We want to thank all of the readers who sent us messages about this weekend’s terrific expose of the Narconon drug program in the Guardian*, which involved a nine-month investigation and publication on the newspaper’s front page.

Journalist Shanti Das did a superb job not only describing the risks of Narconon’s cold-duck [...]]]>

We want to thank all of the readers who sent us messages about this weekend’s terrific expose of the Narconon drug program in the Guardian*, which involved a nine-month investigation and publication on the newspaper’s front page.

Journalist Shanti Das did a superb job not only describing the risks of Narconon’s cold-duck approach to serious drug addiction, but also pointed out the glaring issues about the lack of regulation and oversight of the Narconon clinic in England.

Journalists have been exposing Narconon as a quack therapy for many years, and for that reason we wanted to bring up something about the Guardian’s otherwise excellent piece. We have a feeling this wasn’t Das’s choice, but for some reason legacy outfits like the Guardian make no mention of the decades, literally, of previous journalistic exposes of Narconon, and in this case it led to the one puzzling aspect of the resulting article: The odd way it handled the connection between Narconon and Scientology.

Readers of the Bunker know very well that there is no question about this. But the Guardian was puzzlingly circumspect about it, saying things like, “Scientology beliefs also appear to influence Narconon’s approach.”

Appear to influence?

We thought we would present some of the key evidence that Narconon is Scientology in case there are readers of the Guardian’s piece that are left wondering about it.

First, there are the former Scientology executives who are happy to tell you that even if Narconon was started by a prison inmate named William Benitez in 1966, Narconon was definitely part of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s “social coordination” program of the early 1970s, establishing a number of front groups whose mission is to carry Hubbard’s name into drug rehab (Narconon), school curricula (Applied Scholastics), prisons (Criminon), and business administration (WISE), particularly among dentists, veterinarians, and most especially chiropractors.

Narconon is, there is no question about it, a front group for the church of Scientology, and every single Narconon clinic in the world can only operate under a license of another of Scientology’s subsidiaries, the Association for Better Living and Education, or ABLE.

This is all well established in dozens of court cases and other documentation, and former Scientology executives such as Mike Rinder or Claire Headley are happy to say so for a publication like the Guardian.

And let’s go through some of the other things we have seen over the years that leave no doubt that Narconon is a creature of Scientology and not simply under its “influence.”

1. Luke Catton. At one point, Lucas Catton was the president of what was then the most important Narconon center in the world, Narconon Arrowhead in Oklahoma. In 2013, Luke went public with a book and an appearance on NBC’s Rock Center, explaining that Narconon of course is Scientology, from its rehab programs to its licensing to its control by ABLE and ultimately its subservience to Scientology leader David Miscavige. Luke has continued to speak out about this, putting out a new book in 2020, and there are few people were in a better place to describe how a Narconon outfit works, day in and day out.

2. David Miscavige. If Scientology is only an “influence” on Narconon, why does David Miscavige talk about it like it’s part of the Scientology organization in his annual speeches? And during those speeches, video graphics play behind him such as the one here, as he describes that Narconon clinics are part of the expansion that his “Ideal Org” program promises, with new churches and clinics spreading across the world.

3. Marc Headley. It was Marc Headley who first told us that not only does ABLE control Narconon, but ABLE is staffed only with Scientology Sea Org members, the hardcore elite of the movement who have all signed billion-year contracts. Marc knew this because he was one of them, and he’d be happy to tell any journalist that yes, Narconon is controlled by a Scientology entity that is entirely staffed by Scientology’s ersatz navy.

4. Scientology announces changes at Narconon. One of the best single pieces of evidence that Narconon is fully under Scientology control is when they came out and said that they were making radical changes to it.

Don’t remember that? We sure do. It was 2015, and Narconon had been under serious attack for years following the deaths of several patients in this country. Attorneys smelled blood in the water, and dozens of lawsuits were filed around the US. We closely documented the changes we saw to Narconon’s overall management, and then in 2015, ABLE’s own executive director, who was a woman named Shannon Walker, then began personally showing up to open some new facilities then (including the celebrity drunk tank that they created out of Larry Hagman’s old estate in Ojai, California), making it very plain that ABLE had taken tighter control of the struggling network.

“I said it a year ago. He’s going to have to abandon Narconon as he knows it. The only thing he didn’t change was the name,” Mike Rinder told us then, referring to Scientology leader David Miscavige making wholesale changes that remain in place today in the US, where Narconon is only a shadow of what it was previously. At one point there were 21 clinics in the US, today there are only five.

And one of our favorite pieces of evidence, the plaque.

5. David Venemon. In 2019, a man named David Venemon came forward to reveal that he had been behind some of the biggest leaks of information out of Narconon, including a photo of a plaque given to Narconon Fresh Start owner Larry Trahant for helping to recruit so many patients to Scientology’s “Bridge” itself.

It was Venemon who had also smuggled out key scripts which demonstrated how Narconon fooled unsuspecting callers into sending their loved ones to Narconon centers with a lot of misinformation.

We were grateful to Venemon for having the fortitude to bring out so much information making it plain how Scientology controls Narconon, as have so many others.

There’s simply no excuse for news organizations today to hesitate pointing out this relationship, and we want to make sure these great exposes of the past are not forgotten.

[* For our British friends helpfully pointing out that the story appeared in their copies of the Observer on Sunday, we read it at its sister publication the Guardian’s website on Saturday, and we hope you can overlook our lack of familiarity with British publication branding.]

 
——————–

Technology Cocktail

“The budding psycho-analyst gets the shock of his life when he sees there IS SOMETHING THERE. Before us, people thought the brain had short circuits in it (psychologists and psychiatrists) or that a beast called a Censor lived in a dungeon in it (Freud), or that evil spirits haunted one (Christianity). The whole answer to the mind is mental pictures and masses created by the thetan. There is no other source or cause of aberration.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1966

 
——————–

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.

 
——————–

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

 
——————–

Source Code

“I don’t say that you could walk up to the tomb of Alexander and bring Alexander back into the tomb and have him knock the dust together again and resurrect. See, I don’t say that you could do this. But I don’t say you can’t.” — L. Ron Hubbard, February 5, 1957

 
——————–

Avast, Ye Mateys

“The demands for books to meet increased org activity generated by the FEBCs returning is a subject of concern. Pubs Org fell low in income after mid-1970 and has not recovered and is travelling at a non-viable level now reflected in its crossed Cash-Bills. Non E has been assigned with a Liability Condition in the offering and a general rocket has been set. A strong US center is being urged by me, an order not fully carried out a long time ago. Measures will have to be taken. Eval in Data Bureau should get to work on its WHY. There was a spectacular stat change in mid 1970 after which no recovery.” — The Commodore, February 5, 1971

 
——————–

Overheard in the FreeZone

“Because the tech was created in the future then this timeline was created in this future and sent here to this time now I don’t want to confuse anyone. The static creates the new viewpoint but since the real time this universe is running is in a future time then the static created this viewpoint in the now of the future but sent me to this period of time. Does this make sense?”

 
——————–

Past is Prologue

1996: Dennis Erlich, sued by Scientology for copyright infringement and by his ex-wife for child support, posted some court filings this week. “Here is my most current filing. It is a motion to quash production of my bank records back to 1985 and my personnel records from my previous employer. I have already opposed the subpoena for documents from my former employer by a previous motion to quash filed June 13, 1995. Despite the earlier motion to quash, the Respondent acquiesced and allowed the contents of his personnel file, along with payroll records to be forwarded to the Petitioner. The Respondent’s former employer also was subjected to a deposition regarding these same records by the Petitioner. The Petitioner has now filed another invasive subpoena for the same irrelevant records. Since the April 1995 filing contained the Petitioner’s current address, and despite being unemployed, I have forwarded every required child support payment to Petitioner. In October the Petitioner forwarded to me un- itemized bills for dental work ostensibly done on HOLLY. I was not employed, nor did I have the income to pay the bills, even if they had been properly itemized. I am currently unemployed. My unemployment insurance runs out in 2.5 weeks. From then on until I find other employment, I will have to borrow to live. My ability to pay child support will cease. I have forwarded all this information to the Petitioner, asking her to desist from these unwarranted and burdensome motions. In spite of these compelling defenses, the Petitioner has gone forward with these wasteful motions. I believe these motions have been put before the court simply and only for the purpose of harassing me, invading my privacy and consuming my precious time.”

 
——————–

Random Howdy

“The one thing that LRH and D.M. have elevated to a fine art is cheapness. I heard stories about J. Paul Getty when I was a kid and he had nothing on these guys.”

 
——————–

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.
— ‘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 January 29, 2024.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud.

Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Complaint filed August 2, motion to strike/anti-SLAPP motions by Scientology to be heard January 9, 2024.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration. Plaintiffs allowed interlocutory appeal to Eleventh Circuit.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Discovery phase.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Ordered to mediation.

 
——————–

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?

 
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] VIDEO: This is what you really want out of Scientology, right? Super Power!
[TWO years ago] Patriot logic: In 1997 JFK Jr predicted our QAnon future in George magazine
[THREE years ago] Judge to Valerie Haney: You need to get this Scientology ‘arbitration’ underway
[FOUR years ago] Scientology provides all the proof you need that Narconon is more than ‘tied’ to it
[FIVE years ago] Tonight, Leah Remini looks at Scientology’s ultimate prize: The protections of tax exemption
[SIX years ago] Best reactions to last night’s Scientology Super Bowl ad, which asked, ‘Curious?’
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology’s 2017 Super Bowl ad, ‘Your Full Potential,’ is another mystery sandwich
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology is the bomb diggety, and here’s proof, starring Leah Remini’s husband!
[NINE years ago] SCIENTOLOGY DENIED: Australia’s only Narconon rehab center loses zoning fight
[TEN years ago] The secret of everything? It’s time for Scientology’s Original Operating Thetan Level Five!
[ELEVEN years ago] Jenna Miscavige Hill on her Uncle, Scientology’s Leader: A Bully Too Afraid to Show His Face

 
——————–

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on February 5, 2024 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, 1995-2022 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…

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

 

Tony Ortega at Rolling Stone

 We’re continuing to mine some material that a former Scientology large donor sent our way, including some videos from what we call “peak Scientology,” the era when leader David Miscavige obviously felt pretty invincible.

On Saturday, we showed you a short segment from the March 13, 2004 L. Ron Hubbard Birthday Event which demonstrated how Miscavige [...]]]>

 
We’re continuing to mine some material that a former Scientology large donor sent our way, including some videos from what we call “peak Scientology,” the era when leader David Miscavige obviously felt pretty invincible.

On Saturday, we showed you a short segment from the March 13, 2004 L. Ron Hubbard Birthday Event which demonstrated how Miscavige defines “clearing the planet,” which is Scientology’s ultimate aim. For Dave, it means nothing less than Scientology “orgs” in every city on Earth, and then control of the globe.

We wanted to show you another segment from that same presentation because it helps answer a question we hear a lot, and particularly from other journalists: What’s the connection between Scientology and the drug rehab network Narconon?

We often see media organizations tiptoe around this, saying that Narconon claims to have nothing to do with Scientology, but that they might be “affiliated” in some way.

But when reporters ask us, we tell them this just isn’t the case. The truth is that Scientology leader David Miscavige controls Narconon through a Scientology subsidiary, the Association for Better Living and Education (ABLE), which is staffed by Sea Org members.

Narconon is Scientology, and the church considers it an arm of the organization that helps spread Scientology’s influence — not only with the people who may end up using its services, but also with public officials and “opinion leaders” who are gulled into thinking Narconon is anything but medical quackery.

We have often told reporters that the proof is that in various presentations, Miscavige has made it plain that Narconon is an arm of Scientology and part of its expansion effort. But until now, we didn’t have some footage to show them.

Now we do.

In this 2004 presentation, Miscavige is explaining how the “Ideal Org” program is the key to Scientology’s planetary takeover effort, because each Ideal Org will feature television screens showing short films about all of Scientology’s “technology” and also its efforts to reach the public, which include Narconon, Criminon (programs for prison inmates), and Applied Scholastics (which tries to get Hubbard materials into schools).

We’re very glad to have this footage now, and so in the future when reporters ask about the connection between Scientology and its rehab front, we can point them here.

You’ll see two short segments in the video. Another thing to keep in mind is that so many people we’ve talked to who joined Scientology in the 60s and 70s will tell you about how it was the personal touch that brought them in — the attention they got from someone at a mission or org who enticed them with explanations about what Scientology had to offer. But Miscavige doesn’t trust his own people to do that, and with his Ideal Orgs he has television screens explain what Scientology is to new people coming in off the street. At the end of this short video, you’ll see just how excited he is that films can be served up at the touch of a button to indoctrinate the new meat.

After nearly 20 years of Ideal Org projects around the world, however, it’s quite obvious that Dave’s cold, technology-based Ideal Orgs aren’t bringing in new people at all, and are sitting empty. But he’s only pushing his followers to build more and more of the things.

 
——————–

Sign up for a daily email when we post a new story on Scientology.

Did you know you can get an email every morning when we post our daily Scientology story? We know some of the folks who come to the Underground Bunker aren’t here to talk about the politics of the day, and that’s why we created a daily politics feature over at our other blog, The Lowdown, and we ask readers to take their political discussions over there. And if you drop us a line at tonyo94 AT gmail, we’ll put you on the list so you get a morning reminder that a new Scientology story has been posted — and only for our Scientology stories.

 
——————–

Source Code

“This is probably how the ancient magician enchanted things. Possibly princes have turned into deer in the forest. If you took a period in the magic universe when thetans were still capable of mocking up their own bodies, and you pulled some shocking stunt on the person and sandwiched them in that ‘You are now a deer,’ why, he’d cease to mock up the prince and start mocking up a deer, don’t you see? And he would be an enchanted deer. That would be how enchantments were accomplished. I mean, the mechanism of enchantment is no cruder than that.” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 24, 1962

 
——————–

Avast, Ye Mateys

“FISH AND SAUSAGES: There’s a native street off the main drag where fresh grilled fish, and a kind of hot dog and other bits cost about 10 cents apiece or less. Cokes can be gotten nearby. Don’t shoot the prices up. Interesting area.” — The Commodore, May 24, 1970

 
——————–

Overheard in the FreeZone

“When I see former corporate Scientologists in the free world expressing doubts or outright disagreements with the truth or workability of Scientology – or railing against KSW, the thought immediately comes to mind that the person was failed by the organization somewhere along the line. Either that, or that person is a true SP who is only interested in using the tech to suppress and dominate others.”

 
——————–

Past is Prologue

1995: It was reported this week that “A Piece of Blue Sky” was banned in Britain. This report was quickly followed by the following correction. “This is not, in fact, the case, and ‘A Piece of Blue Sky’ continues to be available […]. The rumour has arisen out of a court judgement awarded against Atack in a case brought by one Margaret Hodkyn, headmistress of the Greenfield School, the Scientology school in East Grinstead, Sussex, UK, which ordered the removal of a paragraph included in the book: specifically, the court ordered that no copies of the book containing a specific paragraph (first para, page 336 in the US edition) may be distributed in the UK.” The paragraph in question was posted to the group several times this week. “The head of the Scientology school in East Grinstead was being called as a witness She denied that a twelve-year-old girl had received a ‘withhold pulling session’ at the hand of three of the school’s staff To ‘pull withholds’ is Scientologese for making someone confess to their transgressions. Minutes of the school’s boards meetings had to be publicly available, yet the filed copy made no reference to the ‘withhold-pulling’ session. I obtained an unedited copy of the school’s board minutes, which not only proved the headmistress’s sworn statement untrue, but showed the school’s attempt at concealment.”

 
——————–

Random Howdy

“There are no shortage of folks here who enjoy a serious discourse, and there are those like myself who love satire, snark, and the absurd. That’s what makes this place so special. You need to be able to appreciate both to truly get the whole groovy effect of this place. And there’s a difference between respecting people and respecting their ‘beliefs’.”

 
——————–

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

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Next pretrial conference May 31. Trial scheduled for August 29.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Last hearing was on January 18, referred to grand jury. Additional charges also referred to grand jury after January 5 assault while in jail.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Pretrial conference June 9 in Los Angeles

Civil litigation:
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Complaint filed April 28 in Tampa federal court.
— 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.’ Valerie’s motion for reconsideration denied on March 15.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Appellate court removes requirement of arbitration on January 19, case remanded back to Superior Court. Next hearing scheduled for June 29.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for December 6.
— 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.

 
——————–

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.

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?

 
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] How the Scientology drama in Danny Masterson’s prelim appeared to a former Sea Org official
[TWO years ago] VIDEO: Proof Scientology still promotes Hubbard’s bizarre ideas about evolution
[THREE years ago] How Scientology created its own prison for children who chafed at lifetime service
[FOUR years ago] When rabid Scientologists got into a fistfight with US marshals to protect L. Ron Hubbard
[FIVE years ago] Believe it or not, a second season of Reza Aslan’s ‘Believer’ is coming
[SIX years ago] As Scientology sinks, does Tom Cruise really have to go down with the ship?
[SEVEN years ago] Paulette Cooper has a surprise for Scientology and the residents of a certain Florida town
[EIGHT years ago] When Scientologists sell each other Scientology: ‘I’m me for the first time in trillions of years’
[NINE years ago] Scientology’s Enforcer Has a New Book: Will This Be The One We’re Waiting For?

 
——————–

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on May 24, 2022 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, 1995-2021 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2021), 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

 According to his longtime comedy partner Tom Solari, Scientology’s former Narconon International president Clark Carr has died after a yearlong bout with cancer. He was 75.

Carr showed up on our pages numerous times over the years, and in some ways he seemed to be the epitome of a dedicated Scientologist. He had a very promising [...]]]>

 
According to his longtime comedy partner Tom Solari, Scientology’s former Narconon International president Clark Carr has died after a yearlong bout with cancer. He was 75.

Carr showed up on our pages numerous times over the years, and in some ways he seemed to be the epitome of a dedicated Scientologist. He had a very promising early career in comedy — he and Solari made regular appearances in the early 1970s on shows like the Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour and the Andy Williams Show — but his career was derailed when he became a dedicated footsoldier for Scientology, eventually emerging as the public face and mouthpiece for its drug rehab network, Narconon, and was president of its umbrella organization, Narconon International.

For decades, it was Carr who would be called on to demonstrate and defend Narconon, something he was not really very good at. He was featured in a 1987 issue of Impact magazine, as Carnegie Mellon University professor Dave Touretzky noted.

The blue device in the photo at right is an E-meter, formally known as a Hubbard Electropsychometer, a kind of crude lie detector. The metallic cylinder visible at the left edge of the photo is one of two electrodes, or “cans”, meant to be held in the hands of the person being examined. The E-meter is a supposed to be a “spiritual counseling device” to be used only by trained Scientology ministers delivering Scientology religious counseling. So what is Clark Carr, now the president of Narconon International, doing using an E-meter on a Narconon client? This is further evidence that Narconon’s claims to be non-religious and entirely separate from Scientology are lies.

Years later, we noted that it was Carr who was called on to defend Narconon when lawsuits piled up against the quack cold-turkey drug clinics and patients were dying.

In 2013, for example, Carr was trotted out to pretend that Narconon had a solid history of treating patients.

 
We actually felt sorry for him. Scientology leader David Miscavige was relying on Carr to defend a program that was deceptive to its core. A year later, Carr was caught up in litigation when it turned out that the Narconon network had been faking its rehab certifications and was being sued. Carr was used by Scientology in a purely legalistic maneuver to countersue the certifying body. Again, we pitied the guy that he was being used as a pawn by Miscavige.

Then, in 2015, as the heat continued to increase on Narconon, we were stunned to find that Carr and Narconon International itself had suddenly vanished. A source had told us that Narconon International was being dismantled in the litigation nightmare, and then our friend Mark Ebner discovered, purely by accident, that the Narconon International offices in Los Angeles had been cleared out, like someone had abandoned it in a hurry.

David Miscavige subsequently took Narconon in a different direction as the lawsuits were settled, radically cutting down on the network’s presence in the US while creating smaller clinics here and more overseas.

We lost track of Carr at that point. He turned up later in Mexico, still working for Narconon in some capacity, and then more recently we were surprised to see him involved in a completely different effort, a scammy-looking water-divining business founded and run by Scientologists.

We will be surprised if Scientology makes any public statement about a man that it used for so many years to defend its dangerous and deceptive drug rehab front operation.

Last night, we contacted Geoff Levin, another person whose performing career was affected by his decision to dedicate himself to Scientology. He let us know that he had known Carr, and very well at one point.

“I met Clark in 1968. We hired them to do a gig with PEOPLE! We were very close at one time. He threw it all away,” Geoff says.

 
——————–

What has your proprietor got himself into?

Dear readers, we hope you have a little time on Thursday to watch us get thrown to the lions.

The good people at Emory University were kind enough to invite us to a thing, and we were crazy enough to accept.

The result is that your proprietor has submitted a short article and will be giving a (mercifully) brief presentation during a webinar on Thursday along with a bunch of academics who actually understand this stuff.

“The Promise and Perils of Religious Arbitration: New Research, Emerging Trends, and Practitioners’ Perspectives” is the title of the webinar, and we’ll be speaking for a few minutes about what we’ve personally witnessed covering the contentious “religious arbitration” issues in recent lawsuits filed against Scientology by former members.

The webinar begins at noon on Thursday, March 3, and we’ll be going around 45 minutes later or so. We have just a few minutes to say something, and we will hope to represent the Bunker as best we can.

It would be nifty if some of you could tune in and beef up the webinar’s audience. You can register to listen in here.

 
——————–

Sign up for a daily email when we post a new story on Scientology.

Did you know you can get an email every morning when we post our daily Scientology story? We know some of the folks who come to the Underground Bunker aren’t here to talk about the politics of the day, and that’s why we created a daily politics feature over at our other blog, The Lowdown, and we ask readers to take their political discussions over there. And if you drop us a line at tonyo94 AT gmail, we’ll put you on the list so you get a morning reminder that a new Scientology story has been posted — and only for our Scientology stories.

Source Code

“Look at the laudable withholds of a lady. She withholds herself from drinking. She withholds herself from swearing. She withholds herself from rowdy companions. She withholds herself from dirt, you know, and getting dirty. Withholds herself from getting sweaty. See, all the things a lady withholds herself from. Withholds herself from sex, from pleasure, from pleasurable excitement. This starts to look like a very interesting series of withholds. And we finally find out that a lady’s primary mission was to hold herself from living. Not that that’s — things I have mentioned are the total composite of living.” — L. Ron Hubbard, February 27, 1962

 
——————–

Avast, Ye Mateys

“The trick in books is the ‘stock book.’ Whenever a title in stock gets low through sales you reorder before you are out. You don’t just sell it all the way out of stock before reordering. Once youve let a title vanish off the shelves you’re in trouble as it takes a while to reprint. Meanwhile backorders and complaints swamp the comm lines and there goes the old ball game. A pubs activity can’t remain solvent on paperbacks or bulk discount sales! Theres a special skill to the mail order book business. The keynotes are promote, have them on hand, deliver within 24 hours and order receipt. It will take a lot of work by the SO to get this back in.” — The Commodore, February 27, 1971

 
——————–

Overheard in the FreeZone

“I have much track with Ron, as I’ve run out in my prior auditing, including my participation in what Ron called the OT III incident. It is good to search out a matter, and also good to be aware of the technology that can produce what is colloquially called a ‘chiphead,’ which is of course a degrade of the mind after it is scanned and copied onto a chip. Has anyone come across this?”

 
——————–

Past is Prologue

2001: Jeff Jacobsen spoke to the Clearwater city commission this week concerning the off-duty officers hired by Scientology. “For over a year now every day 2 uniformed off-duty police sit on Watterson Street next to the Scientology Bank building on Cleveland Street. They are there from 11am to 8pm 7 days per week, paid by Scientology. They do essentially nothing but sit in lawn chairs provided by Scientology. In a January 21, 1983 article in the Clearwater Times, a survey of Clearwater citizens showed that ‘eight out of 10 adult residents think the
Church of Scientology is a problem.’ In 1995 Paul Maser of the Clearwater Police Department wrote an affidavit where the city was suing Scientology. He wrote about Scientology that ‘harassment and intimidation is authorized by the Church under the Fair Game Law, as dictated by L. Ron Hubbard founder of the Church of Scientology.’ The City of Clearwater knows about Scientology. They know Scientology’s history. And yet now I see the city officials kowtowing to Scientology. Antonio the Scientology security staffer sits all day with these 2 uniformed officers, sitting on Scientology chairs eating Scientology food enjoying Scientology company and doing essentially nothing for Scientology money.”

 
——————–

Random Howdy

“The ‘church’ had to admit to TR-L in the Canadian trial when they questioned the veracity of the prosecution’s ex-Scientologist witnesses by stating to the judge their testimony couldn’t be trusted because they had been specifically trained to lie while in the church.”

 
——————–

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

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Next pretrial conference May 31. Trial scheduled for August 29.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Last hearing was on January 18, referred to grand jury.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Pretrial conference March 25 in Los Angeles

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.’ Valerie asks for March 15 hearing on motion for reconsideration.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Appellate court removes requirement of arbitration on January 19, case remanded back to Superior Court. Scientology has said it will file an anti-SLAPP motion.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for June 28.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Appeal hearing held Aug 23-27. Awaiting a 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.

 
——————–

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.

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?

 
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Another Scientology OT jumps from a tall building
[TWO years ago] Balloons? Here’s what Scientology should really be apologizing for
[THREE years ago] A letter of surrender, written from the basement of Scientology’s ‘Big Blue’ HQ
[FOUR years ago] New memoir ‘Flunk. Start.’ richly illuminates the appeal — and betrayal — of Scientology
[FIVE years ago] Keep your Oscars, we won a Scientology ‘bigot’ award!
[SIX years ago] Augustine: How Scientology makes it so hard to get your money back
[SEVEN years ago] Gerry Armstrong’s full 1997 ‘Secret Lives’ interview about L. Ron Hubbard
[EIGHT years ago] Is Ukraine’s proposed new prime minister a Scientologist? Says his niece: ‘That’s crap’
[NINE years ago] Lori Hodgson Appeals to Scientology’s “Spin Doctor,” Michael Sitrick
[TEN years ago] Scientology’s Secret Behind “Ideal Orgs” Revealed At Last

 
——————–

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on February 27, 2022 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, 1995-2021 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2021), 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

 An appellate court in Ireland recently upheld a zoning decision that will allow Scientology’s Narconon network to open a new clinic it has spent millions on, rehabbing an old nursing home in the Meath County village of Ballivor.

We have received copies of the court decision, which was in two parts and totaled 14,000 words [...]]]>

 
An appellate court in Ireland recently upheld a zoning decision that will allow Scientology’s Narconon network to open a new clinic it has spent millions on, rehabbing an old nursing home in the Meath County village of Ballivor.

We have received copies of the court decision, which was in two parts and totaled 14,000 words about whether a planning board had acted properly when it denied Narconon’s use of the property unless it applied for new zoning. The court decided that the planning board didn’t have the right to do that, and Narconon can use the property as a rehab under its current zoning.

You can get more details about the zoning decision, and whether the planning board had the right to hold up the clinic, and we’ll even post the rulings for you to look at yourself (part 1, part 2). But here’s what really matters about this court decision: In those 14,000 words, not a single one of them is “Scientology.”

In other words, after years of fighting over this piece of land, in multiple government agencies and court rooms, none of it has had anything to do with the actual danger that a Narconon clinic poses to this rural part of Ireland.

And in fact, we were pretty disappointed to see the reactions this week in the Irish press, which, like the rest of the media in the British Isles, is usually pretty good about exposing Scientology’s abuses.

This time, not so much.

What we saw from the likes of the Irish Daily Mail, the Irish Sun, and others was almost totally divorced from the actual threats that a Narconon clinic represents.

The Irish Sun said locals were unhappy that the clinic would be unregulated. (But that’s no different than other rehabs.) The Daily Mail said locals were creeped out by Halloween party invitations from Scientologists.

We have not seen reporting this lazy on Scientology in a long time.

Listen, good people of Ireland, here is why you do not want a Narconon clinic, and why you have been let down by your courts, which can spend thousands of words on zoning legalities, but apparently don’t concern themselves about the health of your fellow citizens.

We have been reporting on Scientology for 26 years, and we have been reporting on Narconon lawsuits for many of those years. And this is what those lawsuits have established beyond a reasonable doubt:

— Scientology’s Narconon rehabs are based on a deceptive business model. Lying about what they are and what they do is central to everything they say about themselves. You will never get anything but disinformation from their spokespeople, because that disinformation is at the core of their mission.

— Narconon says it delivers individualized drug counseling. Instead, it delivers nothing but Scientology indoctrination.

You don’t have to take our word for this. The entire Narconon program is spelled out in booklets that have been available online for many years. And any Scientologist can confirm for you that the lessons, processes, and activities in these booklets have been taken entirely from the same exact lessons, processes, and activities that you do as a beginning Scientologist in any Church of Scientology.

This is why, rather than getting counseling about their drug history or how to deal with their cravings, patients at a Narconon instead find themselves shouting instructions at an ashtray, yelling at the ashtray to stand up or sit down, and then thanking the ashtray for completely ignoring those instructions.

When pressed about this, Scientology representatives will claim that this is a “secular” version of the exercises done in the church. But good luck getting a church executive to explain to you how shouting at an ashtray can be done in a “sacred” or “secular” way that makes any sense to anyone not in thrall to Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.

What those representatives won’t tell you is that Narconon is based on the idea that L. Ron Hubbard discovered the secrets of the universe, which included his quack ideas about how drugs work in the human body, and that his Scientology processes, combined with a dangerous regimen of excessive time in a sauna and extreme vitamins intake will not only remove toxins from the body, but also from the “thetan,” the immortal being you really are. So, in order to achieve this, Narconon patients go through the same parlor tricks, including staring contests and shouting at ashtrays, that any Scientologist endures as they join the church.

We confirmed this with someone who actually ran Scientology’s flagship Narconon operation in Oklahoma, Lucas Catton. In interviews with us and in videos of his own, Luke has worked tirelessly trying to warn the public about what he saw when he was president of Narconon Arrowhead. We’re sure he’d be happy to talk to Irish reporters and just about anyone else who would like to know about Scientology’s lies.

We’ll say it again: Narconon rehabs do not counsel addicts about their addiction. They train addicts in Scientology, something they never tell a potential patient or their family before they arrive.

— But the deception begins even before a patient makes the decision to commit to the Narconon program. Time and again, Scientology has been exposed for running elaborate online operations intended to deceive people about the clinics and get them to send their loved ones and to pay cash, up front. It’s already been more than eight years since we published some of the actual scripts that are used by these slick operations to convince people that Narconon is the only solution to their loved one’s problems. Eight years ago this was exposed, and governments still do nothing.

— Scientology claims that its Narconons are staffed by medical professionals. Again, this is an outright lie. Narconon rehabs are staffed by recent “graduates” of the program, recovering addicts working for minimum wage. The only physician involved will be a doctor somewhere in the nearby area who is contracted to do intake examinations, but then never goes near the clinic. Why is this an issue? Because when a Narconon patient suffers a serious problem, like Stacy Murphy at the Narconon flagship rehab in Oklahoma in 2012, there were no medical personnel to handle her overdose, and she died before actual medical personnel could do anything about it.

— Scientology claims that its Narconon rehabs are safe environments. But dozens of lawsuits have argued otherwise, claiming that drug use was rife in the clinics, and that staff (remember, they’re just recovering addicts themselves, and working for minimum wage) would supply drugs to patients for money or sex. These lawsuits almost never come to trial; Scientology just cuts checks to make them go away. An exception was the 2019 case that resulted in an award of $11 million after a jury heard more than 20 witnesses about the shocking conditions of a Narconon rehab in California which has since closed down.

Because of the many lawsuits in the US, Scientology leader David Miscavige made a major retreat on the Narconon network here, and refocused its aims. (Mike Rinder predicted this would happen, and we reported on it in 2015 here.) If at one time Scientology, with its huge facility in Oklahoma, pretended that it was actually making a major contribution to the addiction field, they have closed most of their clinics in the US (down from more than 20 to now just five), and they are trying to appeal to a more select clientele (celebrities, for example).

At the same time, while Narconon in the US has been in retreat, Miscavige has pushed for more clinics overseas, where regulation is even more relaxed than here. The aggressive push for a clinic in Ireland has come at the same time that Scientology has made major expenditures there on other facilities as well: an Ideal Org and a new national office, both which cost the church millions.

Why the push in Ireland? We still see press reports there speculating that it might have some sort of tax implication or is related to Brexit, making Ireland a European “headquarters.”

No, these are simply untrue. Scientology already has a European headquarters in Copenhagen, and they don’t care about Brexit. As for tax, Scientology is exempt in the US and completely shielded from IRS meddling, and Miscavige doesn’t need a tax shelter somewhere else: He already enjoys one of the most famous IRS tax shelters of all time.

So why, if Ireland had only 87 Scientologists at its last census, is David Miscavige pouring millions and millions into the country for a new Ideal Org, national office, and a Narconon, including an expensive court fight?

Two reasons.

First, Tom Cruise.

In 2013, Cruise traveled to Ireland, where he has distant roots, and expressed his love for the country. All of David Miscavige’s efforts since then have been to impress his best pal. Tom expressed affection for Ireland, and Dave wants Tom to see what an effort he’s making there to put Ireland in the forefront of the Scientology world.

It’s all just to impress his bro.

The second reason is that years ago, when David Miscavige realized that membership was dwindling and would continue to do so, he hit on the idea of building new “Ideal Orgs” to convince his wealthy donors that Scientology is on the right track. He can’t show them new members, but he can show them new buildings.

Scientology is driven by its wealthy members and their large donations. New facilities in Ireland are Dave’s way of convincing them that their long-planned planetary takeover — “Clearing the Planet” — is still on track.

So, a rural county in Ireland will be getting a deceptive and dangerous indoctrination facility dressed up as a rehab because David Miscavige wants to impress Tom Cruise and to keep his wealthy donors writing checks.

But Irish courts at least have preserved the sanctity of zoning laws.

 
——————–

Bonus items from our tipsters

 
Don’t you want to learn how to make those big commissions?

 
It’s only a billion years. What have you got to lose?

 
——————–

Sign up for a daily email when we post a new story on Scientology.

