by Diane Dimond on January 30, 2012
In Olden Times This Caught Criminals
Back in the Wild West days law enforcement officers like Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson had few tools to keep the peace. Guile and a gun on their hip were about all they possessed in the face of trouble.
Today’s officers have many more ways of tracking down and capturing the bad guys. That makes their job much easier than in days of old but also more complicated. A recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court may have just made modern day law enforcement more complex.
Bear with me a moment here and I’ll explain why.
First, you should know that the Supreme Court decision I speak of stems from the case of Antoine Jones, a nightclub owner in Washington, D.C. who was suspected of being a part of a massive cocaine selling ring. [click to continue…]
by Diane on November 29, 2010
President Obama Pardons "Courage"
Watching President Barack Obama grant the traditional “pardon” to a Thanksgiving turkey got me thinking about my friend Dan Hanks. Dan has been asking for a presidential pardon since April 2003. I think he deserves one.
Since the early 80’s Daniel Joseph Portley-Hanks has conducted undercover investigations for our government, specifically the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Along with his private investigation partner, the late Fred Valis, Hanks helped the feds crack a multitude of major cases that put away dozens of career criminals. [click to continue…]
by Diane on September 27, 2009
Terror Suspect Najibullah Zazi
Crime happens when we least expect it. Criminal activity festers in places we can’t imagine and in the minds of those we least expect. We should not be surprised when it is discovered.
The recent arrest of three seemingly low-key, non-descript men on charges of lying to federal agents about a plot to blow up American targets sounds like the stuff Hollywood makes movies about. But these arrests were all too real and should go to remind us that America’s fight against terrorism is far from over. The battlefield is worldwide.
These most recent suspects … [click to continue…]
by Diane on July 20, 2009
Is the Label Helpful?
Let’s talk about hate. Hate crimes to be specific. By definition these are crimes perpetrated by someone who targets another based on their race, color, religion or national origin. Congress now seeks to expand the definition of hate crimes to those who attack based on a victim’s sexual orientation or mental or physical disability. The goal is to add extra punishment for those convicted under hate crimes statutes. Two of America’s most recent and widely publicized hate crimes took place within two weeks of each other. On May 31st, there was the murder in a Kansas church of a high profile abortion provider, Dr. George Tiller. On June 10th, security guard Stephen T. Johns lost his life after courageously confronting a madman with a gun who entered the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. and started shooting. [click to continue…]
by Diane on April 27, 2009
Open Wide ...
What if a policeman approached and ordered you to open wide for a DNA mouth swab test? Suppose you were pulled over on suspicion of DWI, check fraud or skipping child support payments and suddenly you found yourself on the business end of a Q-tip. Would you submit or refuse and ask for your lawyer?
It’s not so far fetched a scenario. Both the FBI and police officials in at least 15 states have recently ratcheted up efforts to collect DNA samples from nearly all those who pass through their systems, whether they’re a hardened criminal or merely a suspect. [click to continue…]
by Diane on April 13, 2009
It Attracts Criminals
Get ready for a new crime wave to sweep the nation. It may take a while for us to notice, but it will come. It’ll be sparked by the billions and billions of economic stimulus dollars being doled out by the federal government.
As an understated FBI director Robert Mueller put it during an appearance before Congress recently, the infusion of cash will “lead to an inevitable increase in economic crime and public corruption cases.”
Mr. Willie Sutton
Just as serial bank robber Willie Sutton said when asked why he robbed so many banks, “Because that’s where the money is.” It’s the same thing today. Any sudden windfall of money is like an aphrodisiac to the dishonest. It happened after Uncle Sam pumped a mountain of money into the South after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita…
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by Diane on March 14, 2009
Be Careful What You Save
Do you have a home computer? You think you’re being careful with what you read, save and share from it? Guess what? Chances are you could be a cyber-crime victim just waiting to happen.
As the economy continues to tank criminals are rising to new heights in the number of scams and identity thefts they pull off on a daily basis. Their base of operation is anywhere in the world.
“Back in the 90′s, it was like kids on the block throwing rocks saying, ‘Let me break something,’” says Martin Schmidt, founder of a major east coast based cyber security firm, “Now it’s organized criminals saying, “Let me steal something,’” and they’re stealing from both businesses and individuals in astounding numbers. [click to continue…]
by Diane on December 16, 2008
Circa 1993
I was brand new to Hollywood in 1993 when I started breaking stories about Michael Jackson and little boys. At first I couldn’t figure out why my phone at work on the Paramount lot (I worked for Hard Copy) kept popping and crackling. Then mobs of threatening Jacko fans knew just where to meet me when I left the lot at night to go to my car in a nearby parking lot. My house was vandalized, my home phone began to act weird. Private detective friends told me to watch out for a guy named Pellicano who called himself, “the sin-eater.” Hard Copy hired body guards to escort me to and fro.
Pellicano Back In The Day
Pellicano, today, at 64
Well, today, all these years later it was judgment day for the S.O.B. who made my life miserable … and over the years so many other’s lives.
He was sentenced to 15 years for conspiracy, wiretapping and all sorts of brutish skulduggery he had performed over the years on behalf of some of Hollywood’s most wealthy.
Victims got to have their say in court an L.A. court today. One is my friend, former L.A. Times Investigative Correspondent Anita Busch. [click to continue…]
