Project Serpo

Table of Contents:

Part 1: Unveiling Project Serpo - Claims and Background

Part 2: Background of the Key Figures in the Project Serpo Narrative

Part 3: Details and Evidence of Project Serpo

Part 4: Bill Ryan’s Beliefs and Public Statements on Project Serpo Post-Webmaster Role

Part 5: Post-Serpo Developments and Legacy

Part 6: Getting into the woo of Project Serpo

Unveiling Project Serpo - Claims and Background

In the vast tapestry of UFO lore and conspiracy theories, few narratives capture the imagination quite like Project Serpo. This alleged top-secret exchange program between the United States government and an extraterrestrial civilization from the Zeta Reticuli star system has stirred fascination and skepticism since it first surfaced in 2005. Presented as a clandestine operation rooted in the aftermath of the infamous Roswell incident, Project Serpo weaves a tale of interplanetary travel, cultural exchange, and government secrecy. Here, we delve into the core claims of what Project Serpo was purported to be, trace its origins, and identify the key figures associated with its narrative.

What Was Project Serpo?

Project Serpo is described as a covert exchange program initiated in the mid-1960s between the U.S. government and an alien race known as the Ebens, inhabitants of a planet called Serpo, located in the Zeta Reticuli binary star system, approximately 39 light-years from Earth. According to the story, the program stemmed from events following the 1947 Roswell UFO crash, where an alien craft allegedly crashed in New Mexico. One surviving Eben, detained and treated by U.S. military forces, reportedly used a communication device to contact its home planet. This contact paved the way for a diplomatic exchange, culminating in a formal agreement for a human-alien exchange mission.

The narrative claims that in 1965, twelve carefully selected American military personnel - ten men and two women - embarked on a journey to Serpo aboard an Eben spacecraft. These individuals, trained in various specialties and removed from official military records, were to live on Serpo for a planned ten-year period, studying the Eben culture and environment while an Eben representative remained on Earth. The mission, however, extended beyond its original timeline, with the team returning to Earth in 1978 after approximately thirteen years. Upon their return, the team was debriefed extensively, held in isolation until 1984, and reportedly all have since passed away, some due to health complications attributed to Serpo’s intense radiation levels.

Serpo itself is described as a planet slightly smaller than Earth, orbiting a binary star system with a breathable atmosphere but higher radiation due to its two suns. The Ebens, short and brown beings numbering around 650,000, live in simple villages and maintain a disciplined society. The human team faced challenges adapting to Serpo’s 43-hour days, extreme heat, and native food, which caused gastrointestinal issues. Two team members allegedly died - one en route to Serpo from a pulmonary embolism and another on the planet from unspecified causes - while two others chose to remain on Serpo, living “The Good Life” among the Ebens.

Background and Emergence of the Story

The Project Serpo narrative first emerged in November 2005 through a series of emails sent to a UFO discussion group moderated by Victor Martinez, a former U.S. government employee. The emails, authored by an individual identifying as “Request Anonymous,” claimed the sender was a retired government official with top-secret clearance who had participated in the program. These emails, detailed and voluminous, described the mission’s logistics, the Eben culture, and the experiences of the human team, including scientific data about Serpo’s environment and technology. The story gained traction when Bill Ryan, a UFO researcher, created the website serpo.org to compile and publicize the information, fueling widespread interest in the paranormal and UFO communities.

The narrative draws heavily on earlier UFO lore, particularly the Roswell incident, which has long been a cornerstone of extraterrestrial conspiracy theories. It also references the Zeta Reticuli system, a location tied to other UFO stories, such as the 1961 Betty and Barney Hill abduction and the claims of Bob Lazar, who alleged knowledge of alien technology at Area 51. Some accounts suggest that Steven Spielberg’s 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind was inspired by Project Serpo, with claims that President Ronald Reagan, after a private screening, remarked to Spielberg, “You don’t know how true this really is.” [Details about this quote can be found here.] However, no concrete evidence supports this anecdote.

Key Figures Associated with the Claims

Several individuals are linked to the Project Serpo story, either as proponents, alleged insiders, or investigators:

• Victor Martinez: The moderator of the UFO discussion group where the Serpo emails first appeared. A former government employee, Martinez received and disseminated the “Request Anonymous” emails, becoming a central figure in spreading the narrative.
• Bill Ryan: A UFO researcher and creator of serpo.org, Ryan played a significant role in publicizing the Serpo story. He later stepped down from managing the site in 2007 but initially endorsed the claims. [We'll focus on Bill in part 4.]
• Richard C. Doty: A former Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) agent, Doty is widely suspected to be “Request Anonymous.” His involvement is controversial and will be discussed further later.
• Linda Moulton Howe: An investigative journalist and UFO researcher, Howe was approached by Doty in 1983 with claims of an exchange program tied to Holloman Air Force Base, which she later connected to Serpo. She initially lent credibility to the story but faced skepticism due to Doty’s involvement.
• Len Kasten: Author of the 2013 book Secret Journey to Planet Serpo: A True Story of Interplanetary Travel, Kasten compiled the Serpo narrative into a cohesive account, treating it as factual despite criticism.
• Kerry Cassidy: A paranormal researcher and associate of Bill Ryan, Cassidy promoted the Serpo story through her platform, Project Camelot, though her involvement was less central.
• Anonymous Sources: The original emails cite unnamed government and military officials, including a “Commander’s Diary” allegedly written by the mission leader. No verifiable identities for the twelve team members or other insiders have been confirmed.

