Criminal

Madison Smith, a courageous rape survivor, delves into her inspiring journey for justice after facing harsh skepticism from the legal system. She uncovers a loophole in a Kansas law that allows citizens to pursue their own grand jury. Madison shares the emotional turmoil of navigating trauma and the institutional challenges she faced. Her advocacy story underscores the need for community support and highlights innovative approaches to aid victims of sexual assault, exemplifying resilience and determination in the fight for justice.

In a gripping tale from Iowa, a $16.5 million Hot Lotto ticket goes unclaimed, stirring intrigue and speculation. Lawyers trying to assert dubious claims unfold a web of secrets linked to a dubious lottery official, Eddie Tipton. As investigations reveal his manipulation of the lottery system, shocking details of fraud and betrayal emerge. The narrative dives into Tipton's extravagant lifestyle and the profound consequences of his actions, painting a vivid picture of greed and the complexities of winning big.

Dive into the murky waters of fishing tournaments where competition turns scandalous. Explore the shocking walleye scandal that exposed hidden weights, igniting a fierce debate over integrity in the sport. Uncover the tense confrontation that led to police involvement and tragic consequences. Delve into the quirky economic impacts on local businesses and the dark motivations driving cheating among anglers. This tale blends personal stories, legal battles, and even scientific methods to reveal fishy deceit swimming beneath the surface.

Scott Carmichael is an author focused on espionage, and Jim Popkin has written extensively about intelligence activities. They dive into the intriguing case of Ana Montes, a U.S. defense analyst turned Cuban spy. The conversation reveals the surprising motivations behind her betrayal and explores the complexities of her double life. They discuss the relentless investigation into her actions and the peculiarities surrounding her detachment during arrest. Listeners gain insight into the intricate world of spies in America and the personal conflicts that arise in such dangerous territories.

Guy Bradley, hired in 1902 as a game warden, shares his harrowing experiences protecting birds in the Everglades from rampant poaching. He faced danger alone in the wilderness, confronting armed hunters while combatting the fashion industry's demand for feathers. The discussion reveals the early 1900s' challenges, including mosquito-infested living conditions and the community's reliance on hunting. Bradley’s tragic confrontation over wildlife protection underscores his legacy as a martyr, igniting the conservation movement and shaping future protections for vulnerable bird species.

Author Max Marshall discusses his book 'Among the Bros: A Fraternity Crime Story' on the podcast. They delve into the evolution of fraternities, the influence of Robert E. Lee, a Xanax distribution network within a fraternity, struggles with anxiety and withdrawal, and tragic events in Charleston's drug scene.

Jorge Caraballo discusses Pablo Escobar smuggling hippos into Colombia in the 1980s, leading to a hippo population boom. The podcast covers Escobar's criminal empire, life amidst drug violence in Colombia, and the challenges of sterilizing hippos in the region.

Leslie Arnold, a 24-year-old who escaped from prison in 1967, discusses his experiences in prison, the daring escape with a fellow inmate, and the FBI's relentless pursuit to locate him. The podcast also delves into forensic genetic genealogy, the search for missing persons, and the son's discovery of his father's mysterious past.

The podcast discusses the daring plane hijacking attempt by Martin McNally in 1972, his dramatic escape with money tied to his leg, and the intense aftermath of his criminal act, including his arrest by the FBI. The episode also explores the history of plane hijackings in the 1960s, with stories of hijackings to Cuba and unique solutions proposed to tackle such incidents.

Karen Bethea-Shields, lawyer for Joan Little's self-defense case, discusses the challenges faced by Black women in the justice system. Topics include societal bias, legal strategies, and the emotional trial climax leading to Joan's acquittal.