If someone you love lets you down, it hurts. Often it is painful for a long time, but nothing is as difficult as being betrayed by a family member. This was Steven Sarkela’s experience, but it didn’t just happen once. It occurred routinely with several family members. Even worse, Steven’s betrayals were life altering―not trivial. One betrayal culminated in his being abducted, tortured, and threatened with death. Steve was a successful developer, investing in high-end South Carolina beachfront properties, with business partners who conspired to steal everything from him, including his life. And, sadly, his mother and stepfather were key figures in the betrayal and theft. Eventually escaping the torture of his kidnappers, Steven decided to fight back rather than remain a victim. Unfortunately, the local police in Charleston sided with his kidnappers. Eliciting the support of the FBI to bring his kidnappers to justice, Steven became the bait for a sting operation that could have been fatal, but which sent his kidnappers to prison. Because Steven Sarkela’s story is real, it isn’t predictable. This adds considerably to its fascination, but his tale is much more than a chronology of events. It takes you into his inner world, describing how he dealt with massive betrayals, including the post-traumatic stress that followed his torture. Uplifting and positive, the message of Betrayal in Charleston is noble and redemptive, making it a must read. (Steven Sarkela with Jack Watts)
Table of Content
Preface
Chapter 1: It All Starts At the Beginning
Chapter 2: Finding True Love
Chapter 3: She Always gets What She Wants
Chapter 4: An Unhappy Wife Makes for
an Unhappy Life
Chapter 5: The Joy of Life and The Pain of Loss
Chapter 6: Parental In-Laws
Chapter 7: This Act of Perfidy
Chapter 8: Rock Bottom
Chapter 9: What My Father Warned Me About
Chapter 10: Weakness and Greed
Chapter 11: A Storm is Brewing
Chapter 12: The Truth Always Presents Itself
Chapter 13: Another Twist in The Story
Chapter 14: Bad Business
Chapter 15: Fighting to Live
Chapter 16: Facing Death
Chapter 17: Extortion
Chapter 18: A Wicked Twist of Fate
Chapter 19: Go Straight to the FBI
Chapter 20: Believe Me, Agent Wright
Chapter 21: FBI Sting
Chapter 22: Seamless Preparation
Chapter 23: Taking Them Down
Chapter 24: Holding My Tongue
Chapter 25: The Wheels of Justice move Slowly
Chapter 26: Being A Hero
Chapter 27: A Just Verdict
Epilog: Life Moving Forward
About the Author
Steven Sarkela was born in Battle Ground, Washington, a beautiful town near the Oregon border. One of eight children, he always wanted to make his way in the world. So, after graduating high school, Steven set off on his own and began his career in construction. He has worked in this industry for the past thirty years and has been quite successful at it.
Not content sitting on his laurels, Steven began a second business in marketing, which led to numerous speaking engagements on various topics. Loving construction and warm weather, he now builds luxury residential homes in South Florida. The father of five children, Steve enjoys spending his free time playing chess and jogging for exercise.
Having survived kidnapping and torture, Steve understand how difficult recovering from trauma can be. He wants to encourage those who have suffered from traumatic events and he wants to tell them that a new, richer life is possible.
If someone you love lets you down, it hurts. Often it is painful for a long time, but nothing is as difficult as being betrayed by a family member. This was Steven Sarkela’s experience, but it didn’t just happen once. It occurred routinely with several family members. Even worse, Steven’s betrayals were life altering―not trivial. One betrayal culminated in his being abducted, tortured, and threatened with death. Steve was a successful developer, investing in high-end South Carolina beachfront properties, with business partners who conspired to steal everything from him¾including his life. And, sadly, his mother and stepfather were key figures in the betrayal and theft. Eventually escaping the torture of his kidnappers, Steven decided to fight back rather than remain a victim. Unfortunately, the local police in Charleston sided with his kidnappers. Eliciting the support of the FBI to bring his kidnappers to justice, Steven became the bait for a sting operation that could have been fatal, but which sent his kidnappers to prison. Because Steven Sarkela’s story is real, it isn’t predictable. This adds considerably to its fascination, but his tale is much more than a chronology of events. It takes you into his inner world, describing how he dealt with massive betrayals, including the post-traumatic stress that followed his torture. Uplifting and positive, the message of Betrayal in Charleston is noble and redemptive, making it a must read. (Steven Sarkela with Jack Watts)
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