When Good Cops Face Criminal Charges: The Mark Wagner Story

What really happens when innocent law enforcement officers are wrongfully charged with crimes?In 2022, Special Agent Mark Wagner confronted a violent career criminal who resisted arrest. Acting lawfully to protect himself and his partner, Mark did exactly what he was trained to do. A full investigation confirmed his actions were justified.A radical prosecutor charged him anyway.Mark joins the podcast to describe the devastating toll his ordeal took on his family, finances, and career. He shares what it’s like to face prison after three decades of honorable service—and the relief of a not guilty verdict.Mark’s story is not an anomaly. It reflects a growing pattern of activist prosecutions that are destroying the lives and careers of good officers simply for enforcing the law. We examine how this weaponization of the justice system is chilling proactive policing, eroding morale, and putting public safety at risk nationwide.If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love your feedback. Email [email protected] with any questions or thoughts and please subscribe to Holding the Line wherever you get your podcasts—and leave a five-star review to help support the show.Thanks for listening.