This podcast can be found on Yergz Radio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts In this gripping episode, Yergz and Jane Stahl delve into the harrowing experiences of Yergz, a former undercover agent, who faced multiple investigations for his sexual orientation during the Trump administration. Yergz recounts his time infiltrating fraud networks and the challenges of maintaining his cover, including a close call with a sexual chat that jeopardized his career. The episode also explores the complexities of working undercover, the impact of political climates on investigations, and the personal toll of being targeted for one's identity. Yergz's story is a compelling look at the intersection of personal and professional struggles in high-stakes Washington.
0:01 Introduction and Background
0:33 Investigations and Legal Issues
1:22 Undercover Operations
2:08 Encounter with Dutch Marines
3:10 Training and Challenges
4:27 Consequences and Reassignment
5:20 Return to Field Office
7:06 New Assignments and Protection Role
8:41 Lead Advance Assignment
10:59 Building Relationships
12:31 Suspicious Encounter
14:16 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode
Introduction
- Hosts Yergz and Jane Stahl dive into a gripping discussion about the complexities and personal challenges faced during undercover operations.
- Yergz shares his personal experiences and the impact of policy changes on his career.
Investigations and Policy Changes
- Yergz recounts being investigated multiple times during the Trump administration for his sexual orientation.
- Discussion on the removal of LGBT protections through executive orders and its implications.
Undercover Operations and Training
- Yergz describes his year-long undercover assignment in San Francisco, drawing parallels to CIA operations.
- Insights into the training received from industry experts on maintaining undercover identities and the risks involved.
Challenges of Being Gay in the Military
- A poignant story about a Dutch Marine team, highlighting the acceptance and camaraderie within their unit despite sexual orientation.
- Contrasts with the challenges faced by LGBT service members in the U.S. military.
Compromised Operations and Consequences
- Yergz shares a critical mistake involving personal chats on a work computer, leading to his removal from an undercover project.
- The fallout from this incident and the loss of valuable intelligence work.
Transition to Protective Intelligence
- After the undercover assignment, Yergz transitions to working in the field office and later to protective intelligence.
- The importance of threat analysis and preparation for high-level protection assignments.
Prestigious Assignments and Diplomatic Relations
- Yergz's experience leading an advance team for a foreign country's visit, emphasizing the importance of building strong diplomatic relationships.
- Anecdotes about social interactions with embassy staff and the delicate balance of professionalism and personal rapport.
A Close Call with Espionage
- A suspenseful account of a dinner with a foreign diplomat that left Yergz feeling like he was about to be pitched for espionage.
- The mysterious disappearance of the diplomat and the potential presence of a safe house.
LGBTQ rights, Trump administration, executive order, protected class, undercover assignment, CIA techniques, terrorist monitoring, fraud investigation, credit card fraud, Dutch marines, special forces, sexual orientation, workplace discrimination, Secret Service training, unauthorized training, COVID cover sheet, compromised credit cards, fraud prevention, criminal investigations, campaign impact, protective intelligence, threat analysis, counterfeit currency, protection assignments, embassy relations, spy novels