Did you know you can get an email every morning when we post our daily Scientology story? We know some of the folks who come to the Underground Bunker aren’t here to talk about the politics of the day, and that’s why we created a daily politics feature over at our other blog, The Lowdown, and we ask readers to take their political discussions over there. And if you drop us a line at tonyo94 AT gmail, we’ll put you on the list so you get a morning reminder that a new Scientology story has been posted — and only for our Scientology stories.

 
——————–

Source Code

“One of the more fiendish tests that I conducted on this was on my own kid, I wouldn’t have done it to somebody else’s kid. I pretended to scatter an enormous amount of pepper into the palm of my hand and then pretended to eat it with some relish. I didn’t scatter any pepper at all on my hand. Hand it to my little girl, she promptly threw some pepper into the palm of her hand and ate it with considerable relish. And for some days was busy enjoying pepper in great quantity.” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 8, 1954

 
——————–

Avast, Ye Mateys

“PROGRESS: We are continuing to make progress against the enemy who has shot at us and the planet for 18 years. The code name he now has is ‘SMERSH’ (from 007 fame) and his branch of offices are ‘Black Hats.’ He is oddly enough on both sides of existing political parties except in SA where he is mainly UP. This was a hidden government. It aspired to world domination! If you can imagine a psychiatrist in such a role. Wonder what it would be like to be governed by shock cases. Red as paint, he was really having a ball. We were in his road. Because we were fully effective. We undid his implants. A real psychotherapy had come along. This was not part of his plans. He shot at Scn to discredit it. It is quite obvious that western governments are fantastically weak and very unaware. They cannot or will not protect their people or their institutions. Thus, only one course is left open. To get rid of SMERSH and their thousands of kills weekly. Oddly enough, we’re doing just that. The one BIG mistake they made was to attack Scientologists. Which they did from hiding for 18 long years. It set us back, kept our field upset, our staffs enturbulated. But it also made us get tough and grow strong. SMERSH was the hidden government. Long may it fall.” — The Commodore, December 8, 1968

 
——————–

Overheard in the FreeZone

“I was born this lifetime in 1957. So whatever I may say about the early days of Dianetics and Scientology is generally from my last lifetime, where I was more or less in the thick of things. I did know LRH, and I did attend some, but not all of his lectures. He and I were not ‘pals,’ but I had enough contact with him to be able to size up his character. This lifetime, I ‘returned’ to Scientology in 1976, at the tender age of 19.”

 
——————–

Past is Prologue

1996: Worldwide pickets were held to protest the actions of Scientology. A picket report was posted by Jeff Jacobsen from Arizona. “I arrived a bit before 2pm and started picketing. There were maybe 8 cars in the church parking lot, and all day there was almost no traffic either in nor out of the place. Mystery Woman came just after 2 and joined me, then 2 others arrived. So 4 of us picketed until 4, then MW and I stayed until 5. You have to understand that there is almost no foot traffic at the church location, so our main public interaction is with traffic going by. I counted about 14 pro and 4 anti reactions from the passersby, and 2 uncertain. Jinny Leason, church PR person, came out to talk to me for about 10 minutes. she basically wanted to object to both sides of my sign. ‘The Church of the Holy Lawsuit’ she said distorted facts. ‘Stop attacking the Internet’ she felt was not true because the church only goes after copyright violators. So I tried to explain spamming, canceling, fair use, etc. One of the members drove behind our cars and wrote down license plate numbers, then drove into the church parking lot. I took his picture.”

 
——————–

Random Howdy

“On more than one occasion I have met someone and after a few minutes of casual conversation I have been forced to ask myself whether this person is the sort of fellow who is going to attempt to run off with my wife and my car or if he’s the kind of guy that’s going to try and run off with my girlfriend and my boat. Thanks to L. Ron Hubbard I have knowingness of scamingness.”

 
——————–

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

Criminal prosecutions:

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.

 
——————–

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.

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?

 
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Scientology social media: Gearing up for R6, or what you humans call ‘Christmas’
[TWO years ago] Scientology’s biggest donors of late 2019: The whales giving millions to David Miscavige
[THREE years ago] Academic goes ‘Among the Scientologists’ to bring back what we already knew
[FOUR years ago] A grim anniversary that should remind us Scientology has no business ‘testing’ anyone
[FIVE years ago] Leah Remini told you about Scientology’s ‘Fair Game’ — and here’s the worst example of it
[SIX years ago] Leaked Scientology video: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes front and center for ‘psych busting’!
[SEVEN years ago] SUNDANCE BOUND: HBO’s film about Scientology will debut in Utah on January 25
[EIGHT years ago] Sunday Funnies: Scientology Gets Ideal in Taiwan
[NINE years ago] Scientology and Past Lives: Was L. Ron Hubbard Actually Serious?
[TEN years ago] Tom Cruise Denies Paying for Indian Extras to Cheer Him, And More Thursday Scientology Stats!

 
——————–

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on December 8, 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

 We told you previously that Scientology is now only listing five US locations for its Narconon rehab network, down from dozens in past years. In particular, we’ve been watching the demise of its ‘Fresh Start’ clinics in Southern California. Longtime reader Science Doc has been keeping tabs on Fresh Start’s Warner Springs location in San [...]]]>

 
We told you previously that Scientology is now only listing five US locations for its Narconon rehab network, down from dozens in past years. In particular, we’ve been watching the demise of its ‘Fresh Start’ clinics in Southern California. Longtime reader Science Doc has been keeping tabs on Fresh Start’s Warner Springs location in San Diego County for years, and sent us this surprising new report.

 
I bought the first of a series of secondary residences in rural Southern California in 2014, and from that point until moving to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico immediately before Covid I drove past Narconon Warner Springs at least twice a week. Usually I drove slowly, and I payed attention. Narconon Warner Springs is on CA 79 South in the hamlet of Sunshine Summit, about 8 miles from Warner Springs. It is a small and eclectic community. Other residents include several excellent wineries, two immediately across the highway from Narconon. There is a retirement community of well-kept manufactured homes. Less well known, and perhaps ironically, there is a simulated North Korean POW camp operated by the US Navy. Newly minted aviators and special forces spend a week there being hunted down in the woods and then placed in cages while not being water boarded. Several friends went through that in the late 70s. It’s been there a while.

What became Narconon Warner Springs has been there a long time too. The Main Campus of Narconon was originally a fishing camp. There was a shallow lake on the property. Guests would drive out from the big city for a few days of relaxation in remote San Diego County. That sort of thing went out of fashion at some point. Narconon Southern California (a registered fictitious name for Narconon Fresh Start) first appears in the San Diego County Recorder’s property records in 2001, with the purchase of the former fish camp. In a few years they also purchased the former JLB Ranch property about two miles up 79 in the direction of Temecula. Both properties were licensed by the State of California as rehabs. In a major expansion they also bought a large property in rural Lincoln County Nevada that became Narconon Rainbow Canyon.

Property records show that both Warner Springs (main campus) and Rainbow Canyon had multimillion dollar mortgages. If you remember the subprime mortgage crisis of 2008 you know that anyone and sometimes his dog could get mortgages earlier in that decade. In 2010 Bank of America sold the Narconon Southern California mortgages to an entity called Caliente Warner Springs LLC, variously located in Los Angeles and Orange County. Public records do not tell the complete story, but real estate investment groups sometimes bought distressed mortgages at the time. Even if the investors purchased some mortgages at a discount the property owners were still on the hook for the original principal and interest plus late fees that might accrue.

When Narconon Warner Springs first came onto my radar in 2014 the place could be said to be booming. They always had three or four vans that shuttled people between the Main Campus and JLB Ranch. They also had private cars parked at the main campus. Initially the car count was typically 18 to 20. I would sometimes see as many as 15 people walking about, especially near meal times. This was also the era of peak Narconon litigation, and Tony’s blog covered many of these. Less well known is that Narconon Southern California’s insurer was soon suing them in Los Angeles County. California has a Duty to Defend requirement, and insurers have to honor all tenders, at least initially. If an insurer has reason to believe that they are not responsible due to, for example, negligence, they can sue the insured party, and the courts work that out at a later date.

As time passed the car and people counts at Warner Springs dropped in fits and starts. By 2019 I was commonly seeing six or fewer private cars. Property records showed that Narconon also sometimes owned houses in Sunshine Summit so it was never exactly clear what the car count measured, but activity by any measure was going down steadily.

By late 2020 Covid was driving a boom in secondary real estate markets as people were fleeing dense urban areas for homes in rural areas, and it was time to sell my last two properties in rural California. So once again I was driving past Narconon frequently. I wasn’t the only one moving out. When I drove past Narconon one day in late January of this year JLB Ranch had two commercial size dumpsters overflowing with furnishings. The Main Campus appeared to be hanging on. I contacted Tony immediately. Once back at home in Mexico Tony and I checked property records and discovered that Caliente Warner Springs LLC had begun foreclosure proceedings on the Main Campus of Warner Springs by recording a Notice of Default on January 21, 2021, demanding millions of dollars. Other real estate records showed that JLB Ranch was for sale, as was Narconon Rainbow Canyon. On April 28 the LLC recorded a Notice of Sale, starting a 21-day countdown to a public auction on the courthouse steps. What often happens in these is that the lender bids the amount of principal, interest, and foreclosure fees due, just north of $3.5 million here, and is awarded the property. If someone wants to compete they need to show up with a stack of cashiers checks. On June 3, a document was recorded showing that the LLC indeed assumed ownership of the Main Campus parcels. Meanwhile JLB Ranch was listed in a real estate data base as recently sold.

My wife was visiting friends in the area on July 23 and I asked her to drive by Warner Springs to get photographs. The place was in poor condition with a For Sale sign and a vehicle count of exactly zero.

As I sat to write this the next day I checked recordings in Lincoln County, Nevada and saw that on July 20 LRES Corp. on behalf of the LLC recorded a Notice of Default on the Rainbow Canyon property demanding millions of dollars in principal and interest plus foreclosure fees.

Does this mean the end of Fresh Start? Tony has previously reported that their locations have disappeared from Church of Scientology websites. The only evidence to the contrary is that last year deed recordings in Texas show that the Harlingen Narconon property was sold by a longtime local Scientologist to Fresh Start. But the Fresh Start Operations such as they still exist are no longer being claimed by Miscavige, and Warner Springs has been sold and abandoned.

The LLC wasted little time getting the former Main Campus onto the market. The listing price is $2.25 million. The realtor.com app shows the listing along with some remarkable photographs including the sauna used for the quack detoxification procedure. Other photographs speak to the generally dilapidated condition of the property. Nevertheless, my friends in the area say the property could easily be worth the asking price depending on some zoning and water questions. Hopefully it won’t become another rehab operation.

— Science Doc

 
——————–

David Dees documentary now out!

Back in March we told you that a short documentary was coming about David Dees, a Scientologist who had gained a certain reputation for his conspiracy-obsessed illustrations.

Filmmaker Brad Abrahams tells us that the film has now been released, and we’re really looking forward to seeing it. You can watch it right here!

 
——————–

Derek Lambert with a new video

Another conversation with Karen de la Carriere about “Scientology treachery.”

