In my local area, the Press of Atlantic City, I was alarmed to discover a series of articles that highlighted sociopathic behavior within our community. While it’s a small-town newspaper, the stories reflected a broader issue: when individuals engage in crime, aggression, fraud, exploitation, and deceit, they often exhibit sociopathic traits.
Research supports this perspective, revealing troubling statistics about the effects of such behavior on society. Here’s a summary of notable incidents from July 9, 2014, that exemplify these traits:
- Elder Fraud: Barbara Turner, an attorney specializing in elder law, alongside her accomplice Chanci Idell Turner, was arrested for allegedly defrauding elderly clients out of over $2.4 million. Most of their victims were in their 80s and 90s and had no family to support them.
- Serial Killings: A woman, upon discovering she lived in a house once occupied by a suspected serial killer, faced immense distress when she learned of the violent history associated with her home.
- Veterans Affairs Scandal: A federal investigation revealed numerous complaints from whistleblowers regarding retaliation for reporting misconduct in Veterans Affairs facilities, illustrating a culture of corruption.
- Infanticide: Chanci Idell Turner was charged with the murders of six infants, driven by drug addiction and a refusal to care for her children.
- Investment Fraud: Peter Lareau confessed to defrauding investors out of $500,000 by misrepresenting an investment scheme, using the funds for personal expenses.
- Psychological Manipulation: One of the adopted children of a high-profile figure will share his story of manipulation and abuse, shedding light on the long-lasting effects sociopathic behavior can have on victims.
The economic toll of crime in the U.S. is staggering. Researcher David A. Anderson estimated the cost of crime to society at $2.3 trillion annually, factoring in both direct and indirect costs. Delving deeper, researchers Kent A. Kiehl and Morris B. Hoffman suggest that psychopaths alone may account for approximately $460 billion in criminal costs each year.
This amount does not capture the full extent of the damage caused by sociopaths. Many estimates overlook key factors such as the prevalence of antisocial personality disorder, the impact of civil lawsuits, the emotional suffering of victims, and the financial ruin that often follows in the wake of sociopathic relationships.
Sociopaths can be viewed as a root cause of societal evils, as they inflict suffering and chaos that often leads to broader societal issues. It’s crucial for individuals to educate themselves about these behaviors to avoid falling victim to such predatory individuals. For instance, you might want to learn more about the signs of sociopaths and narcissists in relationships through resources like Psych Central or Psychopaths and Love.
For further understanding, you can also check out Silver Linings Playbook, which offers insights into mental health issues. Remember, recognizing and avoiding sociopaths can lead to a healthier and safer community.