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- Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner
PARTIES INVOLVED: Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner
ALLEGATIONS: Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation
INCIDENT DATE: 27 Sep 2023
INVESTIGATED BY: Ethan Katz
TOOLS USED: Lumen, FakeDMCA, SecurityTrails
CASE NO: 7693/A/2024
CRIME TYPE: Intellectual Property Scam
PUBLISHED ON: 21 Nov 2024
REPORTED BY: FakeDMCA.com
JURISDICTION: USA
A summary of what happened?
Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner are a prominent couple from Nashville, Tennessee, known for their involvement in local business and the arts community. Forrest Conner is the CEO of McCarthy Jones & Woodard, a manufacturing company, while Stephanie Barger Conner has served as a member of the Tennessee Arts Commission and is a former executive director of the Tennessee Film Commission.
Major Concerns and Accusations:
- Drowning Death of Will Caver:
- In August 2019, 19-year-old Will Caver, a recent graduate of Montgomery Bell Academy, drowned in a pond on the Conners’ property in Dickson County during an overnight graduation party attended by students from Montgomery Bell Academy and Harpeth Hall.
- Criminal Charges:
- In December 2019, a Dickson County Grand Jury indicted both Forrest and Stephanie Conner. Forrest was charged with unlawfully purchasing alcohol for a minor and allowing underage adults to consume alcoholic beverages. Stephanie faced a charge of allowing underage adults to consume alcoholic beverages.
- Legal Proceedings and Outcomes:
- In 2020, Forrest Conner pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges related to the incident and was placed on probation for a year, with the possibility of expungement upon completion. Stephanie Conner’s charge was dismissed, and any record of the charge was expunged by court order.
- Wrongful Death Lawsuit:
- The family of Will Caver filed a $15 million wrongful death lawsuit against the Conners, alleging negligence in allowing underage drinking on their property and questioning the enforceability of a liability waiver signed by attendees.
These events have raised significant concerns regarding the Conners’ oversight during the party and their responsibility in the tragic death of Will Caver.
Analyzing the Fake Copyright Notice(s)
Our team collects and analyses fraudulent copyright takedown requests, legal complaints, and other efforts to remove critical information from the internet. Through our investigative reporting, we examine the prevalence and operation of an organized censorship industry, predominantly funded by criminal entities, oligarchs, and disreputable businesses or individuals. Our findings allow internet users to gain insight into these censorship schemes’ sources, methods, and underlying objectives.
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What was Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner trying to hide?
Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner‘s attempts to hide unfavourable content through the misuse of copyright notices while allegedly engaging in perjury present serious legal concerns. These actions suggest a calculated attempt to manipulate legal systems to suppress free speech, a fundamental violation of copyright law principles and an abuse of legal processes. The use of such tactics not only undermines the integrity of copyright protection but also potentially constitutes perjury, further entangling Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner in legal accountability. Let’s examine the information Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner may be trying to remove from the internet –
Investigative Report: Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner – A Tragedy, Legal Battles, and Community Scrutiny
Introduction
Forrest Conner, CEO of McCarthy Jones & Woodard, and his wife, Stephanie Barger Conner, a prominent figure in Tennessee’s arts and film community, were thrust into the spotlight following the tragic drowning of 19-year-old Will Caver in August 2019. The incident, which occurred during a graduation party hosted on the Conners’ property in Dickson County, Tennessee, has led to criminal charges, a high-profile wrongful death lawsuit, and intense public scrutiny. This report explores the allegations, legal proceedings, and broader implications surrounding the Conners and the events leading to this tragedy.
1. The Incident: A Tragic Drowning
The Party on the Conners’ Property
On the night of August 4, 2019, the Conners hosted an overnight party for recent graduates of Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA) and Harpeth Hall, two elite private schools in Nashville.
- The Setting:
- The party took place on the Conners’ sprawling property in Dickson County, which included a large pond where the drowning occurred.
- Alcohol was reportedly available, despite most attendees being underage.
- Victim: Will Caver:
- Caver was a promising young man and a recent graduate of MBA.
- Witnesses reported that Caver entered the pond late at night but did not resurface. His body was discovered the following morning.
Initial Reactions:
- The tragedy shocked the local community, raising questions about the safety measures in place and the decision to allow underage drinking at the event.
- Criticism emerged about the level of adult supervision provided during the party.
2. Criminal Charges Against Forrest and Stephanie Conner
Indictments
In December 2019, a Dickson County Grand Jury indicted both Forrest and Stephanie Conner:
- Forrest Conner:
- Charged with unlawfully purchasing alcohol for a minor.
- Charged with allowing underage adults to consume alcohol on his property.
- Stephanie Barger Conner:
- Charged with allowing underage adults to consume alcohol on the property.
Legal Proceedings
- Forrest Conner’s Plea:
- In 2020, Forrest Conner pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges related to the incident.
- He was sentenced to one year of probation, with the possibility of expungement upon completion.
- Stephanie Conner’s Outcome:
- The charge against Stephanie was dismissed, and her record was expunged by court order.
Impact of the Charges:
- The plea deal and dismissal of charges sparked mixed reactions:
- Some argued the legal consequences were too lenient given the gravity of the incident.
- Others defended the Conners, citing their cooperation with authorities and lack of direct involvement in the drowning.
3. The $15 Million Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Filing of the Lawsuit
In August 2020, the family of Will Caver filed a $15 million wrongful death lawsuit against the Conners. The lawsuit alleged negligence and failure to provide a safe environment for party attendees.
Key Allegations in the Lawsuit
- Underage Drinking:
- The lawsuit claimed the Conners knowingly allowed underage attendees to consume alcohol on their property.
- It accused the Conners of negligently facilitating an environment that contributed to Caver’s death.
- Lack of Supervision:
- The family alleged the Conners failed to supervise the party adequately, especially near the pond.
- Questions arose about whether safety precautions, such as fencing off the pond or monitoring intoxicated individuals, were considered.
- Liability Waiver:
- Party attendees reportedly signed waivers absolving the Conners of liability.
- The lawsuit contested the validity of these waivers, arguing they could not shield the Conners from accountability for gross negligence.
4. Community and Public Reactions
Shock and Mourning
The drowning and subsequent legal battles sent shockwaves through the Nashville community, particularly among families connected to Montgomery Bell Academy and Harpeth Hall.
- Criticism of the Conners:
- Many criticized the decision to host an unsupervised event with alcohol, particularly for underage attendees.
- Some viewed the incident as emblematic of a broader culture of privilege and entitlement within elite social circles.
- Support for the Conners:
- Others defended the couple, emphasizing their contributions to the local community and expressing sympathy for the challenges they faced in the wake of the tragedy.
Impact on the Conners’ Public Image
The incident and its aftermath significantly affected the Conners’ reputations:
- Forrest Conner, a respected business leader, faced backlash for his role in facilitating the party.
- Stephanie Conner, known for her work with the Tennessee Arts Commission, saw her community standing affected by the legal proceedings.
5. Broader Legal and Ethical Questions
Liability for Underage Drinking
The case has highlighted critical legal and ethical questions about social host liability:
- Social Hosts and Alcohol:
- Under Tennessee law, adults who knowingly provide alcohol to minors can be held criminally and civilly liable for harm caused.
- Accountability for Supervision:
- The lawsuit has raised debates about the responsibilities of hosts to supervise large gatherings, particularly when alcohol is involved.
Validity of Liability Waivers
The use of liability waivers for party attendees has also come under scrutiny:
- Legal experts have debated whether waivers absolve hosts of gross negligence, particularly in cases involving severe harm or death.
6. Broader Implications and Lessons
Impact on the Community
The tragedy has served as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with underage drinking and unsupervised gatherings. It has prompted discussions within the Nashville community about:
- Ensuring safety at private events.