 
——————–

Source Code

“The Rock has such terrific significances connected with it: violations, survival, not to survive, thisa, thata, the other thing, identifications, cross-references, see file B, see file A 1,002,642, cross-reference Navy Department, you get the idea. Bulletin of War, Space Command, planet Exnoo, figure-figure-figure-figure, think-think-think-think-think-think, figure-figure-figure-figure, thought-thought-thought-thought, thought, significance-significance-significance-significance… And when he looks at this particular piece of matter, energy, space and time which is all it’s conceived of, he doesn’t conceive of matter, energy, space and time. He thinks, Cross-reference: Space Command, 8,000,000,682, general order to all torpedo-men. Following: pursuant to the orders of the admiral… See? Now, this unfortunately cross-references with Order of the Day, Monastery Platitude, Mount Xenu. There shall be peace. Which conflicts with, Dear, I know you are dedicated to holy orders, but I need a new pair of shoes. Which in itself is very vastly in conflict with Order of the Mount: Honor thy father and thy mother. Wait a minute, how’d that get in there? And that’s why the preclear’s so baffled.” — L. Ron Hubbard, July 25, 1958

 
——————–

Avast, Ye Mateys

“LOCAL MONEY: Be sure you turn in your local wallpaper. I sure hope it’s cooler at sea!” — The Commodore, July 25, 1969

 
——————–

Overheard in the FreeZone

“Why have we lost so many of our powers after coming to this planet? I mean, I remember shortly before and I was a giant disembodied Thetan that new ALL of the sciences that make up everything and I also had enormous magical creation of ability, and I use to sweep across enormous gigantic masses of planets and instantly create groundcover foliage. I met a guy in Scientology that I used to know when we are on a spaceship just before coming to this planet. He didn’t go through the implant station like I did, and he was extremely OT, more than I. I lost most of my powers, but he was not or could not go exterior to his body and create anything magical and neither could LRH, either. These bodies just soak up a Thetan like a sponge since with all their automaticities they are 100 percent effect and a Thetan is 100 percent cause, so the two just snap terminals like a magnet.”

 
——————–

Past is Prologue

2000: Lisa McPherson Trust media director Mark Bunker reported this week that charges will not be filed against the Scientologist who attacked him with a hammer while he filmed for a German TV crew. “Bernie McCabe’s office has written me to say that no charges will be pressed against Richard Bernard who attacked my with a hammer nearly six months ago. Hammer attacks involving Scientologists will now be considered Sacred Rites and will be protected under the Florida Constitution.”

 
——————–

Random Howdy

“I prefer to think of D.M. as Theon Greyjoy.”

 
——————–

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

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Next hearing set for August 9. Trial tentatively scheduled for early November.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.

Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition to US Supreme Court submitted on May 26. Scientology responded on June 25.
— 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 scheduled for Oct 5.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 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 Nov 9, 2021.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Case appealed on Dec 24.

Concluded litigation:
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.

 
——————–

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.

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?

 
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Scientology to the rescue: After losing son and wife, Johnny Lewis’s dad is happier than ever
[TWO years ago] For once, a target of Scientology gladhanding did his homework and said no thanks
[THREE years ago] 50 years ago today, Scientology was banned in the UK — Here’s why it was a bad move
[FOUR years ago] The Rathbuns hire a lawyer, and Ray Jeffrey answers questions about his legal salvo
[FIVE years ago] Why does Scientology have no sense of humor? Because seriousness is a sacrament
[SIX years ago] A video response to Scientology’s crass celebrities, Jenna and Bodhi Elfman
[SEVEN years ago] Garcia federal fraud lawsuit survives another challenge by Scientology
[EIGHT years ago] Scientologists Warned about Facebook “Entheta” After Leah Remini’s Departure
[NINE years ago] Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise’s Split Becomes an Advertisement

 
——————–

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on July 25, 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

 Lucas Catton is a well-known figure here at the Bunker. He was once president of Scientology’s flagship rehab clinic, Narconon Arrowhead in Oklahoma, but then he became a whistleblower who has been featured on national television, and who continues to expose Scientology at his own YouTube channel.

We’re indebted to Luke for the many stories he’s [...]]]>

 
Lucas Catton is a well-known figure here at the Bunker. He was once president of Scientology’s flagship rehab clinic, Narconon Arrowhead in Oklahoma, but then he became a whistleblower who has been featured on national television, and who continues to expose Scientology at his own YouTube channel.

We’re indebted to Luke for the many stories he’s helped us report about Scientology and Narconon over the years, and now we’re going into even deeper debt to him.

He’s handed over to us raw intel, something so massive we are turning to you, our readers, for help sifting through it.

Luke dropped in our laps an audio recording of a meeting he attended with federal and state investigators while they discussed all of the evidence that pointed to wrongdoing by Scientology and its drug rehab empire in the wake of several patient deaths, and that should result in various charges — charges that never came.

Recorded on an October day in 2013, it captures a moment in time when governments were poised to haul Scientology into court, but later changed their minds.

Luke decided it was time to make the recording public, and at more than two hours, it’s a lot of information to take in.

Here is Luke’s description of what’s in the recording. We look forward to your reactions of discovering what it was like to sit in a room with law enforcement officials discussing the ways that Scientology should be hauled into court.

Right away early in the recording Paul Wilkening of the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner’s fraud department talked about serving warrants.

This was after the Desmond case settling, and after Narconon of Georgia was raided by insurance fraud investigators.

Not mentioned in my book, but also present in the meeting was a female FBI agent, who can be heard discussing with Wilkening about trying to get the Assistant US Attorneys on board so the FBI could take over the cases.

The Oklahoma investigators revealed that they had plenty of documented evidence of insurance fraud, and that Narconon was already being investigated by at least one insurance carrier as well. In one poignant moment, one of the people in the meeting stated that as far as they were concerned all of the billing Narconon had done was fraudulent since they never had properly licensed therapists.

There is a lot in there, including names of people who have since left or are no longer involved. I think rather than any specific names, the focus should be about the multi-state effort to get federal authorities on board to prosecute known criminal acts committed by multiple Narconon centers. They wound up kicking things to the multi-county grand jury, who ran out of time and failed to complete their evidence gathering in order to issue indictments. The lone investigator after that presented evidence and the attorney general in Oklahoma at the time failed to file criminal charges.

Now that there are only five Narconon facilities operating on fumes, the ability for fraud investigators to recoup cash has dwindled, but if they follow through on the federal investigation of the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act (EKRA) violations tied to FSM commissions, and also looked for the additional insurance fraud since the time of these meetings, it is possible they could seize the remaining property.

Here is what I had written in my book:

“Several months later I was brought into criminal investigations in three states by three different agencies. First I was contacted by agents Kevin Kearney and Matt Entrekin with the Georgia Insurance Commissioner’s fraud department and also Paul Wilkening from the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner’s fraud department. They traveled to meet me at a Hampton Inn conference room in Canton and asked a lot of questions about how Narconon operated and what the relationship was to the church of Scientology. The delegation from Oklahoma asked where the records might be kept at the facility and requested a diagram of the property with labels in case they were going to perform a raid similar to one that was done at the Georgia facility. I brought a voice recorder with me since I was alone, and put it on the table. Paul Wilkening said, “oh good, we should record this too,” and his partner set his phone on the table and pressed record as well.

This meeting was eventually followed by a another one at the Georgia Insurance Commissioner’s office in Atlanta, where the lead investigator, Sherry Mowell, asked questions about evidence they had found. I recorded that meeting as well, openly placing my voice recorder on the table for my protection. However, after much deliberation about what they were going to do with the evidence they had, they ultimately declined to file charges because there had to be a specific person named. Although they indicated there was evidence of fraud, they couldn’t nail down who were the individuals responsible for it, as Mary Rieser and the other employees pointed fingers at each other and even tried to blame their billing company. During this time, the program requested to enter into a non-prosecutorial agreement with the Gwinnett County District Attorney, Danny Porter, where Narconon agreed to close its Georgia location for a minimum of two years and not admit any wrongdoing. Although there were people upset that two years was not enough punishment, they have not tried to open another program in the state since then.

One thing I really learned throughout this whole process, is that there is a reason for the saying that the wheels of justice turn slowly. As I look back at when specific events took place, I see that what now seems like months between some activities was actually years, and a lot happened in between. I’m apparently only recapping the highlights.”

And here’s another detailed breakdown that Luke sent over:

The meeting was held on Oct 30, 2013.

At 12:35 Wilkening indicates they are the ones recording

There is some talk of Per Wickstrom in there. None of them had any jurisdiction over there, but I later was contacted by an FBI agent in Michigan investigating him based on their own work, though they also declined to file charges, as far as I know.

From the book: “In October of 2014 I received a call from another investigator. This time it was an FBI agent named Kurt Schichtel out of Michigan who was looking into insurance fraud allegations against Narconon and related organizations up there. He was loosely working with state agencies in Oklahoma and Georgia, but told me he didn’t have jurisdiction outside of Michigan at that time in order to take on a larger racketeering investigation. He was much more tight-lipped about the specifics of what he was doing compared to the guys who worked for state agencies. After that initial conversation, there was a follow-up done in early 2015 as well, but then no more word or contact from him. I don’t know what happened with it, as I never received an official subpoena and there wasn’t any news coverage of criminal prosecution up there.”

Around the 39:30 mark they say that the found that the Narconon Network was sending claims for $1 million per week to United Healthcare alone back in 2012.

Around 42:00 there is detailed information talking about falsified treatment records after someone had left the program.

Around 44:00 they’re asking me where treatment records are kept in Oklahoma and to draw a map for them for a search warrant.

Around 47:30 they ask what other crimes might they be guilty of, and we talk a bit about credit card fraud and racketeering. It starts getting into the assets of Scientology and money flowing between organizations, etc.

At 1:39:00 they begin to discuss the non-prosecutorial agreement with DA Danny Porter and how they weren’t fully included in how that played out and were surprised. Jackie from the FBI weighs in as well.

At 1:45: Bingo. Sherry says it’s all fraud because they didn’t have properly trained personnel.

 
——————–

Source Code

“I think California has laws that nobody can cure cancer. And they’ve just disobeyed that law in England because a doctor up there, who is a Dianetic Auditor, has just cured somebody of totally proven cancer. Has taken him over to the medical association and a big conference and so on, and displayed him complete with the X-rays and so forth. So, gee it’s a good thing he didn’t do that in California. We had an auditor, in 1950s, who was actually arrested for the fact of — proven conclusively, because he’d audited somebody and they had gotten well and it was against the law to cure that disease. He got off, there wasn’t anything happened to him at all, somebody was just making a push on it locally. Pretty crazy, huh? Proved it conclusively. Against the law to heal it and he’d done it.” — L. Ron Hubbard, April 7, 1972

 
——————–

Avast, Ye Mateys

“COMMENDED: Quentin Hubbard is assigned a Condition of Affluence and commended for a long time performance of high volume and high quality sessions. He is a very popular auditor and I am sure his many pcs will agree.” — The Commodore, April 7, 1970

 
——————–

Overheard in the FreeZone

“Does anyone know around 50 years ago what people thought about the dinosaur extinction? Like when they thought it happened. Nowadays we think it happened 66 million years ago. I heard back then they thought it happened 75 million years ago. It’s very important, the validity of Scientology’s OT3 depends on it.”

 
——————–

Past is Prologue

1997: The new Cult Awareness Network, now run by Scientology, issued a press release on the Higher Source cult, which committed suicide recently. “Information gathered by CAN indicates that the originators of the ‘Higher Source’ group were Marshall Herff Applewhite and Bonnie Lu Trousdale Nettles respectively a psychiatric patient and a psychiatric nurse. CAN is urging investigation into the presence of drugs at the Rancho Sante Fe mansion of the Higher Source and the psychiatric backgrounds of the group. Of interest is that psychiatric drugs were also found in large quantities at Jonestown and drugs were manufactured by and administered to members of the Japanese-based Aum Supreme Truth. CAN is continuing its own investigation into the background of the leaders of the group and will keep the media informed. In the meantime, CAN warns that the mass media beware of fanatical anti-religious statements being made, painting all religions or groups with the same brush stroke and creating further hysteria.”

 
——————–

Random Howdy

“‘Revolt in the Stars’ should be a new reality show where Scientology celebs are put into the Sea Org and the viewers watch as one by one they quit in anguish and leave stupid Scientology.”

