L. Ron Hubbard 2.0 starting new Scientology offshoot and says he’s getting out of jail soon

 
The Freezone never fails to entertain us. These are folks who revere Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard and engage in his ideas and practices, but are independent of the Church of Scientology. Their numbers are small, but we appreciate them because they will often say things publicly about Hubbard and Scientology that church members keep quiet about.

And one of our favorite recent episodes in the freewheeling Freezone was the ruckus caused a few years ago by a man who claimed that he was “LRH 2.0,” literally the returned Great Thetan himself, L. Ron Hubbard, and that he was back to offer an improved version of Scientology.

Well, as exciting as that prospect seemed, LRH 2.0 actually turned out to be an ex-con named Justin Craig who had legally changed his name to Lafayette Ronald Hubbard. 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.

We were surprised that any of the Freezoners were taking him seriously and actually believed he was Hubbard reincarnated, but some of them really did. Others criticized him, and he seemed to take it to heart, announcing in Summer 2020 that “Scientology is dead,” and then he created something he called “Esperianism” and said he was leaving Washington state.

Then, to our surprise, he turned up in the Anderson County Jail in Clinton, Tennessee, where he had been arrested on October 13, 2021.

He was initially facing charges of false imprisonment (later dropped) and aggravated assault, but then he was also rung up on charges when police found heroin and a heroin/fentanyl compound in the hotel room where he’d been staying, along with other drug paraphernalia.

And while some of those initial charges have been dismissed, Craig/Hubbard is apparently having a hard time in custody, because he’s been arrested two more times and is facing even more charges for assaults that occurred in the hoosegow.

On January 5, 2022, while he was already in custody LRH 2.0 was arrested on four counts of assault, later reduced to two counts. And then, just two weeks ago, on March 27, he was slapped with another felony assault charge along with misdemeanor vandalism.

The total bond amount now keeping Craig in jail has reached $506,000, and he’s facing an August trial on his initial charges.

But don’t lose faith, Esperians! LRH 2.0 has been getting messages out to his Freezone followers with the help of an intermediary, and we thought you’d enjoy seeing his updates from the slammer.

March 25: TO ALL ESPERIANS, given recent developments and tech advancements – I feel it prudent that we come up with a new entity and image. That entity I have determined will be The Church of Para Scientology, COPS. I will share more on this later. Ron

March 26: TO ALL ESPERIANS, I have been reviewing and considering some things – and think a digital org modeled after what used to be called a Central Org is the way to go. That would only be two divisions – Tech and Admin. With Tech consisting of a PE Foundation, Academy, and Hubbard Guidance Center. While Admin would consist of Promotions and Registrations, Materials and Accounts. This would really only have to be bear-bones, and could be run by a crew of volunteers in their own local areas, or even remotely. It is an idea that I think is worth discussing – so I would like your feedback in the group or maybe someone can do a survey? Ron

March 30: TO ALL ESPERIANS, I see that I hit quite a few buttons with my announcement of the formation of a new church or church of para Scientology. Of course I welcome all of your feedback and things are always subject to change – so I will definitely take all your comments into consideration. But I want to point out that the tech, the church, or its buildings did not do what has been done to so many by the CoS. It is people who have done this – and they are ultimately flawed. The OEC, good business practices, and the formation of a church or non-profit are tools that are very effective in bringing the tech to the masses. But they are only as good as the people using them. The fairy tale that the church controls all copyrights etc… is only loosely true. There are many legal loopholes around this I assure you. And the CoS is loosing credibility almost daily. So those things must also be considered as well. Remember, if we are not a religion and it is not Scientology, then we might as well fall into mixing practices and doing spiritualism. So we should all review and think about these things carefully. A lot is about to change. In about a weeks time, you are going to have tech that is so powerful that you can processes a psychotic. So powerful that you can address insanity itself. Powerful enough to raise a being from the dead. And that is the Gods honest truth. So let me ask you, are you ready? Because we have finally arrived at the other end of the Bridge. Ron

April 5: TO ALL ESPERIANS, Things are going well and rumor has it I will be out of here soon. I don’t want to say too much and get everyone’s hopes up, but it looks like that is exactly what may happen. It is all just a waiting game now, and either way it goes, we will be able to wrap this whole tech thing up and get cases resolved in the field. THEN we can disseminate and bring new beings into the fold. For now we need to consolidate what we have and get admin in so that we have a structure from which to properly operate from. I will be getting with Theo to help implement this and also have someone in line for Executive Director, who I will be announcing very soon. Ron

The Church of Para Scientology, or COPS.

We have to hand it to Commodore Craig, he’s entertaining.

 
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Technology Cocktail

“Flip-flopping was a process by which the preclear’s excess motion was taken off. The creative processes of earlier times did not require of the preclear any great cognition of what was going on. Thus flip-flopping could be used at a very early stage of case. We would say, ‘Mock up a man and make him flip-flop’ and then make him insist that the body flip-flop even further and even more wildly until he himself knew that he was making the body flip-flop. We would do this with a woman’s body and would eventually take the motion off the case that was inhibiting the preclear from controlling the body. This is actually a motionectomy.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1957

 
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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 as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.

