When Ashley Lytton was a single mother working to support her two children, she met Jason, who seemed like the perfect partner. He not only embraced every aspect of her life but also charmed her family and earned her kids’ trust.
Ashley and Jason tied the knot four years later and welcomed a child into their family. The Lytton family quickly gained popularity within their community in Riverton, Utah.
Jason Lytton’s career as an electrician had been taking off, and it seemed like his rocky relationship with his partner was improving. However, a simple request on September 29th, 2021, uncovered the disturbing truth that had been festering in their ten-year marriage.
Ashley remembers receiving a call from Jason, asking her to create a Venmo account. However, he called back shortly after in a panicked state and instructed her to abandon the setup process.
Upon noticing Jason’s suspicious behavior, Ashley’s instincts led her to investigate further. As she delved into his computer files, she stumbled upon a concealed folder, which only heightened her suspicion.
Ashley Lytton was in shock when she accessed the iCloud account and discovered a hidden folder. She couldn’t believe her eyes when she opened it and found hundreds of inappropriate photos of children. “I got into his iCloud account and then I saw the hidden folder. I opened it. I literally didn’t believe what I was seeing,” she recounted.
The docuseries titled “Betrayal: A Father’s Secret” from ABC News Studios unveils the story of Ashley Lytton’s family and how it was shattered after her shocking discovery. The second season showcases her struggles to safeguard her son and two daughters from the aftermath of this betrayal. Hulu will stream this emotional journey from July 30th onwards.
Throughout the three-part series, Ashley Lytton, her family, the couple’s friends, and experts are interviewed as the story unravels. The series documents Jason’s arrest, Ashley’s journey of discovering the extent of his behavior, the justice system’s difficulties in handling such crimes, and the challenges Ashley faced in removing him from her life.
In cases like this, Sete Aula’i, who is the section chief for the internet crimes against children unit of the Utah Attorney General’s office, emphasizes the misnomer that is often associated.
“He said that the term ‘child pornography’ is not used because in adult pornography, the participants are consenting to the act. However, children cannot give consent in such situations, making the use of the term inappropriate.”
Aula’i expressed her concern about the prevalence of this issue not just in her community but also globally. She stated that the situation is terrible and needs immediate attention.
Ashley revealed that the fire within her intensified from a smolder to a real flame when she became aware that Jason had recorded her.
The detective reviewed the overwhelming evidence and made the decision to arrest Jason without delay. Ashley was willing to assist in the operation by enticing Jason to meet her in a Walmart parking lot under the guise of discussing their issues. However, the plan led to Jason’s unexpected encounter with the police.
Ashley shared that during the period after Jason’s arrest, she had already made the decision not to inform their children. She admitted that she didn’t fully understand the gravity of the situation. Her plan was to tell their kids that Jason was seeking help at a mental hospital.
The chance to protect the children vanished as soon as the local media got a hold of the story.
Ashley reflected on the moment when she realized that everyone would come to know about the unappealing, unsavory truth about her husband. “It was a difficult realization,” she admitted.
Discovering that her stepfather had filmed her was a distressing experience for Avaya.
After the incident, she found herself unable to be in public or sit in a classroom. She also couldn’t be around other kids. She shared, “I moved in with my dad, my biological father.”
During his time in jail, Jason attempted to reach out to his wife and children by sending letters. In these letters, he expressed remorse for his actions and asked for forgiveness, but Avaya was skeptical and chose not to read them.
In her own words, she expressed the need for her space, but unfortunately, he didn’t respect her boundaries, and instead bombarded her with letters and apologies, which only made him feel better. She went on to describe him as a manipulative person who would go to any lengths to make others believe him, even if it meant deceiving them.
Ashley wasn’t as firm in her decision as before and allowed Jason to speak to their 7-year-old daughter over the phone. Her main motivation was to ensure that their daughter could communicate with her father.
Avaya expressed how she felt about the situation, stating that it was extremely heartbreaking to witness. She believed that the person in question did not deserve to lose the individual they cared for.
There was still a glimmer of hope in Ashley’s heart that perhaps Jason could be helped.
She spoke of his apologetic letters and expressed her desire to believe them. “I think I wanted to believe it,” she said. “I wanted to believe he’s been sick and he’s gonna get better because I wanted my life back. Give the kids their life back.” Her words conveyed the deep longing for normalcy and the hope that he would change for the better.
Following a 30-day stint in jail, Jason was granted temporary release to prepare for his trial and took up residence with his grandfather. Ashley was grappling with the distress of her broken family, but during this period, she was able to reconcile with her spouse.
She expressed, “I slipped right back into my role as a supportive wife,” and continued, “I made sure to provide all the necessary clothing and cooked his meals. Additionally, we spent time delving into the Bible together. It felt incredibly fulfilling, and I longed to return to our previous way of life.”
As she examined the findings of the investigation into Jason’s actions, her anger was reignited by the extent of his deceit.
Ashley shared that the moment her rose-colored glasses were taken off was when she realized the gravity of her actions towards Avaya and her own children. She couldn’t help but think about the harm she caused to Avaya, and her maternal instincts kicked in as she considered how she could have put her own children in danger. Looking back, Ashley now understands that her actions were driven by desperation, as she was trying to save her own life.
Despite Ashley’s efforts to break free from Jason’s influence, she and her children were still affected by his actions. After serving only 10 months, Jason was released and returned to their neighborhood in Riverton, making it possible for him to have unsupervised visits with their youngest daughter. Ashley was also facing the possibility of having to split their assets with him in the event of a divorce.
After a simple phone call to set up a Venmo account, Ashley found herself in a difficult situation. The call revealed a dark secret that shattered her view of reality and made it hard for her to move forward with a fresh start.
As she spoke, her eyes gazed out at the breathtaking scenery that surrounded us. “This place is truly stunning,” she remarked. “But it’s important to remember that appearances can be deceiving. Don’t let the beauty of this place blind you to what’s really happening.” Her words served as a reminder that we must always look beyond the surface and seek to understand the truth that lies beneath.