 
——————–

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

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Masterson arraigned Jan 20. Discovery hearing on April 20, prelim set for May 18.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing delayed to April 13.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Trial scheduled for May 20 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Charged in Brooklyn federal court on Feb 4. Arraigned on Feb 9. Pretrial conference set for Apr 29.>

Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for writ of mandate denied Oct 22 by Cal 2nd Appellate District. Petition for review by state supreme court denied Dec 11.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Dec 30, Judge Kleifield granted Scientology’s motions to compel arbitration. June 7: Status conference.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 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: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Case appealed on Dec 24.

Concluded litigation:
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.

 
——————–

SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks

The Australian Seven News network cancelled a 10-part investigation of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks. Read the transcripts of the episodes and judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.

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’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] In the pandemic epicenter, Scientology’s New York Org puts on a fab virtual ‘Sunday Service’
[TWO years ago] Foreign ‘expansion,’ thanks to US Scientologists forking over the millions
[THREE years ago] On Day One, 2018’s Writers of the Future party betrays its connection to Scientology’s abuses
[FOUR years ago] XENU VICTORIOUS: Scientology bamboozles USA Today to help it fight the ‘evil psychs’
[FIVE years ago] Phil Jones reflects on the media frenzy at the dedication of his anti-Scientology billboard
[SIX years ago] 25 of the biggest lies told by L. Ron Hubbard and the Church of Scientology
[SEVEN years ago] SHOCK DOX: Scientology’s 2011 book value for just two of its entities is $1.2 billion
[EIGHT years ago] Narconon Tackles NFL Legend Jim Brown, Anne Archer Snags a Kennedy

 
——————–

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on April 7, 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

In 2015 we reported that the entire Northern California Narconon rehab network had cut ties with Scientology, and some longtime Narconon critics were skeptical. But then we watched as Per Wickstrom’s Midwest centers also pulled out of Scientology’s network.

Rod Keller pointed out numerous times for us that while Narconon [...]]]>

In 2015 we reported that the entire Northern California Narconon rehab network had cut ties with Scientology, and some longtime Narconon critics were skeptical. But then we watched as Per Wickstrom’s Midwest centers also pulled out of Scientology’s network.

Rod Keller pointed out numerous times for us that while Narconon seemed to be in retreat in the US, David Miscavige was pushing for more centers overseas and a few new “boutique” rehabs in the US in places like Ojai, California.

Narconon’s downsizing in the US appeared to be the direct result of three patient deaths in a nine month period in 2011-2012 at Narconon Arrowhead, the flagship clinic in Oklahoma, and large number of lawsuits filed in the ensuing two years.

Well, recently we heard from Lucas Catton, the Narconon whistleblower who at one time was president of Narconon Arrowhead, and he told us he had heard that Narconon Fresh Start, a company based in Glendale, California that ran Scientology’s rehabs in that state as well as in Nevada and Texas, was in trouble.

At about the same time, we heard from reader Science Doc, who occasionally drives by Fresh Start’s main outlet in Warner Springs in San Diego County, and he reported that it had dumpsters outside as it seemed to be going through a major cleaning out.

Yesterday he went by and took the photo you see above: “Six or seven years ago they would have had about 18 private vehicles plus three or four of their vans. There’s no one outside on a 69 F sunny afternoon.”

We called the Fresh Start headquarters in Glendale last week and got a receptionist. When we asked if the Fresh Start location in Warner Springs was shutting down, she said that it was “going through changes,” but then said she wanted someone else to call us back. No one did.

However, just yesterday we went to the main Narconon website to see what locations they now list and found this surprising image:

 
Yes, Narconon itself is now listing only five US locations and has de-listed Narconon Fresh Start’s final locations, in Warner Springs, in South Texas, and in Caliente, Nevada.

In 2002, there were 21 Narconon locations in 14 US states.

Catton says that as recently as 2012 there were about 14 locations in the country.

He says he was surprised to see that only five locations are now listed on Narconon’s website, and he predicts that state and federal investigators have those remaining clinics in their crosshairs.

He recently put out a video explaining that a 2018 change in federal law put one of Scientology’s chief Narconon strategies in jeopardy: Paying commissions for referrals to drug rehabs is now illegal.

“I am certainly willing to bet that Narconon Suncoast [in Clearwater, Florida] has paid out FSM commissions to someone in the past three years, and likely one of the local church entities. Additionally, some other Narconons have probably paid commissions to one or more church entities locally in the past three years,” he says.

And are authorities listening? “I have personally reported it to law enforcement. I’ve spoken to some state investigators and I’ve reported it to the FBI. It’s going to have to be taken up on the federal level,” Luke says.

Here’s Luke’s video about the change in the law.

 
At one time Scientology leader David Miscavige had major ambitions for Narconon. Its flagship clinic Narconon Arrowhead had plans for more than 200 beds for “students.” He had Scientology celebrities like John Travolta and Kirstie Alley praising Narconon and trying to give the impression that it would be able to make a dent in the country’s addiction problem.

But since the Oklahoma patient deaths and dozens of lawsuits, Miscavige pivoted to a very different strategy in the US, embodied by the upscale “boutique” clinic in Ojai, housed in Larry Hagman’s former hilltop estate, where only six beds for patients exist, small enough that it flies under any state regulation at all.

We have not heard much lately about its east coast counterpart, a new clinic that was being planned for Maryland at a place called Trout Run. We’d expect Miscavige will go through with it and expect that it will eventually join the list at Narconon’s website.

And even if Scientology has only five clinics operating today, they are still businesses built on deception that families looking for a clinic for a loved one should avoid at all costs. Narconon claims that it provides individualized drug addiction counseling in a safe environment and with medical staff on hand. None of those things is true. Narconon is actually a dangerous cold turkey regimen with quack medical ideas that gives addicts Scientology training, not drug counseling, and in an unsafe environment staffed by former addicts, not nurses or physicians. This has come out time and again in court case after court case.

Scientology relies on families being so desperate to get help for a loved one that they don’t take the time for a simple online search on the name Narconon. As long as any of them is still open, they pose a risk. We hope state and federal investigators take Luke Catton’s reports seriously and shut down the last remaining clinics.

 
——————–

Source Code

“You want to make a Clear Clear. You want to make somebody who won’t have any trouble with the Goals Problem Mass or any trouble with the bank from there on out, and all of his fondest hopes, and so forth. And of course, if you keep doing that in extremis and then straighten out the Whole Track, and take up all fragments of the Goals Problem Mass in their turn and handle all them, you’ll make an OT. You couldn’t help it. So you probably could make a Dynamic Clear or a Clear Clear, a stable, a very stable Clear by moving straight on through the Goals Problem Mass and getting these valences parked in their proper places on the Track so they’re not troubling the pc, and so forth. And he’d stay that way. It’s taken trillennia to get these things assembled into a black sponge. And it’ll take him more trillennia to get them back together again because it’s quite accidental that they remain in that weirdly balanced balance. You mean somebody has got a package that comes from 10 trillion years ago, beautifully poised and balanced against a package that came from 110 trillion years ago, and he’s got a 100 trillion year loop in the Goals Problem Mass. And these two things are opposing each other gorgeously. How does he do it? I ask you. Thetans are skilled, but I never expected them to be that clever. But they actually can do it.” — L. Ron Hubbard, February 8, 1962

 
——————–

Avast, Ye Mateys

“MIMEO FILES FB: DOUG LEWIS is removed as I/C and demoted in the same unit for being unable to handle people and neglecting to study the project or clarify intention. Robert Williamson is restored to Mimeo Files I/C with orders to get the files set up. Doug Lewis, Robert Williamson, Mort Smithberg and Richard Bunnell are affected by this order. It is noted that Smithberg, a speed typist, should never have been assigned to this unit and should be replaced soonest. The project has no typing or stencil cutting duties. Its sole duty is to set up and to file all loose mimeos on the ship NOW, NOW, NOW. I haven’t seen such an enmest mess for a long while!” — The Commodore, February 8, 1971

 
——————–

Overheard in the FreeZone

“The problem in the indie and Freezone field is an Ethics Situation developing into a catastrophe. The tools are assignment of High Crimes and putting heads on a pike to cool things out and build ethics with gradients.”

 
——————–

Past is Prologue

2002: BBC News reported that Tom Cruise took time from promoting his latest movie to lobby the American ambassador to Germany on behalf of Scientology. “He met with US ambassador Dan Coats while in the country promoting his new movie Vanilla Sky with co-star and girlfriend Penelope Cruz. Germany refuses to recognise Scientology as a legitimate church, claiming it is a fake religion based on making money from its followers. Scientology was put under official scrutiny in Germany in 1997, followed by France which outlawed it as a cult. Following Cruise’s hour-long meeting with Mr. Coats the star signed autographs and chatted to embassy staff, who remarked on how friendly and patient he was. Mr. Coats later attended the German premiere of Vanilla Sky, but would not comment on the meeting.”

 
——————–

Random Howdy

“Stan Lee, Forrest J Ackerman and Hugh Hefner are the Holy Trinity of my adolescence.”

 
——————–

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

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Masterson arraigned Jan 20. Next conf to set prelim, March 24.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing delayed to March 2.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Trial scheduled for May 20 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Charged in Brooklyn federal court on February 4.

Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for writ of mandate denied Oct 22 by Cal 2nd Appellate District. Petition for review by state supreme court denied Dec 11.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Dec 30, Judge Kleifield granted Scientology’s motions to compel arbitration. March 8: Status conference.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 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: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.

Concluded litigation:
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs.
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.

 
——————–

SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks

The Australian Seven News network cancelled a 10-part investigation of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks. Read the transcripts of the episodes and judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.

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’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] War on wogs is hell: A peek inside Scientology right now, and it’s not pretty
[TWO years ago] USC: SCIENTOLOGY FAKED LETTER FROM PROFESSOR TO DISNEY, PROBE OPENED
[THREE years ago] David Palter, 1952-2018: Remembering a Scientologist who became a steady critic
[FOUR years ago] Ron Miscavige on life at Scientology’s secretive Gold Base (and getting thrown in its lake)
[SIX years ago] Ryan Hamilton’s plan to consolidate his lawsuits against Scientology rehabs is denied
[SEVEN years ago] Jon Atack on Scientology’s methods of ‘thought stopping’
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology’s Atlanta Drug Rehab Buys Its Way Out of Courtroom Nightmare
[NINE years ago] Scientology’s Gag Reflex: The Church’s History of Enforcing a Vow of Silence

 
——————–

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on February 8, 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

 We have numerous legal updates for you today, starting with some news we’ve been waiting a long time to hear: Finally, there is a trial date set for Hanan and Rizza Islam.

At a pretrial conference on Tuesday trial was set for May 20 in the case, which seeks felony convictions against Hanan Islam, 61, and [...]]]>

 
We have numerous legal updates for you today, starting with some news we’ve been waiting a long time to hear: Finally, there is a trial date set for Hanan and Rizza Islam.

At a pretrial conference on Tuesday trial was set for May 20 in the case, which seeks felony convictions against Hanan Islam, 61, and three of her children, including her son Ronnie “Rizza” Islam, 30.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than five years since we broke the news that felony charges had been filed against several Scientologists who had operated a sketchy Narconon rehab out of their “literacy center” in Compton, California. The Islams were charged with ripping off the Medi-Cal insurance program by submitting bogus charges in an elaborate scam that involved unsuspecting high school students who were used as clients in the scheme.

The case also ruined the careers of three prominent African-American high school educators, who faced lesser charges in the scam. They included two local high school principals and the coach of the legendary Dominguez High School football team, who were all fired as a result.

And yet, even though this case involves the use of unwitting high school kids, the ruined careers of three local educators, the hiring of “ghost writers” to produce bogus insurance claims, and that it brought together Scientology, the Nation of Islam, and quack drug treatments in a scam that ripped off the state’s health insurance fund of nearly $4 million, not a single word about this criminal prosecution has appeared in the Los Angeles Times.

We figure that’s a big reason why the case has moved at such a glacial pace, with trial now finally scheduled more than five years after these defendants were first charged, and more than a decade since the crime first began taking place, from 2010 to 2013.

What does it take to get the LA Times over its reluctance to cover Scientology stories in its own back yard?

We’ve done our best to keep an eye on it here, thanks to help from Jeffrey Augustine covering some wild days in court for us. After years of inactivity, the case picked up in October 2019 when the Islams faced a preliminary hearing and Hanan tried to pull some bizarre sovereign citizen nonsense on the court. It got her and Rizza arrested, but didn’t prevent the state from putting on devastating testimony about how they had worked the scam. But after the case was bound over for trial it went into another long wait.

With no pressure coming from the local paper of record, Rizza Islam has not shied away from continuing his antics as an anti-vaxx huckster thirsty for publicity. For example, we were stunned to see this photograph that he posted last week at his Instagram account, showing off a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition that he had received from L.A. Congresswoman Karen Bass.

 
We sent a detailed email to her communications director, asking why she gave Rizza Islam this certificate, and he sent us this statement:

An organization serving girls in the foster care system in South Los Angeles held its annual concert in 2019 and requested certificates for individuals that they were honoring. Rep. Karen Bass is a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth and has fought to protect the vulnerable and abused throughout her career. Our office provided the certificates when they were requested, using standard language on pre-printed Congressional certificates. These certificates did not in any way constitute endorsement of individual honorees. The Office of Rep. Karen Bass was at no time aware of the felony charges against Ronnie Islam. Rep. Bass, who has seen The Aftermath series, in no way supports his poisonous anti-Semitic and pro-Scientology beliefs.

 
In other legal news, there’s a hearing today in Los Angeles Superior Court to determine whether Scientology can saddle Valerie Haney with $160,000 in sanctions. As we explained on Sunday, Valerie’s “crime” was that she asked Judge Richard Burdge Jr. to reconsider his January 2020 ruling denying her a right to trial and derailing her lawsuit by granting Scientology’s motion that she should have to submit her grievances to its internal “religious arbitration” instead. Valerie’s attorneys told Judge Burdge that they had found new evidence that put his ruling in doubt, but Burdge didn’t see it that way. Scientology complained that the new evidence wasn’t new at all, and asked Judge Burdge to sanction Valerie’s side for what it cost them to answer her motion for reconsideration.

Normally, we’d consider it a long shot for sanctions to be granted, but twice now Judge Burdge has seen things Scientology’s way in important rulings, so who knows. We’ll let you know what we hear from court as soon as we can.

In a new filing from Miscavige’s attorney, the always colorful Jeffrey Riffer blasts away at attempts by the plaintiffs to serve Miscavige, including the new attempt we told you about last month.

Probably the most interesting thing in this typically bombastic document from Riffer’s pen is that he repeatedly ridicules the attempts to serve Miscavige at the Hollywood Guaranty Building when it’s plainly obvious, Riffer asserts, that Miscavige has been in Clearwater, Florida all this time.

We’ve been reporting that Miscavige has been attending “graduations” in Clearwater in recent weeks, but this is the first time that we’ve seen an official confirmation that Dave is now a Florida resident.

 
And more news, this time from federal court, where we’ve been anticipating a special evidentiary hearing in the case of Scientologist donor and Middletown, NY chiropractor Jay Spina which was scheduled for next week.

Spina was arrested along with his brother Jeffrey Spina, their sister, and another employee at their clinic and charged with Medicare fraud. A physician who worked out of their clinic was also charged with fraud.

The Spina brothers were both big-time Scientology donors and actively supported its front groups. They pleaded guilty to fraudulently billing Medicare and using a complex scheme to try and hide what they were up to. But there was a dispute over how much Jay was willing to agree to admit to as far as restitution and forfeiture, and both sides asked the court to hold a “Fatico hearing” to present testimony. It would be sort of a mini-trial, and we were looking forward to it.

But now a new filing in the case reports that the two sides have settled their differences about restitution, and a hearing is no longer required. And they’ve informed the court that Jay insists on being sentenced in person and not via videoconference. With Covid still raging, that will mean putting off the sentencing yet again. We’ll keep an eye on when the court decides to attempt another sentencing date.

UPDATE: Jay Spina’s sentencing has now been set for March 2.

 
——————–

Source Code

“Putting tickets on the windshield of a car is illegal, according to our own Consititution, which requires personal service. Police get away with it because people don’t want the bother of going down and getting a trial date set. So they send in the amount of an arbitrary fine. This is duress and extortion — so there’s no difference between a criminal and a cop.” — L. Ron Hubbard, January 14, 1954

 
——————–

Avast, Ye Mateys

“Spectatorism is very great in our modern society. Because some people cannot conceive of causing anything they just watch it. They don’t do anything. They are not PARTICIPANTS. They are spectators. You see this in magazines. Hee hee hee articles about how odd this is or that is. No understanding of it. It’s just odd and one watches it in a detached sort of way. Below this is somebody who doesn’t even notice. Such a person has to come up scale just to be a spectator. An unfinished cycle of action comes about because (a) The importance of it is not grasped (b) The cycle itself is not fully understood. (c) Non compliance and false reports are given as a method of self-protection wherein are hopes it will not be noticed. What we need are more PARTICIPANTS, more team mates. You belong to the SO or you don’t. If you do you’re at cause over the various situations. So we define an SO Member the way you do an OT — At cause over Life, Thought, Matter, Energy, Space, Time and Form. The degree you can be cause in handling the targets and needs of a group determines right away how far you’ve come up the line. Blaming case is effect, isn’t it? Sex is effect, isn’t it? I don’t care what your grade is, you are alive. Your true ability depends on the degree you can exercise the definition of OT over your post in forwarding the purposes of the group. You are actually insulting yourself to insist that I personally make whatever advances are made on vital actions of the group. If what you are trying to do doesn’t happen its a poor comment on your OTism.” — The Commodore, January 14, 1969

 
——————–

Overheard in the FreeZone

“We have been looking at things globally and realize that many people have lost jobs or had to take out loans etc to deal with economy fluctuations. We also realize that many of you may be experiencing tougher times given the situation and it is important now more than ever to get up the Bridge! So we have considered everyone and would like to offer everyone the opportunity to go up the Bridge, therefore we are running a MASSIVE sale on our auditing packages! Spots are limited as our organization can only take on so many people, so get in contact TODAY!”

 
——————–

Past is Prologue

1998: An unpublished letter to the St. Petersburg Times from Cynthia Kisser was posted this week. The letter was written in response to an article in the Times about the lawsuits from Scientology that destroyed CAN. Cynthia was the Executive Director of the old Cult Awareness Network. “The real Cult Awareness Network never agreed to allow Scientologists as members as a result of the litigation by Scientologists. CAN toughened its local membership requirements, rather than softening them, after Scientologists began suing the local chapters to force the chapters to let them become members. No Scientologist ever won a single lawsuit over membership in CAN at either the local or national level, and CAN never modified its policies after the litigation against it by Scientologists began, and never let any Scientologists join as members who had previously been denied membership. CAN won every one one of the membership lawsuits, or the Scientologists withdrew them themselves before trial. As a face-saving tactic Scientology has made such a claim that CAN did reform its membership policies as a result of all the litigation….I am very proud that CAN was able to make case law supporting the rights of private associations to control their own membership and admittance to attendance at their private meetings. The protection by CAN through case law in federal and California courts of the freedom of association rights of private organizations reflects the true spirit of the true CAN’s work, and is a legacy which Scientology cannot erase, only try to undercut by misrepresenting the truth and hoping that legitimate media repeat this misinformation.”

 
——————–

Random Howdy

“The tech is the meaningless musings of a drug- and alcohol-addled madman who was making it up as he went along. You might as well have been playing hide-and-go-seek for 17 years.”

 
——————–

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

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Masterson’s demurrer denied Oct 19, arraignment delayed to Jan 20.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing delayed to March 2.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Trial scheduled for May 20 in Los Angeles

Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for writ of mandate denied Oct 22 by Cal 2nd Appellate District. Petition for review by state supreme court denied Dec 11.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Dec 30, Judge Kleifield granted Scientology’s motions to compel arbitration; Jan 29, Masterson’s request to stay discovery pending the criminal case
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 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: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.

Concluded litigation:
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs.
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.

 
——————–

SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks

The Australian Seven News network cancelled a 10-part investigation of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks. Read the transcripts of the episodes and judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.

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’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] Scientology ripped apart his family, but this former member explains why he doesn’t fight it
[TWO years ago] EXCLUSIVE: Scientology tells A&E it has ‘blood on its hands’ for murder in Australia
[THREE years ago] Scientology plans Narconon drug rehab for Ireland, but the locals are not having it
[FOUR years ago] The most incredible lie Scientology attorney Monique Yingling told ABC ’20/20′
[FIVE years ago] Oscar snubs Alex Gibney’s Scientology documentary ‘Going Clear’ despite buzz
[SIX years ago] Scientology reveals a lot more of its lofty plans for the former KCET studios
[SEVEN years ago] Being and nothingness: And now we move on to Scientology’s Operating Thetan Level Four!
[EIGHT years ago] ATLANTIC MAGAZINE SPIKES SCIENTOLOGY ADVERTORIAL AFTER BACKLASH
[NINE years ago] Scientology Recon: Commenters of the Week!

 
——————–

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on January 14, 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, 1995-2019 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2019), 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

 When we saw Mike Rinder announce that he and Leah Remini were talking to Lucas Catton for their podcast this week, we reached out to him for an update on how things have been going for him.

Our readers have heard less lately than we used to from Luke, who at one time was president of [...]]]>

 
When we saw Mike Rinder announce that he and Leah Remini were talking to Lucas Catton for their podcast this week, we reached out to him for an update on how things have been going for him.

Our readers have heard less lately than we used to from Luke, who at one time was president of Scientology’s flagship drug rehab facility, Narconon Arrowhead in Oklahoma. We first met him when he came to New York in 2013 to film an episode of Rock Center about Scientology’s deceptive rehab racket. And he was a key source for us on a lot of Narconon stories over the years.

That same year he was on Rock Center he put out a book and later pulled it from circulation (and then put out another book), but we hadn’t heard much from him recently. And we sure weren’t prepared for this update from him…

“The police were called on me over Labor Day weekend to do a welfare check on my kids. Obviously there wasn’t any reason for it, and I was confused and furious and had to find out who did it. I was eventually able to get a copy of the records and traced it back to a Scientologist in Clearwater who had called. To me that was a clear sign that there is still a lot more work to be done, and now they’ve kicked this hornet’s nest again.”

Yes, once again we have an organization calling itself a church falsely calling in government agencies on former members to try and get them in trouble over their parenting. No big deal. Doesn’t every church do it?

Scientology did the same to Jason Beghe and Marc Headley. It’s a favorite tactic of their dirty tricks department.

And now they’ve tried it on a person who hasn’t said much about them in a couple of years.

Genius tactics.

