Digest

This podcast chronicles the investigation into the Zion Society, a cult in Ogden, Utah, led by Arvin Shrieve, accused of child abuse and sexual exploitation. Following a police raid that removed nine children from protective custody, media attention surged. Court records revealed allegations of adults showing children explicit videos. The investigation focused on locating the missing leader, Arvin Shrieve, and building cases against other members. Survivors, particularly Anessa and Carrie, shared harrowing accounts of abuse, indoctrination, and the challenges of speaking out. The newly established Children's Justice Center played a crucial role in interviewing the children in a child-friendly environment. Despite initial resistance and manipulation, Carrie eventually revealed details about Arvin's escape plan. Arvin Shrieve surrendered three days after the raid and, after invoking his right to counsel, eventually provided a taped confession detailing 30 felony sex abuse charges. The narrative highlights the bravery of survivors and the dedication of investigators like Detective Mike King in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Resources for sexual violence survivors are also provided.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Investigation Launch

The podcast begins with a content warning and details the police raid on five homes in Ogden, Utah, leading to nine children being taken into protective custody due to child abuse allegations within the Zion Society. Media attention quickly followed, with neighbors describing the residents as a tight-knit group. Court records revealed an internal complaint about adults showing children a sexually explicit videotape, which became a focus for investigators. The group's leader, Arvin Shrieve, was missing, and police were building cases against other members.

00:03:15

Survivor Stories and Justice Centers

Detective Mike King faced the dual tasks of apprehending Arvin Shrieve and interviewing the children. Meanwhile, more media arrived, and cult expert Mike Watkiss described the deceptive nature of the community and cult leader tactics. The narrative shifts to highlight the bravery of women who escaped and spoke out, emphasizing them as the true heroes. Key figures in the investigation, including Erin Anderson and private investigator Cheryl Noggle, are introduced. Children were placed in protective custody, and authorities had limited time to gather evidence. Anessa, an 11-year-old survivor, recounted her experiences and indoctrination.

00:11:00

Children's Testimony and Challenges

Anessa's story continued, detailing her abuse and silence due to her upbringing. The function of Children's Justice Centers (CJC) was explained, highlighting their child-friendly approach. The children from the Zion Society became "guinea pigs" for the new CJC. Carrie, 15, initially refused to cooperate, having been coached on how to respond to interrogations. Detective King employed a strategy of building trust, and Carrie, though intelligent and determined, resisted pressure.

00:17:54

Carrie's Journey to Truth and Healing

Carrie decided to speak her truth, believing that hiding trauma gives it power, and developed coping mechanisms. However, she initially denied all accusations at the CJC, influenced by her mother's calls and a deep attachment stemming from their separation. Carrie described feeling abandoned and emotionally abused, experiencing a lack of genuine affection. Detectives King and Lucas observed patterns in children's responses, questioning if it was coaching or shared experiences.

00:24:22

Arvin Shrieve's Disappearance and Surrender

Arvin Shrieve remained at large, with Detective King hoping his apprehension would lead to the cult's collapse. Three days after the raid, Arvin Shrieve surprisingly turned himself in to authorities in Cedar City. For 35 years, his whereabouts on the day of the raid were unknown, with various theories circulating.

00:25:59

The Leak and Arvin's Escape Plan

During her interview, Carrie revealed she was with Arvin and others when they learned of the impending raid, having been tipped off by someone named Carla. Carrie recounted traveling with her mother and Arvin to a mobile home in Mount Pleasant, Utah, where they stayed until the raid. It was revealed that undercover PI Cheryl Noggle, posing as Suzanne Barron, was exposed when someone in the cult saw a news story about her business, prompting the cult to destroy evidence.

00:28:52

Interrogation and Confession of Arvin Shrieve

Detectives King and Lucas raced to Cedar City to pick up Arvin Shrieve after his surrender. They planned to advise him of his rights and secure a confession during the drive back. In a Cedar City holding cell, they found Arvin, who immediately requested an attorney after being read his Miranda rights. During the drive, detectives engaged in casual conversation and religious discussion, noting Arvin's strong beliefs. Arvin eventually began to open up and express a desire to talk. After attempts to locate his lawyer failed, permission was granted to proceed with questioning. Arvin agreed to confess, and in a parking lot, he began to break down the broad strokes of his life within the group. A sergeant acted as a witness as Arvin waived his right to counsel and began his full confession, detailing 30 felony sex abuse charges. Detectives used interrogation tactics, noting Arvin's deception, blame-shifting, and denial of his role as a prophet, suggesting the cult was built to satisfy his pedophilia.

Keywords

Q&A

• What led to the police raid on the Zion Society homes?

  Allegations surfaced that adults within the group were showing children a sexually explicit videotape as an instructional tool for abuse, prompting law enforcement to investigate and take children into protective custody.

• Who are considered the true heroes in the Zion Society case?

  The true heroes are identified as the brave women who escaped the cult and spoke out, initiating the investigation and bringing the abuse to light, rather than any male figures.

• What challenges did investigators face when interviewing the children?

  Many children were initially coached to deny any wrongdoing and were indoctrinated to distrust outsiders. Some, like Carrie, were resistant to cooperating due to fear and manipulation.

• How did Arvin Shrieve react when confronted with evidence of his abuse?

  Arvin Shrieve consistently denied wrongdoing, blamed the children, and attempted to justify his actions as "bonding" within an "eternal family unit," refusing to take responsibility.

• What role did the Children's Justice Center play in the investigation?

  The CJC provided a safe, child-friendly environment for interviews, a novel approach at the time, allowing investigators to gather crucial testimony from the abused children without re-traumatizing them.

• How was Arvin Shrieve eventually apprehended?

  After evading capture during the initial raid, Arvin Shrieve turned himself in to authorities in Cedar City, Utah, three days later, leading to his arrest and subsequent interrogation.

• What was the significance of Arvin Shrieve's confession?

  Arvin Shrieve's confession, despite his attempts to justify his actions, provided crucial evidence for the prosecution, detailing 30 felony sex abuse charges and confirming the daily nature of the abuse.

• How did Arvin Shrieve learn about the impending raid?

  Carrie revealed that she was with Arvin and others when they learned of the impending raid, having been tipped off by someone named Carla.

Show Notes