May 2005

Secret Keepers in the News

by John Prin
Addiction Counselor
Did you hear about the "duo of deceit" who left prison after nine years for looting children's trust funds? That's right, Al and Joan Porro of New Jersey each went to federal prison for fraud and tax evasion, but today are lecturing college students about ethics. "I did much worse than what I was charged with," says Mr. Porro, a former seminary student who owned a strip club and amassed enormous wealth. Along with his wife, he has renounced their self-indulgent lifestyle and now warns students to beware of "relative morality."*

Did you hear about the former director of a nursing home in Minnesota who skimmed more than $1.4 million from his employer? For eight years, Mark Wetsch's secret stealing went undetected while he spent the money on home improvements and sports opportunities for his kids.**

These are just two of the thousands of high-functioning folks whose double lives caused them, and loved ones, anguish and harm. In the case of the Porros, they have turned their secrets into service, as I myself have done once I learned to conquer the same secret-keepingSM syndrome. If I can help you, or someone you know with similar impulses, please be in touch.

Email John Prin your thoughts.

You can also reach me at 952-941-1870 or read my books, Stolen Hours: Breaking Free From Secret Addictions. and the sequel, Secret Keeping: Overcoming Hidden Habits and Addictions.

* USA Today, April 19, page 1B
** Mpls. Star Tribune, April 19, page B5