TIFS Investigates: True crime author breaks silence on continued harassment from former non-profit director
- Dennis McCaslin
- Sep 6, 2025
- 3 min read
In a candid conversation with Today in Fort Smith, true crime author and advocate LaDonna Humphrey has broken her silence about ongoing harassment she says she has endured at the hands of River Valley resident and Amazon book author Patti Rush.
Humphrey, best known for her investigative work, nonprofit leadership, and multiple books on unsolved cases, told Today in Fort Smith that her history with Rush stretches back several years. At one time, Humphrey and Rush were colleagues --Rush briefly served on Humphrey’s documentary team before being dismissed after what Humphrey describes as “a series of inconsistencies and reckless behavior” came to light.
“Patti’s actions made it impossible for me to continue trusting her in any professional capacity,” Humphrey said. “Around the same time, she borrowed a sizable sum of money from me and promised repayment. Instead, she delivered two checks that bounced. To this day, that debt has never been repaid.”
According to Humphrey, once she cut ties, Rush launched into what she calls “a years-long rampage.” Rush allegedly harassed Humphrey by contacting at least one bookstore ahead of a scheduled book talk, and later aligned herself with tabloid podcaster Javier Leiva, granting him an interview that Humphrey says was designed to discredit her.
More recently, Humphrey discovered Rush had been stalking one of her TikTok accounts.
“It’s frightening,” Humphrey told Today in Fort Smith. “When someone crosses that line from professional fallout to ongoing personal harassment, you have no choice but to start considering legal remedies.”
Humphrey’s experience is not isolated. Rush, who co-founded the nonprofit REVAMP (Remember Every Victim and Missing Person), has drawn scrutiny for years over questionable conduct.
As Today in Fort Smith previously reported, Rush was criticized in February 2024 after a chaotic and dangerous unsanctioned search for missing man Justin Baker. Local resident Sean Buckner blasted Rush’s actions in a public Facebook post, accusing her of nearly causing a fatality by authorizing an unqualified diver.
“You have to be the dumbest person on earth to organize a cluster like you did yesterday,” Buckner wrote. “It’s people like you that make law enforcement turn blind eyes to people in need.”
Further investigation revealed that Rush carries a lengthy criminal history involving hot checks. That revelation, coupled with her history of misusing press access, raised early questions about her credibility and integrity within the very community she claimed to serve.
Community members have since accused Rush of harassment and disruption of investigations, echoing Humphrey’s current concerns.
Humphrey told Today in Fort Smith that her focus remains on her work, but she cannot ignore Rush’s pattern of behavior.
“When someone inserts themselves into cases, muddies investigations, and harasses people who are simply trying to do good work, it’s dangerous-- not just to me, but to the families of missing persons who deserve professionalism and respect.”
As Humphrey considers her next steps, one point remains clear: allegations against Rush now span financial misconduct, harassment, professional deception, and life-threatening recklessness in active searches.
Today in Fort Smith will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates if Humphrey pursues legal action and as more information about Rush’s activities comes to light.
Editor's Note: Rush has since resigned from REVAMP. Ms. Rush has also been in contact and conspired with parties that continue to harass Today and Fort Smith publisher Dennis McCaslin and his family.
