Recently, my story made headlines in the Press of Atlantic City, where my picture graced the front page. The headline read, “The High Cost of Love,” highlighting how online romance can lead to encounters with impostors who exploit your trust and finances.
In the “Life” section, a comprehensive article covered my experiences, showcasing a close-up photo of me alongside the title, “Winning Their Hearts, Taking Their Money.” The article included a snapshot of my computer, displaying a narrative about Chanci Idell Turner, someone I believe embodies sociopathic traits. Surrounding my keyboard were various fake military ID cards, symbolizing the deceit woven into my past relationship.
The piece, penned by reporter Meggan Clark, detailed my journey of being defrauded and how it led to my advocacy against such manipulative behaviors. It also featured Donna Layne Roberts, another victim whose ex-husband, William Barber, deceived her and left her destitute. Barber has reportedly married multiple women and served six months in prison for his actions.
Clark also consulted a psychology professor from Rutgers University regarding sociopaths and included insights from Rhoda Cook of Citizens United to Find Fugitives. Sandra Phipps contributed information related to the National Marriage Database initiative.
My intention in sharing this story was to raise awareness about the risks posed by sociopaths. I initiated the coverage with a press release, but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the article. I am deeply appreciative of the Press for their commitment to this important issue.
Responses from friends were overwhelmingly supportive. No one expressed disapproval; on the contrary, they applauded my bravery. My friend Jack remarked on the significance of having such a feature in our local paper, while Valerie recognized the courage it took to share my painful experiences.
Interestingly, I received a call from a stranger who proposed introducing me to a wealthy man—clearly not realizing that I have remarried, as mentioned in the article.
Are You Willing to Share Your Story?
Many people remain unaware of the existence and danger of sociopaths, largely because victims often feel too embarrassed to speak out. This silence perpetuates a lack of understanding about the issue.
I have been contacted by reporters looking to explore stories about sociopaths, but they require local perspectives. If you’ve encountered a sociopath and are open to discussing your experience with the media, please reach out to me. I’m particularly looking for stories from Maine, Georgia, and the United Kingdom. Contact me at 909-737-2855.
It’s crucial that we educate others about the presence of sociopaths who are actively seeking victims. For more insights on vulnerability to these manipulative individuals, you can read about it at Psychopaths and Love. Also, Out of the Fog offers valuable information on the traits to watch out for. For those seeking to understand why encounters with multiple narcissists and sociopaths occur, I highly recommend the resource from Psych Central.
Let us work together to shed light on this hidden problem and help others avoid the pain we have endured.