The 'Dirty John' true story is a tale of deception and danger. John Meehan preyed on Debra Newell. He presented himself as someone he wasn't. He had a history of problems like being a drug addict and having a criminal record that he concealed from Debra. As time went on, his actions became more and more menacing towards Debra and those close to her. He was manipulative and controlling, and the story shows how Debra and her family had to deal with this terrifying situation that they unknowingly walked into.