Setting the Stage

The Project Serpo story is a compelling blend of science fiction and conspiracy, rooted in the fertile ground of UFO mythology. Its claims of interplanetary travel and government cover-ups resonate with those intrigued by the possibility of extraterrestrial contact. However, the lack of physical evidence and the questionable credibility of key figures like Doty cast a shadow over its authenticity. As we move forward, we’ll explore the backgrounds of these individuals, dissect the details of the alleged mission, and weigh the evidence - or lack thereof - that supports this extraordinary tale.

Background of the Key Figures in the Project Serpo Narrative

The Project Serpo story, with its bold claims of an interstellar exchange program, hinges on the credibility and backgrounds of the individuals who brought it to public attention. From the anonymous whistleblower to the researchers and investigators who amplified the tale, each figure plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative’s trajectory and its reception within UFO and conspiracy communities. Below, we explore the histories, motivations, and controversies surrounding the key figures associated with Project Serpo: Victor Martinez, Bill Ryan, Richard C. Doty, Linda Moulton Howe, Len Kasten, and Kerry Cassidy.

Victor Martinez

Victor Martinez is a former U.S. government employee who served as the moderator of a UFO discussion email list where the Project Serpo story first emerged in November 2005. Described as a central figure in disseminating the initial “Request Anonymous” emails, Martinez’s role was primarily that of a conduit, receiving and sharing the detailed accounts allegedly penned by a retired government official with top-secret clearance. Little is publicly documented about Martinez’s personal background, but his involvement in UFO circles and his email list, which had around 300 subscribers at the time, positioned him as a key player in the story’s early spread. According to sources, Martinez received these emails directly from “Anonymous” and shared them with his group, sparking intense discussion. His editorial style reportedly frustrated some sources, leading to shifts in how the information was channeled later on. Martinez has maintained a low profile since the initial Serpo releases, and there is no evidence of him authoring the content himself, though he faced criticism for being gullible or insufficiently skeptical of the claims.

Bill Ryan

Bill Ryan, a British UFO researcher, is best known for creating the serpo.org website in November 2005 to compile and publicize the Project Serpo emails. Ryan, a former management consultant with an interest in paranormal phenomena, became a prominent advocate for the story’s authenticity, at least initially. Through his platform, Project Camelot, co-founded with Kerry Cassidy, Ryan explored fringe topics, including UFOs, secret government programs, and extraterrestrial contact. His involvement with Serpo began when he was contacted by Victor Martinez’s email list and decided to centralize the information for public access. Ryan met with Richard Doty in 2006, describing him as “credible, convincing, human, and frustrated,” though he denied that Doty was the sole source of the Serpo material. By March 5, 2007, Ryan announced he was stepping down as webmaster of serpo.org, citing the inclusion of disinformation in the releases but maintaining his belief that an extraterrestrial exchange program occurred. Critics, including members of the Reality Uncovered Network, have accused Ryan of being overly credulous, with some suggesting his efforts were part of a viral marketing scheme. Despite this, Ryan’s role in popularizing Serpo remains significant, and his Project Camelot platform continues to explore similar themes.

Richard C. Doty

Richard C. Doty, a former special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), is the most controversial figure tied to Project Serpo, widely suspected to be the “Request Anonymous” behind the 2005 emails. Doty’s history in UFO disinformation campaigns casts a long shadow over his involvement. In the early 1980s, he was implicated in misleading UFO researcher Paul Bennewitz, feeding him false information about alien invasions that contributed to Bennewitz’s mental breakdown. Doty also contacted Linda Moulton Howe in 1983, promising Air Force records for her documentary The ET Factor but failing to deliver, a pattern repeated in the Serpo saga. Investigations by the Reality Uncovered Network and others point to Doty as the primary source of the Serpo emails, possibly in collaboration with Robert Collins, with some alleging the story was crafted to promote a book, The Black World of UFOs: Exempt from Disclosure (2006). Doty has denied being the sole source, claiming he was a conduit for others, including a figure named Sylvester McCoglin. His track record, detailed in the 2013 documentary Mirage Men, portrays him as a deliberate purveyor of disinformation, making his Serpo claims highly suspect. Nonetheless, Doty’s insider status and access to military circles lend a veneer of plausibility to his assertions, though no concrete evidence supports them.

Linda Moulton Howe

Linda Moulton Howe, born January 20, 1942, is an American investigative journalist and Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker renowned for her work in ufology and conspiracy theories. In 1983, while researching The ET Factor for HBO, Howe was approached by Doty, who claimed to have Air Force records of a human-alien exchange program tied to Holloman Air Force Base in 1964. He alleged three humans participated - one died, one went insane, and one survived, living in a government safe house - but provided no evidence before withdrawing. This incident, detailed in Mirage Men and various online sources, marked Howe’s early connection to what later became the Serpo narrative. When the Serpo emails surfaced in 2005, Howe linked them to Doty’s earlier claims, lending some credibility due to her reputation. However, her association with Doty, a known disinformation agent, and her advocacy for other unverified theories, such as cattle mutilations by extraterrestrials, have drawn skepticism. Critics, including RationalWiki, argue she was “bamboozled” by the Serpo fiction, though Howe continues to explore UFO phenomena through her platform, Earthfiles.

Len Kasten

Len Kasten is an author who embraced the Project Serpo story, publishing Secret Journey to Planet Serpo: A True Story of Interplanetary Travel in 2013. Little is known about Kasten’s personal background beyond his work as a writer focused on UFOs and extraterrestrial contact. His book compiles the Serpo emails and related claims into a narrative presented as factual, drawing heavily on the serpo.org material. Kasten’s commitment to the story’s authenticity is evident in his appearances, such as a May 2019 Coast to Coast AM episode, where he reiterated Serpo’s details. Critics, including RationalWiki, note that Kasten “swallowed the story completely,” and his work has been dismissed by skeptics as uncritical. With no formal credentials in science or investigative journalism, Kasten’s contribution lies in popularizing the narrative for a broader audience, though his reliance on unverified sources limits his credibility.

Kerry Cassidy

Kerry Cassidy, a paranormal researcher and co-founder of Project Camelot with Bill Ryan, played a supporting role in promoting Project Serpo. Cassidy’s background is in media and alternative research, with a focus on whistleblower testimonies about UFOs and government cover-ups. She and Ryan met with Doty in 2006, both at a UFO conference in Laughlin, Nevada, and later in Los Angeles, where they found him convincing but frustrated with the Serpo disclosures’ handling. Cassidy’s involvement is less central than Ryan’s, but her platform amplified the story through interviews and discussions. Like Ryan, she has been criticized for endorsing unverified claims, with RationalWiki labeling her among the “gullible” researchers taken in by Serpo. After parting ways with Ryan, Cassidy continued Project Camelot independently, exploring similar fringe topics. Her role in Serpo underscores her broader commitment to alternative narratives, though it lacks the depth of involvement seen with other figures.

Details and Evidence of Project Serpo

The Project Serpo narrative, with its extraordinary claim of a human-alien exchange program to a distant planet in the Zeta Reticuli system, thrives on intricate details that paint a vivid picture of interplanetary travel and extraterrestrial culture. Yet, as with many fringe theories, the story’s allure is tempered by a lack of tangible proof, relying heavily on anonymous accounts and unverified documents. In this section, we dive into the specifics of what Project Serpo allegedly entailed, examining the mission’s logistics, the Eben civilization, and the environment of Serpo as described in the original sources. We then scrutinize any evidence - or lack thereof - supporting these claims and explore arguments that might bolster the case for its authenticity.

Detailed Claims of Project Serpo

The Project Serpo story, as primarily disseminated through the 2005 emails posted on serpo.org and later compiled in Len Kasten’s book, describes a highly classified mission initiated in 1965. According to the narrative, the program was an outgrowth of the 1947 Roswell incident, where a surviving Eben alien facilitated contact with its home planet, Serpo, located 39 light-years away in the Zeta Reticuli binary star system. The U.S. government, through a secretive agency, allegedly negotiated an exchange: twelve American military personnel would travel to Serpo for a decade-long study of Eben society, while an Eben representative remained on Earth.

• Mission Logistics: The team consisted of twelve members - ten men and two women - selected for their expertise in fields like medicine, linguistics, biology, and engineering. Referred to as “The Team,” they underwent extensive training and were officially declared dead to erase their records, ensuring secrecy. In July 1965, they departed from a Nevada military base aboard an Eben spacecraft, described as a 300-foot-wide, saucer-shaped vessel with advanced propulsion technology. The journey to Serpo took approximately ten months, with the team arriving in April 1966. The mission extended beyond the planned ten years, with the surviving members returning to Earth in 1978 after thirteen years. Upon return, they were debriefed at a secure facility, isolated until 1984, and reportedly suffered health issues due to Serpo’s radiation levels.
• The Eben Civilization: The Ebens, described as short (3-4 feet tall), brown-skinned beings with large eyes and minimal hair, numbered about 650,000 on Serpo. They lived in small, village-like communities without centralized government, governed by a council. Their society was disciplined, with no crime or currency, and they valued simplicity, living in dome-shaped structures. The Ebens possessed advanced technology, including interstellar spacecraft, but maintained a low-tech lifestyle on their planet. Communication with humans was telepathic or facilitated by translation devices, and the Ebens showed curiosity about Earth culture, particularly music and sports.
• Serpo’s Environment: Serpo was depicted as slightly smaller than Earth, orbiting one of its two suns in a binary star system. Its atmosphere was breathable but thinner, with higher radiation levels due to the dual suns, causing health issues for the human team. The planet had a 43-hour day, extreme temperatures (up to 120°F), and sparse vegetation, with one large ocean and minimal wildlife. The team struggled with the native food, which caused gastrointestinal distress, and relied on C-rations initially. The landscape included deserts, plains, and a few forested areas, with the Eben villages concentrated in a temperate region.
• Mission Experiences: The team’s “Commander’s Diary,” an alleged record by the mission leader, detailed daily life on Serpo. Challenges included adapting to the long days, intense heat, and radiation, which reportedly caused the death of one team member en route (from a pulmonary embolism) and another on Serpo (cause unspecified). Two members chose to stay on Serpo, reportedly enamored with the Eben lifestyle. The team conducted scientific observations, studied Eben technology, and engaged in cultural exchanges, teaching the Ebens about Earth while learning their customs. The return trip in 1978 brought eight survivors back to Earth, where they faced rigorous debriefing and health monitoring.

Evidence Supporting Project Serpo

The primary challenge with Project Serpo is the absence of concrete evidence. The story relies entirely on the 2005 emails from “Request Anonymous,” widely attributed to Richard C. Doty, a former AFOSI agent with a history of disinformation. Below, we outline the purported evidence and its limitations:

• The Anonymous Emails: The core of the Serpo narrative comes from a series of detailed emails sent to Victor Martinez’s UFO discussion group, later posted on serpo.org. These emails, spanning 2005-2006, include specific details about the mission, Eben culture, and Serpo’s environment, purportedly drawn from classified documents like the “Project Serpo Final Report” and the “Commander’s Diary.” However, no physical copies of these documents have been released, and their existence remains unverified. Critics, including the Reality Uncovered Network, argue the emails are a hoax, possibly crafted by Doty and associates like Robert Collins to promote a book or sow confusion.
• Testimonies from Insiders: The emails claim input from multiple anonymous sources, including former DIA officials and military personnel involved in the program. One source, “Sylvester McCoglin,” was named by Doty as a contributor, but no record of this individual exists in public databases. Bill Ryan and Kerry Cassidy met Doty in 2006, finding him credible, but Doty’s history of fabricating UFO stories undermines his reliability. No verifiable whistleblowers or team members have come forward, and the alleged deaths of all participants by the 2000s prevent corroboration.
• Linda Moulton Howe’s 1983 Encounter: Howe’s interaction with Doty in 1983, where he described a human-alien exchange program tied to Holloman Air Force Base, predates the Serpo emails and aligns with their narrative. Howe believed this lent credibility, as Doty’s claims matched later Serpo details. However, Doty’s failure to provide evidence and his disinformation background suggest this was an earlier iteration of the same fabricated story.
• Cultural References: Proponents cite Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) as evidence, claiming it was inspired by Serpo. The film’s depiction of human-alien contact is a common trope in UFO lore, not unique to Serpo.
• Zeta Reticuli Connection: The choice of Zeta Reticuli aligns with earlier UFO cases, like the 1961 Betty and Barney Hill abduction, where the aliens allegedly showed a star map pointing to this system. This consistency is cited as circumstantial evidence, but Zeta Reticuli’s prominence in UFO culture predates Serpo, making it a likely narrative borrowing rather than proof.

Arguments to Build the Case for Authenticity

While no hard evidence supports Project Serpo, proponents and believers offer several arguments to bolster its plausibility, often leaning on circumstantial connections and broader UFO lore. These arguments, while speculative, reflect the reasoning within the UFO community:

• Detail and Consistency: The Serpo emails are remarkably detailed, covering mission logistics, Eben biology, and Serpo’s climate with a level of specificity uncommon in hoaxes. The narrative’s consistency across multiple releases, including technical data like Serpo’s gravity (slightly less than Earth’s) and atmospheric composition, suggests access to insider knowledge or a well-crafted fabrication. Proponents argue that such detail would be difficult to invent without some basis in reality.
• Government Secrecy Patterns: The U.S. government’s history of classified programs, like the Manhattan Project or Area 51’s stealth aircraft testing, lends plausibility to a secret exchange program. The alleged erasure of team members’ records and their isolation post-mission align with known tactics for maintaining secrecy, as seen in declassified CIA and NSA operations.
• Roswell Connection: The Serpo story builds on the widely accepted (within UFO circles) Roswell incident, where physical evidence like debris and alien bodies is claimed to exist. If Roswell involved extraterrestrial contact, as many believe, a follow-up exchange program could be a logical extension, especially if the surviving Eben facilitated communication.
• Doty’s Insider Status: Despite his disinformation history, Doty’s AFOSI background and access to military intelligence circles make him a plausible conduit for leaked information. Proponents argue that his involvement, even if manipulative, could reflect a mix of truth and fiction, a common tactic in controlled disclosures.
• Scientific Feasibility: Some aspects of the Serpo story, like the Zeta Reticuli system’s potential to host habitable planets, are not entirely implausible. Astronomers have identified Zeta Reticuli as a Sun-like star system, though no confirmed exoplanets match Serpo’s description. The Ebens’ advanced propulsion technology, while speculative, aligns with theoretical concepts like wormholes or faster-than-light travel discussed in physics.

Critical Evaluation

The Project Serpo narrative is rich in detail but critically lacks verifiable evidence. The reliance on Doty, a known disinformation agent, and the absence of physical documents or corroborating witnesses undermine its credibility. The story’s connections to earlier UFO cases, like Roswell and the Hill abduction, suggest it may be a synthesis of existing lore rather than a unique revelation. Skeptics argue that Serpo is a deliberate hoax, possibly motivated by personal gain or an attempt to muddy the waters of ufology. The arguments for authenticity, while compelling to believers, rest on speculation and circumstantial links, failing to meet the burden of proof required for such an extraordinary claim.

This tension between narrative depth and evidential scarcity sets the stage for exploring the broader implications of Project Serpo, which we’ll address in the next section. If true, what would such a program mean for humanity, and how might it connect to other conspiracy theories? If false, what does its persistence reveal about the allure of the unknown?

Bill Ryan’s Beliefs and Public Statements on Project Serpo Post-Webmaster Role

Bill Ryan, a pivotal figure in the Project Serpo saga, played a central role in publicizing the alleged human-alien exchange program through the creation of the serpo.org website in November 2005. His decision to step down as the site’s webmaster on March 5, 2007, marked a significant shift in his engagement with the narrative, prompting questions about his evolving beliefs and public statements. This section focuses exclusively on Ryan’s perspective on Project Serpo since relinquishing his role, examining his opinions and detailing his public comments.

