Hookergate: Criminals and Libertines in the South

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.

A chance encounter leads to the discovery of a salacious scandal that’s been lost to history for 50 years. Host Lindsay Byron sifts through crumbling news clippings to unpack a story of illicit sex and corruption involving elite powerbrokers alongside the forgotten castoffs of rural Virginia.    Written and hosted by Lindsay Byron AKA Lux ATL - goodtimesbadgirls.com   Music and sound design by Guy Kelly - guykelly.com   CAST: Newscaster - Lauren Vogelbaum Judge - Max Williams Prosecutor - Ben Bowlin Janet Barker - Anney Reese Buckeye - Tari Defense Attorney Johnson - Noel Brown Dr. Shield - Sean Rhodes   SOURCES: All courtroom scenes are pulled from the transcripts of The United States VS Joseph Whitehead, Landon Wayne Holley, and Aubrey Henderson trial. These transcripts are located in the National Archives in Philadelphia. Opening newscast describing the Hookergate crime ring comes from an August 26, 1977 Danville Register and Bee article by Nelson Benyunes.   The courtroom exchange preceding the Edgewood diner scene comes from US Prosecuting Attorney Stubbs’ direct examination of Janet Barker on December 9th, 1977.  The courtroom exchange in which Buckeye describes how she made a booking comes from Prosecuting Attorney Robert Stubbs’ direct examination of Buckeye (not her real name) on December 7th, 1977. The newscast describing Whitehead’s role in the “anatomy of power” comes from an August 1977 Washington Star article. The courtroom exchange describing Joe Whitehead’s drinking problem comes from a psychiatric evaluation conducted by Dr. James Shield on January 4 1978, and presented as evidence by Whitehead’s defense team before sentencing. The above court transcripts are located in the National Archives in Philadelphia.  The first-hand accounts from Rodney Smith come from an interview I conducted with him on January 26th, 2022.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.

Just as the truck stops see success, a powerful force threatens the whole operation. Rodney discovers an unusual cluster of arrest records, and their mysterious dismissals. Connie instructs Buckeye in the art of seduction with a group of men from out of town.   Written and hosted by Lindsay Byron - goodtimesbadgirls.com   Music and sound design by Guy Kelly - guykelly.com   CAST: Prosecutor - Ben Bowlin Newscaster - Lauren Vogelbaum Sergeant Bradley - Dylan Fagan   SOURCES: All courtroom scenes are pulled from the transcripts of 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 first hand accounts  from Frankie Jones come from an interview I conducted with him in Danville, Virginia, in June 2022. The first-hand accounts from Rodney Smith come from an interview I conducted with him on January 26th, 2022.  The courtroom scene characterizing Wayne Holley as Hookergate’s primary liaison comes from US Prosecuting Attorney Robert Stubb’s closing arguments on Dec 20,  1977. The reportage describing Holley’s bribery of the truck stop operators is from the 1977 Grand Jury report indicting Whitehead, Holley, Henderson, Boyd, Dowdy, and Barker (“The Big Six”) on Federal RICO charges.  The courtroom description of the terms of truck stop lounge entry–”all you have to do is want to fuck”--occurred during US Prosecuting Attorney Robert Amidon’s direct examination of Sergeant Charles L. Bradley on Dec 5th, 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.

Janet grows uneasy with the truck stop operations as Tommy struggles to keep the money coming in. Robin finds her way out of the back room and into the front office. Joe Whitehead spirals out of control and takes out his frustrations on Janet.    Written and hosted by Lindsay Byron - goodtimesbadgirls.com   Music and sound design by Guy Kelly - guykelly.com   CAST: Defense Attorney Rosenberg - Sean Rhodes Breanna - Lauren Vogelbaum Robin Dowdy - Sam McVey  Newscaster - Lauren Vogelbaum Prosecutor - Ben Bowlin Janet Barker - Anney Reese   SOURCES: The first-hand accounts from Frankie Jones come from an interview I conducted with him in June 2022. The courtroom scene in which a woman recounts being forced into prostitution comes from Defense Attorney William Rosenberger’s cross examination of Breanna (not her real name) on December 7, 1977. The courtroom exchange in which Robin Dowdy says she is “much more capable” of running the truck stop comes from her cross examination by Defense Attorney Rosenberger on December 14, 1977. The newscast that describes Whitehead’s psychological state comes from a psychological evaluation on January 3 and 4, 1978, by interviewer Nancy L. Foley, stored as evidence in the National Archives in Philadelphia. The courtroom exchange in which Janet Barker describes Whitehead’s explosive behavior comes from US Prosecuting Attorney Robert Stubb’s direct examination of her on December 9, 1977.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.

The out of town builders return to the truck stop to finish what they started. Janet and Tommy are filled with regret as the truck stop operations get flipped upside down.   Written and hosted by Lindsay Byron - goodtimesbadgirls.com   Music and sound design by Guy Kelly - guykelly.com   CAST: Prosecutor - Ben Bowlin Officer Turner - Ramsey Yount   SOURCES: The opening courtroom exchange is from the December 6 1977 direct examination of US State Trooper Raymond Paul Turner Jr by US Prosecuting Attorney Robert Amidon. This and all courtroom scenes come from The United States VS Joseph Whitehead, Landon Wayne Holley, and Aubrey Henderson trial trial 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.

A deep dive into the process of creating the soundscapes and music of Hookergate. Host Lindsay Byron interviews her creative partner, Guy Kelly to discuss his inspiration and techniques.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Guy Kelly interviews Lindsay Byron for an in-depth look at how she discovered the lost story of Hookergate, and the laborious process of turning it into a podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.