Cold Red Podcast

In this episode of Cold Red, host Ray Carr interviews Dave MacNeil, a retired police detective with over 37 years of experience. They discuss Dave’s background, his early years in law enforcement, changes in the police department, working background investigations, recruiting, police academy training, and his interest in forensics. In this part of the conversation, Dave MacNeil discusses his specialization in forensics and the formation of a crime scene unit. He highlights the importance of networking and gaining experience through collaboration with other departments. Dave explains the field of blood stain pattern analysis and its role in crime scene investigations. He also shares his experience during the Boston Marathon bombing and the subsequent shootout in Watertown. The chapter concludes with the capture of the suspects and the challenges faced in communication and jurisdictional issues. This conversation covers the events leading up to the capture of the Boston Marathon bomber, the unity and appreciation of law enforcement, the movie adaptation of the events, and Dave MacNeil’s retirement and new ventures.

Nicole Hutchinson-Moore shares her background and the events that led to her incarceration. She grew up in a conservative, hardworking family but faced trauma and a fractured family dynamic. She struggled with her identity and began acting out, which eventually led to addiction and destructive behavior. One fateful night, she got behind the wheel after drinking and caused a fatal accident. Nicole reflects on the guilt and shame she carries for taking someone’s life and the pivotal moment when she realized she needed to change. She emphasizes the importance of making responsible choices and understanding the consequences of our actions. Nicole Hutchison-Moore shares her experience of being incarcerated and the shocking realities of the prison system. She discusses the lack of basic needs, the degrading treatment by staff, and the brokenness of the system. She emphasizes the importance of accountability and rehabilitation, rather than just punishment. Nicole also talks about her organization, Rusty Diamond Network, which supports individuals both inside and outside of prison, providing resources, guidance, and empowerment. She highlights the need for a community effort to create a safer and healthier society.

Natalie Di Sabatino Tells Cold Red the Unfortunate Truth the Life of High Profile Victims Family

In this episode, Tim Clemente, a former FBI agent, shares his experiences working in law enforcement, including his time in the St. Louis Metro PD and the FBI. He discusses the challenges of working in a violent district and shares a memorable case from his time in St. Louis. Tim also talks about his undercover work in South America and his involvement in the National Capital Response Squad. He concludes by discussing his expertise in Somali terrorism. Tim discusses his experiences in Somalia, including the relationship between the Somali clans and the events of Black Hawk Down. He also talks about piracy in Somalia and his involvement in the Captain Phillips case. Tim shares his close relationship with the President of Somalia and his role in counterterrorism efforts. He then transitions to his work in Hollywood and his decision to stay in the US instead of deploying to Afghanistan. Tim discusses his involvement in XG Productions and Audible, focusing on true crime projects. He also mentions his support for veterans and indigenous communities. Takeaways Working in law enforcement requires dedication and a passion for protecting the community. Prosecutors play a crucial role in ensuring justice is served and keeping communities safe. Whitewater rafting trips can be thrilling and memorable experiences. The National Capital Response Squad is a specialized unit that responds to emergencies and terrorist attacks in the Washington, DC area. The Somali people were not the attackers in the Black Hawk Down incident, but rather the ones working with the American military. The majority of Somalis were pro-American, but radical forces drowned out their voices. Piracy in Somalia is driven by both greed and the absence of a central government to patrol the waters. Illegal fishing is also a major issue in Somali waters. Tim developed a close relationship with the President of Somalia and worked together on counterterrorism efforts. This relationship was beneficial for both the US and Somalia in the fight against Al Qaeda. Tim transitioned from the FBI to working in Hollywood, where he has been involved in writing, producing, and consulting on various projects. Tim is dedicated to supporting veterans and indigenous communities, particularly in addressing the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women.