 
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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?

[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH

— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see

[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf

— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond

[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney

 
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Source Code

“Suzette Hubbard is assigned to the post of Quartermasters Mate Div IV Ship and her pay resumed when she takes post. She did this post well but was both overloaded by added duties and given no assistance on major work actions. She has in the past done several posts well but overload and overwhelm has driven her off them. She is to learn coastal and celestial navigation in part time study so as to be able to train personnel in them. There are too few reliable navigators aboard.” — L. Ron Hubbard, April 11, 1970

 
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Avast, Ye Mateys

“WELCOME ABOARD: Three new arrivals, Evelyn Webster-Parsons who is our WW Representative, Paul Preston who is Deputy Ops for US Area, and Janice Tidman, returning to the ship, are welcomed aboard. …MORALE: I am getting a steady flow of reports of increased morale. I think we can have a happy ship.” — The Commodore, April 11, 1970

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Overheard in the FreeZone

“The main question is: Do we ‘need and want to have a unified Freezone’? The answer is a definitive YES! A unified and organized Freezone will survive ‘lower beings’ well organized and wanting to take the planet down. What is meant by ‘lower beings’? It could be for example wog anti-Scienos and ex-Scienos organized on Suppressive Groups like SPs r Us, or the Andreas Heldal-Lund group. The creation of the Freezone was by Capt. Bill Robertson. In short, the inhabitants of this planet are (by decree of the government of this galaxy) guinea pigs for an experiment, and they are not to be interfered with by external influences (Marcabian ETs) nor being subjected to atomic or biochemical warfare. We are expected to make Scientology run the planet. Anyway, the shadow government for this planet is going to use or is already using Scientology against the planetary population. Reverse Scientology to enslave. The other alternative is the Marcabians in the EU creating their One World Government. The other alternative would be the Scientologists running the planet. But how are American Scienos going to do that if they ‘don’t like’ organizations, the Sea Org, and much less a One World Government?”

 
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Past is Prologue

1996: The Tampa Tribune published an article concerning a drive by Scientology to seal Clearwater Police records of child abuse and neglect. “The agreement would require a judge’s order to see certain files. Public files are usually required to be open under the state Government in the Sunshine Law. The article quotes the city mayor saying they believe the agreement to be legal and not to erode the public’s right to open government. The suit apparently began when the city sued the church after Scientologists protested release of police files to the media. The church counterclaimed and removed the case to federal court. The file boxes date back to 1979 and include allegations of child abuse and neglect at the church as well as identities and personal financial information of church members, according to Church lawyer Paul Johnson.”

 
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Random Howdy

“Ingo Swann was a Scientologist at one time and also a superstar of the make-believe magical circus. He was confirmed as being a ‘genuine psychic’ by Professors Dumb & Dumber (Russell Targ and Harold Puthoff), the same suckers who were conned by Uri Geller.”

 
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Mistrial declared November 30. Retrial scheduled, jury selection begins March 29. Next pretrial hearing: Feb 16.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing Feb 13.
— Rizza Islam, Medi-Cal fraud: Trial scheduled for March 1 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next status conference Feb 13.

Civil litigation:
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Complaint filed April 28 in Tampa federal court, Scientology moving to compel arbitration. Plaintiffs filed amended complaint on August 2. Hearing November 17 to argue the arbitration motions, awaiting ruling.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Selection of arbitrators underway. Next court hearing: March 15, 2023.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Appellate court removes requirement of arbitration on January 19, case remanded back to Superior Court. Stay in place at least through February 7.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: New trial ordered after appeals court overturned prior ruling.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Lawsuit filed by the FTC and state of Georgia in August, now in discovery phase.

 
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SCIENTOLOGY: FAIR GAME

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] Scientology’s saddest celebrity, Eddie Deezen, arrested again
[TWO years ago] Scientology social media: Never a better time for learning to shatter suppression!
[THREE years ago] Scientology’s desperate response to pandemic is to let us see just how creepy it really is
[FOUR years ago] Pageant official: Miss New Yorks are clueless about Scientology and we’re OK with that
[FIVE years ago] A new academic book takes apart Scientology and pop culture, and the apologists hate it
[SIX years ago] Federal judge to Scientology: I’m taking over the arbitration, and it’s jail if you interfere
[SEVEN years ago] Spying, intimidation, and ruin: Two lives caught up in Scientology’s notorious ‘Fair Game’
[EIGHT years ago] Garcias ask for reconsideration on judge’s error: ‘We never agreed that Scientology is a religion’
[NINE years ago] VERDICT: Scientology’s Quebec rehab facility violated human rights of David Love and 2 others
[TEN years ago] Dianetics: Your Life Was Ruined Before Birth by Your Parents and Their Dumb Culture

 
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Posted by Tony Ortega on April 11, 2023 at 07:00

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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, 1995-2022 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2022), 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…

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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

 

Tony Ortega at Rolling Stone