TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Patty Moher takes us into her time as a spy for the Church of Scientology, and its war with one of its all time greatest enemies: Boston businessman Bob Minton! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“In order to safeguard the materials of confidential rundowns and levels and to prevent their unauthorized use or misuse, the following is to be done: 1. Before being given access to confidential materials such as ‘NED for OTs,’ any student, auditor, Case Supervisor, Course Supervisor, etc., must sign a bond not to disclose the materials or to communicate them to any unauthorized person, nor to use them in an unauthorized manner, nor to use them without being properly trained by checksheet and qualified. ‘NED for OTs’ materials may only be studied by contracted staff members properly enrolled on course. 2. Folders of pre-OTs being audited on ‘NED for OTs’ must be colour flashed with red diagonal slash across corner of folder, and the folder marked as confidential, with the level on folder, and such folders must be kept secure. 3. The HGC auditors and C/S must be trained at Flag before the AOs can deliver ‘NED for OTs.'” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1978
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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 [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
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“Evolution: there’s no such thing. Bodies don’t evolve. They deteriorate, but they don’t evolve. You can trace all kinds of reasons how they evolve, and why they evolve, and you can figure it all out, but the truth of the matter is when you get horses on a planet, somebody came along and mocked up some horses! Now, they also mocked up these horses with the capability of growing hair or not growing hair. You’ve got adjustment factors, but not evolution factors. So you confuse the adjustment factors and prove the whole theory of evolution. And now you know man came from mud, and you can write a book like Pavlov and get the whole world poisoned. You see how this one goes. All of this is based on what? It’s based on errors in time.” — L. Ron Hubbard, July 18, 1963
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“Promotion and Sales and the Tech Divs have to get together. For instance not the tiniest whisper of what we do with Dn and Lower Grades in the SO ever appears in any promotion. And Org staffs in SO or Scn Orgs haven’t a clue what is meant by the ‘FEBC’ Courses they pay for for their execs. On the broad front of the world there isn’t even a ghost of an idea of what we produce in Scn. That’s because PR hasn’t really found out either. This is a real breakdown! We’re working like mad to repair it. We’re also working to get out an ARC Brk and Letter Reg program to heal up ARC Brks caused by non-delivery and cash demands. And we’re working to get Div VIs to get in new people.” — The Commodore, July 18, 1971
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“Where are we going to get PCs and Pre OTs for the Bridge? Apparently from extraterrestrials coming to Earth for services.”
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1999: U.S. Representative Mary Bono is speaking out about Scientology’s relationship with her late husband, Sonny Bono. From the Washington Post: “Since her election to the House, Rep. Mary Bono (R-Calif.) has gotten two visits from emissaries of the Church of Scientology, including one from well-known church adherent John Travolta. The California Republican’s late husband was a devotee of Scientology, but church officials did not find a receptive audience in Mary Bono. Bono tells George magazine that Sonny Bono ultimately became disenchanted with the church. ‘Sonny did try to break away at one point, and they made it very difficult for him,’ the congresswoman says. Bono says she told the Scientologists who visited her House office that she will deal with any ‘legitimate concern’ they have. A church official denied to the magazine that there had been any estrangement with Sonny Bono.”
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“I use Hubbardese all the time IRL because it’s fun.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7, 2023. DA’s response to appeal brief due July 14.
— ‘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 July 7.
Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Judge Hammock’s ruling is on appeal. Leah’s appeal brief was filed June 3. Oral arguments are probably next.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal. Jane Does’ response to Scientology’s appeal brief is due July 3.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.
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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-friendly, gun-toting Nevada politician indicted in charity scam
[TWO years ago] The OT 7s turned away at the gates: A Scientology blunder that reveals so much
[THREE years ago] Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard and the Georgia Guidestones: Here’s the truth
[FOUR years ago] This is your brain on Scientology: Watch woman express euphoria after brutal interrogation
[FIVE years ago] Paulette Cooper tells us she’s been interviewed for Leah Remini’s new Scientology podcast
[SIX years ago] Miss New York organization changes course, ditches Scientology front group
[SEVEN years ago] Is this case of Scientology draining a senior of his savings the one police are looking for?
[EIGHT years ago] Our man in Ireland ponders Scientology’s big plans for the Emerald Isle
[NINE years ago] Joey Chait’s sentencing memo: Abused in Scientology’s Sea Org and in fear of wealthy dad
[ELEVEN years ago] Ryan Hamilton files his 18th lawsuit against Scientology’s embattled drug rehab network
[TWELVE years ago] LEAH REMINI’S SISTER NICOLE: How We Got Into Scientology, And How Leah Got Out
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Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,329 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,833 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,339 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,889 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,879 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,265 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,760 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,064 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,933 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,487 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,828 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,395 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,314 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,482 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,064 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,323 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,360 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,076 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,640 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,955 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,130 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,812 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,149 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,003 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,118 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,480 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,889 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,279 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,163 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,728 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,239 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,499 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,603 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on July 18, 2025 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, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), 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
