On this episode of The Opportunist, Ian Mitchell charmed his way through New York City's elite social circles by assuming a false identity. The episode traces how a smooth-talking con man used a borrowed name, designer clothes, and just enough insider knowledge to swindle friends and associates out of nearly $700,000.

Thank you to our sponsors:

• Ka’Chava — Go to https://kachava.com and use code OPPORTUNIST for 15% off your first order.
• Quince — Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://quince.com/opportunist for free shipping and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too.
• Rula — Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/OPPORTUNIST #rulapod
• Pluto TV — Stream blockbuster favorites all summer long, including Anchorman, The Matrix trilogy, Mean Girls, Titanic, and more. Pluto TV: stream now, pay never.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, we’re sharing a special look at a podcast we think you’ll like from our friends at ABC Audio and 20/20. It’s called “Burden of Proof: Luigi Mangione.” In this five-part series, ABC News Legal Analyst Brian Buckmire goes deep into the case of Luigi Mangione and Brian Thompson. He’ll unpack the murder itself, the two men at the heart of the story, and how this case has affected the conversation about healthcare in America. 

This is episode one, “Christmastime in Altoona.” In this episode, the manhunt for the alleged shooter of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson comes to an end at a McDonald’s in Altoona, PA. 

To hear the rest of the series, follow "Burden of Proof: Luigi Mangione" for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Or listen ad-free on Apple Podcasts by subscribing to 20/20 True Crime+. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Writer Anna March entered Los Angeles literary circles in 2015, presenting herself as a wealthy, successful feminist and advocate for marginalized writers. The episode explores her history of fraudulent ventures and unpaid debts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Opportunist, Cedric Lodge spent nearly three decades as a trusted morgue manager at Harvard Medical School - until he was caught stealing body parts from donated cadavers and selling them online to collectors across the country. The episode traces how a man entrusted with the remains of people who gave their bodies to science turned that access into a black market, betraying hundreds of grieving families in the process.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Opportunist, Dean Tran built his political career as a fiscal conservative and trusted public servant in the Massachusetts State Senate - until a string of accusations began to unravel the image he'd carefully constructed. The episode traces how a lawmaker who campaigned on honesty and accountability ultimately ended up convicted on 23 felony counts.

Thank you to our sponsors!

• Lola Blankets - Wrap yourself in luxury. Get 40% off select products at lolablankets.com with code OPPORTUNIST.
• Rula - Therapy that takes your insurance. 100+ plans, $15 average copay. Get started at rula.com/opportunist.
• Quince - High-end essentials for 50-80% less. Free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/opportunist.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we dive into the controversial career of forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee, exploring allegations that he may have fabricated or mishandled evidence in several high-profile cases.

Did one of America's most famous forensic experts use his scientific credentials to help investigators in convicting two innocent men?

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Opportunist, we explore the bizarre case of Arian Taherzadeh and Haider Ali, who posed as federal agents and infiltrated the highest levels of the U.S. Secret Service with astonishing ease. We delve into the duo's motivations, the extent of their deception, and the ramifications of their actions on national security. Tune in to learn how these two individuals turned deception into an audacious opportunity, exposing serious security flaws surrounding President Joe Biden and his family.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Opportunist, former Luther Davis leveraged his football pedigree and connections to build a career representing aspiring NFL players. The episode traces how promises of opportunity and professional success gave way to allegations of deception that left careers and dreams hanging in the balance.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Opportunist, Tai Lopez built a massive online following selling the gospel of wealth, knowledge, and hustle - until the SEC alleged he was running a $112 million Ponzi scheme behind the scenes. The episode traces how the internet's most famous self-help guru allegedly used his own playbook to con the very audience he built his empire on.

Thank you to our sponsors:

- Quince: high quality everyday staples like breathable linen, organic cotton, and washable silk, priced 50 to 80% less than comparable brands, plus elevated basics for your home, kitchen, and bedding. Go to quince.com slash opportunist for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's quince.com/opportunist.

- Grow Therapy: online therapist marketplace with no subscription and no big commitment. Pay by the session, filter by insurance, specialty, background, and availability, and you may be able to start within a couple of days. Accepts over 125 insurance plans, sessions average $21 with insurance, and some pay as little as $0 depending on their plan. Visit growtherapy.com slash opportunist today to get started. That's growtherapy.com/opportunist.

- Pluto TV: free streaming with thousands of movies and shows, all free, including Terminator 2, Fringe, Arrow, The 100, and The X-Files. No credit card needed. Pluto TV. Stream now, pay never.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Opportunist, Mary Margaret Kreuper and Lana Chang were trusted educators and religious leaders at St. James Catholic School - until missing school funds shattered the community’s faith in them. The episode traces how two women who preached morality and discipline allegedly concealed a secret double life for years.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Mint Mobile: Get premium wireless starting at just $15/month at mintmobile.com/opportunist

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.