YouTube personality Jonathan Lee Riches, known as JLR Investigates, faces serious allegations from his ex-girlfriend, Jamie Tennille Phillips. In legal documents, Phillips claims that Riches assaulted, strangled, and even threatened to kill her.
According to a petition filed in Arkansas, Phillips says that on Christmas Eve 2025, Riches, 49, attacked her. She describes this incident as part of a long history of abuse, citing multiple incidents of choking and violence over their relationship, which began in early 2023.
The court filing alleges that Riches, a convicted criminal who served ten years in federal prison for credit card fraud, exhibited a “persistent and escalating pattern of domestic violence.” Following the December assault, Phillips reportedly suffered serious injuries, including a broken nose and severe trauma to her head and ribs, requiring extensive medical treatment.
Phillips also claims that Riches physically assaulted her several times, including an incident in August 2025 when he punched her, choked her around twenty times, and threatened to kill her if she went to the authorities.
Even after the Christmas incident, Phillips alleges ongoing harassment, threats, and financial abuse from Riches. On January 21, 2026, a court granted her an order of protection, recognizing a credible risk of domestic violence against her.
Riches has yet to respond publicly to these allegations. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office in Washington reported that they had identified probable cause for Riches’ arrest, but he was reportedly out of state at that time. As of now, he has not been formally charged, and no arrest warrant appears to have been issued.
It’s worth noting that Phillips has her own controversial history. In 2017, she was implicated in a false story about being pregnant by Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore during her teenage years, although she was unavailable for comment regarding the current situation.
Phillips expressed frustration over Riches saying, “I was lied to for a long time. He acted like he had changed, but that’s not reality. He is still the same, and he’s a fraud.” She added that he seems more interested in profit than in the crimes he covers, saying he thrives on mass shootings for the attention and revenue they generate.
Riches has gained a notable following on his YouTube channel, JLR Investigates, which boasts over 500,000 subscribers. He bills himself as a “fearless investigator” who engages in live-streams from crime scenes.
True crime streamer Alina Smith described him as a prominent figure, noting how he streams for up to 15 hours a day, utilizing viewer donations to fund his activities. His approach—though often disputed—has reportedly helped him make as much as $30,000 a week.
But many viewers may not be aware of Riches’ troubled past. In 2019, he confessed to fabricating information and admitted to being a troll, saying he could spread misinformation about high-profile cases with ease.
His notorious reputation extends beyond YouTube. Riches was indicted in a credit card fraud scheme in 2003, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence. During his time in prison, he filed thousands of bizarre lawsuits, leading to unprecedented legal restrictions placed on him.
Previous Controversies
After his release in 2012, Riches didn’t shy away from legal trouble. He traveled to Newtown, Connecticut, shortly after the Sandy Hook shooting, falsely claiming to be related to the shooter, Adam Lanza. This stunt was one of many questionable actions that have brought him further notoriety.
Riches has continued to create waves with his antics since his release. He was known for bizarre appearances at high-profile trials and rallies, often masquerading in various identities. He has crafted a new persona as a crime scene investigator, but critics argue he often exploits tragedies instead of offering genuine insight.
His recent activities, including leaving business cards at the homes of missing persons, have drawn scrutiny from law enforcement and victim advocates. They caution that such behavior might hinder real investigations and also create harm for those involved.
Yet, for Riches, his growing notoriety continues to bring him attention and financial gain. Some fans even travel far to meet him, showcasing how deep the fascination runs for his controversial persona.
