Fighting False Allegations—A Father's Story of Resilience – Ep 32

In Episode 32 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston sit down with guest Scott Mansell, a Texas father who lived through every parent's nightmare: years of false allegations, relentless CPS investigations, and alienation from his own daughter. In a raw, unfiltered conversation, Scott opens up about the emotional and legal toll of protecting his child while preserving his own integrity—and sanity.

To pair with the intensity of the story, the cocktail of the episode is a Coconut Mojito—G4 tequila, coconut cream, lime juice, and mint. A beachy, calming contrast to a deeply unsettling (but all too common) topic.

The Beginning of a 10-Year Battle

Scott's journey started with a contentious divorce and escalated into a decade-long custody battle. While he was awarded primary custody of his daughter, the real fight was only beginning. As Scott explains, the allegations came in waves, beginning with minor accusations and escalating to serious claims, including sexual misconduct, all of which were completely unfounded.

Despite his innocence, Scott was subjected to:

✔ Repeated welfare checks by law enforcement
 ✔ CPS investigations
 ✔ Court hearings and supervised visitations
 ✔ Character attacks online and in the community

Through it all, he never gave up. “If you walk away,” he says, “it’s like confessing without confessing.”

Alienation, Mind Games & Mental Health

One of the most painful aspects of Scott’s story is how his daughter, under the influence of her mother, turned against him. After a brief separation, she returned home like a different child—distant, angry, and distrustful.

Scott’s strategy? Stay calm. Stay transparent. And never, ever respond emotionally to the bait.

He never retaliated. Instead, he opened his home—even to officers sent to investigate—and kept meticulous documentation, forwarding every hostile message to his legal team. He also welcomed equine therapy and counseling into their lives, noting that his daughter’s demeanor improved immediately around horses.

What Helped—and What Didn’t

Scott credits his survival to a strong support system, including:

• His mother, who moved in to help manage supervised parenting
• His brother, who financially supported parts of the legal battle
• Therapists who guided both him and his daughter through the trauma
• A legal team that never let up—even after $200,000+ in costs

He’s also honest about the limits of therapy: “Some counselors were helpful. Others were frustrating. But having someone to talk to, even just to listen, made a huge difference.”

Life After the Courtroom

Now that his daughter is nearly 18, Scott reflects on the emotional damage caused by years of litigation. He still carries the “scarlet letter” of online accusations. He’s had personal relationships fall apart because of how his story was misunderstood or weaponized.

Yet he harbors no bitterness toward his daughter. “I had to remind myself—it wasn’t her. It was what was done to her.” Their relationship, while changed, has healed significantly.

In a final act of love, Scott forgave $19,000 in back child support owed by his ex—not for her sake, but for his daughter’s. “I did it because I didn’t want my daughter to be guilt-tripped. Not because her mother deserved it.”

Final Thoughts

Episode 32 is a must-listen for anyone navigating high-conflict custody cases. It’s a story of patience, perseverance, and the power of parenting in the face of chaos. Scott’s courage in sharing his experience will resonate with families, professionals, and anyone fighting to be heard in a system that often fails the innocent.