The Opportunist

Kouri Richins was a grieving widow—or so it seemed—until her husband’s suspicious death revealed a web of deceit and greed. In this episode, we uncover the chilling story of how she exploited trust and love in a scheme that shocked everyone who knew her.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Opportunist, Ian Bick built the image of a young entrepreneur while secretly running a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme out of Danbury, Connecticut. The episode traces how a teenager convinced friends, investors, and even family to trust him - until the scheme began to unravel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Opportunist, Ari Giselle is at the center of a case tied to the killing of three surfers in Baja California. The episode traces how the crime unfolded - and how it turned a long-considered tourist playground into the focus of international scrutiny.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Opportunist, probation guards at LA County’s Camp Scott, entrusted with the care of vulnerable girls, are accused of using their authority to sexually abuse those in custody. The episode examines how power, isolation, and a broken oversight system created the conditions for exploitation- and the reckoning that followed.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jontay Porter \On this episode of The Opportunist, NBA journeyman Jontay Porter is accused of fixing games to cash in on bets placed by his gambling partners. The episode unpacks how a professional athlete risked his career - and the integrity of the sport - for profit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Opportunist, a rising model with a double life, Adva Lavie conned fellow models and wealthy older men, leaving a trail of betrayal in her wake. The episode unpacks how looks, access, and opportunity fueled a years-long scheme hiding in plain sight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of The Opportunist pulls back the curtain on pastor Mike Bickle, tracing years of troubling claims and unanswered questions that lingered in the shadows of his ministry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pastor David Taylor built Kingdom of God Global Church into a sprawling ministry powered by aggressive fundraising call centers and promises of divine favor. In this episode of The Opportunist, his story exposes how spiritual authority can become a tool for manipulation, control, and unending financial gain.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeffrey Manchester became known nationwide as the “Rooftop Burglar,” a figure often distorted by Hollywood and myth. But in this episode of The Opportunist, the real Jeffrey Manchester emerges - revealing how a quiet Army soldier turned thief built a double life of break-ins, secrecy, and startling ingenuity.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins rose to power as a reformer promising justice and change within Boston’s jail system. But in this episode of The Opportunist, Sheriff Steven Tomkins’ story reveals how a crusade for reform became a vehicle for power, loyalty, and personal gain.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Opportunist, when 27-year-old Adan Manzano is found dead in a New Orleans hotel room, suspicion quickly turns to Danette Colbert. As investigators dig deeper, they uncover a pattern of manipulation and greed that suggests Adan wasn’t her only victim.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Opportunist, trusted Montana oncologist Dr. Thomas Weiner is accused of diagnosing patients with cancer they didn’t have. What began as a story of hope and healing quickly turned into one of greed, deception, and shattered lives.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Opportunist, we tell the story of Kentucky Judge Kevin Mullins, who allegedly used his position to solicit sex from inmates, and how his abuse of power came to a shocking end.--See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Opportunist, we follow Charlie Javice, a young fintech founder who sold her startup to JPMorgan Chase for $175 million. But behind the glowing headlines was a stunning fraud that would ultimately bring her empire crashing down.Thank you to our sponsors:Betterhelp: The podcast is supported by Better Help. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/OPPORTUNISTSimplisafe: Get 50% off your new SimpliSafe system with professional monitoring and your first month free at SimpliSafe.com/OPPORTUNISTPlutoTV: Summer of Cinema. Stream now for free.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mary Mahoney’s Old French House was a beloved Gulf Coast landmark, serving presidents, celebrities, and locals for decades. On this episode of The Opportunist, we uncover the hidden story that threatened to tarnish its celebrated reputation.Thank you to our sponsors:Betterhelp: The podcast is supported by Better Help. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/OPPORTUNISTSimplisafe: Get 50% off your new SimpliSafe system with professional monitoring and your first month free at SimpliSafe.com/OPPORTUNISTPlutoTV: Summer of Cinema. Stream now for free.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Jonestown to Heaven’s Gate, to the Octopus Murders and the Waco Siege, the world is full of deception, manipulation, and destruction. Listen to Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes every Wednesday as we explore the real people at the center of the world’s most shocking secrets and nefarious organizations. Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes is a Crime House original powered by PAVE Studios. Follow the show now so you don’t miss a single story.LISTEN NOW! https://www.pavestudios.com/shows/conspiracy-theories-cults-and-crimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeremiah ‘The Bull’ Evans was a flashy entrepreneur who launched the Alpha Con convention, promising the secrets to wealth and influence. On this episode of The Opportunist, we look at how his high-energy salesmanship unraveled into fraud charges and a prison sentence.Thank you to our sponsors:Betterhelp: The podcast is supported by Better Help. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/OPPORTUNISTSimplisafe: Get 50% off your new SimpliSafe system with professional monitoring and your first month free at SimpliSafe.com/OPPORTUNISTEarnin: Download EarnIn today. When you download the EarnIn app, type in The Opportunist under PODCAST when you sign up.PlutoTV: Summer of Cinema. Stream now for free.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kyle Norton Riester was an active duty Army pilot who used LSD on the weekends and sold psychedelics on the dark web. On this episode of The Opportunist, we examine how his double life led to federal charges and a stunning fall from grace.Thank you to our sponsors:Quince: Go to Quince.com/OPPORTUNIST for free shipping on your order and 65-day returns.Betterhelp: The podcast is supported by Better Help. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/OPPORTUNISTSimplisafe: Get 50% off your new SimpliSafe system with professional monitoring and your first month free at SimpliSafe.com/OPPORTUNISTEarnin: Download EarnIn today. When you download the EarnIn app, type in The Opportunist under PODCAST when you sign up.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this follow-up episode, The Opportunist explores the latest legal troubles facing Tim Ballard, this time in Argentina, where he's under investigation for alleged misconduct tied to his anti-trafficking efforts. As the international scrutiny mounts, questions grow louder about the true motives behind Ballard’s crusade.Thank you to our sponsors:Betterhelp: Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/OPPORTUNISTSimplisafe: Get 50% off your new SimpliSafe system with professional monitoring and your first month free at SimpliSafe.com/OPPORTUNISTEarnin: Download EarnIn today. When you download the EarnIn app, type in The Opportunist under PODCAST when you sign up.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aimee Bock and Salim Said positioned themselves as champions of hungry children—until investigators uncovered a massive fraud scheme siphoning millions from a federal food aid program. “Aimee Bock & Salim Said: Defrauding Our Future” exposes how ambition, deception, and weak oversight collided in one of the largest pandemic-era scams in U.S. history.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the beloved community newspaper Eugene Weekly suddenly stopped publishing, staff discovered a longtime employee had quietly drained the paper’s finances for years.“Eugene Weekly: Black, White, and In The Red” unravels the story of betrayal, denial, and the fight to revive a local institution nearly lost to criminal opportunity.Thank you to our sponsors:Simplisafe: Get 50% off your new SimpliSafe system with professional monitoring and your first month free at simplisafe.com/opportunistSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Once a promising snowboarder, Ryan James Wedding traded the slopes for smuggling routes in a shocking descent into the world of international drug trafficking. The Opportunists unpacks how fame, ambition, and risk collided in one man’s transformation from athlete to criminal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Hunter Raines was a trusted CFO overseeing millions in public funds meant to support families of children with severe birth injuries in Virginia. The Opportunist investigates how he quietly exploited the system for personal gain—while the families he was supposed to help were left fighting for scraps.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, The Opportunist Podcast explores how Jacob Runyan and Chase Cominsky cheated during a series of major fishing tournaments. The episode reveals how they manipulated the situation with illegal tactics, causing shockwaves in the fishing community.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When John Darwin vanished in a canoeing accident off the coast of the United Kingdom, it seemed like a tragic loss—but it was all part of a calculated plan. In this episode we explore how his elaborate scheme came to light and the shocking role his wife played.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kouri Richins was a grieving widow—or so it seemed—until her husband’s suspicious death revealed a web of deceit and greed. In this episode, we uncover the chilling story of how she exploited trust and love in a scheme that shocked everyone who knew her. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coach Overton’s win-at-all-costs mentality led Hayfield High to a dream season—but also to its darkest chapter. In this episode, we delve into how his opportunistic actions unraveled the team, exposing a scandal that left a community reeling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Coach Overton made a surprising leap to Hayfield High School, he was hailed as the savior of the struggling football program. But behind his calculated move lay the actions of an opportunist willing to bend the rules to build his legacy at any cost. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After Peter Martins’ actions were exposed, a dancer named Chase Finlay was caught taking inappropriate pictures and videos of dancers at the New York City Ballet. In this episode, we dive into how the misogynistic culture created by Peter Martins spurred others to misuse their perceived power. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The American Ballet Company, led by the charismatic Peter Martins, was the epitome of grace and perfection—until allegations of abuse and exploitation surfaced. In this episode, we explore how Martins used his influence to exploit dancers and manipulate those around him to maintain his dominance. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discover the shocking story of Officer John Greer, a trusted law enforcement officer who exploited his badge to commit unthinkable murders. In this episode, we uncover the dark secrets Greer tried to hide, and how his abuse of power led to a chilling reign of terror. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the final episode of The Opportunist: Tim Ballard - Unmasking a Hero, host Sarah James McLaughlin sits down with the producers and writers to explore the creative and investigative processes behind this compelling series. They also discuss their attempts to secure an interview with the new leader of O.U.R. Rescue. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Opportunist, we delve into the new allegations against Tim Ballard and explore the Federal civil lawsuit that accuses him of exploiting his position as the head of O.U.R to traffick the women he worked with. Thank you to our sponsors: Betterhelp: Visit betterhelp.com/opportunist for 10% off your first month Quince: Go to quince.com/opportunist for free shipping and 365-day returns Shopify: Sign up for $1/month trial period at shopify.com/opp See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we delve into the latest chapter of Tim Ballard’s controversial journey. Facing multiple lawsuits and a fallout with the LDS Church, Ballard is navigating scandal and scrutiny while attempting to hold onto his public influence. Thank you to our sponsors: Betterhelp: Visit betterhelp.com/opportunist for 10% off your first mo nth Quince: Go to quince.com/opportunist for free shipping and 365-day returns Shopify: Sign up for $1/month trial period at shopify.com/opp See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we explore Tim Ballard's dramatic downfall. As his hidden actions were exposed, even his most devoted supporters started to pull away, leaving the promising future he once imagined increasingly overshadowed by each new revelation. Thank you to our sponsors: Quince: Go to Quince.com/Opportunist for 365-day returns plus free shipping on your order! Shopify: Go to Shopify.com/OPP to upgrade your selling today! Better Help: This podcast is sponsored by Better Help. Visit BetterHelp.com/OPPORTUNIST to get 10% off your first month. Silver Linings: Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we delve into Tim Ballard’s connection to QAnon conspiracy theories and the role the Sound of Freedom movie played in reinforcing these narratives. We explore how the film’s themes of child trafficking and heroic rescues mirrored common QAnon stereotypes, fueling its popularity among conspiracy believers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we examine how Tim Ballard's ties to the LDS Church and his relationship with Former President M. Russell Ballard may have provided cover for the controversial "couple ruse" used in undercover operations. Allegations suggest this tactic, supported by Ballard's church ties, played a role in shielding him from scrutiny as claims of inappropriate behavior surfaced. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we investigate the controversial "couple ruse" tactic used by Tim Ballard during undercover operations. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that this strategy blurred professional boundaries and contributed to claims of inappropriate conduct, with some accusing Ballard of predatory behavior. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we explore the pull of Tim Ballard’s powerful appeal and how his public persona drew volunteers like Bree Righter to the OUR movement. And we look at how that appeal blinded supporters to his potential misdeeds. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we dive into the recent allegations made by Celeste Borys against Tim Ballard, the founder of Operation Underground Railroad. Borys accuses Ballard of unethical behavior during their work together, raising serious questions about his methods and leadership. Join us as we unpack these claims and explore their potential impact on Ballard's reputation and anti-trafficking efforts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we explore the rise of Tim Ballard, from his claims of being in the CIA to his early days in law enforcement to at DHS. We examine how Ballard built a global anti-trafficking organization and gained widespread attention for his daring rescue missions. Tune in to hear the story behind the man and the movement that has sparked both praise and controversy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coming October 21, 2024... In the 10th season of "The Opportunist: Tim Ballard," PodcastOne will explore controversy surrounding Tim Ballard, the celebrated founder of Operation Underground Railroad, an organization known for its mission to combat human trafficking. Hailed by some as a modern-day hero, Ballard's reputation is now tarnished by controversy as allegations of sexual misconduct have emerged - shaking the foundations of his crusade. Through exclusive interviews with victims and those who know him best, this podcast series aims to unravel the complexities of Ballard's dual persona- a savior to some, a predator to others. Join host Sarah James McLaughlin as she explores the rise and potential fall of a man whose actions have sparked a national conversation on trust, power, and accountability. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join the host and producers of The Opportunist for a behind-the-scenes discussion on some of the most captivating single-story episodes from the past season. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at the twists and turns of the upcoming season, which will delve into the rise and fall of Tim Ballard, the founder of the anti-sex trafficking organization Operation Underground Railroad. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we dive into the controversial career of forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee, exploring allegations that he may have fabricated or mishandled evidence in several high-profile cases. Did one of America's most famous forensic experts use his scientific credentials to help investigators in convicting two innocent men? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we delve into the controversial story of U.S. Marine Joshua Mast, who adopted a young Afghan girl under questionable circumstances. Using the 2021 fall of Afghanistan and its ensuing chaos as a pretext, Mast navigated legal and ethical gray areas to carry out the adoption, sparking intense debate and legal battles. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.