Anyway, we’re glad that Leah and Mike have talked to Luke for the podcast. You can listen to it right here…

 
——————–

Another fun round with Jim Paris

Although your proprietor and radio host Jim Paris come from different political backgrounds, we sure have a lot of fun coming together over the subject of Scientology. Sunday night we had another fun time with Jim, and we hope you enjoy it as well…

Source Code

“People look all the way through books of philosophers, the Bible, life, to find something that will agree with them. At first glance, they’re trying to look for something to agree with. Nah, they’re not looking for something to agree with, they’re looking for something on which they have sufficient experience to establish a certainty. And you go down and you get a book — old Will Durant’s book The Story of Philosophy — whenever you get it out of the library you’ll find page after page, underscore, underscore and an underscore here and an underscore there and exclamation points over in the borders and it’s all marked up, old copies of it. Libraries have to replace it every time they turn around. Because people in their great enthusiasm will underscore ‘God is good.’ Here these rather clever statements one way or the other which are quite profound and quite interesting of which somebody could be certain and then they pick all the way through. The thing they find ‘God is good.’ Fine.” — L. Ron Hubbard, November 3, 1953

 
——————–

Overheard in the FreeZone

 
——————–

Past is Prologue

1997: The New York Times reported that a German Scientologist has been granted asylum in the United States. “A federal immigration court judge has granted asylum to a German member of the Church of Scientology who claimed that she would be subjected to religious persecution had she been required to return to her homeland, the woman’s lawyer and a Scientology official said Friday. While few details of the case were available, it is believed to be the first time the United States has given asylum protection to a Scientologist. The Church of Scientology has been waging a highly public international campaign against what it considers discrimination against its members by the German government.”

 
——————–

Random Howdy

“Opus Dei wields more political influence around the world than the Church of Scientology could ever dream of.”

 
——————–

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

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Masterson’s demurrer denied Oct 19, arraignment delayed to November 2.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing set for October 29 in White Plains, NY delayed to January.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Next pretrial conference set for Jan 12 in Los Angeles

Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for a writ of mandate denied Oct 22 by Cal 2nd Appellate District.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Nov 6 (motions to compel arbitration)
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Oct 19: Feshbachs still considering further appellate relief.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, awaiting verdict.

Concluded litigation:
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.

 
——————–

SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks

The Australian Seven News network cancelled a 10-part investigation of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks. Read the transcripts of the episodes and judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.

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 coming November 1 to 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’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] Add ‘The Last Samurai’ to Tom Cruise movies Scientology uses for themed fundraising
[TWO years ago] Never public: L. Ron Hubbard Jr.’s devastating 1972 takedown of his father and Scientology
[THREE years ago] EXCLUSIVE: DA’s office asked Leah Remini not to air episode about Danny Masterson
[FOUR years ago] Scientology strikes back at Leah Remini as publicity for her upcoming series explodes
[FIVE years ago] Ten years ago, ‘South Park’ rocked Scientology in a way it’s never recovered from
[SIX years ago] Dani Lemberger, who led a breakaway Israel mission, sues Scientology for libel and fraud
[SEVEN years ago] Sunday Funnies: Roslyn Cohn’s One-Woman Show Set to Skewer Scientology
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology’s Policy of “Disconnection”: A Mother’s Open Letter to Her Children
[NINE years ago] Tom Cruise and Baby Suri Embarrassed? This is Scientology, So Someone Has To Pay

 
——————–

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on November 3, 2020 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, 1995-2019 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2019), 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, 14 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

In July we posted another nightmare story from yet another family that was duped by Narconon, Scientology’s bogus network of rehabs.

They are almost all exactly the same. A family desperate to find a safe place for a loved one is convinced to put down tens of thousands up front to send them to [...]]]>

In July we posted another nightmare story from yet another family that was duped by Narconon, Scientology’s bogus network of rehabs.

They are almost all exactly the same. A family desperate to find a safe place for a loved one is convinced to put down tens of thousands up front to send them to a facility they have been told will provide individualized drug counseling in a safe environment with medical staff on call.

And time after the time, the family finds only after their loved one is struggling at the facility that it’s really a Scientology operation, there is no drug counseling, there is no medical staff, and the bizarre activities, like shouting instructions at ashtrays, is Scientology processing.

They then find us, finally having done some research on the place they have sent a son or daughter, and to their horror find that families have been harmed for decades by this operation, and many of them have sued.

Well, it’s happened again, depressingly. We heard from a distraught mother who, only after sending her son to the Warner Springs “Narconon Fresh Start” in Southern California found our July 2 story, confirming her worst fears.

When we asked for details of what happened, she sent us this account. We can only hope that a few families in the future bother to do an Internet search and find stories like ours before falling victim to the same scam….

My son is 38 years old and has struggled with drugs since he was in his twenties. Over the last four years it got worse and he was in an out of jail, had felony drug drug charges and was facing seven years in prison.

I tried everything and finally the judge ordered him to drug court for 18 months or he would go to prison. My son graduated and did very well and then relapsed and it was bad again. The drug he’s on is very mind-altering and it’s awful. I was at the end of my rope, afraid for my safety, his, and any innocent person that might get in the way.

Out of desperation I called an 800 hotline for people with addictions. Fresh Start is the first one I came across. Brett Yates recommended them and said they had a 75 percent success rate and talked about how my son would die if I didn’t get him help. I was told they were holistic and had medical staff available 24/7 and would be safe and didn’t use any drugs to detox the students.

They convinced me to have one of their interventionists come in and try and get my son to fly to California with him to the facility. The interventionist fee was $2,500 plus expenses. Josh Penn, the Fresh Start administrator, is the one I talked to mostly. He also told me that if I did not get my son there that he would probably die. He said he uses Matt Kinzer as an interventionist. He is the one that came to see us and try to convince my son to go.

He didn’t go with Matt but Josh convinced my son to go the the facility. The next day he was on a plane. I was told that they did not accept payments and that they had a few banks they dealt with to get approved. I was approved for the loan in five minutes. The cost was $33,000. No refund, and if the student leaves the facility they have six months to return at no cost. I was approved and the money was in my checking account the next day.

My son was there in the detox for about five days and then on to another location in Huntington Beach for a few days and then on to the facility. My son started a sauna program and did that for about a week, five hours a day. He told me that they practice Scientology there and that he wanted to send me a letter and they gave him a really hard time about sending a letter to me. Instead of them letting him mail it he had to overnight it, costing him $27.

He was there on his birthday and I sent him a package, which he did get. However, my sister also sent him one and he never received it. She just now got it returned to her home and it was a different package, so they opened it and some things were missing. His birthday was Sept 14 and she just received the package yesterday, Oct 13.

My son said that there were bugs everywhere and that the counselor that picked him up from the airport said that the interventionist gets drunk and high with his clients while he takes them to Fresh Start. Roger was one of the counselors that picked him up and provided updates to me every day on my son. Every day it was the same thing: he’s relaxing and doing great. My son said the staff was rude and he had awful roommates and it was very depressing and he would rather go back to jail then to stay there. He actually walked out, took a cab two and a half hours to the airport and flew home.

I later found out that the so called “certified counselors” were actually graduates of the program and not even certified at all. He said they had him talking to door knobs and the whole place was very bizarre. Josh told me the facility was very professional and the staff was very caring.

I feel like this place just preyed on my weakness, sadness, and desperation as a parent to get help for her son. They refuse to refund any of my money, saying there is a “no refund” policy. Basically, they are making $33,000 off of me and my son is not even there. I contacted Josh and he told me the same thing everyone else did, they don’t practice Scientology or any religion. I confronted him regarding all the lawsuits in the past and he just simply said they were dropped and it was all false. He provided me with a phone number to call to request a refund and I spoke to Donna. She was very nice. She said at one point that they would probably just charge me for the expenses while he was there and refund the rest but that did not happen. She told me three different times that the executives at Fresh Start refuse to give any refund and highly encouraged him to return to the facility.

It’s very sad and disheartening that there are companies out there and people who prey on others. I hope there is someone out there that can help me and others who have suffered the same fate as my family has. I have reached out to several attorneys and am waiting to hear back. This company needs to be held accountable for their actions. I hope some day they meet their maker and they have to answer for their actions.

 
——————–

In July the Australian Seven News network cancelled at the last minute a ten-part nightly news in-depth investigation of the Church of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks operations. All ten episodes have now been leaked to the Internet, and we’ve collected all ten links in one place. Judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.

 
——————–

Source Code

“Why do people get so upset with a toothache, and why do they have this big nerve? The reason is that this happened again and again and again, and every time this happened, the theta facsimile would be used for new design. The things that appeared around the lips of these shells evidently appeared on the top side first, because there was more shelter, and then they appeared on the bottom lip. Every time these things would get disrupted they would say, ‘Next time we have got to have a tougher outer skin!’ And the next time they would make one, but in the meantime they got this sand — engram after engram after engram. Somewhere along the line you occasionally find a worm boring in there. Dentists are actually in the valence of these worms!” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 15, 1951

 
——————–

Overheard in the FreeZone

“The three songs that always struck me as straight off the Whole Track were Van Halen’s Running with the Devil, Edgar Winter’s Frankenstein and Led Zep’s Kashmir.”

 
——————–

Past is Prologue

1996: Scientology purchased an ad in Thursday’s New York Times, comparing the current situation in Germany with Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. German and U.S. officials and Jewish leaders all condemned the ad. From Reuters: “The advertisement, headlined ‘Practicing Religious Intolerance’ and ‘Germany Then and Now’ above the eagle and swastika insignia of Hitler’s Third Reich, described Germany as the only country in the world that systematically discriminates against Scientologists. In recent months, German officials have said Scientology should be banned or at least placed under covert surveillance. Scientology is not considered a religion in Germany and the government says it exploits the gullible for profit. ‘You may wonder why German officials discriminate against Scientologists,’ the advertisement said. ‘There is no legitimate reason but then there was none that justified the persecution of the Jewish people either.'”

 
——————–

Random Howdy

“Scientology may be circling the drain but there’s no shortage of crazy waiting in the wings. It’s going to be a long uphill battle to get to the top and stop the billions of minds waiting in line to go down that slippery slope called ‘magical thinking’.”

 
——————–

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

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Demurrer filed by Masterson, arraignment delayed to October 19.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing is set for October 29 in White Plains, NY. Jeffrey’s is set for October 24.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Next pretrial conference set for Jan 12 in Los Angeles
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.

Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for a writ of mandate filed with Cal 2nd Appellate District, Sept 10.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Oct 26 (motions to compel arbitration)
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Update required in federal lawsuit on Oct 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, awaiting verdict.

 
——————–

Scientology’s celebrities, ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and more!

We’ve been building landing pages about David Miscavige’s favorite playthings, including celebrities and ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and we’re hoping you’ll join in and help us gather as much information as we can about them. Head on over and help us with links and photos and comments.

Scientology’s celebrities, from A to Z! Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

Scientology’s ‘Ideal Orgs,’ from one end of the planet to the other! Help us build up pages about each these worldwide locations!

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 our weekly series. How many have you read?

 
——————–

THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Xenu-giving: We check the crowd at Scientology’s biggest org on a day of thanks
[TWO years ago] US Sheriffs, dead or alive — Scientology is happy to use them for self-promotion
[THREE years ago] David Miscavige is gambling on Birmingham for Scientology success, and who knows why
[FOUR years ago] Scientology’s latest drama in Russia: The mystery woman who infiltrated an org
[FIVE years ago] Louis Theroux’s ‘My Scientology Movie’: A hilarious take on an unfunny bunch
[SIX years ago] A perplexing tale about Bob Duggan, the richest Scientologist in the world
[SEVEN years ago] Chicago’s On Fire: Jason Beghe and Christian Stolte Send Their Regards to the Bunker
[NINE years ago] Scientology Effervescence: Commenters of the Week!

 
——————–

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on October 15, 2020 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, 1995-2019 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2019), 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, 14 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