Valley of Shadows – Episode 7: The Trial

Date: February 16, 2026
Host/Reporters: Betsy Shepard & Haley Fox
Podcast: Pushkin Industries

Episode Overview

The seventh episode, “The Trial,” delves into the long and tumultuous fallout from the investigation into Deputy Jon Aujay’s disappearance, focusing on the whistleblower lawsuit of former LASD investigator Darren Hager against the LA County Sheriff's Department (LASD). The episode examines how attempts to solve Aujay’s case exposed deep corruption, deputy gangs, and interlocking coverups within the department. Through trial transcripts, court records, and first-person accounts, the hosts dissect both the personal cost to whistleblowers and the institutional lengths to which LASD would go to protect itself.

Key Discussion Points

1. Operation Silent Thunder and Hager’s Downfall

• Recap: Hager and his colleagues orchestrated Operation Silent Thunder, one of the biggest drug busts in Antelope Valley (03:17). Despite earning federal accolades, the LASD ostracizes Hager, ultimately firing him for “reckless investigation” and making alleged false statements.
• Motivation for Firing: The department cited Hager’s supposed rogue investigation into fellow deputy Rick Engels and communicating false findings. Hager contended it was retaliation for attempting to expose internal corruption (08:21–08:59, 09:01).

Notable Quote:

“We did our job, and we did it right, and we did it honestly. But the Sheriff's Department is covering up the corruption, and that's why they did it.” – Darren Hager (06:45)

2. Unearthing Court Records & Evidence of Coverup

• Archive Dig: Betsy and Haley describe digging through digitized records in the county courthouse archives, uncovering Hager’s discharge notice and mounds of investigative files that became public record via the lawsuit (07:56–09:22).
• Key Evidence: These files include taped interviews, internal affairs reports, and inconsistent accounts regarding Deputy Engels and his involvement in the Aujay case.

Notable Moment:

“Do you know what the most beautiful word in the English language is?... Tape. Tape. Look at all those tapes.”
— Betsy Shepard & Haley Fox (09:48–09:52)

3. The Flawed LASD Internal Investigation

• Detective Joe Holmes’ Dismissal: Holmes, who took over the investigation of Aujay’s disappearance, repeatedly cleared key suspects (notably Tom Hinkle and Rick Engels) using questionable tactics:
  • Supposed “malfunctioned” tape recorder during a crucial Hinkle interview (12:11)
  • Accepting alibis on thin evidence, refusing to record or properly document interviews (16:05)
  • Lied to federal agents about Hinkle’s polygraph results—Hinkle failed, but Holmes claimed he passed (14:44–14:58).
• Selective Justice: Holmes’ trust in fellow deputies and disregard for informant leads suggest institutional bias and minimization of scrutiny into LASD personnel.

Notable Quotes:

“If Hinkle had any knowledge about criminal activity or foul play…he would be spilling his guts all over his table…But he doesn’t. And I’m convinced of that.” – Joe Holmes (13:33)
“I said, you’ve got rumor and innuendo. That’s my opinion. And in fact, I told them, I said boy, you’re gonna ruin a lot of guys’ careers.” – Joe Holmes (17:46)

4. LASD’s Pattern of Corruption and Scandals

• Broader Context: Haley details prior corruption scandals, including the ‘Big Spender’ case (22:52) and the reign of Sheriff Lee Baca, who was later convicted for federal crimes and cover-ups (24:25–25:27).
• Deputy Gangs: The existence of violent deputy gangs (‘Executioners’, ‘Grim Reapers’) and the Linwood Vikings, some of whom were implicated in civil rights abuses and named as part of Hager’s narrative, were cited as evidence of systemic corruption.

Notable Quote:

“We were in competition to see who could be more corrupt… I'd like to say LAPD won, but when I look back on it now, I think we bested them.” – Captain Mike Bauer (19:18)

5. Retaliation against Whistleblowers

• Hager as Scapegoat: Rather than investigate illicit deputy activities, LASD turned its focus to Hager, amassing allegations from six deputies (led by Engels) against him (29:23).
• Personal Consequences: Hager’s career and reputation were ruined—he was blacklisted, bankrupt, and isolated (49:38); even his friendship and business partnership with Larry Brandenburg dissolved under strain (50:10–50:42).
• LASD’s Tactics: The department manipulated narratives, warned informants about cooperating with Hager, and accused Hager of presenting “false theories” (32:09).

Notable Quote:

“I had too much information. They had to get rid of the messenger.” – Darren Hager (31:41)

6. The Whistleblower Lawsuit – “Hager v. LA County”

• Trial Breakdown: Hager’s civil case took nearly a decade, culminating in a 2011 trial where both sides presented extensive evidence (489 exhibits) and witness lists, including informants, DEA agents, and Rick Engels (37:20–42:15).

• Engels’ Evasive Testimony: Under oath, Engels waffled on his alibi for the day Aujay disappeared, contradicting previous claims and undermining Holmes’ investigation (44:23–46:09).

• Critical Courtroom Exchange:

  • [Co-host (Haley Fox)]: “Did you tell Detective Holmes that your wife had a beauty shop appointment on June 11, 1998?”
    [Engels]: “No, my wife never goes to the beauty shop. She’s uglier than a mud fence.” (44:29)
    Hosts react, highlighting how Engels’ denial erases his own supposed alibi.

• LASD Focuses on Discrediting Hager: The defense steered the case away from Aujay’s disappearance or systemic corruption, attempting to paint Hager as reckless and dishonest (43:56, 43:48).

7. Systemic Biases in Credibility

• Informant Dismissal: The department dismissed meth-user informants’ testimony as “tweaker talk,” while simultaneously accepting Engels’ account (47:57).
• Bigfoot Irony: Hager’s attorney highlights that Engels himself reported seeing Bigfoot ([47:28–47:43]), yet he is viewed as credible simply due to his badge.

Notable Quote:

“It’s really like Engels is just getting a carte blanche get out of jail free card.” – Haley Fox (48:20)

8. Jury Verdict and Aftermath

• Jury Decision: After two days of deliberation, the jury rules in Hager’s favor, awarding him $4.5 million (51:22).
• Aftermath: The payout is reduced on appeal and quickly spent on legal fees and debts. But Hager’s main victory is proving he was fired for uncovering corruption, not misconduct (51:54).
• Ongoing Shadow: Despite Hager’s small triumph, suspected corrupt deputies kept their jobs, and the Aujay case remains unsolved and possibly covered up (53:04–53:37).

Notable Quote:

“They lost the battle, but not really sure if they won the war yet or not.” – Darren Hager (52:57)

9. Preview of the Series Finale

• New Revelation: The hosts tease a 2006 incident involving a shooting in Engels’ home (54:31), hinting at further concealed violence and the department’s ongoing culture of cover-up—suggesting the story is far from over.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Moment | |-------------|-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 06:45 | Hager | “We did our job… But the Sheriff's Department is covering up the corruption, and that's why they did it.” | | 09:52 | Betsy | “Tape. Tape. Look at all those tapes.” | | 14:44–14:58 | Agent Bailey | “To find out from the LA County Sheriff's polygrapher that...no, he didn't pass it, he failed it.” | | 19:18 | Mike Bauer| “We were in competition to see who could be more corrupt… I think we bested them.” | | 31:41 | Hager | “I had too much information. They had to get rid of the messenger.” | | 44:29 | Engels | “No, my wife never goes to the beauty shop. She’s uglier than a mud fence.” | | 47:28–47:43 | Engels | “Deputy Engels, you saw Bigfoot, didn’t you? ... I did.” | | 48:20 | Haley Fox | “It’s really like Engels is just getting a carte blanche get out of jail free card.” | | 51:22 | Hager | “Rick gives me the big hug and everything. And he goes, congratulations.” | | 52:57 | Hager | “They lost the battle, but not really sure if they won the war yet or not.” | | 53:18 | Hager | “I won’t forget about till the day I die, until my brain’s not working anymore.” |

Important Timestamps

• [03:17]: Hager & team complete Operation Silent Thunder, ignite departmental pushback.
• [08:21–09:22]: Search through Hager case files in county records.
• [12:11–13:51]: Holmes clears Hinkle—lies about polygraph, no recording of interview.
• [17:46–18:14]: Holmes expresses worry about “ruining careers,” department begins targeting Hager.
• [22:52–25:27]: The history of LASD corruption—Big Spender, deputy gangs, Lee Baca era.
• [29:23]: Engels leads other deputies in complaints against Hager.
• [37:20–42:15]: Trial exhibits, witnesses, cross-examination of Rick Engels.
• [44:23–46:09]: Engels undermines his own alibi under oath.
• [47:28–47:43]: Bigfoot anecdote—highlighting double standards in credibility.
• [51:22]: Jury delivers verdict, Hager wins lawsuit.
• [53:37–54:31]: Teaser for the final episode—Engels’ shooting incident.

Conclusion

“Episode 7: The Trial” lays bare how the search for answers in Jon Aujay’s disappearance exposed not only the Antelope Valley meth crisis, but also the deep rot within the LA County Sheriff's Department. The episode humanizes the cost of whistleblowing through Hager’s harrowing journey—from lawman to outcast to reluctant victor—while deftly critiquing law enforcement’s pattern of self-protection, willful ignorance, and the dangerous consequences for truthseekers. With unresolved deaths and coverups continuing even after the trial, the stage is set for a dramatic series finale.

Next Episode Preview:
A shocking case of double shooting in Engels’ home, department stonewalling, and an unexpected reunion—with hints that the cover-ups and suspicious deaths in the Devil’s Punchbowl are far from over.