COJ #156 - From Victim to Justice Warrior: Jonny McCoy on Surviving Police Misconduct and His Fight Against Corruption

In 2009, attorney ⁠Jonny McCoy asked a simple question: "Why are you arresting him?" That question led to his own arrest, fabricated charges, a suicide witnessed in jail, four years of malicious prosecution, and a complete mental breakdown that nearly cost him his life.

Now, after years of intensive trauma treatment and a move to Denver to rebuild his mind, Jonny is back practicing law in South Carolina—representing the very people targeted by the corruption he survived. In this Thanksgiving week episode, he walks us through his journey from practicing insurance defense to becoming one of the state's most prominent civil rights attorneys, including his work on the Julian Betton case that resulted in an $11.25 million settlement after Horry County police fired 29 shots at a man over $100 worth of marijuana.

Investigative journalists ⁠Mandy Matney⁠ and ⁠Liz Farrell⁠ and attorney ⁠Jonny McCoy pulls no punches discussing SLED's role and, and what actually needs to change to fix corruption in law enforcement. He also opens up about living with PTSD, surviving multiple suicide attempts, and why he's grateful for the truth-tellers who make this work possible.

This episode includes frank discussions of suicide, mental health struggles, police violence, and incarceration trauma.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

☕ Cups Up! ⚖️

Episode References

Jonny McCoy’s incredible story - “A friend in need” 📖

Give Jonny McCoy a follow on Facebook and on Instagram 📣

“‘No business being alive’: Man paralyzed by cops in Myrtle Beach raid settles civil case” - The Sun News, updated Feb 27, 2000 📰

What is civil forfeiture? ⚖️

Jonny McCoy’s Press Conference - Nov 13, 2025 🎞️

Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️

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