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Fake Priest

Sony Music Entertainment 11 Episodes Apr 15, 2026

This investigative documentary series, part of the Smoke Screen franchise, follows con artist Ryan Scott, who posed as Father Ryan and was accused of abusing followers and taking their money. Reporter Alex Schuman investigates Scott's history of manipulation and the suspicious deaths of two priests connected to him. The show examines the bizarre and dangerous world of a scam artist who left a trail of victims across multiple states. It is part of The Binge, a true-crime podcast collection.

Episodes

My Mother's Lies: Did She Frame an Innocent Man? Apr 15, 2026 477 Jessica Currin was murdered in a quiet Kentucky town in the summer of 2000. Local housewife Susan Galbreath became instrumental in solving the case, working alongside law enforcement to help convict Quincy Cross. Sentenced to life, he remains in prison today. For years, the story seemed settled. Justice had been served. But when Susan's son Ray inherits a box of his mother’s files, everythin

How To Get Away With Fraud Jun 16, 2022 2385 Until now, Father Ryan has mostly escaped punishment for stealing money from followers under false pretenses. What would it take for him to face a jury of his peers? Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-f

Origin Story Jun 16, 2022 2361 Alex Schuman finally has his showdown with Father Ryan. But things don't go as planned because Father Ryan has something to confess about his past that sheds light on why he wanted to become a "priest" in the first place. Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of

Two Dead Priests Jun 16, 2022 1885 In his autobiography, Father Ryan connects himself to two priests who died suspiciously. One he accuses of molesting children. The other? He says he teamed up with to publicly shame pedophile priests. What's the truth? Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of eve

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished Jun 16, 2022 2241 The father-daughter investigator team discovers the cop who arrested Father Ryan may have an ulterior motive. They defend Father Ryan tooth and nail - until they get a troubling surprise of their own. Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s

Meet The Browns Jun 16, 2022 2227 A sheriff deputy arrests Father Ryan for taking more than $70,000 from an elderly follower. It's looking like he might get 7 years in prison, but then he meets a father-daughter pair of private investigators who change everything. Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the

Llama Drama Jun 15, 2022 2195 After Father Ryan steals a follower's money, her property and even her husband's ashes, she hires a lawyer. A legal battle ensues over unpaid loans and a herd of llamas that Father Ryan leaves high and dry. Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — t

The Teacher Jun 15, 2022 2157 Even con artists need mentors. Meet the false prophet who teaches Father Ryan how to perfect his con. Father Ryan evades criminal charges again and Alex learns about an unspoken reason prosecutors could let many criminals go free. Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the

Coming Home Jun 15, 2022 2217 Alex tracks down Father Ryan’s son, Jonathan Brady, and discovers Father Ryan was a scammer and manipulator long before he wore a priestly robe. Turns out he had plenty of practice committing fraud before he opened his first church in Wisconsin. Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories d

An Unholy Priest Jun 15, 2022 2131 Investigative reporter Alex Schuman hears about a guy accused of swindling millions who has travelled the Midwest for decades pretending to be a priest. Alex starts his journey talking to two people who have long tried to expose the truth. Alex is hoping to finally figure out why anyone would try to pull off such an elaborate con. Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-fre

Introducing... Smoke Screen: Fake Priest Jun 15, 2022 135 For 30 years, a man claimed to be a priest. He performed baptisms and took confession. Every time he ran into trouble, Father Ryan would move on to another small Midwestern town and start his scheme all over again. Followers who once worshiped him, now accuse him of exploitation, fraud and abuse. In season one of Smoke Screen, join Alex Schuman as he unravels this con and gets answers from this wh

Fake Priest

Episodes

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