A charismatic man's alleged pattern of deception, including a faked cancer diagnosis and repeated infidelity, was exposed by two women who joined forces to uncover his history of alleged abuse and fraud. The story of Brandon Johnson and his ex-wife Athena Klingerman, and Johnson's then-wife Amber Rasmussen, is now the subject of a three-part documentary titled "Don't Date Brandon."
Rasmussen initially believed Johnson was "the full package," describing him as tall, funny, intelligent, and honest. Her perception shattered upon discovering his extramarital affairs, a false leukemia diagnosis, and fake emails from Klingerman intended to create animosity between the two women. Klingerman, who met Johnson online in 2007 and married him before divorcing in 2012, found her experiences mirrored Rasmussen's when they connected.
Uncovering a Pattern of Deception
After Rasmussen contacted Klingerman, they began investigating Johnson's past together, uncovering protection orders and statements from other women detailing alleged stalking, intimidation, and abuse. Rasmussen recounted an incident after asking for a divorce where Johnson allegedly tackled her onto a bed, threatened suicide, and threatened to kill Klingerman for collaborating with Rasmussen. He was subsequently arrested on charges of unlawful imprisonment and making threats.
Klingerman also described a traumatic experience following her divorce proceedings, where Johnson allegedly refused to leave her house, repeatedly threatened suicide, and stalked her. She reported attempts by Johnson to attack a man she had begun dating and the installation of tracking devices on her vehicle. Despite restraining orders and ignored warnings, the women felt the legal system had not adequately protected them.
From Victims to Investigators
To warn other women, Rasmussen and Klingerman created the podcast "Ex-Wives Undercover: Liars, Cheaters & Love Cons." The podcast gained traction, with survivors of abuse sharing similar experiences and domestic abuse professionals reaching out. The women transitioned from being victims to becoming investigators and advocates, aiming to help others recognize the warning signs of coercive control.
Escalating Criminal Activity
The podcast also uncovered Johnson's alleged "financial double life." He was reportedly facing criminal charges for an alleged $392,000 embezzlement scheme. The situation intensified when, amidst mounting legal pressure, Johnson allegedly took his and Klingerman's 12-year-old daughter from school during active warrants, leading to a high-speed police chase. Officers reportedly abandoned the pursuit to avoid endangering the child, and Johnson later released her.
Warning a New Victim and Arrest
When Rasmussen and Klingerman learned Johnson had begun a relationship with a woman named Rachel in California, they reached out to warn her, providing her with a "zip file" of evidence. Despite their efforts, Rachel reportedly ended the relationship, after which Johnson allegedly embarked on a campaign of intimidation. This culminated in an alleged kidnap plot and an attack on Rachel and a friend with a knife and Taser, from which they were saved by the friend overpowering Johnson before police arrived.
The evidence collected by Rasmussen and Klingerman, including police reports and court papers, proved invaluable to law enforcement. Prosecutors reportedly described evidence suggesting the attack was meticulously planned. Johnson subsequently accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to ten years in prison for assault and attempted kidnapping with intent to rape.
Lingering Fears
Despite the conviction, the women continue to face anxieties. Johnson's parole was reportedly moved forward, and he had allegedly sent messages from prison threatening them. Rasmussen stated she refuses to let Johnson control her future, while Klingerman expressed renewed fears for her safety and her daughter's, though she stated she has learned to manage the fear.