Oldtimers tell us that it’s not unusual since the death of L. Ron Hubbard in 1986 for claimants to show up saying they’re the reincarnation of the Scientology founder. But a couple of years ago, one very unlikely figure generated a surprising amount of buzz and attention when he asserted that he was “LRH 2.0” and would be offering a new, improved version of Scientology.
What made it even more interesting was that LRH 2.0 was a man named Justin Craig who had legally changed his name to Lafayette Ronald Hubbard, so dedicated was he to the ruse.
We had a lot of fun in 2018 conversing with “Lafayette” and revealing that as Craig he had a pretty extensive criminal background, including some attempted carjackings and a four-year prison sentence in California.
Even better, we got him to admit that he didn’t even know the nickname that the actual L. Ron called his third wife, Mary Sue. (LRH 2.0 had referred to “Mary” in a web posting, but Ron actually called Mary Sue “Suzie.”) When we pointed that out, Craig sniffed that he didn’t actually have any “past-life recall” of his previous experience as LRH. What a disappointment!
Anyway, the most shocking thing was that anyone would take this scammer seriously, but quite a few “FreeZone” or “independent” Scientologists did, and signed on for his new advanced processes.
After our article came out, things seemed to plateau for Lafayette. He announced in summer 2020 that “Scientology is dead,” and then created something he called “Esperianism” and said he was leaving Washington.
We lost track of him at that point,
Imagine our surprise to learn that since October 13, Lafayette has been staying as a guest of the Anderson County Jail in Clinton, Tennessee.
He’s cooling his heels for a number of charges, and so we reached out to the Anderson County Sheriff Department for some information about what the Esperianism leader is accused of. We heard back that Lafayette had been arrested by the Rocky Top Police Department on charges of false imprisonment and aggravated assault, and then things got even dicier for him…
When the Rocky Top warrants were filed, the US Marshals were tasked with taking Hubbard into custody. Upon taking him into custody, there was evidence in the motel room of narcotics. That is when the 7th Judicial Crime Task Force was called. The Task Force obtained search warrants and searched the room Hubbard was staying in. They found heroin and a heroin/fentanyl compound in the room along with other drug paraphernalia. He is still housed in our jail on a $405,000 bond.
Wow, LRH, that doesn’t sound good. As for the initial and most serious charges of false imprisonment and aggravated assault, we made multiple calls to the tiny Rocky Top Police Department before getting an assistant chief on the phone who said, on advice of the district attorney, that they would not be giving out any information before Lafayette has been to court.
Well, that’s disappointing. What is Justin/Lafayette/LRH2 accused of doing, exactly? We’re going to check in with the County DA as well to see when 2.0 will be heading to court.
And in the meantime, does Esperianism have its own IAS that could put up the cash for that bond?
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“I handled a preclear not too long ago who was in the valence of a horse. He had been in the valence of a horse for a long time. He had gotten so mad at a horse that he had wished everything off on this horse imaginable and then the horse won. And the preclear went into the horse’s valence. Fact. You have probably processed people in the valences of dogs and so forth. As a matter of fact, if I were raising a little child, I would certainly hang all the pets out the window and let them run away rather than have them around a child, because the pet is liable to give the child trouble.” — L. Ron Hubbard, November 19, 1951
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“WORD TO WISE: When you are told it was by my orders you were moved, shot, demoted, denied a place in line at the canteen, forced to eat spinach with sand in it, ask to see it in writing. If it isn’t written it isn’t true.” — The Commodore, November 19, 1970
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“Who is the person who invented the AI interface, where and when and for what purpose? Who, if anyone is behind them? Outside this planet, solar system, galaxy, universe etc… Who is both accountable and responsible. When one finally clears it down to ME, one arrives at a PRACTICAL UNDERSTANDING which may then be tested out and applied out through the relationships and dynamics.”
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1998: Gerry Armstrong posted a declaration this week describing Scientology’s private investigator tactics. “A San Anselmo Police cruiser pulled up in front of my car with its lights flashing. The officer driving the cruiser ordered me to stay in my car, and then within a minute or so approached my car to communicate with me. He told me that a woman had made a report at the San Anselmo Police Department that I had chased her. The officer told me that she had specifically identified me, the car I was driving and the exact location where I had parked it. I had at no time chased a woman or anyone or even encountered a woman or anyone either while in my car or while walking from my car, and I advised the officer of those facts. The officer detained me for approximately 30 minutes during which time he essentially accused me of chasing the woman, whom he would not identify, and needled me about being nervous. Finally he let us go. I believed at the time that the ‘police report’ made by the ‘woman’ was part of an operation by Scientology agents, and that it was likely that the police officer was a knowing participant in the operation. I believed that Scientology agents initiated this operation with the expectation that a call to the dispatcher would reveal a bench warrant for my arrest and that I would be arrested and jailed. I also believed that it was likely that the officer was attempting to get me to react so that I could be apprehended and charged.”
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“A Scientology divorce is simply postulating and as-ising that wife #2 never existed.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Next hearing set for February 8. Trial scheduled for August 29, 2022.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for November 19.
— Joseph ‘Ben’ Barton, Medicare fraud: Pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing.
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Eleventh Circuit affirmed ruling granting Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Garcias considering next move.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ US Supreme Court denied Valerie’s petition Oct 4.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: California Supreme Court granted review on May 26 and asked the Second Appellate Division to direct Judge Steven Kleifield to show cause why he granted Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Oral arguments held November 2, awaiting a ruling.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9, 2020 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Dec 17: Feshbachs sign court judgment obliging them to pay entire $3.674 million tax debt, plus interest from Nov 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for June 28, 2022.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Case appealed on Dec 23. Appeal hearing held Aug 23-27. Awaiting a ruling.
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links, including our four days in Los Angeles covering the preliminary hearing and its ruling, which has Danny facing trial and the potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison.
After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Danny Masterson takes another expensive and futile swipe at his criminal charges
[TWO years ago] Nan McLean, 1923-2019: One of the bravest women who ever exposed Scientology’s abuses
[THREE years ago] Disaster relief? Scientology’s own documents spell out the real mission of ‘Volunteer Ministers’
[FOUR years ago] Most remote large city in the world won’t be overlooked by Scientology’s zeal to be ‘ideal’
[FIVE years ago] EXCLUSIVE: See the letter Scientology sent to scare A&E out of airing Leah Remini’s series
[SIX years ago] ‘Babywatch,’ day one: Lisa McPherson raves out by Scientology’s holiest swimming pool
[SEVEN years ago] L. Ron Hubbard, deadbeat dad ALSO: Former members of Scientology show off their stuff
[EIGHT years ago] The Oiliness Table, For Real! A Look Inside Scientology’s Super Power Building
[NINE years ago] LA’s Sheriff Lee Baca and Simpsons Actress Nancy Cartwright Shill for Scientology
[TEN years ago] Scientology’s Grand Scheme of Greed Was Kickstarted by the 9/11 Attacks — St. Pete Times
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Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,489 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,994 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,514 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,534 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,425 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,732 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,600 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,374 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,704 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,178 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,494 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,060 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,979 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,147 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,728 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,989 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,025 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,740 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,265 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 620 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,795 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,346 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,495 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,815 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,670 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,789 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,145 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,448 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,554 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,952 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,828 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,411 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,906 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,160 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,269 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on November 19, 2021 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2020 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2020), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