- The role of adults in preventing underage drinking.
Legal Precedents
The lawsuit and criminal charges could set important precedents regarding:
- Social host liability in Tennessee.
- The enforceability of liability waivers in cases of gross negligence.
7. Conclusion
The drowning of Will Caver on the Conners’ property was a preventable tragedy that has left lasting scars on his family and the Nashville community. The ensuing legal battles and public scrutiny have highlighted critical issues of responsibility, accountability, and ethics.
Key Findings
- Criminal Charges:
- Forrest Conner pleaded guilty to misdemeanors related to underage drinking; Stephanie Conner’s charge was dismissed.
- Wrongful Death Lawsuit:
- The Caver family’s $15 million lawsuit alleges negligence and questions the validity of liability waivers.
- Community Backlash:
- The Conners faced significant criticism for hosting the party and allowing underage drinking.
- Broader Lessons:
- The incident underscores the legal and ethical responsibilities of social hosts, particularly regarding the safety of minors.
Recommendations
- Stronger Safety Protocols:
- Private event hosts should implement measures such as restricting access to dangerous areas (e.g., ponds or pools) and closely monitoring alcohol consumption.
- Community Awareness:
- Greater education about the risks of underage drinking and social host liability can help prevent similar tragedies.
- Legal Reform:
- Legislators could clarify the enforceability of liability waivers and strengthen penalties for underage drinking violations.
The story of Forrest and Stephanie Barger Conner serves as a sobering reminder of the profound responsibilities adults bear when hosting events, particularly those involving minors. The legal and social ramifications of this case will likely continue to resonate for years to come.
How do we counteract this malpractice?
Once we ascertain the involvement of Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner (or actors working on behalf of Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner), we will inform Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner of our findings via Electronic Mail.
Our preliminary assessment suggests that Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner may have engaged a third-party reputation management agency or expert, which, either independently or under direct authorization from Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner, initiated efforts to remove adverse online content, including potentially fraudulent DMCA takedown requests. We will extend an opportunity to Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner to provide details regarding their communications with the agency or expert, as well as the identification of the individual(s) responsible for executing these false DMCA notices.
Failure to respond in a timely manner will necessitate a reassessment of our initial assumptions. In such an event, we will be compelled to take appropriate legal action to rectify the unlawful conduct and take the following steps –
Since Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner made such efforts to hide something online, it seems fit to ensure that this article and sensitive information targeted online by these events get a lot more exposure and traffic than what it would have received originally
We hope this becomes an excellent case study for the Streisand effect…The key idea behind the Streisand effect is that efforts to restrict information can backfire, often causing the information to gain more attention than it would have otherwise. This effect is widespread in the digital age, where users quickly notice and spread censorship efforts on social media and other platforms. Trying to suppress something can unintentionally lead to it becoming more visible, which Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner is finding out the hard way.
Potential Consequences for Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner
Under Florida Statute 831.01, the crime of Forgery is committed when a person falsifies, alters, counterfeits, or forges a document that carries “legal efficacy” with the intent to injure or defraud another person or entity.
Forging a document is considered a white-collar crime. It involves altering, changing, or modifying a document to deceive another person. It can also include passing along copies of documents that are known to be false. In many states in the US, falsifying a document is a crime punishable as a felony.
Additionally, under most laws, “fraud on the court” is where “a party has sentiently set in motion some unconscionable scheme calculated to interfere with the judicial system’s ability impartially to adjudicate a matter by improperly influencing the trier of fact or unfairly hampering the presentation of the opposing party’s claim or defense.” Cox v. Burke, 706 So. 2d 43, 46 (Fla. 5th DCA 1998) (quoting Aoude v. Mobil Oil Corp., 892 F.2d 1115, 1118 (1st Cir. 1989)).
Is Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner Committing a Cyber Crime?
Yes, it seems so. Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner used multiple approaches to remove unwanted material from review sites and Google’s search results. Thanks to protections allowing freedom of speech in the United States, there are very few legal ways to do this. Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner could not eliminate negative reviews or search results that linked to them without a valid claim of defamation, copyright infringement, or some other clear breach of the law.