Background Context

Bill Ryan, a British-Canadian UFO researcher with a BSc in Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology, was a management consultant before entering the UFO community. His interest in UFOs, free energy, and alternative medicine spanned decades, but his prominence grew with the Serpo website, which compiled emails from “Request Anonymous” (widely attributed to Richard C. Doty) claiming a 1965-1978 exchange program with the Ebens of the Zeta Reticuli system. Ryan’s departure from serpo.org, announced in 2007, was motivated by concerns over disinformation and his desire to focus on Project Camelot, a platform he co-founded with Kerry Cassidy to explore whistleblower testimonies. Since then, Ryan has addressed Serpo in interviews, articles, and forums, offering a nuanced view that balances belief in a core truth with skepticism about the narrative’s details.

Beliefs Since Stepping Down

Ryan’s public statements consistently suggest he believes an extraterrestrial exchange program likely occurred but that the Serpo releases contain a mixture of truth, disinformation, and errors. Below is a detailed breakdown of his stance:

• Core Belief in an Exchange Program: Ryan has repeatedly affirmed his conviction that a human-alien exchange program, similar to Serpo, took place. In a March 2007 statement on serpo.org, he wrote, “An exchange program almost certainly happened,” emphasizing that the concept of such a program has been “permanently introduced into the vocabulary of the UFO community.” He reiterated this in a 2007 interview with Kerry Cassidy at the Laughlin, Nevada UFO conference, stating that the “core” of the Serpo story - a U.S.-alien exchange in the 1960s - holds truth, despite issues with the releases. This belief persists in later discussions, such as a 2024 Mysterious Radio podcast episode, where he discussed Serpo as a program with a factual basis, though clouded by inaccuracies.
• Disinformation and Errors: Ryan acknowledges that the Serpo emails, particularly those post-2006, include disinformation and “naturally compounded errors.” In a 2017 interview on tall-white-aliens.com, he explained that the releases are a “mixture of disinformation and naturally compounded errors - surrounding a core of truth.” He pointed to inconsistencies, such as the orbital period of Serpo not aligning with Kepler’s Laws and discrepancies in travel time calculations (e.g., a 10-month journey to a 39-light-year destination implying unrealistic speeds). Ryan suggested these errors might stem from misremembered details or deliberate obfuscation, possibly by Doty or others. In a 2006 Coast to Coast AM appearance, he noted that later releases, including fake photos received by Victor Martinez in December 2006, further eroded the story’s credibility, prompting his exit.
• Astronomical Anomalies and Sagan’s Role: Ryan has highlighted specific issues with the Serpo narrative’s scientific claims, particularly the assertion that physics in the Zeta Reticuli system differed from Earth’s. In the 2017 tall-white-aliens.com interview, he found it intriguing that the story claimed Carl Sagan was involved in the debriefing and “reluctantly signed off” on the final report despite astronomical anomalies. Ryan argued that a simple hoaxer would have ensured accurate physics, suggesting the errors might reflect genuine, albeit distorted, insider accounts. He speculated that Serpo might not be in Zeta Reticuli but another system, like Alpha Centauri, due to the binary star configuration, though he admitted this was conjecture.
• Source Credibility and Doty’s Role: Ryan’s interactions with Richard Doty, whom he met in 2006, shaped his views. In the 2007 Laughlin interview, he described Doty as “credible, convincing, human, and frustrated,” but by 2017, he acknowledged Doty’s likely role as “Anonymous” (using the pseudonym “Sylvester McCoglin”). Ryan suggested Doty was a conduit for information, possibly mixing truth with disinformation, as part of a broader agenda. He referenced the Reality Uncovered Network’s investigation, which implicated Doty and others in a potential scam tied to the 2006 book The Black World of UFOs: Exempt from Disclosure. Despite this, Ryan maintained that Doty’s military background lent some plausibility to the core narrative.
• Focus on Broader Implications: Since 2007, Ryan has shifted his focus from Serpo’s historical details to its broader implications for UFO disclosure. In his March 2007 serpo.org update, he emphasized that Serpo, as a nearly 50-year-old event, is less relevant than future-oriented research, which he pursued through Project Camelot. In a 2024 Mysterious Radio segment, he framed Serpo as part of a larger pattern of government secrecy, suggesting it aligns with other whistleblower accounts of extraterrestrial contact. This reflects his belief that, even if flawed, Serpo contributes to the case for hidden alien interactions.

Public Statements Since 2007

Ryan’s public commentary on Serpo spans interviews, podcasts, and written updates, offering a consistent but evolving perspective. Below are key examples:

• March 2007 Serpo.org Update: In his formal announcement of stepping down, Ryan wrote, “With no further Serpo information having been released since August 2006, readers can be forgiven for assuming… there may now be no more.” He cited fake photos sent to Martinez and disinformation in later releases as reasons for his departure but affirmed, “An exchange program of some kind definitely occurred” (Release 21). He encouraged ongoing debate on forums like Open Minds and redirected his efforts to Project Camelot.
• March 2007 Laughlin Interview with Kerry Cassidy: In a Project Camelot video interview, Ryan discussed the “ups and downs” of the Serpo story, detailing his correspondence with an “old man” (claimed to be a retired astronaut, possibly a team member) and the factors leading to his exit. He emphasized that while the story contained errors, its core was believable, and he was “moving on” to focus on future disclosure. The interview served as his “retirement” announcement from Serpo, framing it as a historical curiosity.
• January 2006 and 2017 Interviews: In a 2006 audio interview with Jerry Pippin, Ryan defended Serpo’s plausibility, citing its detail and insider sources, but by 2017 (tall-white-aliens.com), he was more cautious, analyzing specific flaws like the propulsion system’s description (“negative matter”) and Kepler’s Law violations. He suggested the story’s errors might reflect fifth-hand reporting or deliberate distortion, yet maintained that an exchange program was likely real.
• 2006 Coast to Coast AM Appearance: Alongside Doty and Whitley Strieber, Ryan discussed Serpo’s details, expressing enthusiasm but noting early concerns about inconsistencies. He later referenced this on serpo.org, stating that fake photos and dubious releases post-2006 confirmed his suspicions of disinformation.
• 2024 Mysterious Radio Podcast (Parts 4 and 5): In episodes aired October 8 and 10, 2024, Ryan revisited Serpo, offering his “perspective and knowledge.” He reiterated that the story contains a “core of truth” but is marred by disinformation, possibly from Doty or others. He discussed the Eben society’s low-tech/high-tech dichotomy and the mission’s logistical challenges, framing Serpo as part of a broader UFO narrative. These episodes underscore his enduring belief in an exchange program, tempered by skepticism about the releases’ accuracy.
• Forum and Community Engagement: Ryan has engaged with UFO forums like Above Top Secret and Open Minds, responding to critics and believers. In a 2007 serpo.org post, he addressed allegations of a scam by Wayne Jaeschke, a lawyer linked to Above Top Secret, who sent a “Black Friday” message to Martinez aiming to discredit Ryan and Doty. Ryan clarified that none of his releases came from Jaeschke, and he welcomed the Reality Uncovered forum’s critical stance, showing openness to debate.

Critical Analysis

Ryan’s position on Project Serpo reflects a careful balancing act: he endorses the idea of an exchange program while distancing himself from the narrative’s flaws. His belief in a “core of truth” aligns with his broader UFO research, which prioritizes whistleblower accounts and government secrecy. However, his reliance on Doty, a known disinformation agent, and his failure to produce primary evidence (e.g., the “Commander’s Diary”) weaken his case. Critics, including RationalWiki and Reality Uncovered, argue that Ryan was either gullible or complicit in a hoax, possibly for attention or profit, though he denies financial motives. His shift to Project Camelot suggests a strategic pivot to broader, less verifiable claims, but his consistent acknowledgment of Serpo’s errors shows intellectual honesty, albeit within the speculative UFO framework.

yan’s public statements reveal a man convinced of extraterrestrial contact but wary of the Serpo story’s execution. His openness to debate, as seen in forum interactions, and his focus on future disclosure indicate that Serpo remains a foundational but imperfect part of his worldview. For believers, his nuanced stance lends credibility to the idea of an exchange program; for skeptics, it underscores the narrative’s reliance on unproven sources.

Post-Serpo Developments and Legacy

The Project Serpo narrative, with its tantalizing vision of a human-alien exchange program, has left a lasting imprint on UFO and conspiracy communities since its emergence in 2005. While the story lacks verifiable evidence, its persistence raises questions about what became of the alleged participants, whether similar missions have been claimed, and how the world perceives this enigmatic tale today. In this section, we explore the aftermath of Project Serpo, including the fates of key figures, subsequent allegations of extraterrestrial missions, and the current status of the Serpo conspiracy in public and fringe discourse.

Fate of the Original People Involved

The Project Serpo narrative claims that all twelve members of the 1965 exchange faced significant challenges upon their return to Earth in 1978, with their fates shrouded in secrecy. According to the serpo.org emails and Len Kasten’s Secret Journey to Planet Serpo (2013), the following details outline their alleged outcomes:

• Team Members’ Return and Debriefing: Eight of the twelve team members returned to Earth in 1978 after thirteen years on Serpo. Two died during the mission, and two chose to remain on Serpo, reportedly preferring the Eben lifestyle. The returning eight were subjected to extensive debriefing at a secure military facility, possibly in Nevada, and held in isolation until 1984 to ensure no leaks. The emails claim they suffered health issues due to Serpo’s high radiation levels, including skin conditions and organ damage, which shortened their lifespans.
• Alleged Deaths: By the time the Serpo story surfaced in 2005, all returning team members were reportedly deceased, with causes attributed to radiation-related illnesses or natural aging. No names, service records, or death certificates have been released to verify their identities or fates, a point critics highlight as a convenient narrative device to avoid scrutiny. The “Commander’s Diary,” cited in the emails, remains unpublished, and no family members or colleagues have come forward to corroborate the team’s existence.
• Key Figures’ Trajectories:
  • Victor Martinez: As the initial recipient of the Serpo emails, Martinez continued moderating his UFO discussion group but has largely faded from public view since the mid-2000s. No recent interviews or statements from him address Serpo, and his role remains limited to that of a conduit. Online sources, including UFO forums, suggest he faced criticism for not vetting the emails rigorously but has not retracted his involvement.
  • Bill Ryan: After stepping down as serpo.org webmaster, Ryan continued his work with Project Camelot, exploring UFOs and conspiracy theories. He has occasionally referenced Serpo in interviews, maintaining that an exchange program likely occurred but distancing himself from the narrative’s more dubious elements. Ryan remains active in the paranormal community, though his credibility is questioned by skeptics.
  • Richard C. Doty: Widely suspected as “Request Anonymous,” Doty has remained a controversial figure in ufology. Post-Serpo, he co-authored The Black World of UFOs: Exempt from Disclosure (2006) with Robert Collins, which some believe was tied to the Serpo emails’ release. Doty’s role in disinformation campaigns, detailed in Mirage Men (2013), has cemented his reputation as an unreliable source, yet he continues to appear in UFO discussions, neither fully confirming nor denying his Serpo involvement. As of recent online records, he lives in New Mexico and occasionally engages with UFO researchers.
  • Linda Moulton Howe: Howe, who linked her 1983 Doty encounter to Serpo, continues her work as a prominent UFO journalist through Earthfiles. She has referenced Serpo in presentations, such as her Coast to Coast AM appearances, but expresses skepticism due to Doty’s disinformation history. At 83 (as of 2025), Howe remains active, focusing on broader UFO phenomena like cattle mutilations and government cover-ups, with Serpo as a minor but intriguing part of her portfolio.
  • Len Kasten: Kasten, author of Secret Journey to Planet Serpo, has continued to promote the story as factual, appearing on Coast to Coast AM in May 2019 to discuss its details. He has written other UFO-related books, maintaining a niche following among believers. Little is known about his personal life post-2013, but his work on Serpo remains his most prominent contribution.
  • Kerry Cassidy: After parting ways with Bill Ryan, Cassidy has run Project Camelot independently, interviewing whistleblowers on UFOs and conspiracies. Her involvement with Serpo was peripheral, but she occasionally references it in her broader narrative of secret space programs. Cassidy remains active online, though her credibility is debated due to her endorsement of unverified claims.

Alleged Subsequent Trips to Serpo or Other Alien Planets

The original Serpo narrative does not mention follow-up missions to Serpo, but related claims in UFO and conspiracy circles suggest ongoing or similar extraterrestrial programs. Below are the most notable allegations:

• Secret Space Program (SSP) Claims: Since the 2000s, figures like Corey Goode and David Wilcock have popularized the concept of a Secret Space Program, alleging that the U.S. and other nations operate covert fleets interacting with extraterrestrial civilizations. Goode, in interviews on Cosmic Disclosure (Gaia, 2015-2020), claimed he served in a 20-year off-world program involving multiple alien races, though not specifically Serpo. These narratives, while lacking evidence, echo Serpo’s theme of human-alien collaboration and are often linked to it by believers on online forums. No direct evidence ties SSP claims to Serpo, but the shared Zeta Reticuli connection and military secrecy motifs suggest a narrative overlap. [Note: Goode and Wilcock also have questionable reputations, but both also have their followers.]
• Holloman AFB Follow-Ups: The 1964 Holloman landing, referenced by Doty to Linda Moulton Howe, is sometimes cited as part of a continuing exchange program. Some UFO researchers, including posts on OpenMinds.tv, speculate that additional missions occurred post-1978, possibly to Serpo or other planets, but no whistleblowers or documents support this. The Holloman story remains unverified, with only grainy footage and anecdotal accounts as “evidence.”
• Zeta Reticuli Missions: The Zeta Reticuli system, central to Serpo and the Hill abduction, appears in other fringe claims. For example, there are online posts that reference alleged DIA leaks about ongoing contact with Zeta Reticuli aliens, but these are unsourced and lack credibility. No specific post-Serpo missions to the planet are detailed, and the system’s prominence likely reflects its cultural significance in UFO lore.
• Lack of Concrete Claims: Unlike Roswell or Area 51, which have spawned numerous derivative stories, Serpo has not inspired a robust lineage of follow-up mission claims. This may be due to its reliance on a single source (Doty) and the narrative’s closure with the team’s deaths. Skeptics argue this scarcity reflects Serpo’s fictional nature, as genuine programs would likely generate more leaks.

Current Perception of the Project Serpo Conspiracy

The Project Serpo story occupies a niche but enduring place in UFO and conspiracy culture, with its reception varying across audiences:

• UFO Community: Among UFO enthusiasts, Serpo is a polarizing topic. Believers, inspired by Kasten’s book and serpo.org, view it as a plausible extension of Roswell and MJ-12, citing its detailed narrative. Forums like UFOsAbout.com and Reddit’s r/UFOs feature occasional discussions, with some users arguing it aligns with whistleblower accounts of secret programs. However, many in the community, including researchers like Stanton Friedman (before his 2019 death), dismiss Serpo as a hoax due to Doty’s involvement and lack of evidence. The story’s niche status is evident in its limited presence at major UFO conferences compared to Roswell or Area 51.
• Skeptical Perspective: Mainstream and skeptical outlets label Serpo a disinformation campaign, likely orchestrated by Doty to promote a book or disrupt ufology. The 2013 documentary Mirage Men, which exposed Doty’s role in misleading Paul Bennewitz, frames Serpo as a continuation of AFOSI tactics to muddy UFO research. Skeptics point to the absence of physical evidence, unverifiable sources, and narrative inconsistencies (e.g., discrepancies in team member counts across releases) as proof of fabrication.
• Mainstream Media and Public: Serpo has received minimal mainstream attention, overshadowed by more prominent UFO stories like the 2017 Pentagon UAP videos. Major outlets like The New York Times and CNN have not covered it, reflecting its lack of credible evidence. Public awareness is low, confined to UFO enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists, with Google Trends showing sporadic interest spikes tied to Kasten’s book or podcast mentions. The story’s obscurity outside fringe circles contrasts with its detailed narrative, suggesting it lacks the cultural resonance of Roswell.
• Cultural Legacy: Serpo’s influence is most evident in UFO literature and media. Kasten’s book remains a primary reference, available on Amazon and discussed on Coast to Coast AM. The story has inspired minor references in sci-fi, such as fan theories linking it to Close Encounters of the Third Kind, though no direct adaptations exist. Online, serpo.org (archived versions) and related sites like bibliotecapleyades.net keep the narrative alive, but its impact is dwarfed by newer UAP discussions post-2020 Pentagon disclosures.

Ongoing Relevance and Challenges

The Project Serpo story persists as a fascinating artifact of UFO culture, embodying the tension between belief and skepticism. Its reliance on Doty and lack of evidence limit its credibility, yet its detailed account of human-alien exchange resonates with those seeking hidden truths. The absence of confirmed follow-up missions or living witnesses reinforces skepticism, but the broader Secret Space Program narrative keeps similar ideas alive. Today, Serpo is less a focal point than a historical curiosity, overshadowed by government-acknowledged UAP investigations but still sparking debate among those drawn to the “woo” of extraterrestrial contact.

Getting into the woo of Project Serpo

The Project Serpo narrative is rich with fringe elements beyond the core mission details. Let's take a brief look at some of them.

The Yellow Book

The Ebens presented the U.S. with the Yellow Book during the Serpo exchange program. It is described as a holographic device that records the history of the universe, allowing users to view scenes from any point in time, from ancient Earth events to cosmic origins. The device is said to project images and information directly into the viewer’s mind or as holographic displays, functioning as a sort of universal archive. Kasten claims it was given to the U.S. to foster mutual understanding, with the Ebens sharing their knowledge of Earth’s development and their interactions with humanity.

Eben Cloning and Reincarnation System

The Ebens used cloning to create new bodies, transferring consciousness to achieve reincarnation, preserving their species’ continuity.

Eben Energy Crystal and Cosmic Network

A glowing crystal powered Eben technology which linked Serpo to a universal energy grid, amplifying telepathy and data storage.

Eben Creation Myth and Earth’s Genetic Seeding

Ebens claimed creation by a “God Entity” and that they seeded Earth with humans, recorded in the Yellow Book.

Serpo Team’s Psychic Awakening

The team developed telepathy and precognition while on Serpo, enhanced by the planet’s atmosphere and Eben crystals.

Eben Dimensional Portal

A glowing archway on Serpo enabled interdimensional travel, with one team member experiencing another world.

Conclusion

These woo elements, while lacking evidence, enrich Serpo’s appeal, resonating with New Age and ufology fans. Their speculative nature reflects the narrative’s reliance on unverified sources, possibly tied to disinformation.

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What a story. This is one of those "I want to believe" stories. But there isn't really any evidence, and if Doty indeed was involved, which it seems like he was, then that also makes the whole thing questionable. However, I lean on the side of Bill Ryan. I think there probably is some truth mixed in with some misinformation. And that makes this story worth telling, because even if just a little part of the story is true, the implications are fascinating. Did humans live on another planet for several years? What was that planet like? What are the aliens from that planet like? It makes you wonder about things like that, which makes life more interesting.

Citations, Sources, and Further Investigation

Serpo.org (Archived) - serpo.org (archived versions available via Wayback Machine)

RationalWiki (2023) - rationalwiki.org/wiki/Project_Serpo

Reality Uncovered Network (2007-2011) - realityuncovered.net/serpo

OpenMinds.tv (2011) - openminds.tv/project-serpo-fact-or-fiction

Howe, L. M. (2005) “Earthfiles: Project Serpo and the Zeta Reticuli Exchange.” - earthfiles.com - Howe’s initial reporting on the Serpo emails

Project Camelot. (2006). “Kerry Cassidy and Bill Ryan: Serpo and Doty Interview.” - projectcamelot.org/serpo.html

UFOsAbout.com. (2015). “Thread: Serpo’s Scientific Plausibility.” - ufosabout.com/serpo-science

Tall-White-Aliens.com. (2017) “Bill Ryan on Project Serpo: Truth and Disinformation.” - tall-white-aliens.com/bill-ryan-serpo-interview

Coast to Coast AM. (2006). “Bill Ryan, Richard Doty, and Whitley Strieber: Project Serpo Discussion.” Aired January 15, 2006 - coasttocoastam.com

Mysterious Radio. (2024). “Bill Ryan: Project Serpo Revisited, Parts 4 and 5.” Aired October 8 and 10, 2024 - LINK_TEXT_HERE

Pippin, J. (2006). “Audio Interview with Bill Ryan: Project Serpo.” - jerrypippin.com/UFO_Files_bill_ryan.htm

  Kasten, L. (2013) Secret Journey to Planet Serpo: A True Story of Interplanetary Travel Bear & Company

  Corso, P. J. (1997) The Day After Roswell Pocket Books

  Fuller, J. G. (1966) The Interrupted Journey: Two Lost Hours Aboard a Flying Saucer Dial Press

  Dolan, R. M. (2002)BOOK_TITLE MORE_TEXT_HERE

  AUTHOR_HEREUFOs and the National Security State Keyhole Publishing

  Mirage Men (2013). Directed by John Lundberg. Random Media