charges, including robbery in the first and second degrees, criminal impersonation, and menacing, with bail set exorbitantly high at one million dollars.

Simona's ordeal is exacerbated by the incompetence and bias within the police force. Gillian emphasizes the systemic failure, stating, "Simona is happy and she's living her life. If she's happy, I'm happy." However, the reality is grim as Simona endures months of incarceration, separated from her daughter Kiara, who copes by being raised by her aunt.

Unraveling Jerry’s Lies

As the case against Simona progresses, cracks in Jerry’s facade begin to appear. An ex-friend, initially coerced by Jerry, becomes a pivotal witness, revealing Jerry’s deceitful tactics. Through determined legal efforts, Simona’s attorney, Anthony Grant, uncovers phone records and witness testimonies that connect Jerry to the fabricated robberies. Grant asserts, "If we can prove that they all know each other, or at the very least, they all know Jerry, then we can prove that these...independent witnesses are setting Simona up."

Despite these revelations, systemic obstacles hinder Simona’s defense, including jurisdictional challenges and resistance from corrupt law enforcement officials. The narrative exposes how Jerry exploited his supposed connections within the NYPD to manipulate evidence and intimidate witnesses, ultimately prolonging Simona's suffering.

The Conviction of Jerry

The relentless pursuit of truth culminates in Jerry’s arrest and trial. His manipulative schemes and criminal actions are laid bare in court, leading to his conviction. Gillian highlights the momentous trial proceedings: "She was sort of like the most compelling witness he's ever seen in his entire career. He says during her testimony, jurors were crying."

In December 2010, Jerry is sentenced to 32 years in prison—25 years for rape and seven for conspiracy—ending his reign of deceit and oppression. This sentencing serves as a semblance of justice for Simona, who has endured significant personal and professional losses.

Simona’s Aftermath

Despite achieving wrongful conviction, Simona's journey does not end with Jerry’s imprisonment. She faces immense challenges, including foreclosure of her family home and the emotional toll of losing time with her daughter Kiara. Through a legal settlement with Nassau County and the involved detectives, Simona receives two million dollars—a partial recompense for her suffering. However, the scars of her ordeal linger, emphasizing the profound impact of systemic failures and personal betrayal.

Gillian reflects on Simona’s resilience, stating, "So Simona sues Nassau County and the detectives...they're so out of line and wrong because I didn't want to have to go testify." Simona's story underscores the critical need for accountability and reform within the justice system to prevent such injustices from recurring.

Conclusion and Insights

"Worst Ex Ever: Betrayed By The Badge" serves as a stark reminder of the potential for abuse within law enforcement and the devastating consequences of personal betrayal. Patrick and Gillian highlight the importance of vigilance, support systems, and systemic reforms to safeguard against such injustices. The episode not only narrates Simona’s harrowing experience but also calls for broader societal reflections on trust, accountability, and justice.

Notable Quotes

• Patrick [00:07]: "I mean, like the twist, it just gets worse and worse and worse."

• Gillian [03:22]: "Simona is super busy...she's got Wall Street, the restaurant, and she's taking care of Kiara, her daughter."

• Gillian [12:01]: "He drags Simona down to the basement and he sexually assaults her. He rapes her."

• Patrick [31:18]: "A million dollars bail...she's stuck in jail, waiting trial."

• Gillian [60:36]: "This episode is called Betrayed by the Badge. And at first, you think it's about how Jerry's pretending to be a cop. Sure, that's part of it. But also, the cops betrayed Simona because they failed her."

Final Thoughts

This episode of True Crime Obsessed intricately weaves a narrative of deception, betrayal, and the quest for justice. Through engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, Patrick and Gillian shed light on Simona's wrongful persecution, urging listeners to reflect on the profound impacts of personal and systemic failures within the criminal justice system.