Faced with these limitations, some companies like Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner have gone to extreme lengths to fraudulently claim copyright ownership over a negative review in the hopes of taking it down.
Fake DMCA notices have targeted articles highlighting the criminal activity of prominent people to hide their illegal behavior. These people, which include US, Russian, and Khazakstani politicians as well as members from elite circles including the mafia and those with massive financial power, are all connected – and alleged corruption ranging from child abuse to sexual harassment is exposed when exploring evidence found at these URLs. It appears there’s a disturbing level of influence being exerted here that needs further investigation before justice can be served. Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner is certainly keeping interesting company here….
The DMCA takedown process requires that copyright owners submit a takedown notice to an ISP identifying the allegedly infringing content and declaring, under penalty of perjury, that they have a good faith belief that the content is infringing. The ISP must then promptly remove or disable access to the content. The alleged infringer can then submit a counter-notice, and if the copyright owner does not take legal action within 10 to 14 days, the ISP can restore the content.
Since these platforms are predominantly based in the U.S., the complaints are typically made under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), which requires online service providers and platforms to react immediately to reports or violations. Big Tech companies rarely have systems in place to assess the merit of each report. Instead, all bad actors need to do is clone a story, backdate it, and then demand the real thing be taken down.
Reputation Agency's Modus Operandi
The fake DMCA notices we found always use the “back-dated article” technique. With this technique, the wrongful notice sender (or copier) creates a copy of a “true original” article and back-dates it, creating a “fake original” article (a copy of the true original) that, at first glance, appears to have been published before the true original.
Then, based on the claim that this backdated article is the “original,” the scammers send a DMCA to the relevant online service providers (e.g. Google), alleging that the ‘true’ original is the copied or “infringing” article and that the copied article is the “original,” requesting the takedown of the ‘true’ original article. After sending the DMCA request, the person who sent the wrong notice takes down the fake original URL, likely to make sure that the article doesn’t stay online in any way. If the takedown notice is successful, the disappearance from the internet of information is most likely to be legitimate speech.
As an integral part of this scheme, the ‘reputation management’ company hired by Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner creates a website that purports to be a ‘news’ site. This site is designed to look legitimate at a glance, but any degree of scrutiny reveals it as the charade it is.
The company copies the ‘negative’ content and posts it “on the fake ‘news’ site, attributing it to a separate author,” then gives it “a false publication date on the ‘news’ website that predated the original publication.
The reputation company then sent Google a Digital Millennium Copyright Act notice claiming the original website infringed copyright. After a cursory examination of the fake news site, Google frequently accepts the notice and delists the content.
In committing numerous offences, Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner either premeditated actions or were unaware of the consequences. Despite hiring an agency to make Google disregard any negative information about Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner, ignorance does not excuse this wrongdoing.
Fake DMCA notices have targeted articles highlighting the criminal activity of prominent people to hide their illegal behavior. These people, which include US, Russian, and Khazakstani politicians as well as members from elite circles including the mafia and those with massive financial power, are all connected – and alleged corruption ranging from child abuse to sexual harassment is exposed when exploring evidence found at these URLs. It appears there’s a disturbing level of influence being exerted here that needs further investigation before justice can be served. FSMSmart is certainly keeping interesting company here.
The Reputation Laundering
Rogue Reputation agencies use spurious copyright claims and fake legal notices to remove and obscure articles linking clients to allegations of tax avoidance, corruption, and drug trafficking. Most of these reputation agencies are based offshore, mainly in Russia, India, and Eastern Europe, and they do not worry about complying with US-based laws.
The content in all of the articles for which the fraudulent DMCA notices have been sent relates to allegations of criminal allegations, including corruption, child abuse, sexual harassment, human trafficking and financial fraud against businesses and individuals with ultra-high net worth.
