Good day my friends! Welcome to the America’s Criminologist Podcast for March 7, 2025. This is Dr Currie Myers with some interesting criminal justice news and events that have occurred in the United States recently.
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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.
This Tuesday 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. Well-respected in the Special Forces community, retired Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Mike Lerario is President and Principal Consultant for Crispian Consulting Inc., a firm that provides specialized training and coaching in Leadership Development and organizational effectiveness. Additionally, Mike serves as subject matter expert on numerous research projects for the Army and the Department of Defense. Mike is the author of the 2016 Amazon.com International Best Seller Leadership in Balance: The Fulcrum-Centric Plan for Emerging and High Potential Leaders. His second book, Management in Balance: The Fulcrum-Centric Plan for New and Reluctant Managers, was published in November 2022. He is currently working on a third book, Solving the Leader’s Dilemma: Finding the Balance Between Leadership and Management. Mike and I discussed leadership and consulting, his Special Forces military experience and lessons learned, as well as his two books and his new one in the making. Check out my interview with LTC Lerario here!
For 2024, the total line of duty deaths in law enforcement was 145 officers. So far in 2025 there have been 13 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Any law enforcement death is troubling but the trend line for this year is positive compared to last year: Here is the current trendlines:
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:
Forensic science serves as the bedrock of modern criminal investigations, providing critical evidence that can affirm guilt or establish innocence. The timely processing and analysis of forensic evidence, including autopsies, toxicology reports, chemistry tests, DNA analyses, and firearms examinations, are essential for the swift administration of justice. However, prolonged turnaround times in forensic laboratories often hinder investigations, delay court proceedings, and impede evidence-based policing. This perspective delves into the current national averages for forensic report turnaround times, explores the imperative for expedited results, examines strategies to accelerate these processes, and highlights technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology, that hold promise for revolutionizing forensic science. To read my full Op Ed click here!
The recent arrest of former Air Force Vice Chief of Staff James C. "Jim" Slife on charges of treason for allegedly ordering an abortive airstrike against the Michigan Militia in 2013 raises profound concerns about the potential misuse of military force on American soil. Such an action, had it been executed, could have resulted in a national tragedy and represented a severe abuse of military power within the United States. The Posse Comitatus Act (PCA) of 1878 serves as a foundational legal barrier against the use of federal military forces in domestic law enforcement. This act was enacted to prevent the military from interfering in civilian affairs, reflecting the nation's commitment to civilian control over the armed forces. While there are exceptions, such as the Insurrection Act, which allows for military intervention under specific circumstances like suppressing civil disorder or insurrection, these exceptions are narrowly defined and require clear justification. (Source: reuters.com). The Michigan Militia, established in 1994, is a civilian paramilitary organization. Whether one agrees with this groups work or not, the labeling such a group as a legitimate military target without clear evidence of imminent threat or engagement in acts of war sets a dangerous precedent. The domestic deployment of military force against U.S. citizens or groups, absent a declaration of war or a situation meeting the stringent criteria outlined in the Insurrection Act, undermines constitutional protections and civil liberties. Historically, the U.S. has been cautious in deploying military force domestically. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 was enacted to check the president's power to commit the nation to armed conflict without congressional consent. This resolution underscores the importance of legislative oversight in matters of war and peace, especially within the nation's borders. Furthermore, the Department of Justice's 2001 memorandum on the "Authority for Use of Military Force to Combat Terrorist Activities Within the United States" acknowledges the gravity of deploying military force domestically and emphasizes adherence to constitutional safeguards. The memo highlights that any such use must be carefully calibrated to avoid infringing upon civil liberties and must be justified by clear and present dangers to national security. The potential for collateral damage, loss of innocent lives, and the erosion of public trust in governmental institutions cannot be overstated. The use of military force in domestic settings carries inherent risks, including the possibility of escalating violence and undermining the principles of democracy. Such actions could lead to a chilling effect on lawful dissent and erode the foundational freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. In conclusion, the alleged order for an airstrike against the Michigan Militia, if true, represents a profound overreach of military authority and a deviation from established legal and constitutional norms. It serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for stringent checks and balances when considering the use of military force within the United States. Preserving civil liberties and adhering to the rule of law must remain paramount to prevent national tragedies and maintain the integrity of our democratic institutions. If it wasn’t for the brave Air Force pilots flying the plane that refused to carry out an illegal order by a military general, it could have caused a major incident on American liberties. And what is more disturbing is that the mainstream media has not covered this news or arrest.
President Trump’s Joint Congressional Speech last night was a moment of clarity and resolve for a nation in dire need of decisive leadership. From a criminal justice public policy perspective, the speech underscored the urgent necessity of returning to foundational principles—law and order, border security, and the protection of American families from rampant criminality. To read my full Op Ed click here!
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Okay here is my five-minute blitz on CJ News and Information for this week:
The Democratic mayors of Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York City testified on sanctuary city policies before the House Oversight Committee.
Dr C’s Take: Sanctuary city policies, which limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, carry grave implications, particularly when they obstruct federal agents’ efforts to arrest dangerous individuals. When sanctuary policies result in harm to federal agents, it raises a critical question: should Section 1983 of Title 42 of the U.S. Code be employed to hold police chiefs, sheriffs, and elected officials accountable? Of course! In an era of increasing polarization, where political decisions often come at the expense of public safety, holding officials accountable is more critical than ever. Sanctuary policies must not become a shield for negligence. Federal agents and the American people deserve better.
The New Hampshire State Police under Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte has requested to be deputized by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency under Section 287(g) to the Immigration and Nationality Act to enable their officers to detain, question and arrest illegal immigrants in the Granite State.
Dr C’s Take: In the end, the partnership between America’s law enforcement agencies at the local and state level with the Trump Administration’s criminal justice vision is not just about policy, it is about protecting the American dream. By working together, they can ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to live in a safe and prosperous nation, free from the fear of crime and the chaos of lawlessness.
The Houston Police Officers' Union announced its disgrace for a local judge for her "indefensible decision" to set bond for a man charged with capital murder in the 2024 ambush death of a Harris County deputy. Fox News reported that Judge Hilary Unger of the 248th District Criminal Court set bond at $1 million for Dremone Francis back in November 2024 in direct opposition to prosecutors' request for a no-bond hold. As of Wednesday, Francis has posted his bail and is out of jail. Francis is one of two men accused in the death of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda. Francis has been charged with capital murder and tampering with evidence. The union said, "This is not an isolated case. Judge Unger has a history of prioritizing criminals over victims, undermining law enforcement, and making our streets more dangerous. If we don't stop judges like her now, we will continue to see repeat offenders and violent criminals emboldened by a system that refuses to hold them accountable."
Dr C’s Take: Judge Hilary Unger’s decision to grant bond to a man charged with capital murder in the ambush killing of a Harris County deputy is a reckless and dangerous precedent that prioritizes criminal rights over public safety. By ignoring prosecutors’ request for a no-bond hold, Judge Unger has undermined the justice system’s ability to keep violent offenders off the streets, putting law enforcement officers and the community at risk. This case is not an anomaly—it reflects a troubling pattern of leniency that emboldens criminals and erodes public trust in the legal system. When individuals accused of the most heinous crimes, such as the premeditated murder of a deputy, are released on bond, it signals to criminals that there are minimal consequences for their actions. This not only disrespects the victims and their families but also places the lives of law enforcement officers and innocent civilians in jeopardy. The safety of the public must always outweigh ideological judicial activism. Judges who consistently make decisions that favor offenders over victims create an environment where crime flourishes and law enforcement is demoralized. If the judiciary refuses to hold violent criminals accountable, then the consequences will be felt in rising crime rates, repeat offenses, and a community living in fear. Judges like Unger must be held accountable before more lives are lost due to their reckless decisions.
The two men charged in connection with the overdose deaths of three Chiefs fans in January 2024 appeared in court on Thursday. Jordan Willis and Ivory Carson are charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of delivery of a controlled substance. Willis’ DNA was found on the bag of cocaine found at the scene and Carson’s was found on the bag of Fentanyl found at the scene. On January 9, the bodies of David Harrington, Ricky Johnson and Clayton McGeeney were found in the backyard of their longtime friend Jordan Willis. The bodies had been there since Sunday January 7, when the three men visited Willis to watch their beloved Chiefs play the Los Angeles Chargers. Willis claims he went to bed, leaving the three men downstairs to 'hang out' with an unidentified fifth man, and knew nothing of their plight until the fiancée of one of the men broke into the home on January 9 and found him on the back porch. The police were called and soon discovered the other two bodies in the backyard.
Dr C’s Take: I opined then it was most probably a Fentanyl exposure. Hower this case once again focuses on forensic lab results. These arrests took more that a year to occur. But the Kansas City football fans' case, as sad as it is, highlights a bigger problem in Kansas City. Police and laboratory backlogs, all based due to the police defund movement. Leaders in Kansas City, Mo. and supported by the mayor in 2021 announced a proposal that would significantly reduce funding for the city's police department to the minimum allowed by state law and reallocate much of the remaining money to a community fund. As a result of this proposal, the fiscal year 2021-22 budget to fund the department the 20% (nearly $44 million) minimum of the city general fund revenue, which is the lowest the city can devote to police funding under Missouri law. The remaining money would be diverted to a Community Services and Prevention Fund. Kansas City suffered through a hiring freeze and did not even have a police academy for 2020 or 2021. As a result, the police department is losing about 100 officers a year to attrition. Other departments within the police force are also experiencing staffing shortages, such as the KCMOPD crime laboratory, which is down a 15% reduction in staff, causing significant case backlogs and delays in solving crimes. The state of Missouri has even forced Kansas City to better fund the police through legislative actions at the statehouse level. Forensic scientists need to be hired and funded. And this is especially so in Kansas City, Missouri!
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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!
Dr C
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