DEA Agent J. Todd Scott: From Busting International Drug Dealers to Writing and Producing Dutton Ranch (Part One)

Send us Fan MailThe name of this podcast is Cops and Writers. My guest on the show today, J Todd Scott, definitely fits that bill. The conclusion of this interview will air next Sunday!Todd spent 30 years as a special agent for the DEA, being assigned to multiple locations across the United States and the world. During his time as a special agent, he took part in investigations leading to tons of seized illegal drugs and millions of dollars in illegal drug proceeds. He was a part of the first group of agents to be assigned to Haiti for a long-term mission, where he escaped certain death multiple times by the skin of his teeth. Todd has always had a passion for stories and writing, and pursued this when he retired from federal service. He’s authored six critically acclaimed crime and thriller novels. He’s also a film/TV producer and screenwriter. His work includes the Lawmen: Bass Reeves series, and he is a producer and writer for the spinoff to the massively popular Yellowstone series, Dutton Ranch.I loved talking with Todd. He has lived and is living a life that books and movies are made of; now he’s telling the stories.  In today’s episode, we discuss:·      Growing up in rural Kentucky. ·      Having no relatives or friends in law enforcement, and joining the DEA.·      Why did he choose the DEA?·      Thinking his career with the DEA would be like the Miami Vice television series.·      His first day on the job as a special agent assigned to the Los Angeles field office.·      The multiple work locations where he worked as a DEA agent.  ·      Training local law enforcement and running active investigations in Haiti.·      Dealing with corruption within the Hattian Police Department.·      Being caught in a street mob in Haiti and barely making it out alive.·      What is the biggest threat to the United States? What is the role of illegal drugs? All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Head on over to Todd's website to learn more about him and his work.Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop!Head on over to my website! What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click thSupport the show