Up and Vanished – Episode: "The Truth According To Jon"
Release Date: May 16, 2025
Host: Payne Lindsey
Podcast: Up and Vanished (Tenderfoot TV)
Introduction
In this gripping episode of Up and Vanished, host Payne Lindsey delves deep into the mysterious disappearance of Florence Okpealuk, an Alaska Native woman. The episode titled "The Truth According To Jon" features an intense and revealing conversation between Payne and John Guertin, a key figure accused in Florence's disappearance. This summary captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting critical moments, insights, and the unfolding narrative that seeks to uncover the truth behind the cold case.
Background of the Case
Up and Vanished Season 4 focuses on the disappearance of Florence Okpealuk and Joseph Balderas in Nome, Alaska. Florence, a 36-year-old Alaska Native, vanished under suspicious circumstances, prompting an extensive investigation. The case has been mired in controversy, with various leads and accusations emerging over time.
John Guertin’s Personal Struggles and Background [04:23 – 09:12]
John Guertin begins by sharing his tumultuous personal history, marked by the tragic loss of his family members:
- Loss of Family: "I lost my father three weeks later to a stroke..." (04:23)
- Employment Issues: Facing rumors and accusations labeling him a serial killer, leading to job loss: "I was removed of duty for violating a bulletin policy because I yelled at them." (05:26)
John describes his isolation and the escalating harassment he faced, including being falsely accused of multiple assaults and having fraudulent documents sent to his wife in the Philippines. This period of his life led to depression and a relapse into substance abuse.
The Night of Florence’s Disappearance [12:02 – 33:00]
John recounts the events leading up to Florence’s disappearance:
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Meeting Florence:
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Florence’s Behavior:
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Her Disappearance:
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Potential Explanations:
- Florence’s State: John speculates that Florence may have walked into the ocean due to her unstable mental state: "I think she walked out in the ocean." (31:50)
- Other Possibilities: He considers that someone might have taken her, although he has no concrete evidence: "The other possibility is someone got her." (20:37)
Notable Quote:
"I have no idea because I wasn't there...I know I didn't do anything wrong to her." – John Guertin (43:14)
Accusations and Harassment [05:26 – 10:21]
John details the widespread rumors and false accusations against him, exacerbated by a podcast episode that labeled him a predator:
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False Allegations:
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Police and FBI Involvement:
- Despite the harassment, the FBI conducted a thorough investigation and cleared him of wrongdoing: "...the FBI... cleared me and they said no foul play..." (05:26)
Notable Quote:
"I've been threatened multiple times. I've been assaulted...the police here from fake profiles on Facebook." – John Guertin (06:54)
John’s Theories and Cooperation with Authorities [25:09 – 33:00]
John discusses his ongoing struggles with depression and substance abuse, fueled by the false accusations:
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Depression and Substance Use:
- Relapsed into methamphetamines due to depression: "I relapsed a little bit on the methamphetamines because of depression." (24:49)
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Interactions with Paul:
- Paul, a drug dealer, visited John, questioning him about the case:
"He was asking me questions... about that night with Flo and anything else." – John Guertin (25:55)
- Paul, a drug dealer, visited John, questioning him about the case:
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Florence’s Work and Theories:
- A friend suggests Florence was harassed by a diver involved in reconstructing a house:
"She thinks the diver guy did something to her." – John Guertin (27:08)
- A friend suggests Florence was harassed by a diver involved in reconstructing a house:
Notable Quote:
"If I hadn't been too lazy and assumed she was gonna be alright... a small change could have had a drastic impact." – John Guertin (32:38)
Payne’s Skepticism and Planned Polygraph Test [33:00 – 44:57]
Payne Lindsey challenges John’s narrative, emphasizing the lack of evidence supporting his theory that Florence walked into the ocean:
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Questioning Inconsistencies:
- Payne points out the absence of evidence for Florence’s ocean demise, urging John to consider other possibilities:
"There's the least amount of evidence to support that. So let's just check that off the list." – Payne Lindsey (34:05)
- Payne points out the absence of evidence for Florence’s ocean demise, urging John to consider other possibilities:
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John’s Admission of Inaction:
- John acknowledges his failure to ensure Florence's safety:
"I did not do anything wrong... not caring enough to get up the next morning." (30:10)
- John acknowledges his failure to ensure Florence's safety:
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Live Polygraph Announcement:
- To vindicate himself, John agrees to take a live polygraph test:
"He wants to take a polygraph test live. No editing, no excuses." – Payne Lindsey (43:21)
- To vindicate himself, John agrees to take a live polygraph test:
Notable Quote:
"But she wasn't like hurting people... I was too lazy to roll and look because I knew who it was." – John Guertin (17:58)
Conclusion and Upcoming Events
The episode concludes with Payne announcing a live polygraph test featuring John Guertin, scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at 8 PM Eastern Time on Up and Vanished's Instagram. This unprecedented move aims to provide transparency and allow listeners to witness John’s plea for innocence firsthand.
Final Quote:
"As of now, this is John's story... Every twist, every dodge, every moment he claims as his truth." – Payne Lindsey (44:57)
Key Takeaways
- Complex Narratives: The case of Florence Okpealuk is intricate, with personal struggles and false accusations intertwining, complicating the search for truth.
- John Guertin’s Struggle: John’s account reveals a man battling personal demons and societal backlash, seeking redemption and clarity.
- Unresolved Questions: Despite John’s detailed narrative, many questions remain unanswered, highlighting the challenges in resolving cold cases.
- Transparency Efforts: The upcoming live polygraph test represents a novel approach to seeking truth and engaging the community in the investigation.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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John Guertin on His Losses:
"I lost my father three weeks later to a stroke." (04:23)
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On False Accusations:
"Now there's two women I've supposedly assaulted." (07:32)
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John’s Regret:
"If I hadn't been too lazy and assumed she was gonna be alright... a small change could have had a drastic impact." (32:38)
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Payne’s Skepticism:
"There's the least amount of evidence to support that. So let's just check that off the list." (34:05)
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Final Plea:
"I know I didn't do anything, but I'm the only one that can really help." (42:00)
Closing Remarks
This episode of Up and Vanished presents a deeply personal and controversial narrative surrounding Florence Okpealuk’s disappearance. Through John Guertin’s candid revelations and Payne Lindsey’s probing questions, listeners are invited to navigate the complexities of truth, perception, and justice. The forthcoming live polygraph promises to add a new dimension to the investigation, potentially bringing clarity to a case that has long baffled the Nome community.
For more detailed insights and updates, listeners are encouraged to follow Up and Vanished on Instagram and tune into the live polygraph session.