In this episode of Cold Red, retired supervisory special agent Greg McCrary discusses his experiences as a profiler in the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit. He shares stories from his early career, including his first major case involving a serial rapist in Toronto. McCrary also reveals the breakthrough in the case of Paul Bernardo and Carla Homolka, who were responsible for a series of rapes and murders. He discusses the process of recognizing patterns and building a profile to catch serial offenders. The episode highlights the importance of investigative strategies and the role of experience in profiling. Greg McCrary discusses various cases and his work in profiling, including the pattern of behavior in serial killers, the creation of the Crime Classification Manual, the establishment of profiling units in Canada, the Jack Unterweger case, the Sam Shepard homicide case, and the Police Fellowship Program. He also mentions his book, The Unknown Darkness, which explores profiling and the role it plays in criminal investigations.

Sarah Kruzan shares her story of surviving childhood abuse and sex trafficking, leading to her incarceration for killing her abuser. The conversation explores her upbringing in a dysfunctional and violent environment, the grooming and exploitation by her abuser, and the possible involvement of powerful individuals. Sarah discusses the psychological impact of the abuse and her eventual decision to take action. The conversation ends with an invitation for a second part to further discuss her journey of survival and healing. Sarah Kruzan shares her incredible story of surviving human trafficking and her journey towards rehabilitation and advocacy. The conversation explores the legal system’s role in her case and the need for sentencing reform. Sarah’s dedication to preventing human trafficking and her involvement in pending legislation are also discussed.

Summary Sarah Kruzan shares her story of surviving childhood abuse and sex trafficking, leading to her incarceration for killing her abuser. The conversation explores her upbringing in a dysfunctional and violent environment, the grooming and exploitation by her abuser, and the possible involvement of powerful individuals. Sarah discusses the psychological impact of the abuse and her eventual decision to take action. The conversation ends with an invitation for a second part to further discuss her journey of survival and healing. Sarah Kruzan shares her incredible story of surviving human trafficking and her journey towards rehabilitation and advocacy. The conversation explores the legal system’s role in her case and the need for sentencing reform. Sarah’s dedication to preventing human trafficking and her involvement in pending legislation are also discussed.

Retired FBI agent Tom Simon shares his experiences and insights from his 26-year career in the Bureau. He discusses his journey to becoming an FBI agent, the role of accountants and lawyers in the FBI, and his work in white collar crime, counterterrorism, and human trafficking. Tom also highlights the importance of undercover work and recounts a fascinating case involving a cruise ship murder. Overall, his career showcases the diverse and impactful work done by FBI agents in protecting national security and combating crime. Tom Simon, a former FBI special agent and current private investigator, shares insights into his career and the world of white-collar crime. He discusses investigating crimes on cruise ships, including the procedures and challenges involved. He also shares the story of the Stevie Wonder Blunder, a case involving a fraudulent concert at the University of Hawaii. Tom explains the threshold for FBI involvement in white-collar crime cases and the challenges of restitution for victims. He then discusses his transition to private investigation and the process of becoming a licensed private investigator in Florida. Tom also highlights the use of social media for marketing and his appearances on the TV show American Greed. Finally, he reflects on his FBI career and offers free consultations to those affected by financial fraud. Takeaways The FBI values the skills and backgrounds of accountants and lawyers, not for their specific expertise, but as a proxy for intelligence and problem-solving abilities. White collar crime encompasses a range of financial crimes, including fraud, embezzlement, and public corruption. Counterterrorism work involves investigating and disrupting the financing of terrorist organizations. Human trafficking is a complex and pervasive issue, and undercover work plays a crucial role in identifying and rescuing victims. The FBI’s work extends beyond traditional law enforcement, with agents often collaborating with other agencies and international partners to solve cases. Investigating crimes on cruise ships involves collecting evidence and statements from witnesses, as well as collaborating with other agencies and individuals involved in the case. White-collar crime investigations often require a significant financial loss for the FBI to get involved, but there are exceptions for cases involving government officials or other factors. Restitution for victims of white-collar crimes is often low, as the seized assets of the perpetrators may have been spent or are insufficient to cover the losses. Transitioning from the FBI to private investigation requires obtaining the necessary licenses and building a client base, often by leveraging previous experience and expertise. Social media can be an effective marketing tool for private investigators, allowing them to share insights, educate the public, and attract potential clients. Appearing on TV shows like American Greed can provide exposure and credibility for private investigators, helping to establish their reputation in the industry.

