FBI Case File Review

Latest Episodes:

412: Ellen Glasser – Iran-Contra Operation Front Door, Women FBI Leaders Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

Retired agent Ellen Glasser reviews the criminal investigation of the Iran-Contra Affair, the secret sale of U.S. arms to Iran and the illegal diversion of funds to Nicaraguan Contra rebels. The case was code-named "Operation Front Door." Ellen investigated and testified about the almost 6,000 messages that were deleted from John Poindexter's and Oliver North's computer files. Poindexter and North were convicted at trial but were later pardoned by President George H. W. Bush, who had been vice president at the time of the scandal. Dr. Ellen Glasser, Ed.D., studied female leadership in nontraditional occupations. She served in the FBI for 24 years.

Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles: https://jerriwilliams.com/412-ellen-glasser-iran-contra-operation-front-door-women-fbi-leaders/

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

Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams

Check out my FBI books, non-fiction and crime fiction, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

411: John Pi – RaisetheFist.com Cyber Intrusion Case, FBI Agent and ER Doctor Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

Retired agent Dr. John Pi, MD, reviews his investigation of the RaisetheFist website, a landmark cyber intrusion investigation that tested the boundaries of digital evidence, constitutional protections, and national security law enforcement. Sherman Austin was charged and convicted of the distribution of information relating to explosives, destructive devices, and weapons of mass destruction with the intent that such information be used in furtherance of a federal crime of violence.

John Pi is also a board-certified emergency physician. As the first FBI agent and doctor, he pioneered the development and integration of tactical medicine into FBI operations. John Pi served in the FBI for over 20 years.

Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles: https://jerriwilliams.com/411-john-pi-raisethefist-com-cyber-intrusion-case-fbi-agent-and-er-doctor/

410: Wayne Barnes – The Hunt for a Russian Mole in the FBI Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

Retired agent Wayne Barnes reviews a 1998 espionage investigation where he was assigned to ferret out a suspected mole within the FBI who was spying for the former Soviet Union and Russia. This involved recruiting "Ivan," a former Soviet intelligence operative who was believed to be aware of the mole's identity. Ivan, who was seeking American backers for a film project, was going to be at the American Film Market, an industry sales and marketing event held in California. Wayne went undercover as a representative for wealthy Texans looking to invest in films. He secured Ivan's trust and arranged the scenario where Ivan agreed to look at a photo spread of possible suspects. Wayne is the author of "A Traitor in the FBI: The Hunt for a Russian Mole." He served in the FBI for 29 years. Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles: https://jerriwilliams.com/410-wayne-barnes-the-hunt-for-a-russian-mole-in-the-fbi/ 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 Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams Check out my FBI books, non-fiction and crime fiction, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

409: John Kingston - Soldier of Fortune Murder-for-Hire Conspiracy Case Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

Retired agent John Kingston reviews how he unraveled a murder-for-hire conspiracy which resulted in the 1985 killing of Atlanta entrepreneur Richard Braun, who was ambushed and killed in his driveway. The hit was brokered through a Soldier of Fortune magazine classified ad. Four men were convicted of conspiracy to commit murder. After filing a lawsuit, the victim's family won a landmark civil verdict against the magazine for negligent publication. John Kingston served in the FBI for over 21 years.

Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles: https://jerriwilliams.com/409-john-kingston-soldier-of-fortune-murder-for-hire-conspiracy-case/

Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams

Check out my FBI books, non-fiction and crime fiction, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

408: Sheldon Fung – Abrin Biotoxin For Sale, Weapons of Mass Destruction Case Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

Retired agent Sheldon Fung reviews the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Sacramento Division investigation of James Christopher Malcolm, who used the online moniker "Dark_Mart." Malcolm was charged and convicted for possessing abrin, a deadly biological toxin similar to ricin found in the seed of the rosary pea, a tropical plant. He knowingly sold vials of abrin to individuals planning to use the biotoxin to kill others. Malcolm was also convicted of the unlawful dealing of explosives and firearms. Sheldon Fung served in the FBI for 21 years.

Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles: https://jerriwilliams.com/408-sheldon-fung-abrin-biotoxin-for-sale-weapons-of-mass-destruction-case/

Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams

Check out my FBI books, non-fiction and crime fiction, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

407: Barry Colvert – John Walker Spy Ring Case, Early Days of FBI Polygraphs Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

Retired agent and veteran polygraph examiner Barry Colvert reviews the over 20 polygraph exams he conducted on the John Walker spy ring case, beginning with Barbara Walker, John's ex-wife who was almost dismissed as a drunken spouse seeking revenge for unpaid child support money and alimony, when she claimed John had been selling military secrets to the Soviet Union. That quirky beginning led to one of the most damaging losses and compromises to national security ever investigated. Barry got confessions from John Walker and his brother Arthur, and interrogated co-conspirators Jerry Whitworth and John's son, Michael Walker.

Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles: https://jerriwilliams.com/407-barry-colvert-john-walker-spy-ring-case-early-days-of-fbi-polygraphs/

Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams

Check out my FBI books, non-fiction and crime fiction, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

406: Tom Ropel – American Al Qaeda Member, Adam Gadahn Indicted for Treason Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

Retired agent Tom Ropel reviews his fugitive investigation of Adam Gadahn, who was indicted in October 2004 for treason and was the first American indicted for treason since the 1950s. California-born Gadahn, who moved to Pakistan to join Al Qaeda, was also charged with providing aid and comfort and material support to the terrorist organization for making propaganda videos supporting Al Qaeda. He threatened attacks on major U.S. cities, called 9/11 payback for American crimes, and encouraged Muslims in the West to kill Americans. Dr. Thomas Ropel, Ph.D., served in the FBI for 21 years.

Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles: https://jerriwilliams.com/406-tom-ropel-american-al-qaeda-member-adam-gadahn-indicted-for-treason/

Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams

Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jerriwilliams1/

Check out my FBI books, non-fiction and crime fiction, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

405: Kerri Reifel – 30-Year Child Murder, 16-Year BAU Case, Who killed April Tinsley? Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

Retired agent Kerri Reifel reviews her work with the Fort Wayne Police Department on the investigation into the murder of 8-year-old April Tinsley, who disappeared on April 1, 1988. Her body was found three days later. But the murder went unsolved for over thirty years. Kerri worked closely with Fort Wayne PD Detective Brian Martin and others on the case for 16 years, first as an agent assigned to the Indianapolis Division and member of the Child Abduction Rapid Deployment team (CARD), and then as a certified profiler in the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU-3) Crimes Against Children program. Through genetic DNA testing, John Miller was identified as the murderer. He pled guilty to murder and child molesting and was sentenced to 80 years. Kerri and another BAU colleague spent two days interviewing him in prison. Kerri Reifel served in the FBI for over 21 years.

Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles: https://jerriwilliams.com/405-kerri-reifel-30-year-child-murder-16-year-bau-case-who-killed-april-tinsley/

Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams

Check out my FBI books, non-fiction and crime fiction, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

404: Shawn Johnson and Steven Meyers – How to Rob a Bank, The Hollywood Bandit Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

Retired agent Shawn Johnson reviews his investigation of serial bank robber Scott Scurlock, aka the Hollywood Bandit. Steven Meyers, who was Scurlock's lookout and getaway driver, also takes part in this case review. Steven Meyers and Scurlock staged takeover heists in the Seattle area during a four-year period in the 1990s. Before entering the bank, Meyers would help Scurlock disguise himself with Hollywood-quality makeup and prosthetic facial features. They robbed 19 banks. However, when surrounded by members of the Seattle Division's Puget Sound Violent Crimes Joint Task Force while attempting to escape from their last robbery, a shootout ensued and ended with Meyers and another accomplice being shot. Scurlock fled the scene. When located, he died by suicide rather than surrendering. The investigation was covered, and Shawn Johnson and Steven Meyers were featured in the Netflix docuseries, How to Rob a Bank. Shawn served in the FBI for over 28 years.

Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles: https://jerriwilliams.com/404-shawn-johnson-and-steven-meyers-how-to-rob-a-bank-the-hollywood-bandit/

The Long Road to Publishing Podcast - https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/6a53fac5c2f78bb6892c2f73

Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams

Check out my FBI books, non-fiction and crime fiction, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

403: Eric Robinson – Solicitation for Murder of Federal Judge Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Retired agent Eric Robinson reviews a case where the subject provided thousands of dollars to a terrorist organization to support violent jihad. After he was arrested, the subject solicited the murder of the federal judge presiding over his case. Eric led the undercover operation where an agent posed as a "hitman" to record the plot to kill the judge. Eric received the U.S. Attorney General's Award for his work on this matter. He served in the FBI for over 23 years.

Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles: https://jerriwilliams.com/403-eric-robinson-solicitation-for-murder-of-federal-judge/

Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams

Check out my FBI books, non-fiction and crime fiction, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected