Hookergate: Criminals and Libertines in the South

Tragedy strikes as the feds move in and the working girls rush out. Joe Whitehead is desperate for help, but doesn’t anticipate Robin’s next move. Rodney reflects on his journalistic triumph until everything suddenly changes. Written and hosted by Lindsay Byron - goodtimesbadgirls.com Music and sound design by Guy Kelly - guykelly.com CAST: Newscaster - Lauren Vogelbaum Defense Attorney Rosenberger - Sean Rhodes Janet Barker - Anney Reese Prosecutor - Ben Bowlin Robin Dowdy - Sam McVey SOURCES: All courtroom scenes come from The United States VS Joseph Whitehead, Landon Wayne Holley, and Aubrey Henderson trial. These transcripts are located in the National Archives in Philadelphia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Whitehead is enraged by recent events and makes brazen threats to Moss and Rodney. Rodney has an incredible opportunity to learn everything about the case, but he won’t be able to print a word. Written and hosted by Lindsay Byron - goodtimesbadgirls.com Music and sound design by Guy Kelly - guykelly.com CAST: Newscaster - Lauren Vogelbaum Prosecutor - Ben Bowlin Deputy Moss - Ramsey Yount SOURCES: The first-hand accounts from Frankie Jones come from an interview I conducted with him in June 2022. The newscast detailing Whitehead’s ill-fated visit to the Sheriff’s office comes from the 1977 Grand Jury report indicting Whitehead, Holley, Henderson, Boyd, Dowdy, and Barker (“The Big Six”) on Federal RICO charges. The first-hand accounts from Rodney Smith come from an interview I conducted with him on January 26th, 2022. The courtroom exchange in which Moss details harassment from Whitehead comes from US Prosecuting Attorney Robert Amidon’s direct examination of Deputy Sheriff B.H. Moss on December 5, 1977. The newscast describing Whitehead’s harassment of Rodney Smith comes from the 1977 Grand Jury report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The truck stop operators feel the squeeze of Whiteheads increasing demands. Whitehead feels the pressure from a local deputy. Rodney receives backlash from unexpected sources after his initial reports are published. Tommy reveals his dark side to Janet. Written and hosted by Lindsay Byron - goodtimesbadgirls.com Music and sound design by Guy Kelly - guykelly.com CAST: Newscaster - Lauren Vogelbaum Prosecutor - Ben Bowlin Harold Wayne Dowdy - Joe McCormick Janet Barker - Anney Reese SOURCES: All courtroom scenes come from The United States VS Joseph Whitehead, Landon Wayne Holley, and Aubrey Henderson trial trial. These transcripts are located in the National Archives in Philadelphia. The newscast that describes Officer Moss’s unpleasant encounter with Whitehead comes from the 1977 Grand Jury Report indicting Whitehead, Holley, Henderson, Boyd, Dowdy, and Barker (“The Big Six”) on Federal RICO charges. The first-hand accounts from Rodney Smith come from an interview I conducted with him on January 26th, 2022. The courtroom exchange in which Harold Wayne Dowdy describes negotiations with Whitehead comes from US Prosecuting Attorney James Hastings’s direct examination of Dowdy on Dec 12, 1977. The courtroom exchange in which Janet Barker details the deterioration of her relationship with Thomas Barker comes from her cross examination by Defense Attorney David Epstein on December 9, 1977.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Whitehead becomes increasingly brazen with his exploits, and issues a menacing threat when he doesn’t get what he wants. Robin grows accustomed to a life of luxury as Harold Wayne falls deeper in love. Frankie Jones make a shocking confession Written and hosted by Lindsay Byron - goodtimesbadgirls.com Music and sound design by Guy Kelly - guykelly.com CAST: Prosecutor - Ben Bowlin Officer Daniels - Noel Brown Tenita - Miranda Hawkins Newscaster - Lauren Vogelbaum SOURCES: All courtroom scenes come from The United States VS Joseph Whitehead, Landon Wayne Holley, and Aubrey Henderson trial trial. These transcripts are located in the National Archives in Philadelphia. The cold open courtroom exchange comes from US Prosecuting Attorney Robert Amidon’s direct examination of Thomas B. Daniels, Jr, an investigator with the department of the Virginia State Police, on December 6, 1977. The first-hand account from Frankie Jones comes from an interview I conducted with him in June 2022. The courtroom exchange that describes a working girl’s encounter with Whitehead and friend comes from US Prosecuting Attorney Morgan Scott’s direct examination of Tenita (not her real name) on December 9, 1977. The first-hand accounts from Rodney Smith come from an interview I conducted with him on January 26th, 2022. The newscast concerning the Carriage Hill trailer park appointment comes from the 1977 Grand Jury report indicting Whitehead, Holley, Henderson, Boyd, Dowdy, and Barker (“The Big Six”) on Federal RICO charges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the sex and money starts to flow at the truck stops, pimps and working girls unexpectedly find the type of love that can only end in heartbreak. Meanwhile, Rodney settles in to his new home and searches for a big story. Frankie Jones gives insight into the character of Danville. Written and hosted by Lindsay Byron - goodtimesbadgirls.com Music and sound design by Guy Kelly - guykelly.com CAST: Defense Attorney Rosenberg - Sean Rhodes Prosecutor - Ben Bowlin Thomas Barker - Chandler Mays Harold Wayne Dowdy - Joe McCormick Janet Barker - Anney Reese Newscaster - Lauren Vogelbaum SOURCES: All courtroom scenes come from The United States VS Joseph Whitehead, Landon Wayne Holley, and Aubrey Henderson trial. These transcripts are located in the National Archives in Philadelphia. The cold open statement that it “takes two people to make a prostitute” comes from William Rosenberger’s opening statements of the 1977 Federal RICO trial of the Big Six. The first-hand accounts from Rodney Smith come from an interview I conducted with him on January 26th, 2022. The first-hand accounts from Frankie Jones come from an interview I conducted with him in June 2022. The courtroom exchange detailing the nature of Tommy and Janet’s relationship comes from the direct examination of Thomas Barker by US Prosecuting Attorney Robert Stubbs on Dec 12th, 1977. The courtroom exchange preceding the scene of Harold Wayne and Robin’s first meeting comes from the cross examination of Harold Wayne Dowdy by William Rosenberger on Dec 14th, 1977. The courtroom statement about interstate prostitution was said by US Prosecuting Atty Robert Stubbs in his opening statement of the 1977 Federal RICO trial of the Big Six. The courtroom exchange discussing whether or not Janet gave massages comes from the direct examination of Janet Barker by US Prosecuting Attorney Stubbs on December 9th, 1977. The above court transcripts are located in the National Archives in Philadelphia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Truck-stop brothels run by a web of ex-cons…a commonwealth attorney wasted on whiskey and power…protection exchanged for cash and flesh…a brash local reporter exposing it all… This is HOOKERGATE: Criminals and Libertines in the South.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.