TIFS Investigates: Records reveal ongoing harassment and waste of taxpayer money on false allegations

In yet another blow to the credibility of the controversial Pretend podcast, a newly obtained Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request has exposed critical inaccuracies in the podcast’s multi-episode smear campaign targeting Arkansas author, podcaster, filmmaker, and nonprofit executive LaDonna Humphrey.

The podcast series--hosted by Javier Leiva--repeatedly allowed guests to make damaging and unsubstantiated claims about Humphrey, including the explosive allegation that she had "stolen documents" from the Melissa Witt murder case file.

But as Today in Fort Smith has now confirmed, those claims were not only false—they were rooted in a malicious campaign orchestrated by a discredited individual.

According to the FOIA records obtained by Today in Fort Smith, the complaint that prompted the investigation into Humphrey was filed by none other than Anthony Christopher, a disgraced business owner who has faced a litany of serious allegations, including Medicaid fraud, financial fraud and sexual assault.

Christopher has long claimed that Humphrey is harassing him, but the document tells a very different story. In fact, the contents of the investigation paint a picture of sustained and targeted harassment--by Christopher himself.

Equally important is the final determination of the investigation: the accusation that Humphrey stole documents was found to be entirely unfounded.

Despite the gravity of the false allegations, Pretend podcast host Javier Leiva never verified the claims before airing them, choosing instead to give a platform to individuals with questionable credibility--effectively broadcasting misinformation to a wide audience and tarnishing Humphrey’s reputation in the process.

Humphrey, who is well known for her advocacy in cold case investigations and as the executive director of Oasis of a Northwest Arkansas non-profit, has declined to comment thus far. Calls made by Today in Fort Smith to Humphrey have gone unanswered, though sources close to her say she is likely both relieved and vindicated by the release of these documents.

Calls to her legal team have also been placed to inquire whether Humphrey plans to pursue legal action against Leiva, Christopher, and others involved in the podcast series that is increasingly being referred to as little more than a mud-slinging sideshow.

This is a developing story, and Today in Fort Smith will provide continued coverage as we finish reviewing the complete set of FOIA materials related to this matter.