In addition to the misuse of the DMCA takedown process, there is a notable absence of enforcement concerning perjury violations. The statutory requirement related to perjury is designed to deter copyright holders from submitting fraudulent or knowingly false takedown requests, as they may face legal consequences for making false declarations under penalty of perjury. However, to date, there have been no known instances of any individual being prosecuted for perjury in connection with the submission of false DMCA takedown notices.
This lack of enforcement has emboldened copyright holders to exploit the DMCA takedown process to suppress dissent, criticism, or other unfavorable content, without fear of legal repercussions.
Some of the people and businesses who have employed this tactic to remove legitimate content from Google illegally include a Spanish businessman-turned-cocaine-trafficker, Organised crime, an Israeli-Argentine banker accused of laundering money for Hugo Chávez’s regime, a French “responsible” mining company accused of tax evasion, child molesters and sexual predators. Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner is in great company ….
What else is Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner hiding?
We encourage you to ‘Dork‘ Google by searching for keyword combinations such as [Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner] + {Negative Keyword, such as Scam, Fraud, Complaints, Lawsuit, Sanction, etc} on Google. It’s likely if you scroll down to the bottom of this Google search results, you’ll stumble upon this Legal Takedown notice (pictured below)
To make such an investigation possible, we encourage more online service providers to come forward and share copies of content removal requests with industry experts and researchers. If you have any information on Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner that you want to share with experts and journalists, kindly email the author directly at [email protected].
All communications are strictly confidential and safeguarded under a comprehensive Whistleblower Policy, ensuring full protection and anonymity for individuals who provide information.
Credits and Acknowledgement
Many thanks to FakeDMCA.com and Lumen for providing access to their database.
Photos and Illustrations provided by DALL-E 3 – “a representation of Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner censoring the internet and committing cyber crimes.”
- We’ve reached out to Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner for a comment or rebuttal regarding this investigation. It will strongly suggest they were behind the takedown attempt if they remain silent.
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- Our investigative report on Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner‘s efforts to suppress online speech is significant, as it raises serious concerns about its integrity. The findings suggest that Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner has engaged in questionable practices, including potential perjury, impersonation, and fraud, in a misguided attempt to manage or salvage its reputation.
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- We intend to file a counternotice to reinstate the removed article(s). While this particular instance is relatively straightforward, it is important to note that, in other cases, the overwhelming volume of automated DMCA takedown notices can significantly hinder the ability of affected parties to respond—especially for those not large media organizations.
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- You need an account with fakeDMCA.com and Lumen to access the research data. However, accounts are not widely available since these non-profit organisations manage large databases that could be susceptible to misuse. Nevertheless, they do offer access to non-profits and researchers.
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- It’s unclear why U.S. authorities have yet to act against these rogue reputation agencies, whose business model seems rooted in fraudulent practices.
- We’ve reached out to Forrest Conner and Stephanie Barger Conner for a comment or rebuttal regarding this investigation. It will strongly suggest they were behind the takedown attempt if they remain silent.
About the Author
The author is affiliated with Harvard University and serves as a researcher at both Lumen and FakeDMCA.com. In his personal capacity, he and his team have been actively investigating and reporting on organized crime related to fraudulent copyright takedown schemes. Additionally, his team provides advisory services to major law firms and is frequently consulted on matters pertaining to intellectual property law. He can be reached at [email protected] directly.
References used for this investigation
- 1
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/36381797
- 27/09/2023
- Complaint
- 2
- https://www.wkrn.com/news/family-seeks-15-million-from-prominent-nashville-couple-following-sons-drowning-death-in-dickson-county/
- 03/08/2020
- Adverse Media
- 3
- https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/prominent-couple-indicted-following-19-year-olds-drowning-death
- 17/01/2020
- News report
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This lawsuit exposes the sheer negligence of the hosts in allowing a party where underage drinking was not only present but seemingly accepted. The liability waiver feels like a shallow attempt to avoid accountability for their poor decisions. A young...