Shows
Justice Then, Justice NowEp 20: Robert Almonte - Policing Border Challenges and Combating CartelsThis episode we welcome the esteemed Robert Almonte, a veteran with decades under his belt and a wealth of experience to share. From his beginnings at the El Paso Police Department to his impactful tenure as the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Texas, Robert offers a riveting exploration of the highs and lows of a career dedicated to community safety. Prepare to be inspired by his journey from patrol officer to deputy chief, and eventually leading the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, where his leadership made a profound difference.Dive into the intricate realities...2024-10-161h 13Justice Then, Justice NowEp 19: Leon Ives - Counterintelligence, Cartels, and Child Safety InsightsJoin us for a captivating conversation with Leon Ives, who brings an extraordinary wealth of experience from his days as a U.S. Army military policeman to his intricate work with U.S. Customs. Leon’s journey through the world of counterintelligence and international drug trafficking investigations offers a rare glimpse into the life of a law enforcement professional navigating the complex, often dangerous terrains of Miami and beyond. We promise that by listening, you’ll gain valuable insights into the realities of undercover operations, the challenges posed by international smuggling, and the relentless fight against financial crimes....2024-10-081h 02Justice Then, Justice NowEp 18: Billy Dekle - Navigating Danger and RedemptionBilly Dekle, famously known as Gringo Billy, takes us on an exhilarating and heart-wrenching ride through his life, from a humble farm boy to an infamous drug smuggler and now an author. In this episode, Billy reveals his journey, recounting his early years in Union County, his passionate pursuit of flying, and the moral dilemmas he faced when he first encountered the world of airborne smuggling. He shares not only his thrilling adventures but also the dangerous reality of the trade, including run-ins with severe weather, mechanical failures, and tense moments of low visibility.Billy's captivating anecdotes...2024-10-012h 00Justice Then, Justice NowEp 17 - Ken Cates: Border Skies and Smuggling TakedownsIn this episode we learn how someone with aspirations of becoming a high school history teacher from Mesquite, Texas ended up chasing drug smugglers in the skies over the U.S.-Mexico border? Veteran federal agent Ken Cates shares his extraordinary journey from aspiring educator to DEA and ATF operative, revealing the twists of fate that led him to a distinguished career in law enforcement. Ken's compelling stories offer a ground-level look at the unique challenges of working the southwestern border, and how the Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Act program unexpectedly set him on this path.Ken pulls...2024-09-251h 29Justice Then, Justice NowEp 16: Bob Starkman - From Narcotics Agent to Basketball MentorJoin us on Justice Then Justice Now as we bring you the captivating life of Robert Starkman. Bob takes us through his early career in a maximum-security prison, his dogged determination during the 1980s narcotics crisis, and his unforgettable encounters with notable figures like Joseph Pistone, a.k.a. Donnie Brasco. His stories aren’t just thrilling; they’re a testament to his ironclad commitment to integrity and safety in law enforcement.Bob’s journey to law enforcement in Florida is one for the books—starting with a fortuitous phone call that led to an unexpected opportunity. From his...2024-09-171h 09Justice Then, Justice NowEp 15: Mariel Colon - Defending the Notorious and Pursuing Musical DreamsIn this episode, we sit down with Mariel Colon, a New York-based attorney who has represented clients like Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán and Jeffrey Epstein. Mariel opens up about her unique journey from aspiring to work in entertainment law to becoming a prominent figure in criminal defense, sharing the unexpected challenges and invaluable lessons learned along the way.Mariel recounts her first encounter with a high-profile client at MCC New York, where she found herself navigating the meeting solo due to an absent attorney. We dive into the emotional and strategic complexities of building trust wi...2024-09-1059 minJustice Then, Justice NowEp 14: Diane Matuszak - From Playboy Bunny to NYPD DetectiveImagine starting your career as a Playboy Bunny only to find yourself years later as a detective in the NYPD. That's the incredible journey of our guest, Ms. Diane Matuszak. She shares with us her early days in Wisconsin, her unyielding love for New York City, and the pivotal moment that directed her towards a life in law enforcement. Diane’s recollections offer a vivid picture of the challenges and victories she faced, from joining the largest NYPD class in history to her initial assignments in Queens, and her ongoing dedication to justice in her current roles within the co...2024-09-031h 13Justice Then, Justice NowEp 13: Dave Gaddis - Battling Drug Cartels and Navigating Undercover OperationsCurious about what it takes to bring down major drug cartels? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dave Gaddis, a retired DEA agent whose career spans some of the most intense eras and locations in narcotics enforcement. From his early days inspired by his Green Beret father, to overcoming vision-related hurdles that led him to the DEA, Dave's journey is a testament to resilience and dedication. We talk about his book, "The Noble Experiment," where he shares stories aimed at giving the public—and his own children—a glimpse into the gritty reality of federal law enforcement....2024-08-271h 21Justice Then, Justice NowEp 12: Dickie Lynn - Smuggling, Survival, and RedemptionExperience the story of Richard "Dickie" Lynn, a man whose life journey took him from the serene shores of Michigan to the high-stakes world of marijuana smuggling in Key Largo. Listen as Dickie recounts his early years, the pivotal moment when his family moved south due to his father's health, and the havoc wreaked by Hurricane Donna. Discover how a sports-loving high school student found himself drawn into the thrilling yet perilous realm of drug smuggling in the 1970s, driven by the allure of easy money and the absence of significant law enforcement.Unravel the complexities of...2024-08-201h 03Justice Then, Justice NowEp 11: Sam Weitz - Sanctuary Cities from a Homeland Security PerspectiveThis week on Justice Then, Justice Now, we are honored to welcome Sam Weitz, who's journey from Atlantic City to becoming a federal agent is nothing short of inspiring. From a pivotal connection with a local mayor that kickstarted his career at just 20 years old to navigating complex state laws and networking, Sam's story is informative and entertaining.As Sam reminisces about his career, he shares eye-opening experiences and challenges faced in federal law enforcement. Sam opens up about specific cases, including the tragic fallout from a sergeant's unfit leadership, offering candid reflections on the political landscapes...2024-08-141h 37Justice Then, Justice NowEp 10: Ruben Gonzalez - The Undercover Fight Against Human TraffickingJoin us on this captivating journey with Ruben Gonzalez, a former senior special agent with US Customs, as he unveils the thrilling and often perilous world of undercover law enforcement. Discover how Ruben’s childhood in a Puerto Rican family in Wisconsin and his early exposure to law enforcement in Florida shaped his extraordinary career. From being a Customs Explorer to conducting high-stakes operations in Miami during the late 80s and early 90s, Ruben discusses his crucial role in tackling money laundering and his specialized knowledge in marine environments and trade regulations.Step into the shadowy realm of...2024-08-061h 02Justice Then, Justice NowEp 9: Ralph Friedman - Policing Fort Apache and BeyondJoin us as we sit down with retired NYPD Detective Ralph Friedman, who shares his extraordinary journey from an unplanned entry into law enforcement to becoming a legendary figure with over 2,000 arrests. Through vivid stories of camaraderie and peril in the 41 precinct, known as Fort Apache, Ralph paints a raw portrait of what it was like to serve during one of New York City's most challenging eras.Imagine a routine purse-snatching call turning into a rooftop shootout that could have ended it all. That's just one of the many intense moments Ralph recounts, including the critical role...2024-07-301h 15Justice Then, Justice NowEp 8: Vanessa Rojas - Healing In Prison Through Therapy and MentorshipJoin us in this powerful episode as we sit down with Vanessa Rojas, Evelyn Bazon-Pappa, and Damaris Ramos Hernandez, to explore their extraordinary journeys from the depths of federal incarceration to becoming beacons of hope and mentors for others. Vanessa's heartbreaking story of childhood trauma, addiction, and the struggles of single motherhood, including caring for a special needs child, sets the stage for an emotional and inspiring conversation. At FCI Tallahassee, Evelyn's mentorship provided Vanessa with the strength and guidance needed to turn her life around and seek a brighter future.We take a deep dive into...2024-07-241h 19Justice Then, Justice NowEp 7: Herb Rutherford - Leadership, Law, and LegacyEver wondered what it takes to navigate the complex world of law enforcement and organized crime? Join us as we sit down with Herb Rutherford, a highly respected figure in the U.S. Marshal Service, whose career spans decades of impactful service. From his first memorable encounter with Chief Deputy Toby Roche during the notorious Licavoli trial in 1982 to his pivotal role in high-stakes organized crime trials, Herb's stories are not just gripping but also offer profound insights into the challenges and triumphs of being a Marshal.Herb's journey is not just confined to his law enforcement...2024-07-1659 minJustice Then, Justice NowEp 6: Pete Thron (Part Two) - Imprisoned NYPD Officer Turned AuthorIn this gripping episode, Pete Thron takes us on an unforgettable journey as he recounts the harrowing conclusion of his court case, his time behind bars, and his path to redemption. From the biased sentencing that shattered his life to the mental and physical struggles of surviving prison, Pete's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Listeners will get an inside look at the harsh ethical dilemmas of 80s and 90s policing, and how Pete navigated these challenges both as a cop and as an inmate.Explore the psychological and physical toll of...2024-07-091h 33Justice Then, Justice NowEp 5: Pete Thron (Part One) - Undercover NYPD Officer Faces Wrongful ConvictionPrepare to be captivated by the extraordinary life of Pete Thron, a former police officer and acclaimed author, as he takes us through his compelling journey from the streets of Harlem to the literary world. Growing up in a strict Sicilian family in Merrick, Long Island, and facing early life challenges, Pete's pursuit of justice and passion for law enforcement shine through. He shares how an injury ended his promising baseball career, leading him to walk a foot beat in Harlem, where he experienced a profound cultural shift. You'll get a glimpse into his book "End Of Tour," which...2024-07-021h 28Justice Then, Justice NowEp 4: John Murray - From Surveillance Innovation to the NHLJoin us for an unforgettable ride through the career of John Murray, a retired NYPD officer and US Customs agent, whose captivating tales from the frontline of law enforcement will leave you informed and entertained. From patrolling Manhattan's Chelsea district to navigating the intricate world of illegal gambling at the Aqueduct racetrack, John's journey is filled with unexpected twists, high-stakes operations, and heart-pounding moments. Hear firsthand how he used wiretaps to intercept mob-controlled bets and the clever tactics that kept his team one step ahead of criminal masterminds.In an enthralling segment, John recounts his fascinating encounters...2024-06-261h 36Justice Then, Justice NowEp 3: Amy Povah - Crusade for Prison ReformWhat would you do if faced with a 24-year prison sentence for a crime you didn't fully understand? This episode features the extraordinary Amy Povah, an advocate in prison and marijuana reform, and founder of the Can-Do Foundation. Her story begins Dallas and Arkansas, weaving through a complicated legal journey involving MDMA that dramatically changed her life. Amy's candid recounting of naivety and manipulation offers a gripping exploration of the legal system's complexities and the harsh realities faced by many caught in its net.We transport you back to a pivotal moment in 1989, where a federal raid...2024-06-1859 minJustice Then, Justice NowEp 2: Paul Pelletier - Revolutionizing Law Enforcement in MiamiWhat if a single courtroom strategy could turn the tide in the war against drug trafficking? In this riveting episode, we sit down with Paul Pelletier, an esteemed attorney who transformed the legal landscape of Miami in the 1980s. From his early days juggling college and police work to becoming a pivotal federal prosecutor, Paul's story is a testament to innovation in law enforcement. Discover how his groundbreaking use of jeopardy assessments and Nebia hearings played crucial roles in dismantling drug cartels, shifting the power dynamic significantly in favor of law enforcement.Paul recounts the intricate operations...2024-06-1156 minJustice Then, Justice NowEp 1: Evelyn Bozon Pappa - From Life Sentence to FreedomCan personal decisions transform your life, even when faced with the harshest penalties? Join us in “Justice Then, Justice Now” as we, Tobias Roche and Evelyn Bozon Pappa, navigate through our 30-year journey in the criminal justice system. This episode unfolds with Evelyn sharing her profound story of spending 26 years in prison, emphasizing the pivotal role of honesty, clear conduct, and respect. Discover the unexpected sense of community, educational opportunities, and support systems inside the prison walls that played a crucial part in her personal growth and resilience.Imagine being the first female in the U.S. to r...2024-06-0436 min