The Badge is Retired, and the Story Lives On....

Send us Fan MailPart two of a two-part episode. former Deputy Prosecutor Thomas Vanes recalls his role in the prosecution of Michael Lee Lockhart for the murders of two teenaged girls and a Texas Police Officer. Murder and death sentencing in three states involves a complicated process and coordination, which Vanes meticulously describes in this episode. Vanes also discusses the many nuances, coincidences and 'small world' situations in this account.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailGuest, former Deputy Prosecutor, Thomas Vanes gives his account of the search for an active serial rapist/murderer who is killing teenaged girls. In an amazing twist of fate, a conversation between two ladies in Florida sparks a lead that will put investigators on the trail. This is a two-part series; part one is The Hunt for a Serial Killer. Part two is the trial and sentencing of the killer. Mr. Vanes recently retired from government after 50 years serving the citizens of Lake County, Indiana, a suburb on the Southeast side of Chicago, Illinois. He directed the Career Criminal Unit at the Prosecutor's Office before moving over to direct the staff of court appointed defense attorneys in the county courts.Along with an exceptional record as a Prosecutor, Mr. Vanes, in at least two cases, was largely responsible for proving the innocence of two accused murderers after identifying the responsible individuals.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailNeil Basarich, a convicted drug dealer talks a group of kids age 6-14 about what drugs do. Basarich tells how he got involved in taking drugs and later becoming a major dealer. He then talks about what changed him and how he escaped the grip of drugs.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailA former methamphetamine dealer talks to children about avoiding drugs and how going to prison changed his life.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailKimblery and Melissa join host James Mitchell to describe what it's like to work in a 911 call center in Palm Beach County, Florida. Buckled up3 and prepare for some surprises. These women are truly remarkable!James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAuthor James Mitchell answers the question of why he wrote the children's book. It was his way of reaching out to impressionable children to explain the positive aspects that law enforcement brings to the community-to make everyone safe and help those in need of protection. A great addition to home libraries. (Also recommended for outreach programs through law enforcement agencies).James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAttorney Thomas Vanes takes the listener through a shocking series of revelations as he probed the facts of a case involving the murder of a six-month old baby girl.Vanes, a supervisor of court appointed defense attorneys and former deputy prosecutor discusses the case involving his client who was accused of murdering is 6-month-old daughter we'll call Charlotte. Vanes was handed the case from his client's former attorney who had recommended he plead guilty and agree to a 40-year prison sentence. This one may get to you.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailJames Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAuthor, James Mitchell recalls his old friend in the Marine Corps, Russell Paul Armstrong. After leaving the Marine's the two lost contact, until recently when Mitchell researched his old buddy, finding out much more than he ever expected.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailThe author of A Badge Well Worn reunites with a former drug dealer who is mentioned in the book. The discussion gives the listener a rare glimpse of what it's like to sell drugs. Known as 'Lenny" in the book, Neil Basarich offers his personal reflections, revealing what his life was like while in the business of selling methamphetamine. He included the night he almost shot the author who was working as an undercover police officer.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAuthor, James Mitchell and his guest, former Deputy Prosecutor Thomas Vanes discuss the prosecution in this episode, the second of two involving the murder and dismemberment of Paul Kamyatti. This episode reveals the real-life interaction between the accused and the authorities in this highly publicized homicide. The final hours of the defendant, William Vandiver before his execution in the electric chair in Michigan City, Indiana.  James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAuthor, James Mitchell (A Badge Well Worn) discusses with his guest, former Deputy Prosecutor Thomas Vanes (Lake County, Indiana) the prosecution of those responsible for the 1983 murder and dismemberment of Paul Kamyatti in his Hammond, Indiana home. A behind the curtain look at unpublished and unreported activities of the accused family members and the authorities who work to solve the case. Also discussed, is the last electric chair execution in Indiana, what happened and what resulted from the disturbing final minutes of convicted murderer, William Vandiver.This, and many other cases are also described in the author's book, A Badge Well Worn, Available on Amazon.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAuthor, James Mitchell and his guest, former Deputy Prosecutor, Thomas Vanes discuss the investigation of the murder of 65-year-old Victim, Paul Kamyatti whose dismembered remains were located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan in seven garbage bags. The investigation exposed the conspiracy to kill Kamyatti and his death in the family home.This episode is part one of two, with the second episode discussing the trial and sentencing of the accused murderers.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAuthor, James Mitchell announces the upcoming podcast featuring former Deputy Prosecutor Thomas Vanes will discuss the investigation and trial of those responsible for the murder of 65-year-old Paul Kamyatti.  The murder and dismemberment and disposal of his body on the Lake Michigan shoreline. James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAuthor, James Mitchell discusses his experience in working with Professor Herbert Macdonnell, a renowned expert credited with developing a methodology for determining the probable source of blood spatter evidence found at a crime scene.Professor Herbert L. Madonnell of Corning, New York was retained to evaluate blood spatter evidence in the murder of a 21-year-old wife who was brutally murdered in 1980.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailTrish Todd, 30, of Hobe Sound, Florida fails to show up at her job as a nurse on April 26, 2016. This episode follows the police investigation and arrest of 34-year-old ex-husband, Steven Williams, an Air Force Enlisted man.Author, James Mitchell describes the intense investigation that led up to the arrest and conviction of Williams for the murder of his former wife. while their four old child slept.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailThis episode will follow the Martin County, Florida Sheriff's Department's intense investigation into the disappearance of 33 Year Old Tricia Todd of Hobe Sound, Florida.This mother of a four-year-old daughter was found several weeks later in a nature preserve, having been dismembered and placed in a container of acid.The story will talk about how the police convinced Todd's ex-husband, Steven Williams, an Air Force enlisted man planned for months to carry out the murder and conceal it.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAuthor, James Mitchell and Attorney, Scott Zappolo discuss various ways to avoid being a victim in various situations where we might be vulnerable.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAuthor, James Mitchell continues his discussion with Attorney and Firearm Instructor, Scott Zappolo. The upcoming podcast on Wednesday, December 20 will focus on situational awareness and victimology, with a special emphasis how women can protect themselves. James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailTwo youthful teenagers kidnap, rob, and rape a 29 year-old schoolteacher. They are apprehended and charged in adult court with Robbery, Kidnapping and Rape. They are convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison sentences.This podcast discusses the efforts to appeal the lower court's ruling and sentences. There are also a few surprises in the appeal court's ruling.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAuthor, James Mitchell 'A Badge Well Worn' announces forthcoming podcast where he discusses an excerpt from his book and a 29-year-old schoolteacher who was the victim of a robbery, kidnapping and rape by two teenaged youths. He reviews the investigation, the identification, trial, conviction, and the subsequent appeals that followed.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAuthor, James Mitchell discusses the legal concerns all gun owners should be aware of with Attorney and Firearms Instructor, Scott Zappolo. The discussion was inspired from an incident in the book, A Badge Well Worn where an armed citizen stepped in the detain an armed subject trying to escape from an armed robbery and police shooting.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAttorney, Firearms Instructor Scott Zappolo answers questions about legal concerns for firearms owners.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAuthor, James Mitchell recounts his investigation into a missing witness, believed to have been abducted and murdered. The witness was scheduled to testify in court, but never arrived and has not been seen since.Mitchell leads the listener through the investigation that followed.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailA 56-year-old pharmacist goes missing after he failed to show up as a state's witness in a burglary trial of one of the suspects. The upcoming podcast will discuss the efforts by authorities to find out who was responsible for his disappearance, and how the state was able to proceed with the trial.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailThis episode features former Deputy Prosecutor Thomas Vanes who details his prosecution of serial murderer Alton Coleman and his accomplice, Debra Brown. The couple had killed 8 people in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio before they were captured by Illinois authorities. But not before they made it to the FBI's Ten-Most-Wanted List.  Mr. Vanes discusses the efforts of law enforcement officials and prosecutors to bring these murderers to justice.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAnnouncement of upcoming podcast featuring former veteran Deputy Prosecutor Thomas Vanes. Mr. Vanes details his involvement in the prosecution of serial murderer, Alton Coleman and his girlfriend, Debra Brown after they had been charged in the murders of 8 people in four states.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAuthor of the new book, A Badge Well Worn discusses upcoming podcast with Deputy Prosecutor Thomas Vanes about the criminal prosecution of a child molester.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

Send us Fan MailAuthor, James Mitchell invites listeners of hear his upcoming podcast, A Badge Well Worn where Deputy Prosecutor Thomas Vanes explains where he made new caselaw in the process of the prosecution of a child molester.James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.