Female Criminals

She initially struggled with her decision, but ultimately Chelsea Manning became the biggest whistleblower in American history. Though she did what she thought was right, it cost her her freedom. And while incarcerated, she faced a whole new set of challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She wanted to find structure and serve her country. But after joining the Army as an intelligence officer, Chelsea Manning felt American citizens weren't getting an accurate version of the country's overseas conflicts. So she sought out someone who could help her show the world the truth. Parcasters, we have exciting news! Our first book hits bookshelves July 12th. Don’t miss this chilling summer read that takes you deep into the darkest sides of human nature. Learn more at www.parcast.com/cults! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Known to her followers as “La Madrina,” Sara Aldrete was targeted by a charming cult leader as part of a plot to make money and recruit new members. But as the animal sacrifices turned to human sacrifices, she realized it was too late to turn back. Countdown to the CULTS book release! Parcast’s first book hits shelves July 12th. It’s an unflinching exploration of shame, secrecy, power, exploitation, and destruction. Learn more at www.parcast.com/cults!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Known as the Queen of the French Quarter, Norma Wallace raked in cash and protected her girls. But the one thing she couldn't protect was her heart. She fell in love with a younger man while she was in her 60s, and they moved in together. They seemed happy... until she found out about his infidelities.  Parcasters, we have exciting news! Our first book hits bookshelves July 12th. Don’t miss this chilling summer read that takes you deep into the darkest sides of human nature. Learn more and grab your copy at www.parcast.com/cults! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Growing up in poverty, Norma Wallace saw that neighborhood sex workers had nice clothes, sparkling jewels, and cash. So as a teenager, she pursued the trade — only to find that the real money was in management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Belle Gibson’s diet and wellness business, The Whole Pantry, thrived off her devoted followers, who believed Belle had cured her brain cancer by eating healthy. She was an unprecedented sensation, backed by huge corporations. As her brand grew, so did the lies — until 2015, when one of her friends decided she’d had enough. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2012, after spending most of her childhood lying for attention, 20-year-old Belle Gibson turned to Instagram to find a new audience. She was a good photographer and an even better storyteller, but the content behind her posts were just that… stories. And they were hurting her followers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After her husband’s body is found in the Sequoia National Forest, Brookey makes a fresh start in Las Vegas. Her mother Christine is once again by her side — until Christine’s body is discovered stuffed in a garbage can. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Brookey Lee West was 7 years old, her mother shot the man she was having an affair with. Brookey vowed to never be like her mom. But as she became an adult and tried to establish her own identity, she discovered that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Georgia Tann's adoption "business" was raking in money. She orchestrated adoptions for movie stars and politicians. She gave kickbacks to judges to look the other way. She was virtually untouchable. But all things come to an end. And it wouldn't be the law or a victimized parent that would bring her down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Georgia Tann built a career out of placing orphans into adoptive homes at a time when adoption carried a harsh stigma. While her enterprise might’ve started out of kindness, greed became her main motivation. She’d do anything to make a profit — including stealing babies from poor, single mothers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Panic spreads across Louisiana after multiple families are cut down by an ax murderer. Is this the work of a train-hopping serial killer? Or a voodoo cult allegedly led by a teenager? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While Peggy Ann Fulford claimed to be a financial advisor, she was actually a con woman making a living by scamming professional athletes out of their money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most Americans thought justice had been served when Barbara Graham was sentenced to death for the murder of Mabel Monahan. But after an interview was published with Barbara's version of events, people doubted her guilt. With a perjury conviction on her record, could she ever be trusted? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a botched burglary led to the murder of 64-year-old Mabel Monahan in Burbank, California, an anonymous tipster gave police their first big break in the case. But was 29-year-old Barbara Graham pinned for a crime she never committed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After losing favor in California, Liz fled to Texas where she hoped to start selling her three-wheeled car to a whole new market. But she didn't fare any better. Facing a list of charges, Liz went on the run again — only to be brought down by the most unlikely source. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She started out as a con woman who eventually had to go on the run. Once she had a fresh start, she became a charismatic businesswoman who could sell anything. But not everybody wanted to see her succeed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the thrill of her first murder, Mary Bell decided to do it again. She found a new victim and – just like last time – walked away afterward, pretending to know nothing about it. But when detectives interviewed kids from the neighborhood, Mary's story unraveled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

By the time she was eight, Mary Bell had survived years of sexual and physical abuse. But as she got older, she realized she didn’t have to be the victim anymore. She could be the abuser. And in 1968, just before her 11th birthday, she would do the unthinkable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the fall of 2011, a 17-year-old model struck up an online relationship with NBA player Chris “Birdman” Andersen. But someone else was pulling the strings of their ill-fated romance. From Crimes of Passion, a Spotify Original from Parcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices