Good day my friends! Welcome to the America’s Criminologist Podcast for January 17, 2025. This is Dr Currie Myers with some interesting criminal justice news and events that have occurred in the United States recently.
My Podcast is brought to you by the Howard Wagyu Ranch. Raised on a family ranch in Central Kansas, Howard Wagyu serves Wagyu beef with the highest quality and excellence. Just go to their Facebook Page and go to Howard Wagyu!
My new book, “The Advent of Feral Man” is now available on Substack drcurriemyers.substack.com for all paid subscribers. In this book, I present compelling evidence that within the last decade, America is going into a quick decent into the “wilding” of human beings. A phenomenon that is perpetuated by the lack of faith, family, and formation in our human development. If you are a paid subscriber to my Substack you will have access to my book and all my other published works. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Don’t forget my podcast also available on Spotify on America’s Criminologist with Dr. Currie Myers. And please join me on X. This is a very important platform for distributing my work. @DrCurrieMyers. I also have a new podcast out dedicated to reigniting faith, family, and formation in our lives. It called the St Michaels Group Podcast that’s stmichaelsgroup.substack.com and it is also available on Spotify. This podcast is once a week and totally free for listeners.
On Tuesday, January 14 on the Lou Desmond & Company Show, I was the guest host for the drive time slot for the California Inland Empire station of KMET, San Bernardino. My guest was Peter J. Forcelli. Pete is a retired Deputy Assistant Director from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Prior to joining ATF, he served for 15 years with the N.Y.P.D., before retiring from the Bronx Homicide Task Force. Forcelli appeared in Congress in June 2011 to blast his supervisors and the U.S. attorney in Arizona for failing to oversee a law enforcement operation that lost track of as many as 2,000 guns along the Southwest border, better known as Operation Fast and Furious. One of the guns that the ATF let walk ended up in the cartels hands and was used in the killing of USCBP Agent, Brian Terry. Click here to listen to the show!
Here are my pressing issues that I have offered an opinion on as an applied criminologist, ethicist and career law enforcement officer at the local, state, and federal level:
The rise in violent incidents involving transgender individuals, including mass shootings, warrants an urgent and unflinching examination. Gender identity confusion, a complex psychological issue, presents unique dangers when left untreated or improperly addressed. This phenomenon must be understood not as a matter of identity affirmation but as a serious mental health crisis with significant implications for public safety. The involvement of transgender individuals in violent incidents underscores the urgent need to address gender identity confusion as a significant mental health issue. By focusing on the psychological struggles at the heart of this phenomenon, society can mitigate risks and provide individuals with the support they need to overcome their challenges. A conservative approach—grounded in accountability, mental health intervention, and community support—offers a roadmap for addressing this growing concern. It prioritizes public safety while advocating for compassionate and effective care, ensuring that no one is left to navigate their struggles alone. To view my Substack on the issue, click here!
Wednesday was President Joseph R. Biden’s farewell address to the nation. As an applied criminologist, I purposefully listened and examined the POTUS speech especially when it came time for the President to speak on criminal justice issues. There was not too much dedicated to public safety, but three points were made by the President: to view my Substack on this issue, click here!
Congestion pricing, a policy aimed at managing urban traffic and promoting sustainable transit, has recently taken root in New York City. Officially implemented on January 5, 2025, the plan designates a Congestion Relief Zone encompassing Manhattan south of 60th Street, requiring drivers to pay a fee to enter. The initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance air quality, and fund public transit improvements. This perspective examines both the intended benefits and the unintended consequences of congestion pricing in New York City, with a focus on its economic, environmental, and social dimensions, including its effects on criminal pathology. While congestion pricing in New York City is heralded as an ambitious initiative to combat traffic and environmental challenges, its potential to exacerbate social, economic, and safety issues cannot be ignored. The policy risks displacing traffic to other neighborhoods, imposing steep economic burdens on businesses and commuters, and straining an already underfunded public transit system. Alarmingly, it will also stretch law enforcement resources thin, leading to increased criminal activity and reduced public safety. Unless the city commits to rigorous oversight, transparent allocation of funds, and comprehensive mitigation strategies, the unintended consequences of congestion pricing could far outweigh its intended benefits. This policy may unintentionally erode public trust and undermine safety, setting a dangerous precedent for urban policy worldwide. Policymakers must confront these challenges head-on to prevent New York City from further urban decay. To view my Substack on the issue, click here!
I am really proud to start offering content from other talented people on this Substack site. I also have started to interview persons and highlight those interviews on this site. My first guest content provider is Detective Kevin Cronister, who is a member of the Internet Crimes Again Children Task Force. Kevin is also my colleague at his company called Guardian Training Solutions. I encourage everyone to go to my Substack site and read his work entitled, “Wanna Watch Me Shave, Part I.” I caution folks that these stories are real life law enforcement issues that has information and language that is not suited for all persons. However, the importance of grooming and child predators through social media is so important that we must bring light into the tunnel for all parents to understand. Names and some information have been changed to protect the innocent. Original Story on LinkedIn with author’s permission to feature. To view Kevin’s work, click here!
My friends, at Guardian Training Solutions, they believe all officers should head into the field with the most advanced, up-to-date tactical skills in order to fulfill their promise to protect and serve with honor. As technology and tools evolve, continued training and certifications are necessary so officers can evolve, too. So, I recommend Guardian Training Solutions as your go to law enforcement and security training company for all your training needs. And hey, in early 2025, Guardian will be unveiling there online training LMS programs and yours truly has the honor of helping them with future training curriculum and development. Our first course in development now in on leadership, so go to Guardian Training Solutions to find out more about their incredible, POST-certified training programs!
Okay here is my five-minute blitz on CJ News and Information for this week:
Here’s a good one! An illegal immigrant from the Dominican Republic was arrested for possession of over $1 million worth of fentanyl and an AR-15 rifle on December 27 in a state taxpayer-subsidized hotel room of Massachusetts' emergency housing program. Leonardo Andujar Sanchez, 28, as reported by Fox News, was arrested by the Revere Police Department and was arrested on firearm charges, including an alien in possession of a firearm, and for possession of about 10 pounds of the lethal synthetic drug. So, what would ten pounds of Fentanyl do to the public? Not all of the fentanyl would necessarily be used in pure form or at a lethal dose. Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, which can dilute its concentration. Users might take non-lethal doses or have varying levels of tolerance. Additionally, not all fentanyl consumed leads to death; some might lead to non-fatal overdoses or could be used in controlled medical environments where overdoses are reversed. Also, the actual number of deaths would also depend on how the fentanyl is distributed. If it's distributed in a way where each dose is precisely 2 mg, the potential for deaths would be higher. However, if it's mixed or cut with other substances, the actual number could be significantly lower. Based on these considerations, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has noted that one kilogram (approximately 2.2 pounds) of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people if used purely in lethal doses, but actual outcomes vary widely. For ten pounds, based on the above considerations, there's the potential for deaths that could easily top one million. Have I got your attention yet?
For 2024, the total line of duty deaths in law enforcement was 145 officers. Here are the law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty so far in 2025:
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley defended the department’s pre-deployment strategies on Wednesday, firing back against a Los Angeles Times article, “L.A. fire officials could have put engines in the Palisades before the fire broke out. They didn’t“earlier this week, contending that the LAFD could have put more crews and fire engines into the Palisades in preparation before the wind event and subsequent fire. Since January 7th, Los Angeles County has been devastated by several wildfires blazing in different areas of the county. This includes the Palisades Fire, which is currently at around 23,700 acres and has resulted in 9 deaths, over 105,000 evacuated, and 5,300 destroyed structures; and the Eaton Fire, which is currently over 14,100 acres and has caused 17 deaths, 100,000 evacuated, and roughly 7,000 destroyed structures. The Palisades fire is also currently at about 22% containment, with Eaton at about 55% containment. The LA Times report alleged that the LAFD could have put more crews and fire engines into the Palisades in preparation before the wind event and subsequent fire. In particular, they noted that many of the crews who worked the day before were not kept on duty the day of the wind event to increase the number of available crews in case of an emergency. Also, only 5 of the more than 40 fire engines available for wildfire use were made ready before the fire, with the LAFD then calling in those same crews and activating the other fire engines after the fire started. The LAT reported that while additional fire engines were pre-deployed into San Fernando Valley and Northeast Los Angeles, no additional engines were sent to the Palisades. Meanwhile, LAFD Chief’s budget for this year includes a $2 million budget request for additional DEI training. And did you know that LA has the same number of fires stations that it had in 1960! Incredible!
The FBI has closed its DEI office. "In recent weeks, the FBI took steps to close the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), effective by December 2024," the agency told Fox News Digital on Thursday. The agency didn't specify why it had closed the office, although many Republicans have been critical of it prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion, saying that had overshadowed national security. The FBI page on diversity and inclusion – that was still on its website as of Thursday – says the agency is "committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce. In 2015, the FBI added diversity as one of the organization's core values. Former FBI special agent and Fox News contributor Nicole Parker told Fox News Digital: "I appreciate all forms of diversity. Make no mistake of that. What I do not appreciate is when there is a constant push for social justice weaponization at the FBI whose top priorities are to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution." She added that FBI Director Christopher Wray has made it clear that threats across and against the nation are "at an all-time high. ‘Flashing red lights,’ as he has stated in congressional testimony. There is no time for clubs, groups, or social agendas that divert time, attention and resources away from the mission of the FBI to protect the American people." "DEI is a dangerous distraction," she continued. "I have no issue in celebrating whatever you would like regarding your heritage or gender or religion. But that should be done on your own time and not with the U.S. taxpayers' dollars while on official Bureau time." Parker added, "The FBI needs to focus on hiring the best and brightest based solely on meritocracy. Americans deserve the best. I have never been on an operation or heard of a civilian calling into the FBI and requesting an individual of a certain race or gender provide them with assistance in solving their problem or stopping a crime they've fallen victim to. Americans simply want to be safe." Amen let’s get the FBI back on track and the once great law enforcement agency that it was!
The latest from the Advent of Feral Man! FBI agents in Florida busted up an alleged kidnapping plot by a group of “goons” who feds say planned to take a Miami jeweler captive until he forked over his $2 million in cryptocurrency. Evan Puckett, 18, Tre’von Anthony Neal, 20, Zacary Briggs, 22, and Aaron Hammond, 21, are charged with kidnapping conspiracy, attempted kidnapping, Hobbs Act Robbery Conspiracy and Attempted Hobbs Act Extortion. A confidential source tipped off the feds about the plan on Jan. 6. According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, the source said a person he referred to as “Jack” was assembling a group of “goons” to kidnap a jeweler who worked at the Seybold building in downtown Miami. The victim was trying to exchange the crypto for cash. The plan was to hold the victim captive “until we get paid.” But they emphasized that they didn’t want to hurt the victim, feds wrote. The suspects also asked the confidential informant to supply the vehicle they would use. He did so — but it was delivered by an undercover agent, and the vehicle was outfitted with cameras, a tracker and listening devices, according to the FBI. Agents also were tracking Puckett’s and Neal’s phones via GPS, the affidavit said. All four men are in jail without bond and awaiting trial.
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This is Dr Currie Myers, America’s Criminologist. To view my work please visit drcurriemyers.substack.com and please share and like our page! And please remember my friends at Howard Wagyu for some of the best beef in America. Howard Wagyu, Kansas homegrown Wagyu Beef so tender you can cut your steak with a fork! Stay safe and have a great weekend!
Stay safe!
Dr C
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