Hookergate: Criminals and Libertines in the South

iHeart True Crime
  • 3.1 (351)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • WEEKLY SERIES
Hookergate: Criminals and Libertines in the South

Ad-free, exclusive bonus + early access to new eps

$3.99/mo or $39.99/yr after trial

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. I am your host, Dr. Lindsay Byron, author, historian, and lifelong wayward woman—and this forgotten scandal happened in my hometown. Join me as I use crumbling news clippings, interviews, and dramatic re-enactments to bring to life for the first time in nearly 50 years this wild ride of hedonistic corruption. 

  1. EPISODE 1

    Dangerous to Himself

    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.

    31 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    This Woman Was Different

    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.

    37 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Cash and Flesh

    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.

    37 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    And We’re All Out of Coffee

    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.

    34 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Keeping the Peace

    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.

    35 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    The Pressure Builds

    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.

    35 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Swarm of Bees

    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.

    31 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    Threats

    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.

    34 min

  9. EPISODE 9

    The Storm

    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.

    36 min

  10. EPISODE 10

    Behind The Scenes with Guy Kelly

    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.

    45 min

  11. EPISODE 11

    Behind The Scenes with Lindsay Byron

    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.

    48 min
See All Season 1 (11)

Trailer

Shows with Subscription Benefits

  • For Melissa Moore, 1995 was a nightmare. That’s the year the teenager learned her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, was a serial killer. It’s also the year Melissa Moore’s doubt spiral began: When you look like your father, and you share his intelligence and charisma, how do you know you’re not a psychopath, too? Happy Face  is the story of Keith Hunter Jesperson, his brutal crimes, and the cat and mouse game he played with detectives and the media. But it’s also the story of the horrific legacy he gifted his children. Join Melissa Moore as she investigates her father’s crimes, reckons with the past, and wades through her darkest fears as she hunts for a better future.  Inspired by Melissa's true-life story, Happy Face is now a Paramount+ Original Series, streaming March 20th. The thrilling drama stars Annaleigh Ashford and Dennis Quaid.

    • 4.3 (8650)
    • TRUE CRIME

  • The Betrayal community is growing. From the producers that brought you the critically acclaimed Betrayal limited run series, a new always on docuseries will hit the feed every week. Our lives are all built on an invisible force: trust. But sometimes, the people we trust the most can turn out to be complete strangers. Every week, Betrayal: Weekly will share first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind.  Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. Go back and listen to Betrayal Seasons 1, 2, and 3! In Season 1 we follow Jenifer Faison's journey after discovering her husband Spencer Herron's hidden life. A reality TV producer, Jen moved across the country to be with Spencer, a beloved soccer coach and award-winning teacher in Acworth, Georgia. Their seemingly idyllic seven-year marriage abruptly ended when Spencer was arrested under shocking circumstances. Jenifer's quest for closure leads her to confront the truth about her husband through candid interviews with his victims and other affected women. Through these conversations, Jen begins to heal and reclaim her life from the shadow of betrayal. And make sure to check out Betrayal: The Perfect Husband, which follows Jen's story streaming on Hulu.  In Season 2, Ashley Lytton, a suburban mom of three in Utah, faces a life-altering revelation about her husband. His shocking crime not only jeopardizes their safety but thrusts Ashley into a relentless quest for justice and protection for her daughter. Through Ashley's harrowing journey, the season exposes a pervasive issue affecting families nationwide, shedding light on a betrayal that undermines our core values and communities. And make sure to check out Betrayal: A Father's Secret, which follows Ashley's story streaming on Hulu.  In “Betrayal” Season 3, Stacey Rutherford thought she met her soulmate when she laid eyes on Dr. Justin Rutherford. They fell in love, and it was better than she ever imagined. But this family doctor, beloved father, and cherished husband had dark secrets. He had sworn to do no harm but would resort to any means necessary to save himself.

    • 4.2 (6289)
    • TRUE CRIME

  • 'Monster: BTK', the newest installment in the 'Monster' franchise, reveals the true story of the Wichita, Kansas serial killer who murdered at least 10 people between 1974 and 1991. Known by the moniker, BTK – Bind Torture Kill, his notoriety was bolstered by the taunting letters he sent to police, and the chilling phone calls he made to media outlets. BTK's identity was finally revealed in 2005 to the shock of his family, his community, and the world. He was the serial killer next door. From Tenderfoot TV & iHeartPodcasts, this is 'Monster: BTK'. **New Episodes release wide every Monday, absolutely free. But if you'd like to hear new episodes early and ad-free, you can get a subscription to iHeart True Crime+. Only $3.99/mo, including a free trial.

    • 4.0 (369)
    • TRUE CRIME

  • Murder on Songbird Road revisits the stabbing death of an 11-year-old girl in Southern Illinois and the subsequent arrest and conviction of her father’s fiancée for the crime. In this series, veteran true-crime host Lauren Bright Pacheco teams up with criminal defense attorney Bob Motta to investigate whether the case—one that tore apart a rural community, sparking controversy, corruption, and ongoing questions—was truly solved, or if an innocent woman remains wrongfully convicted.

    • 4.3 (547)
    • TRUE CRIME

  • In Betrayal Season 3, Stacey Rutherford thought she met her soulmate when she laid eyes on Dr. Justin Rutherford. They fell in love, and it was better than she ever imagined. But this family doctor, beloved father, and cherished husband had dark secrets. He had sworn to do no harm but would resort to any means necessary to save himself.  In Season 2, Ashley Lytton, a suburban mom of three in Utah, faces a life-altering revelation about her husband. His shocking crime not only jeopardizes their safety but thrusts Ashley into a relentless quest for justice and protection for her daughter. Through Ashley's harrowing journey, the season exposes a pervasive issue affecting families nationwide, shedding light on a betrayal that undermines our core values and communities. And make sure to check out Betrayal: A Father's Secret, which follows Ashley's story streaming on Hulu.  In Season 1, we follow Jenifer Faison's journey after discovering her husband Spencer Herron's hidden life. A reality TV producer, Jen moved across the country to be with Spencer, a beloved soccer coach and award-winning teacher in Acworth, Georgia. Their seemingly idyllic seven-year marriage abruptly ended when Spencer was arrested under shocking circumstances. Jenifer's quest for closure leads her to confront the truth about her husband through candid interviews with his victims and other affected women. Through these conversations, Jen begins to heal and reclaim her life from the shadow of betrayal. And make sure to check out Betrayal: The Perfect Husband, which follows Jen's story streaming on Hulu.

    • 4.7 (162)
    • TRUE CRIME

  • Burden of Guilt has been turned into a docuseries, now streaming only on Paramount+. Available to watch HERE! And make sure to binge all episodes of the podcast that inspired the show before you watch! Burden of Guilt tells the harrowing story of Tracyraquel Berns, a woman who has spent the last four decades of her life at the center of one of the most bizarre and disturbing cases in American History. When she was just two years old, her baby brother tragically died. He was only four months old. Tracyraquel grew up believing that her baby brother’s death was the result of a terrible accident. Her family refused to discuss what happened, leaving her suspicious and wanting answers. Years later, Tracyraquel discovered that the death was no accident. Medical records revealed that she was responsible for Matthew’s death. But she was only a young toddler at the time. Could it be true? Or was she simply a scapegoat? Tracyraquel knew in her gut something more sinister was at play. She needed to get to the bottom of what really happened to Matthew. This series explores Tracyraquel’s pursuit of truth, justice, and healing.

    • 4.5 (979)
    • TRUE CRIME

Ad-free, exclusive bonus + early access to new eps

$3.99/mo or $39.99/yr after trial

View Subscription FAQs

3.1
out of 5
351 Ratings

About

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. I am your host, Dr. Lindsay Byron, author, historian, and lifelong wayward woman—and this forgotten scandal happened in my hometown. Join me as I use crumbling news clippings, interviews, and dramatic re-enactments to bring to life for the first time in nearly 50 years this wild ride of hedonistic corruption. 

Information

  • Channel
    iHeart True Crime
  • Creator
    iHeartPodcasts
  • Episodes
    16
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    2025 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
  • Show Website
    Hookergate: Criminals and Libertines in the South
  • Provider
    iHeartMedia + Entertainment, Inc

More From iHeart True Crime

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada