FBI Case File Review

Retired agent John Kuchta reviews the November 22, 1994, ambush at the DC Metro Police Headquarters where a gunman killed Special Agents Martha Dixon and Michael Miller, and MPD Sgt. Henry “Hank” Daly. John survived multiple gunshot wounds to his heart, liver, kidney, lung, arm, and leg. For his actions, he was awarded the FBI Medal of Valor and U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism in recognition of exceptional acts of heroism involving the voluntary risk of personal safety and life performed in the line of duty in the face of a criminal encounter. He was also awarded the FBI Star in recognition of serious injury and split second decision made under fire. Retired agent John Kuchta served in the FBI for 27 years.   Check out the episode show notes, photos, and related articles.   https://jerriwilliams.com/267-john-kuchta-1994-dc-metro-police-headquarters-ambush/       Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams Join my Reader Team to get the FBI Reading Resource - Books about the FBI, written by FBI agents, the 20 clichés about the FBI Reality Checklist, and keep up to date on the FBI in books, TV, and movies via my monthly email. Join here. http://eepurl.com/dzCCmL  Check out my FBI books, non-fiction and crime fiction, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

On November 22, 1994, Special Agents Martha Dixon Martinez and Michael John Miller, and Police Sgt. Henry "Hank" Daley, were shot and killed inside the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Headquarters building. In this episode, one of Martha Dixon’s sisters, Monica Dentino, one of her brothers, Kevin Dixon, and six of Martha’s former co-workers, retired agents Icey Jenkins Craig, Bill Cole, Dan Reilly, Jeff Bedford, Jerry Bamel, and John Kuchta share loving memories about Martha and emotional stories about when they learned the tragic news. Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles. https://jerriwilliams.com/266-martha-dixon-line-of-duty-service-martyr/     Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams Join my Reader Team to get the FBI Reading Resource - Books about the FBI, written by FBI agents, the 20 clichés about the FBI Reality Checklist, and keep up to date on the FBI in books, TV, and movies via my monthly email. Join here. http://eepurl.com/dzCCmL  Check out my FBI books, non-fiction and crime fiction, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

This special episode to commemorate the 50th anniversary of women FBI agents, features a lively and honest conversation with previous guests of FBI Retired Case File Review, Lauren Anderson, Judy Tyler, Gina Davis, Katherine Schweit, Jane Mason, Masayo Halpin, Julia Cowley, and Kathy Stearman.  These retired agents talk about normally taboo "women’s issues" like biases and babies, and provide inspirational messages about being a female agent in the FBI.   Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles. https://jerriwilliams.com/265-50th-anniversary-of-women-fbi-agents-panel-discussion/       Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams Join my Reader Team to get the FBI Reading Resource - Books about the FBI, written by FBI agents, the 20 clichés about the FBI Reality Checklist, and keep up to date on the FBI in books, TV, and movies via my monthly email. Join here. http://eepurl.com/dzCCmL  Jerri Williams is a retired FBI agent, author, and podcaster. Visit her website to learn about her books. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/  

July 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of women FBI agents. In this episode, active and retired agents share historical and personal stories about FBI Director Hoover's initial rejection and the Bureau's eventual acceptance of women as agents. Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles. https://jerriwilliams.com/264-history-of-women-fbi-agents/     Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams   Join my Reader Team to get the FBI Reading Resource - Books about the FBI, written by FBI agents, the 20 clichés about the FBI Reality Checklist, and keep up to date on the FBI in books, TV, and movies via my monthly email. Join here. http://eepurl.com/dzCCmL  Jerri Williams, a retired FBI agent, author and podcaster, attempts to relive her glory days by debunking FBI cliches. Visit her website to check out her books, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