In this episode, Ray Carr and Fitz discuss the recent UNLV shooting and the commonalities among shooters in mass shootings. They emphasize the importance of being prepared for an active shooter situation and provide tips on how to survive. They also preview Season 3, which will focus on victims and survivors of various crimes. Additionally, they discuss the possible causal effects of violent behavior, including the use of drugs and antidepressants. The episode concludes with the hosts answering listener questions about paranormal cases, document analysis, and private consulting services, as well as the common denominators among serial killers. The conversation explores various factors and warning signs associated with serial offenders and individuals with violent ideologies. It discusses early indicators such as animal cruelty, arson setting, and bedwetting in childhood. The topics of involuntary celibacy and drug abuse are also examined as potential predictors of violent behavior. The conversation highlights the attention to detail and organization often observed in serial killers. Additionally, it touches on the influence of dysfunctional family backgrounds on individuals’ propensity for violence. The conversation concludes with a mention of Ted Kaczynski’s language skills and closing remarks for the season.

Summary In this episode, Robert Wittman, a former FBI agent and art crime expert, discusses his career in recovering stolen art and combating the illegal trafficking of cultural property. He shares insights into the business of art crime, the difference between stolen art and forgeries, and the forensic techniques used in art authentication. Wittman also recounts his experiences working undercover and the dangers involved in his investigations. He discusses the infamous Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist and the challenges of recovering stolen art. Finally, he explores the mindset of art buyers and the motivations behind stealing and collecting stolen art. In this episode, former FBI agent Bob Wittman discusses his experiences in recovering stolen art and artifacts. He shares insights into the mindset of art thieves and the challenges of investigating and recovering stolen pieces. Wittman also discusses the recognition and awards he has received for his work, including the Peruvian Order of Merit for Distinguished Service and the Robert Burke Memorial Award. He talks about his involvement in the Transnational Task Force against the looting of artifacts and his work in training law enforcement agencies to identify stolen objects. Wittman also mentions his books ’Priceless’ and ’The Devil’s Diary’ and his continued work in security and investigations. Takeaways Art thieves often have a unique mindset, believing that they are caretaking stolen pieces better than museums or other institutions. Bob Wittman has received recognition and awards for his work in recovering stolen art and artifacts, including the Peruvian Order of Merit for Distinguished Service and the Robert Burke Memorial Award. Wittman’s involvement in the Transnational Task Force against the looting of artifacts highlights the importance of raising awareness and training law enforcement agencies to identify stolen objects. Wittman’s books, ’Priceless’ and ’The Devil’s Diary,’ provide insights into his experiences and the importance of protecting cultural heritage. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:34 Early Career and Training 05:04 The Business of Art Crime 08:18 Stolen Art vs. Forgeries 11:01 Forensic Techniques in Art Authentication 14:22 Undercover Work and Backstories 19:45 The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Heist 25:24 The Value of Stolen Art and Rewards 26:30 Dangerous Undercover Situations 28:40 Threats and Close Calls 36:47 The Mindset of Art Buyers 40:35 The Mindset of Art Thieves 42:27 Recognition and Awards 44:05 Recovering Stolen Paintings in Madrid 45:14 Robert Burke Memorial Award 46:29 SAFE Beacon Award 46:39 Transnational Task Force against Looting of Artifacts 47:39 Speaking on Cruise Ships 49:30 Writing Books: ’Priceless’ and ’The Devil’s Diary’ 58:59 Continuing Work in Security and Investigations 01:00:27 Contacting Bob Wittman 01:01:18 Closing Remarks