Justice Then, Justice Now

This episode we welcome the esteemed Robert Almonte, a veteran with decades under his belt and a wealth of experience to share. From his beginnings at the El Paso Police Department to his impactful tenure as the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Texas, Robert offers a riveting exploration of the highs and lows of a career dedicated to community safety. Prepare to be inspired by his journey...

Join us for a captivating conversation with Leon Ives, who brings an extraordinary wealth of experience from his days as a U.S. Army military policeman to his intricate work with U.S. Customs. Leon’s journey through the world of counterintelligence and international drug trafficking investigations offers a rare glimpse into the life of a law enforcement professional navigating the complex, often d...

Billy Dekle, famously known as Gringo Billy, takes us on an exhilarating and heart-wrenching ride through his life, from a humble farm boy to an infamous drug smuggler and now an author. In this episode, Billy reveals his journey, recounting his early years in Union County, his passionate pursuit of flying, and the moral dilemmas he faced when he first encountered the world of airborne smuggling....

In this episode we learn how someone with aspirations of becoming a high school history teacher from Mesquite, Texas ended up chasing drug smugglers in the skies over the U.S.-Mexico border? Veteran federal agent Ken Cates shares his extraordinary journey from aspiring educator to DEA and ATF operative, revealing the twists of fate that led him to a distinguished career in law enforcement. Ken&apo...

Join us on Justice Then Justice Now as we bring you the captivating life of Robert Starkman. Bob takes us through his early career in a maximum-security prison, his dogged determination during the 1980s narcotics crisis, and his unforgettable encounters with notable figures like Joseph Pistone, a.k.a. Donnie Brasco. His stories aren’t just thrilling; they’re a testament to his ironclad commitment...

In this episode, we sit down with Mariel Colon, a New York-based attorney who has represented clients like Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán and Jeffrey Epstein. Mariel opens up about her unique journey from aspiring to work in entertainment law to becoming a prominent figure in criminal defense, sharing the unexpected challenges and invaluable lessons learned along the way. Mariel recounts her...

Imagine starting your career as a Playboy Bunny only to find yourself years later as a detective in the NYPD. That's the incredible journey of our guest, Ms. Diane Matuszak. She shares with us her early days in Wisconsin, her unyielding love for New York City, and the pivotal moment that directed her towards a life in law enforcement. Diane’s recollections offer a vivid picture of the challen...

Curious about what it takes to bring down major drug cartels? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dave Gaddis, a retired DEA agent whose career spans some of the most intense eras and locations in narcotics enforcement. From his early days inspired by his Green Beret father, to overcoming vision-related hurdles that led him to the DEA, Dave's journey is a testament to resilience and...

Experience the story of Richard "Dickie" Lynn, a man whose life journey took him from the serene shores of Michigan to the high-stakes world of marijuana smuggling in Key Largo. Listen as Dickie recounts his early years, the pivotal moment when his family moved south due to his father's health, and the havoc wreaked by Hurricane Donna. Discover how a sports-loving high school studen...

This week on Justice Then, Justice Now, we are honored to welcome Sam Weitz, who's journey from Atlantic City to becoming a federal agent is nothing short of inspiring. From a pivotal connection with a local mayor that kickstarted his career at just 20 years old to navigating complex state laws and networking, Sam's story is informative and entertaining. As Sam reminisces about his caree...

Join us on this captivating journey with Ruben Gonzalez, a former senior special agent with US Customs, as he unveils the thrilling and often perilous world of undercover law enforcement. Discover how Ruben’s childhood in a Puerto Rican family in Wisconsin and his early exposure to law enforcement in Florida shaped his extraordinary career. From being a Customs Explorer to conducting high-stakes o...

Join us as we sit down with retired NYPD Detective Ralph Friedman, who shares his extraordinary journey from an unplanned entry into law enforcement to becoming a legendary figure with over 2,000 arrests. Through vivid stories of camaraderie and peril in the 41 precinct, known as Fort Apache, Ralph paints a raw portrait of what it was like to serve during one of New York City's most challengi...

Join us in this powerful episode as we sit down with Vanessa Rojas, Evelyn Bazon-Pappa, and Damaris Ramos Hernandez, to explore their extraordinary journeys from the depths of federal incarceration to becoming beacons of hope and mentors for others. Vanessa's heartbreaking story of childhood trauma, addiction, and the struggles of single motherhood, including caring for a special needs child,...

Ever wondered what it takes to navigate the complex world of law enforcement and organized crime? Join us as we sit down with Herb Rutherford, a highly respected figure in the U.S. Marshal Service, whose career spans decades of impactful service. From his first memorable encounter with Chief Deputy Toby Roche during the notorious Licavoli trial in 1982 to his pivotal role in high-stakes organized...

In this gripping episode, Pete Thron takes us on an unforgettable journey as he recounts the harrowing conclusion of his court case, his time behind bars, and his path to redemption. From the biased sentencing that shattered his life to the mental and physical struggles of surviving prison, Pete's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Listeners will get an inside look at...

Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary life of Pete Thron, a former police officer and acclaimed author, as he takes us through his compelling journey from the streets of Harlem to the literary world. Growing up in a strict Sicilian family in Merrick, Long Island, and facing early life challenges, Pete's pursuit of justice and passion for law enforcement shine through. He shares how an...

Join us for an unforgettable ride through the career of John Murray, a retired NYPD officer and US Customs agent, whose captivating tales from the frontline of law enforcement will leave you informed and entertained. From patrolling Manhattan's Chelsea district to navigating the intricate world of illegal gambling at the Aqueduct racetrack, John's journey is filled with unexpected twists...

What would you do if faced with a 24-year prison sentence for a crime you didn't fully understand? This episode features the extraordinary Amy Povah, an advocate in prison and marijuana reform, and founder of the Can-Do Foundation. Her story begins Dallas and Arkansas, weaving through a complicated legal journey involving MDMA that dramatically changed her life. Amy's candid recounting o...

What if a single courtroom strategy could turn the tide in the war against drug trafficking? In this riveting episode, we sit down with Paul Pelletier, an esteemed attorney who transformed the legal landscape of Miami in the 1980s. From his early days juggling college and police work to becoming a pivotal federal prosecutor, Paul's story is a testament to innovation in law enforcement. Discov...

Can personal decisions transform your life, even when faced with the harshest penalties? Join us in “Justice Then, Justice Now” as we, Tobias Roche and Evelyn Bozon Pappa, navigate through our 30-year journey in the criminal justice system. This episode unfolds with Evelyn sharing her profound story of spending 26 years in prison, emphasizing the pivotal role of honesty, clear conduct, and respect...