Ep 5. The Women & Dirty John

In the season 6 episode 5 of Dateline: Secrets Uncovered titled "The Women & Dirty John," viewers are taken on a deep dive into the story of a man named John Meehan, who seduced woman after woman, only to manipulate and terrorize them. Based on investigations by the Los Angeles Times, the show explores the women's stories of abuse and survival, highlighting key moments when their paths intersected with Meehan's.

Throughout the episode, viewers meet several women who fell prey to Meehan's manipulation tactics. The show focuses on Debra Newell, a successful interior designer who met Meehan on a dating app. From the outset, Meehan presented himself as a charming and intelligent anesthesiologist. However, it soon became clear that he was nothing more than a con artist. In one harrowing incident, Meehan attempted to gaslight Newell's daughter, Terra, who had previously expressed concerns about her mother's new partner. Meehan convinced Terra that he was a secret agent who could protect the family from danger, but his real intention was to isolate and frighten her into silence.

The episode also features interviews with Jacquelyn Newell, Debra's daughter from a previous marriage, who became deeply involved in the unfolding drama with John. When Jacqueline expressed concern about Meehan's disturbing behavior, she found herself on the receiving end of his manipulations as well. Meehan went so far as to impersonate a police officer, using threats and coercion to control and intimidate her. In a disturbing turn of events, Meehan succeeded in framing Jacquelyn for a DUI, despite her never having consumed alcohol.

Through these women's stories and others like them, Dateline: Secrets Uncovered illuminates the insidious nature of Meehan's machinations. The show underscores the specific tactics that predators use to control and abuse their victims, such as gaslighting, impersonation, and isolation. Additionally, the show explores the psychological reasons why women like Newell and her daughters might fall for someone like Meehan. It reveals the ways in which the emotional vulnerabilities of trauma survivors can be exploited by abusers, who seek out partners that likely won't immediately recognize the warning signs of manipulation.

Throughout the episode, the show also delves into the aftermath of Meehan's actions. Viewers are taken behind the scenes of the LAPD's pursuit of the con artist and his eventual capture. Additionally, the show highlights the legal consequences of Meehan's actions, including his eventual death in a struggle with Debra's daughter in August 2016.

Overall, "The Women & Dirty John" is an informative and harrowing episode of Dateline: Secrets Uncovered. It's a testament to the resiliency and courage of women who survive abuse and a warning to anyone who might be vulnerable to manipulators like John Meehan. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder of the importance of shining a light on the intricate ways that abusers control their victims and the dangers of being drawn into romantic relationships with individuals whose true motivations are hidden beneath a veneer of charm and intelligence.