Pete Thron was a New York City Housing Authority police officer during the height of the crack epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s, patrolling the dangerous streets of Harlem and Upper Manhattan. From making over 700 arrests to working alongside federal agents on major narcotics investigations, Pete helped take down powerful drug organizations, including one case that resulted in 30 members of a major crack cocaine operation being federally convicted. But after years of putting criminals behind bars, Pete found himself on the other side of the justice system. He reveals how alleged police corruption led to a robbery conviction he maintains was unjust, a two-to-four-year New York State prison sentence, and the shocking reality of going from police officer to inmate. Pete shares untold stories from the streets of New York City, dangerous drug investigations, federal task forces, corruption, and what really happens when the system you once served turns against you.

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Thank you to STIO for sponsoring this episode:

Ski season's almost here. Gear up now, the way the locals do. Go to http://stio.com/ianbick for 20% off your order.

_____________________________________________

Connect with Pete Thron:

Buy his books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07ZVVX3XS?ccs_id=8556d38c-a5a5-4596-b723-dd60b45c51ae Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeteThron

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Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:

https://ianbick.com/

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction 00:35 Early Life and Baseball Dreams 04:10 Becoming a Housing Cop 06:00 Field Training and First Lessons 09:55 First Building Check and a Close Call 15:18 Moving to Pressure Point 18:00 EDP Call and Mace Incident 21:00 Witnessing Jumpers 22:17 Transfer to Harlem 23:48 Sponsor Message 25:35 Narcotics Work and Making Collars 27:00 Targeting East Side Drug Operations 29:00 First Shooting 35:20 Department Politics and Denied Promotion 37:30 Flipping Informants 42:00 Warrants and the Little House on the Prairie 45:50 TT and the Drug Ledger 50:00 The Case Builds 53:00 Nose Ripped Off 01:00:00 Recovery and Getting Cleared 01:01:30 The Purple Gang 01:03:40 Apartment Break-In 01:07:50 Gun Missing and Back on Patrol 01:14:00 Undercover Work and Buying Guns 01:17:00 Arresting Charmaine 01:20:50 Federal Deputization and Arrests 01:24:00 Greek Mob Investigation 01:27:50 Meeting Bazo 01:33:00 Declining Going Undercover 01:35:00 Going to Anti-Crime 01:39:30 First Anti-Crime Case 01:46:00 Pitbull Shooting 01:49:00 Tackling a Suspect 01:59:00 Last Night in Anti-Crime 02:12:45 Undercover Buy Goes Wrong 02:18:00 Repercussions and Robbery Accusation 02:26:00 Foreboding Meeting with ADA 02:30:00 Arraignment and Bail 02:34:00 Trial and Testimony 02:49:00 Taking the Stand 02:55:00 Jury Charges and Verdict 03:01:00 Sentencing 03:09:00 Appeal and Disappointment 03:11:30 Entering Prison 03:15:40 Life in Prison 03:21:00 Parole Hearing 03:39:00 Stabbed in Prison 03:44:00 Cauterizing the Wound 03:47:00 Broken Toe 03:49:00 Witnessing CO Brutality 03:56:00 Post-Prison Struggles 04:04:00 Reflections and Closing

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Michael Lau spent 24 years with the NYPD, rising from rookie cop to Deputy Inspector. An immigrant from Hong Kong who grew up surrounded by gang violence in Chinatown, he went on to patrol some of NYC's toughest neighborhoods, including Chinatown and Harlem. Michael shares wild stories of taking down dangerous gang members, making arrests, confronting organized crime, and climbing the ranks to become an NYPD commander.

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Thank you to STIO for sponsoring this episode: Ski season's almost here. Gear up now, the way the locals do. Go to http://stio.com/ianbick for 20% off your order.

_____________________________________________

Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:

https://ianbick.com/

_____________________________________________

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Cop vs. Flying Dragons 00:33 Early Life and Immigration 01:28 Childhood in Alphabet City 02:21 Move to Rucker Housing 02:53 Mother Robbed at Knife Point 06:28 Decision to Become a Cop 07:12 Joining the NYPD 08:30 Chinatown Gangs and First Jobs 11:04 Police Academy and Harlem 12:03 Return to Chinatown 13:15 Combating Gang Extortion 15:03 Plainclothes and Undercover Work 16:54 First Arrest and Helping Others 18:23 Tragic Story of a Gang Member 25:39 Structure of Chinatown Gangs 28:05 Working with Informants 30:00 Promotions and Politics in NYPD 32:41 Plainclothes Stories and JFK Jr. 36:32 Threats and Shootout with Flying Dragons 45:03 RICO Cases and Dismantling Gangs 48:03 Extortion and Community Impact 50:35 Heartbreaking Notification 55:45 Becoming Sergeant 57:38 Quotas and Leadership 01:01:55 Chinatown Rapist Task Force 01:02:58 Cultural Crimes and Scams 01:04:52 Gambling, Prostitution, and Modern Crime 01:07:25 Gambling Raids and Undercover Ops 01:08:27 Lieutenant: Queens Gang Squad 01:12:07 Gang Cases and RICO Investigations 01:15:11 Encounters with Former Criminals 01:18:03 Retirement and Vice Enforcement 01:20:52 Captain: Community Affairs 01:27:52 Deputy Inspector: Commanding Officer 01:31:00 Chinatown Parking and Politics 01:33:03 Leave of Absence and Return 01:36:00 Vice and Search Warrants 01:37:11 Shooting on East Broadway 01:41:16 Corruption and Internal Affairs 01:46:40 Types of IAB Officers 01:49:21 Petty Investigations and Integrity Tests 01:50:38 Steven Lee Case Discussion 01:53:03 Retirement and Life After NYPD 01:56:33 Policing Today and Public Perception 02:01:19 Police Presence and Deterrence 02:04:36 Final Reflections and Book Announcement

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Bo Cornelius went from battling alcohol addiction to serving six years in Missouri state prison after a drunk driving accident took another man's life. In this episode of Locked In with Ian Bick, Bo opens up about how his drinking spiraled out of control, the devastating day that changed two families forever, and what it took to survive behind bars. He shares how prison forced him to confront his actions, rebuild his life, and discover a new purpose. Today, as the founder of Second Mountain, Bo is helping transform prison culture through leadership programs that empower incarcerated individuals and correctional staff across state and federal facilities.

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Connect with Bo Cornelius:

https://www.secondmountainleadership.org/about-us

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Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:

https://ianbick.com/

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Timestamps:

00:00 Drinking Every Day 00:32 Who Is Bo Cornelius? 00:52 Childhood and Moving Around 02:38 Following His Mom's Marriages 03:18 A Chip on His Shoulder 05:16 Childhood Trauma and Religious Abuse 07:02 Finding Perspective in Prison 09:48 Where Leadership Came From 12:00 What Money Meant to Him 13:42 The First Drink at Work 15:12 Pain, Pills, and Escalation 17:02 Seizures and Probation 19:50 The Rehab That Failed 21:05 Family History of Addiction 22:37 How the Community Saw Him 23:54 The Day of the Accident 28:00 Learning Someone Died 31:32 Functioning While Drunk 33:25 Community Reaction and Shame 36:58 Depression in the Aftermath 38:20 The First Prison Visit 41:48 Facing the Prison Sentence 43:52 Why His Wife Stayed 47:56 Preparing for Prison 49:18 First Day Behind Bars 54:11 Entry Point and Rock Bottom 57:53 From Five House to 16 House 01:00:10 Finding His Way in Prison 01:03:38 Prison Politics Surprises 01:07:53 Why Prisons Make It That Way 01:11:43 Case Managers and Counselors 01:14:40 No Real Job Training 01:17:30 Why He Chose the Dog Program 01:21:00 The Moment It Hit Him 01:22:36 The Day Kenny Died 01:28:00 Finding Leadership at the Summit 01:33:20 Building Community Behind Bars 01:37:17 Writing the GLA Proposal 01:40:02 Launching the GLA Program 01:43:55 How the Program Works 01:48:40 Sticking With It After Release 01:51:20 The Summit After Prison 01:54:01 Starting Second Mountain 01:59:00 Returning to Prison 02:00:10 The Death That Changed Things 02:03:40 Bridging Inmates and Staff 02:08:51 What He Values Now 02:09:39 Trying to Make Amends 02:10:50 Advice to His Teenage Self 02:14:31 Closing Thoughts

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Richard Chase spent 32 years as a Massachusetts State Trooper, facing armed criminals, dangerous pursuits, and life-or-death situations. In this episode of Locked In with Ian Bick, he shares unforgettable stories from his career, including being shot at, saving lives, leading critical incidents, and his involvement in the Boston Marathon bombing manhunt and terrifying Watertown shootout. Richard reveals how decades of trauma, especially the events surrounding the bombing, ultimately broke him, leading to severe PTSD and a personal crisis that forced him to seek help. Now, through his memoir I Promise to Come Home, he opens up about the hidden cost of wearing the badge and the battles that follow officers long after their careers end.

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Thank you to STIO for sponsoring this episode:

Ski season's almost here. Gear up now, the way the locals do. Go to http://stio.com/ianbick for 20% off your order.

_____________________________________________

Connect with Richard Chase:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardchaseauthor/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Promise-Come-Home-Richard-Chase-ebook/dp/B0FN4PH9WH/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=SZB5G&content-id=amzn1.sym.ac827e48-2948-4721-83ef-3e7648ac35cb&pf_rd_p=ac827e48-2948-4721-83ef-3e7648ac35cb&pf_rd_r=143-6541181-3491660&pd_rd_wg=B1IXp&pd_rd_r=9eebc4e8-614b-45ff-8737-dc0ac8c84d8a

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Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:

https://ianbick.com/

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Timestamps:

00:00 A Trooper's Breaking Point 00:40 Growing Up in Charlestown 01:36 Family and Baseball Dreams 03:14 Stumbling Into Policing 05:04 Joining the Metropolitan Police 06:36 The State Police Merger 08:38 Patrol in Late-'80s Boston 10:35 Breaking In as a Rookie 13:39 Saving Lives on Bridges 19:00 Chasing Robbers: The Mongoose Story 24:20 The Esplanade Bike Robbery 27:20 School Shootings and Changing Times 29:54 Technology and Police Cameras 33:31 Homelessness and the Mob 34:54 Life After the Merger 38:24 Trooper vs. Metropolitan Culture 40:46 Fatal Motorcycle Crash 42:55 Speeding Tickets and Empathy 50:23 Responding to Bad Accidents 54:08 The 135 MPH Drunk Driver 58:23 Climbing the Ranks 01:01:35 The Cruiser Accident 01:04:31 Boston Marathon Manhunt 01:09:00 Firefight in Watertown 01:14:44 Surrounding the Boat 01:19:59 PTSD Diagnosis and Recovery 01:26:43 Retirement and Back Injuries 01:27:52 The Lost Boy at the Carnival 01:33:30 Authenticity in Policing 01:39:01 Writing 'I Promise to Come Home' 01:41:35 Helping First Responders with PTSD

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Mario Perez was sentenced to 25 years to life for a crime he says he never committed. After serving 27 years behind bars, including 15 years in solitary confinement, he reveals what prison did to him and how he survived.

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#rikersisland #prison #truecrimestories #newyork

_____________________________________________

Thank you to STIO for sponsoring this episode:

Ski season's almost here. Gear up now, the way the locals do. Go to http://stio.com/ianbick for 20% off your order.

_____________________________________________

Connect with Mario Perez:

https://www.instagram.com/mario_machete727?obrf=MWM5dGxndDk5MnF6Mg==

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Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:

https://ianbick.com/

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Timestamps:

00:00 Surviving Among Serial Killers 00:28 Mario's Background and Childhood 01:44 Family and Early Life 02:24 First Crime and Juvenile Detention 04:11 First Poor Choice: The Axe Incident 05:52 Growing Up in the Streets and Gang Involvement 07:50 Parental Discipline and Its Effects 11:07 Rikers Island at 16 13:25 Prison Survival and Making a Name 15:00 Release and More Trouble 17:48 Arrested for Murder: The Setup 19:38 The Alleged Setup and Trial 23:11 Where Were You the Day of the Murder? 26:01 The Corrupt Officer and Witnesses 28:38 Shock and Reaction to the Arrest 31:30 Sponsor Break 32:54 Moving to Adult Prison 34:21 Fighting the Case and Trial Preparation 37:00 The First Trial and Hung Jury 38:44 Rejecting Plea Deals 40:06 Second Trial and Conviction 42:40 Sentencing and the Impact 43:43 The Irony of Deaths 44:01 Entering the Prison System 45:10 Survival Strategies in Prison 50:58 Encounters with David Berkowitz (Son of Sam) 54:39 Meeting Mad Dog Sullivan and Others 57:20 Interactions with Other Notorious Inmates 01:00:05 Mob Figures and Lessons Learned 01:03:31 Correction Officers and Solitary Confinement 01:05:24 Mental State and Adjusting to Society 01:07:56 Prison Life and Relationships 01:10:23 Escape Fantasies and Worst Actions 01:13:59 Weapons and Contraband 01:17:41 Conjugal Visits and Prison Pen Pals 01:20:08 Technological Changes After Release 01:22:51 Personal Transformation and Peace 01:25:00 Parole Hearings and Release 01:28:19 Adjusting to Life Outside 01:30:15 Rebuilding Life After Prison 01:32:43 Current Life and Engagement 01:34:51 Advice to Younger Self 01:39:29 Bad Days and Coping Mechanisms 01:41:32 Finding Peace and Gratitude 01:42:12 Closing Remarks and Thanks

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Mike Mulroy spent 21 years with the NYPD, including 16 years as a detective investigating homicides, robberies, and violent crimes in some of the Bronx's most dangerous precincts. From deadly shootings and disturbing murder investigations to death threats and responding to the aftermath of 9/11, Mulroy shares his most unforgettable true crime stories and the realities of life as a Bronx detective.

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Thank you to TALKIATRY & CASH APP for sponsoring this episode:

Talkiatry: Head to https://www.talkiatry.com/lockedin to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.

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Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/6pao71et #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

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Connect with Mike Mulroy:

Buy his book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSSPRW3C?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

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Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:

https://ianbick.com/

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Timestamps:

00:00 A Detective's Chilling First Case 00:54 Growing Up in River Edge 03:13 Father, Firehouse, and a Dream 05:02 Joining the NYPD in 1989 07:44 Academy Days and First Assignments 09:02 The Happy Land Fire 11:28 Early Encounters with Death 12:32 The Off-Duty Robbery 15:07 The 44th Precinct: Busiest in the World 16:56 The Psychotic Woman with the Cigar 20:18 The Family Annihilation on Walton Avenue 22:20 The Cost of Unseen Trauma 24:45 The Wild Shootout on Jessup Avenue 30:00 Going Undercover in Uniform 34:00 The Threat with Ouzis 38:10 Taking Down the Dealer Brothers 41:00 Moving to the 47th Precinct 45:00 The Murder of Nelly Huck 48:00 Uncovering the Body in the Floor 50:00 Delivering the Worst News 53:00 The Art of Interrogation 58:00 Hunting a Savage Killer 01:04:00 The Bodega Robbery 01:12:00 The Prostitute and the Informant 01:18:00 The Brothers with Gangrene 01:21:00 Ground Zero: The Morgue and the Landfill 01:29:00 Facing Life After Cancer 01:31:00 The Nelly Investigation Goes Cold 01:40:00 A Medium and a Message 01:44:00 The Killers Confess 01:51:00 Trigger: The One That Got Away 01:55:00 The Body in the Furnace 02:01:00 The Children in the Closet 02:08:00 Funny Moments with Whiz 02:11:00 The Canada Trip 02:14:00 The Suicidal Cop in Atlantic City 02:18:00 The Last Case: Sadie Mitchell 02:22:00 Retirement and Reflection 02:26:00 Final Thoughts and the Book

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To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka

Taveuan Williams walked into a RadioShack in Denver intending to rob it, but what started as a robbery for a few hundred dollars turned into a six-hour hostage standoff where he fired shots at police. Sentenced to 30 years in prison, he spent over a decade behind bars before creating a 71-page portfolio that convinced his former prosecutor to support reducing his sentence. After serving 13 and a half years, he shares the full story of the standoff, prison, and his unexpected second chance.

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Thank you to CASH APP & TALKIATRY for sponsoring this episode:

Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/6pao71et #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

_____________________________________________

Talkiatry: Head to https://www.talkiatry.com/lockedin to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.

_____________________________________________

Connect with Taveuan Williams:

https://www.instagram.com/taveuan/

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Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:

https://ianbick.com/

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Timestamps:

00:00 Tavon's Story: From Robbery to Redemption 00:48 Growing Up on Denver's East Side 02:19 Losing His Father at Nine 04:56 Dreams and Football 07:27 First Robbery and Juvenile Detention 10:16 Life in a Military-Style Juvenile Facility 13:55 Release and Return to Crime 17:33 Daily Life of Robbing Houses 20:27 Reflecting on the Impact of His Crimes 25:15 The 2012 RadioShack Robbery and Standoff 30:56 Six Hours of Terror and Surrender 36:26 Deciding to Shoot and the Aftermath 40:00 The Turning Point: Surrendering 44:33 Arrest and Interrogation 49:40 Legal Battles and Plea Deal 52:42 Facing a 30-Year Sentence 01:00:00 Prison Arrival and Parole Date 01:04:00 Transfer to Sterling Prison 01:08:00 Mentors and Personal Growth in Prison 01:13:00 Pursuing Education and Self-Development 01:21:00 Fighting for Sentence Reduction 01:25:00 The Setback: Losing Earn Time 01:29:00 Resentencing and Community Corrections 01:33:00 Release and Transition Challenges 01:38:00 Adapting to Life Outside 01:42:00 Emotional Adjustment and Relationships 01:46:00 Making Peace with Victims 01:49:00 Future Plans and Words to Younger Self

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To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka

Kristen Ziman spent nearly 30 years in law enforcement, rising through the ranks to become the first female police chief in Aurora, Illinois, history. In 2019, she was leading the department when a gunman opened fire at the Henry Pratt Company, killing five employees and shooting five police officers. In this episode, Kristen takes us through her career in policing, the toughest calls she responded to, the challenges of leadership, and what it was like leading her department through a mass shooting.

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Thank you to CASH APP & TALKIATRY for sponsoring this episode:

Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/6pao71et #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

_____________________________________________

Talkiatry: Head to https://www.talkiatry.com/lockedin to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.

_____________________________________________

Connect with Kristen Ziman:

Website: https://kristenziman.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Reimagining-Blue-Thoughts-Leadership-Policing-ebook/dp/B09YVPJS8K?ref_=ast_author_mpb

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Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:

https://ianbick.com/

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Timestamps:

00:00 The Active Shooter Call 01:04 Growing Up Around Policing 03:47 High School and the Police Cadet Program 06:22 Moving Up the Ranks 08:19 The Women Who Came Before 13:05 Surprises of the Job 15:01 First Body Bags 16:15 Gang Violence and Senseless Killings 18:53 The Public's Perception of Police 23:02 Running Toward Gunfire 26:24 The Stress of Training 27:21 Growing Callous 30:07 Becoming a DV Detective 34:02 Why DV Cases Are So Hard 37:26 From Patrol to Sergeant 40:36 The Lieutenant Test 47:39 Life as a Lieutenant 48:43 The Helicopter Crash 53:08 Preparing to Be a Leader 55:31 Chosen as Commander 58:16 The Value of Education 01:01:32 What Commanders Really Do 01:04:48 Building Community Trust 01:14:32 The Loneliness of the Chief 01:20:46 Should a Chief Be Elected 01:23:04 Preparing for the Worst 01:26:06 February 15th, 2019 01:31:49 The Aftermath of a Mass Shooting 01:41:08 Retirement and Finding Peace 01:49:00 The Beatings Won't Stop

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Sandeep "Sonny" Bharadia spent more than 22 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. In 2003, he was convicted of a brutal home invasion and sexual assault in Georgia and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, despite maintaining his innocence and having an alibi placing him more than 250 miles away from the crime. Years later, DNA testing on a pair of gloves worn by the attacker excluded Sonny and matched the very man who had testified against him in court. But even with that evidence, Sonny remained behind bars, fighting a legal system that repeatedly denied him a new trial. After more than two decades of imprisonment, his conviction was finally overturned in 2024, and he was officially exonerated in May 2025.

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Thank you to TALKIATRY & CASH APP for sponsoring this episode:

Talkiatry: Head to https://www.talkiatry.com/lockedin to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.

_____________________________________________

Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/6pao71et #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

_____________________________________________

Connect with Sonny Bharadia:

https://www.instagram.com/sonb1944/

_____________________________________________

Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:

https://ianbick.com/

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introducing Sunny Baradia 00:40 Sunny's Early Life and Career 02:44 The Crime and Arrest 07:36 Conviction and Sentencing 12:38 Bail and Legal Representation 14:49 Family Support 22:31 Sponsor Break: Talkiatry 24:38 Life in Prison 41:00 Sponsor Break: Cash App Green 42:58 Mental Struggles and Suicide Attempt 45:37 Appeals and Innocence Project 57:02 Relationships and Communication 01:01:04 Escape Thoughts 01:03:29 Final Appeal and Release 01:07:23 Fight for Exoneration 01:10:26 Reflecting on Prison Violence 01:12:11 Adjusting to Freedom 01:16:34 Advocacy and Purpose 01:21:39 Health and Trauma 01:24:20 Forgiveness and Moving Forward 01:30:44 Future Plans and Dreams 01:39:09 Closing and Gratitude

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To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka

Stephen McCreary was sentenced to life in prison for second-degree murder in 1977 after growing up in the dangerous streets of Detroit, surrounded by some of the city's most ruthless killers. While serving his sentence, he offered a deputy warden $10,000 to help lower his security classification, eventually escaping a Michigan prison in December 1987. He spent time on the run in New York and Hawaii before being caught trying to obtain a passport. After his escape, Stephen spent decades in maximum-security prisons, ultimately serving 41 years behind bars. Today, he takes us inside his life of crime, his daring prison escape, surviving some of Michigan's toughest prisons, and what it was like to finally walk free after more than four decades.

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Thank you to AG1 & GLD for sponsoring this episode:

AG1: Go to https://drinkag1.com/lockedin and for a limited time, get a free Immune Support Bundle, including a bottle of Omega-3 fish oil and a bottle of Vitamin D3K2, with your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro.

_____________________________________________

GLD: New customers get 40% Off with code LOCKEDIN at https://www.gld.com/

_____________________________________________

Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:

https://ianbick.com/

_____________________________________________

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Hitman Who Escaped 00:40 Growing Up in Detroit 02:29 Parents' Divorce and Father's Breakdown 04:06 Falling In With the Wrong Crowd 07:39 Lost Basketball Dreams 08:52 Stealing Guns at 16 13:00 The Robbery Plan 15:52 Shooting the Kingpin 19:53 Arrest and Life Sentence 24:54 Tried to Escape Day One 27:51 Mentored by the Most Feared Man 33:47 Entering Jackson Prison 39:30 Prison Yard Politics 44:52 The Deputy Warden Connection 47:35 The Escape Deal 51:05 The Shakedown 53:00 Paying Off the Warden 56:03 Escaping Over the Fence 01:05:38 Mother Picks Him Up 01:09:04 The Failed Getaway 01:11:22 Fleeing to New York 01:14:04 Hawaii and Final Plans 01:15:30 The Capture 01:18:42 Testifying Against the Warden 01:21:23 Federal Prison Life 01:24:48 Back to State Prison 01:26:04 14 Years in Level Five 01:28:07 Targeted by Hitmen 01:31:22 The Parole Board Hearings 01:34:44 Codefendant Saves His Life 01:42:22 A Knife Attack Over a Book 01:47:47 Growth Behind Bars 01:53:02 Finally Free After 41 Years 01:57:00 Life Lessons and Reflections

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Richard Caruso is a former California correctional officer and Marine Corps veteran who helped expose one of the darkest scandals in American prison history. While working at Corcoran State Prison, he witnessed a system where rival inmates were allegedly deliberately placed together to fight, with guards sometimes using deadly force. After bringing evidence to the FBI, Caruso faced death threats, retaliation, and the destruction of his law enforcement career. He ultimately reached a $1.7 million settlement with California. Now he shares the disturbing reality of Corcoran's infamous "Gladiator Days," the price he paid for speaking out, and what happens when a prison guard turns against the system he once served.

_____________________________________________

Thank you to GLD & AG1 for sponsoring this episode:

GLD: New customers get 40% Off with code LOCKEDIN at https://www.gld.com/

_____________________________________________

AG1: Go to https://drinkag1.com/lockedin and for a limited time, get a free Immune Support Bundle, including a bottle of Omega-3 fish oil and a bottle of Vitamin D3K2, with your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro.

_____________________________________________

Connect with Richard Caruso:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1C9PuUb76u/?mibextid=wwXIfr

_____________________________________________

Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:

https://ianbick.com/

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Deadliest Prison 00:34 Richard Caruso's Early Life and Family 04:44 Joining the Marine Corps 09:00 Marine Corps Training and Graduation 11:49 Becoming a Correctional Officer 13:25 First Prison Job at Mule Creek 14:54 Transfer to Corcoran State Prison 17:00 Gladiator Fights at Corcoran 21:44 Sponsor Break: GLD Jewelry 23:12 Realization of Wrongdoing 26:42 Brother's Arrest and Change of Heart 29:20 Decision to Expose the Violence 35:54 Collecting Evidence and FBI Involvement 45:36 Sponsor Break: AG1 47:51 Meeting with the Warden 51:01 Protection from Inmates 52:56 Transfer to Vacaville and Lawsuit 56:09 Senate Hearings and Reforms 01:00:00 Governor's Involvement and Settlement 01:08:00 Federal Indictments and Trial 01:20:01 Video Evidence of Inmate Shooting 01:26:00 Reflections on Accountability 01:30:00 Prison Stories: Booty Bandit and Others 01:33:04 Making of the Movie 'Felon' 01:38:58 Charles Manson Stories 01:49:00 Philosophy on Hope and Redemption 01:54:00 Closing Thoughts and Legacy

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