Retired agent Craig Arnold reviews two shooting incidents he was involved in, one which resulted in saving the life of an FBI informant and another where, during a fatal shootout, he saved the life of a cooperating witness by taking the life of a subject. As a certified peer support counselor, Craig traveled all over the country to speak with and offer support to other FBI agents and police officers involved in shooting incidents. As the recipient of the FBI Medal of Valor, the FBI’s highest honor, and two FBI Shields of Bravery, Craig was a member of the FBI’s Honorary Medals selection panel. At the time of his retirement, Craig was one of the most highly decorated agents in the Bureau's history. Craig Arnold served in the FBI for 22 years. Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles. https://jerriwilliams.com/263-craig-arnold-shooting-incidents-fbi-medals-program/     Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams   Join my Reader Team to get the FBI Reading Resource - Books about the FBI, written by FBI agents, the 20 clichés about the FBI Reality Checklist, and keep up to date on the FBI in books, TV, and movies via my monthly email. Join here. http://eepurl.com/dzCCmL  Jerri Williams, a retired FBI agent, author and podcaster, attempts to relive her glory days by debunking FBI cliches. Visit her website to check out her books, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

Retired agent Jerome Lorrain and former Safe Street Taskforce (SSTF) officer Joseph W. Nicholson review one of their kidnapping and murder investigations. In 2001, David Cannon abducted and bludgeoned to death Thomas Earl Beasley, III. Cannon and Beasley met at the Miss-A-Bama Saloon. Cannon became enraged after Beasley allegedly made a sexual pass at him. Beasley's body was later found floating in a pond in rural Alabama. The SSTF worked the case and made a crucial consensually recorded conversation between a confidential informant and Cannon. The Jackson Division Evidence Response Team (ERT) and the FBI Lab conducted forensic examinations that were also significant to the successful prosecution and resolution of this case. Jerome Lorraine served in the FBI for 30 years. Joseph Nicholson has worked in law enforcement for the past 28 years.   Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles. https://jerriwilliams.com/262-jerome-lorrain-and-joe-nicholson-miss-a-bama-murder/     Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams   Join my Reader Team to get the FBI Reading Resource - Books about the FBI, written by FBI agents, the 20 clichés about the FBI Reality Checklist, and keep up to date on the FBI in books, TV, and movies via my monthly email. Join here. http://eepurl.com/dzCCmL    Jerri Williams, a retired FBI agent, author and podcaster, attempts to relive her glory days by debunking FBI cliches. Visit her website to check out her books, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

In part two of this two-part episode, retired agent John Anticev continues his case review of his operation of FBI informant Emad Salem, who infiltrated an operational cell of Egyptian Islamic radicals but fired by John’s FBI superiors while John was out on sick leave recovering from a brain tumor. Members of the cell were later found to be responsible for the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center (WTC). After the attack, John re-engaged his source to penetrate a second operational terrorist cell preparing to attack the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, the United Nations, 26 Federal Plaza, and other New York City landmarks. This time, the case, known as TERRSTOP, resulted in the prevention of major attacks and identified links between the cell and a hostile intelligence service.  John also discusses the stress and frustration he endured during the 6-year internal investigation into his and others handling of the source, who, unknown to John, had secretly recorded many of their conversations. John Anticev served in the FBI for 28 years.    Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles.   https://jerriwilliams.com/261-john-anticev-1993-wtc-bombing-terrstop-informant-emad-salem/       Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams   Join my Reader Team to get the FBI Reading Resource - Books about the FBI, written by FBI agents, the 20 clichés about the FBI Reality Checklist, and keep up to date on the FBI in books, TV, and movies via my monthly email. Join here. http://eepurl.com/dzCCmL    Jerri Williams, a retired FBI agent, author and podcaster, attempts to relive her glory days by debunking FBI cliches. Visit her website to check out her books, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

In part one of this two-part episode of FBI Retired Case File Review, retired agent John Anticev reviews his investigation into the 1990 murder of Rabbi Meir Kahane and his operation of an FBI confidential source who infiltrated an operational cell of Egyptian Islamic radicals. The cell’s spiritual leader was Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman, also known as the Blind Sheik. Members of this group, including Ramzi Yousef, were later found to be responsible for the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. John also talks about the stress and frustration he endured during the 6-year FBI internal investigation into his handling of the confidential source, who, unknown to John, had recorded many of their conversations. Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles. https://jerriwilliams.com/260-john-anticev-1993-world-trade-center-bombing/   Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams Join my Reader Team to get the FBI Reading Resource - Books about the FBI, written by FBI agents, the 20 clichés about the FBI Reality Checklist, and keep up to date on the FBI in books, TV, and movies via my monthly email. Join here. http://eepurl.com/dzCCmL  Jerri Williams, a retired FBI agent, author and podcaster, attempts to relive her glory days by debunking FBI cliches. Visit her website to check out her books, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

Retired agent Dave Nadolski reviews the 1997 multi-agency investigation of the disappearance of 10-Year-old Jeffrey Curley from in front of his grandmother’s home in Cambridge, Massachusetts and the failed polygraph exam that lead to a confession from one of the two predators responsible for the kidnapping and murder of the little boy. Dave Nadolski served in the FBI for 21 years. Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles. https://jerriwilliams.com/259-dave-nadolski-child-kidnapping-murder-of-jeffrey-curley/     Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams Join my Reader Team to get the FBI Reading Resource - Books about the FBI, written by FBI agents, the 20 clichés about the FBI Reality Checklist, and keep up to date on the FBI in books, TV, and movies via my monthly email. Join here. http://eepurl.com/dzCCmL  Jerri Williams, a retired FBI agent, author and podcaster, attempts to relive her glory days by debunking FBI cliches. Visit her website to check out her books, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

Special Agent Cerena Coughlin, an FBI Applicant Coordinator and recruiter for the Philadelphia Division and first office agent Special Agent Cassandra Winkel, provide answers to over 40 questions sent in by FBI Retired Case File Review listeners.  This is part 2 of this two-part recruitment episode. Also check out Part 1 - 257: FBI Special Agent Hiring and Training Update, where Special Agents Coughlin and Winkle take us through all phases of the FBI special agent hiring process and the FBI Academy training program.  SA Coughlin has served with the FBI for 21 years. SA Winkel is a recent FBI Academy graduate. Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles. https://jerriwilliams.com/258-listener-q-a-fbi-academy-training-sa-and-ia-positions/     Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams Join my Reader Team to get the FBI Reading Resource - Books about the FBI, written by FBI agents, the 20 clichés about the FBI Reality Checklist, and keep up to date on the FBI in books, TV, and movies via my monthly email. Join here. http://eepurl.com/dzCCmL  Jerri Williams, a retired FBI agent, author and podcaster, attempts to relive her glory days by debunking FBI cliches. Visit her website to check out her books, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/     Episode 258: Audio Timestamps 00:02:56 - Would a kindergarten teacher be considered a serious candidate? 00:04:13 - How does the FBI treat misuse of prescription medication (i.e. taking a prescription that you are not personally prescribed to)? I read on a public forum thread that a candidate heard from his applicant coordinator that it would require no use within one year (similar to the new marijuana policy). Is this correct? 00:06:00 - Is it still the policy of the FBI that a new agent will not return to their applicant field office as their first assignment? For example, if you apply through the Tampa office, is there any chance you could be assigned Tampa (or a resident agency) as your first location? 00:07:11 - Is anyone permitted to be in your government issued vehicle (i.e. spouse or children)? 00:08:00 - Is it still true that the application process takes about one year, or has that increased or decreased? 00:08:27 - How do we find out who the applicant coordinator is for our local office? And what types of questions are appropriate for the AC prior to an application even being submitted? 00:11:13 - Does the FBI still, on occasion, assign new Special Agents to work applicant matters? Or has this function been turned over to the FBI’s Background Investigations Contract Services (BICS) Unit? 00:12:58 - Which FBI Division and/or Office at headquarters is responsible for the tracking and analysis of women and minority Special Agent diversity statistics? And how have these numbers changed over the past 3-5 years? 00:17:02 - Are Special Agent job applications now all handled electronically on-line? Or are some still accepted by snail mail and/or hard copy drop-offs at the 56 field offices throughout the United States? 00:18:24 - What changes have been made to the FBI’s formal recruitment process over the years in order to attract more women and minorities into the Special Agent ranks? Are there still more hurdles or are you encountering roadblocks? 00:23:13 - What kind of continuing training exists for agents, for tactical-related things learned at the academy? Not just firearms shooting at a static range, but also tactics/shoothouse, car stops, etc. 00:24:19 - What is the process for changing what squad and violations you're working on after entering? 00:27:53 - What is the work/life balance like these days? I've listened to quite a few episodes where the different agents worked 80-100 ish hours a week for months over the course of their careers, which often negatively impacted their family relationships, with some ending in divorces, etc. 00:31:00 - I am 27 years old; I work as the Director of Assessment at a psychiatric hospital. My master’s degree is in Psychology. I have been with the hospital for almost 6 years, working in progressively higher positions until obtaining a director-level job. My goal has been to join the FBI at 30. Given the brief overview of my background, is there any general advice you all can give me as I look to apply within the next 2-3 years? Anything that would make me stand out even more as an applicant? 00:32:57 - My grand daughter is 28 and has BA and MA degree in Accounting and four years with a major accounting firm. She has researched FBIJOBS.gov and realizes she meets the basic educational and experience for the SA position but is more interested in the Accounting /Financial Analyst position. Are professional Accounting/Financial Analysts able to choose their office assignments? Are they subject to transfers as are the SA’s? Do they receive location pay for high-cost areas? Do they receive overtime (AUO) as do the SA’s? 00:37:00 - I am a licensed attorney and I own and run my own law firm. My husband is a Navy JAG officer and so I take my firm with me when we move from state to state. I am a solo practitioner, so I do not have a supervising attorney. Is this still considered "professional" job experience for purposes of the Special Agent position? 00:37:50 - In moving from field office to office, is there any consideration given to being able to live close to my husband who is in the Navy, if possible? Of course, I understand the needs of the Bureau come first. 00:38:47 - I got arrested for driving under the influence. Besides this, I have a clean, spotless record. Would this prevent me from getting accepted? Would that one mistake in my past be enough to prevent me from my dream job? 00:39:56 - What fields of study and experience is the Bureau most looking for and what will give future applicants that edge? 00:42:14 - Is the Intelligence Analyst recruitment process on hold or does it only happen one time per year? 00:44:00 - Do you have to have 20/20 vision to be an agent? Is there a height restriction? 00:45:00 - How long does the hiring process typically take? 00:45:10 - During Quantico, are you able to communicate with/see loved ones? 00:49:37 - How does the FBI determine what your specialization (or unit) will be as an agent? 00:53:00 - I haven't been able to get in touch with my local FBI recruiter or Applicant Coordinator. What should I do? 00:55:02 - In your experience observing and training candidates, what do the most resilient New Agent Trainees do regularly while at Quantico to help them face unknown challenges and experiences while training? 00:57:20 - I've been told or even warned that this job can change you; being exposed to a world of crime and prosecution might do that. What strategies have you used, or seen used, whether mental attitudes or practices, to maintain a healthy optimism when facing even the toughest situations consistently as a special agent? And to follow that question, what practices do you suggest to check-in with yourself throughout one's time serving in the FBI to make sure you haven't lost true north, in a sense? 01:05:44 - I am a military officer considering transitioning in the next 3-5 years and I’m interested in applying to the FBI. Can you speak at all on family life in the FBI? My dream is to coach my kids’ little league teams. Is that possible as a special agent? Also, does the FBI respect Sundays for church? 01:10:41 - Are Tattoos allowed? 01:12:05 - What is the graduation rate over the past 5 years? How many people flunk out? 01:14:03 - How do new agent graduates from the Academy handle first assignment living arrangements, especially given when that first assignment location is confirmed while in training and the 2 year probationary period? Are there any services provided at the academy to help locate housing/apartments for new agents or at the field offices themselves? Do most agents look to rent an apartment or do they purchase a house that they have a family? 01:19:44 - When given a new assignment (new city) later in an agent's career, do the individuals have to handle breaking a lease/selling a house or does the government help alleviate some of that stress? 01:22:14 - How does that first week/month look for new agents when they arrive at their first field office?