FOLLOW ME ON
Daily Notifications
Sign up for free emails to receive the feature story every morning in your inbox at tonyortega.substack.com

Categories

Scientology grifter pleads guilty to health care fraud and faces 10 years in prison

 
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: A Scientologist chiropractor pleads guilty to health care fraud and is facing 10 years in prison, Scientology’s UK headquarters is angry that its license to throw parties has been questioned, and France 5 says it’s airing a documentary on Scientology next month. Let’s dive in! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

 
——————–

Advertisement

Technology Cocktail

“Start, Change and Stop is the anatomy of control. This is the cycle of action. There is no such thing as bad control, only nonpositive control. Good control is
positive control and positive control is not bad control. Start-Change-Stop is the name of an Objective process. It has two stages, both of which are designed to gradiently raise the pc’s ability to control. The process is often abbreviated as ‘SCS’.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1980

 
——————–

Source Code

“Parents are supposed to raise children so that children can grow up and become parents; there is a basic law in operation. So one day this little kid is standing there and his parent turns around, picks him up by the heels and bashes his brains out against a tree. This is unexpected, unusual. If you don’t think that incident is on record — anybody here want a headache? You have had your brains dashed out one way or the other. But we don’t necessarily have to turn these things on, because you are handling that. After all, what is getting one’s brains dashed out? But getting one’s brains dashed out by a parent would be some kind of a problem; that would be a bit of a problem, wouldn’t it? A parent is supposed to raise you and take care of you; you are supposed to be nice to the parent and yet the parent kills you. Well, it would be very upsetting. But of course, the funny part of it was the parent thought you were a wild animal and you rushed out from behind the rock, and you never got this equation at all because your brains were dashed out at the time. Sounds pretty wild, doesn’t it?” — L. Ron Hubbard, January 28, 1952

 
——————–

Avast, Ye Mateys

“The only trouble with Scn orgs is that they are not promoting, selling and delivering. Seems so elementary. Possibly they think we are asking for something strange or fantastic when we say ‘Raise your GDSes.’ Possibly org boarding and hatting does not seem complicated enough to produce a result. Possibly raising GDSes does not seem to be the result of recruiting, org boarding and hatting. Whatever it is the task is so simple that one gapes when it is not done. Although New York is doing better, its troubles are just failures to recruit, org bd and hat and then promote, sell and deliver. In NY they actually think they have an HGC but are only selling ‘Interiorization Rundowns and Life Repairs.’ That’s like walking up to a candy bar and asking to buy some candy and being told ‘Oh, we just sell the wrappers.’ Student training is going better. But I never was able to run an academy where students were co-auditing without selling and delivering an awful lot of Reviews and grades. It’s best to stress training in an org but not to the extent of not running a busy HGC. NY has ‘low pay.’ They probably lose about $20,000 a week in unpromoted unsold undelivered potential. That’s the loss in an org, not the wasted paper clips. The answer is recruiting org boarding hatting and thus promoting selling and delivering. I trust our FEBCs going back there learn this lesson well. That’s why they’re here.” — The Commodore, January 28, 1971

 
——————–

Overheard in the FreeZone

Advertisement

“For those who say the Purif is not LRH, I want to ask them: What is their solution for surviving the current End Game of food contamination that is currently reducing the population? If it were not for Cal-Mag, vitamins, minerals and oil, several of us would be in very poor shape and others gone.”

 
——————–

Past is Prologue

1998: Gerry Armstrong posted a filing this week to receive an extension in his appeal of the contempt citation and bench warrant filed against him in California. Some excerpts: “In its moving papers, Scientology seeks to have me jailed for 65 days and fined $13,000, plus seeks attorneys’ fees and costs, for 13 alleged violations of the Order of this Court entered October 17, 1995. These alleged violations are that I ‘created and caused to be widely disseminated by means of the Internet six documentary works which discussed CSI and the other beneficiaries’; that on October 23, 1997 I ’caused to be widely disseminated by means of the Internet a letter which I had apparently written previously to the Hon. Alfonse D’Amato concerning the efforts of CSI to combat religious discrimination in Germany,’; that ‘in early October voluntarily and willingly participated in a videotape interview during which I discussed CSI and other beneficiaries of the Order for broadcast on British television,’; that I flew to Berlin, Germany sometime in October, where I gave a speech on or about October 26, 1997 making statements about L. Ron Hubbard and complaining that the Church is misusing the U.S. Legal system and blaming the Church, the U.S. Legal system and even my own attorney for the fact that a contempt citation and arrest warrant has been issued against me; that I ‘gave an interview to the Berliner Zeitung, resulting in an article in that publication,’; that ‘on October 28 I traveled to Hamburg, Germany where I appeared at an event sponsored by self-styled ‘anti-cultists,’ during which appearance I committed further violations of the Injunctions, making numerous prohibited statements.’ In truth there are over 200 posts by me to the internet allegedly in ‘violation’ of the Order; thus I am facing about three years in jail if Scientology is successful in its efforts to punish me, plus a fine in six figures. I know that Scientology is aware of all my 200 posts, because responses of Scientology’s agents indicate that the organization gets every post I make. Since Scientology claims that each copy of any statement made by me in ‘violation’ of the ‘settlement agreement,’ as enforced by this Court’s Order, is a unique and separate ‘violation,’ since this Court has supported that claim in its various orders granting Scientology’s various summary adjudication motions, and since copies of my posts go to conceivably millions of people, I am facing, therefore, essentially, and for all practical purposes, life imprisonment. Because of the quasi-criminal and criminal nature of Scientology’s charges and the punishment the organization seeks, I have a right to defense by the Public Defender’s office. I have been in contact with Glen Becker of the Marin PD’s Office, advised him of my legal situation, and was advised by him almost three weeks ago that I was being sent that day the necessary financial statement form so that the PD may undertake my defense. As this Court knows, there is a massive file in this case, (the record on appeal alone, without a word of live testimony, is ten thousand pages) which will require considerable time for the Public Defender to study and understand. Two days ago, Scientology agent WGert posted a message addressed to me to ARS which stated: ‘I learned you will get arrested (see the bench warrant I posted). And from what I’ve heard, L.A. county jail is not a nice place for long haired white boys like yourself.’ It is a well known fact that Scientology uses corrupt active and former police officers to carry out its attack on people. It is also a fact that this Court is a former prosecutor, and it can be presumed has contacts into Marin law enforcement and jail personnel. I have been, as this Court knows, assaulted and run into by Scientology agents, and this organization has spared no expense to destroy me. It must be clear to this Court that the threat of 2 days in jail has not silenced me, nor has the threat of 65 days, or even life imprisonment. All the threats based on this Court’s illegal order have only made me more determined to tell the truth about Scientology’s abuses and this Court’s misplaced support thereof. Only two things will silence me: either Scientology’s murder of me, or its ceasing utterly to suppress basic freedoms and rights.”

 
——————–

Random Howdy

“Sometimes people in official positions ask me if I have any living relatives and I’m yeah, but…then I feel sad.”

 
——————–

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

Criminal prosecutions:
Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7, 2023. Appeal now fully briefed, waiting for 2nd Appellate District court to set a hearing date. Masterson has also submitted a habeas corpus petition.
‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Pleaded guilty on Nov 10 to a 17-year prison sentence (eligible for parole in two to three more years). Awaiting transfer to state prison.
Aaron Matthes charged for SA of child under 12 years old: OT Scientologist facing multiple mandatory life sentences. Next pretrial court hearing set for Feb 2.

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 respondent’s brief is due February 11.
Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ 15 days of arbitration completed, Val waiting for further word from the IJC.
Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal. Appeal fully briefed. Motion to replace Jane Does’ AI-tainted brief denied by court. Awaiting a court hearing date.
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.

 
——————–

 
Other links: The prosecution of Danny Masterson. Leah Remini’s Fair Game Podcast. Leah Remini’s A&E Series. Scientology’s Celebrities, from A to Z. Bryan Seymour’s suppressed series, 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?

 
——————–

THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Danny Masterson appeals court accepts Cliff Gardner’s trimmed-down brief
[TWO years ago] 38 years ago: The eerie Hollywood Palladium sendoff for Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard
[THREE years ago] Podcast: Mark Bunker explains that David Miscavige is not ‘missing,’ he’s HIDING
[FOUR years ago] Is this the greatest (and most disturbing) Scientology recruitment video ever?
[FIVE years ago] Scientology in Russia, a series by historian Chris Owen, part 2: The Putin years
[SIX years ago] Scientology TV premieres episode about legendary Saint Hill Manor to… total silence
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology wants you to bring your kids to its creepy ‘mecca’ in Florida — it’s an adventure!
[EIGHT years ago] Sunday Scientology sermon: L. Ron Hubbard on freeing kids from their bodies
[NINE years ago] Move over, Xenu: Scientology’s other great space opera figure, the Duke of Chug
[TEN years ago] Scientology, in forced-abortion case: We treat people no worse than the Catholic Church does
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology secrets in government docs: Did the feds have a chance to stop ‘Snow White’?
[TWELVE years ago] Drug flashbacks from one million years B.C.? It’s time for Scientology’s New OT 4!
[THIRTEEN years ago] Lawrence Wright’s Scientology Book Gets Some Thrashing from Cult Expert Steven Hassan

 
——————–

Scientology disconnection, a reminder

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 3,522 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 4,026 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,532 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 4,082 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 3,072 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,458 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,953 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,257 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,908 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,126 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,680 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 5,021 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,592 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,508 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,675 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,257 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,516 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,268 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,833 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,148 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,323 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 5,005 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,342 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,195 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,311 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,673 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 4,084 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,472 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,356 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,921 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,432 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,692 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,796 days.

 
——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on January 28, 2026 at 07:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter.

Our book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is 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, 1995-2024 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2024), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates.

 

Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast

 

Tony Ortega at Rolling Stone

 

Share Button
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
ADVERTISEMENT