Listen Now: American Criminal
American History Tellers
Deep Dive
What was Sante Kimes' primary motivation?
Sante Kimes was driven by an insatiable greed for money, jewels, furs, property, and influence, willing to commit various crimes to attain her desires.
What were the two major crimes Sante and Ken Sr. were arrested for?
Sante and Ken Sr. were arrested for slavery and human trafficking, involving smuggling young women across borders to work as unpaid maids and tutors.
How did Sante Kimes treat the young women she smuggled into the U.S.?
Sante Kimes confiscated their passports, forbade them from leaving, and subjected them to physical abuse, including beatings and burns.
Why did Sante Kimes refuse to sign the plea deal in court?
Sante Kimes refused to sign the plea deal due to a typo that required her prison terms to be served consecutively instead of concurrently, leading to a tantrum and physical restraint in court.
How did Sante Kimes manage to escape from jail?
Sante Kimes feigned a medical episode to be moved to a hospital with less stringent security, where she slipped past her guard and walked out the front doors.
- Sante Kimes' greed drove her to commit various crimes including fraud and murder.
- She was willing to do anything to achieve her version of the American dream.
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