In this powerful episode of Warden’s Watch, Pennsylvania Game Wardens Phil Bietsch & TJ Knash share the story of a career-defining poaching case tied to the tragic death of fellow officer David Grove on Veteran’s Day 2010. From building trust to securing confessions, this case is a masterclass in investigative work and emotional resilience. Listen now to hear how justice was served, and a legacy honored. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line PodcastDon Noyes ChevroletNorth American Game Warden MuseumHunt RegsWiseEyeSecureIt Gun StorageXS Sights“A Cowboy in the Woods” BookMaine's Operation Game ThiefInternational Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss:·       Phil and TJ were classmates at the Ross Leffler School of Conservation·       Working as neighboring officers for four years, they’ve developed a strong investigative partnership·       Emphasis on teamwork, rhythm in interviews, and rapport-building·       Ryan Laumann is a known habitual game law offender·       The case ties back to the tragic death of Game Warden Dave Grove in 2010, who was murdered by Chris Johnson during a poaching incident·       Laumann was a passenger in the vehicle·       Laumann “just went home.”·       Johnson is now on death row ·       Equipment and training were improved·       Laumann received a five-year license revocation·       A tip from a former violator turned informant via Operation Game Thief·       “I got away with it once, I can do it again.”·       TJ took the lead·       Keeping emotions in check·       “Take your time.”·       Officers conducted surveillance near Laumann’s residence·       Multiple deer carcasses, gut piles, and antlers ·       Officers used rapport and strategic interviewing to gain Laumann’s trust·       Jeff Baile’s interview and interrogation techniques were critical·       Allowing the suspect to tell their version of the story·       Laumann eventually confesses to killing multiple deer·       From a good case to a great case·       “Rapport is the foundation of everything.”·       Laumann was charged with: 3 counts of illegal deer 3 tagging violations 3 counts of scattering high-risk parts 1 over-the-bag-limit charge·       Final penalties: 5-year hunting license revocation and $2,800 in fines CreditsHosts: Wayne Saunders and John NoresProducer: Jay AmmannWarden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley HannettResearch / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazonGoogleWaypointStitcherTuneInMegaphoneFind More Here:WebsiteWarden’s Watch / TGL StoreFacebookFacebook Fan PageInstagramThreadsYouTubeRSSLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices