Original subtitles

Welcome. Welcome, welcome, welcome to

Welcome. Welcome, welcome, welcome to

Welcome. Welcome, welcome, welcome to last week tonight. I'm John Oliver.

last week tonight. I'm John Oliver.

last week tonight. I'm John Oliver. Thank you so much for joining us. It has

Thank you so much for joining us. It has

Thank you so much for joining us. It has been a busy week. March Madness got

been a busy week. March Madness got

been a busy week. March Madness got underway. Mark Wayne Mulling cleared the

underway. Mark Wayne Mulling cleared the

underway. Mark Wayne Mulling cleared the first hurdle to become head of DHS. And

first hurdle to become head of DHS. And

first hurdle to become head of DHS. And of course, the conflict in Iran

of course, the conflict in Iran

of course, the conflict in Iran continued. Now, despite relentless

continued. Now, despite relentless

continued. Now, despite relentless bombing, the US has been unable to stop

bombing, the US has been unable to stop

bombing, the US has been unable to stop Iran striking targets around the region

Iran striking targets around the region

Iran striking targets around the region and blocking the straight of Hormuz. The

and blocking the straight of Hormuz. The

and blocking the straight of Hormuz. The news hasn't been great. So, on Thursday,

news hasn't been great. So, on Thursday,

news hasn't been great. So, on Thursday, Secretary Pete Hexth decided to speak to

Secretary Pete Hexth decided to speak to

Secretary Pete Hexth decided to speak to the American public directly. I stand

the American public directly. I stand

the American public directly. I stand here today speaking to you, the American

here today speaking to you, the American

here today speaking to you, the American people,

people,

people, not through filters, not through

not through filters, not through

not through filters, not through reporters,

reporters,

reporters, not through cable news spin. Yes, there

not through cable news spin. Yes, there

not through cable news spin. Yes, there are reporters in front of me, but they

are reporters in front of me, but they

are reporters in front of me, but they are not our audience today. It's you,

are not our audience today. It's you,

are not our audience today. It's you, the good, decent, patriotic American

the good, decent, patriotic American

the good, decent, patriotic American people. you, the hardworking, taxpaying,

people. you, the hardworking, taxpaying,

people. you, the hardworking, taxpaying, god-fearing American patriots.

god-fearing American patriots.

god-fearing American patriots. >> Okay, set aside Hexest whole vibe there,

>> Okay, set aside Hexest whole vibe there,

>> Okay, set aside Hexest whole vibe there, which is very, welcome to my birthday

which is very, welcome to my birthday

which is very, welcome to my birthday dinner. One of you has been poisoned.

dinner. One of you has been poisoned.

dinner. One of you has been poisoned. You actually don't need to announce who

You actually don't need to announce who

You actually don't need to announce who you are and aren't speaking to. There's

you are and aren't speaking to. There's

you are and aren't speaking to. There's a reason I don't start this show by

a reason I don't start this show by

a reason I don't start this show by saying welcome, welcome, welcome.

saying welcome, welcome, welcome.

saying welcome, welcome, welcome. this studio audience. I wish they'd jump

this studio audience. I wish they'd jump

this studio audience. I wish they'd jump into the HUDSON RIVER. IF THEY DON'T

into the HUDSON RIVER. IF THEY DON'T

into the HUDSON RIVER. IF THEY DON'T LAUGH, that's on them. Anyway, it's been

LAUGH, that's on them. Anyway, it's been

LAUGH, that's on them. Anyway, it's been a busy week. I might think it, but I'd

a busy week. I might think it, but I'd

a busy week. I might think it, but I'd never say it.

never say it.

never say it. Hex seemed particularly frustrated at

Hex seemed particularly frustrated at

Hex seemed particularly frustrated at the press pointing out parallels between

the press pointing out parallels between

the press pointing out parallels between this conflict and the wars that

this conflict and the wars that

this conflict and the wars that America's been stuck in in the past.

America's been stuck in in the past.

America's been stuck in in the past. This is not those wars.

This is not those wars.

This is not those wars. President Trump knows better.

President Trump knows better.

President Trump knows better. Epic Theory is different. It's laser

Epic Theory is different. It's laser

Epic Theory is different. It's laser focused. It's decisive. To the patriotic

focused. It's decisive. To the patriotic

focused. It's decisive. To the patriotic members of the press, nobody can deliver

members of the press, nobody can deliver

members of the press, nobody can deliver perfection in wartime. This building

perfection in wartime. This building

perfection in wartime. This building knows that more than anyone. But report

knows that more than anyone. But report

knows that more than anyone. But report the reality.

the reality.

the reality. We're winning decisively and on our

We're winning decisively and on our

We're winning decisively and on our terms. Epic Fury is different. Maybe.

terms. Epic Fury is different. Maybe.

terms. Epic Fury is different. Maybe. It's definitely the stupidest name I've

It's definitely the stupidest name I've

It's definitely the stupidest name I've ever heard. It sounds like a VHS tape

ever heard. It sounds like a VHS tape

ever heard. It sounds like a VHS tape Hexf put out of himself doing karate in

Hexf put out of himself doing karate in

Hexf put out of himself doing karate in a garage. It sounds like the name of an

a garage. It sounds like the name of an

a garage. It sounds like the name of an energy drink marketed to divorced

energy drink marketed to divorced

energy drink marketed to divorced monster truck fans containing so much

monster truck fans containing so much

monster truck fans containing so much caffeine it makes you your pants

caffeine it makes you your pants

caffeine it makes you your pants while having a heart attack. It doesn't

while having a heart attack. It doesn't

while having a heart attack. It doesn't exactly convey care and precision, but

exactly convey care and precision, but

exactly convey care and precision, but at the risk of not being a patriotic

at the risk of not being a patriotic

at the risk of not being a patriotic member of the press, a lot of things do

member of the press, a lot of things do

member of the press, a lot of things do seem to be going pretty poorly. From

seem to be going pretty poorly. From

seem to be going pretty poorly. From strikes on Iran's oil facilities causing

strikes on Iran's oil facilities causing

strikes on Iran's oil facilities causing toxic black rain endangering the public

toxic black rain endangering the public

toxic black rain endangering the public there to the continued blockage of the

there to the continued blockage of the

there to the continued blockage of the straight of Hormuz, which is causing

straight of Hormuz, which is causing

straight of Hormuz, which is causing skyrocketing gas prices. And while polls

skyrocketing gas prices. And while polls

skyrocketing gas prices. And while polls suggest that Trump's base is sticking

suggest that Trump's base is sticking

suggest that Trump's base is sticking with him so far, there are already signs

with him so far, there are already signs

with him so far, there are already signs of some cracks there given the response

of some cracks there given the response

of some cracks there given the response of this woman interviewed at a gas pump.

of this woman interviewed at a gas pump.

of this woman interviewed at a gas pump. If you could say something to President

If you could say something to President

If you could say something to President Trump and he was going to hear you right

Trump and he was going to hear you right

Trump and he was going to hear you right now, what would it be?

now, what would it be?

now, what would it be? >> You are a worthless pile of

>> You are a worthless pile of

>> You are a worthless pile of >> and you voted for him how many times?

>> and you voted for him how many times?

>> and you voted for him how many times? >> Three times. That was my bad.

>> Three times. That was my bad.

>> Three times. That was my bad. Apparently, I'm an idiot.

Apparently, I'm an idiot.

Apparently, I'm an idiot. >> I mean, not No, but you know what they

>> I mean, not No, but you know what they

>> I mean, not No, but you know what they say. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me

say. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me

say. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times.

twice, shame on me. Fool me three times.

twice, shame on me. Fool me three times. There's going to be a blockade in the

There's going to be a blockade in the

There's going to be a blockade in the straight of Hormuz. And my road trip to

straight of Hormuz. And my road trip to

straight of Hormuz. And my road trip to St. Louis is about to cost more than my

St. Louis is about to cost more than my

St. Louis is about to cost more than my car payment. Now, as for where things go

car payment. Now, as for where things go

car payment. Now, as for where things go from here, who knows? Thousands of

from here, who knows? Thousands of

from here, who knows? Thousands of Marines have been sent to the region,

Marines have been sent to the region,

Marines have been sent to the region, possibly to secure Iran's KG Island,

possibly to secure Iran's KG Island,

possibly to secure Iran's KG Island, which most people would consider putting

which most people would consider putting

which most people would consider putting boots on the ground. However, Republican

boots on the ground. However, Republican

boots on the ground. However, Republican Pete Sessions is not most people.

Pete Sessions is not most people.

Pete Sessions is not most people. >> The island is not, in my opinion, boots

>> The island is not, in my opinion, boots

>> The island is not, in my opinion, boots on the ground in combat circumst.

Well, I'm not going to argue that point.

Well, I'm not going to argue that point.

Well, I'm not going to argue that point. As a matter of fact, you're right. But

As a matter of fact, you're right. But

As a matter of fact, you're right. But what I would say is the president has

what I would say is the president has

what I would say is the president has chosen not to obliterate the the ability

chosen not to obliterate the the ability

chosen not to obliterate the the ability that to get oil and I think he wants to

that to get oil and I think he wants to

that to get oil and I think he wants to go secure that to make sure the Iranians

go secure that to make sure the Iranians

go secure that to make sure the Iranians don't do themsel in. So I think it's

don't do themsel in. So I think it's

don't do themsel in. So I think it's probably wisdom. Is that boots on the

probably wisdom. Is that boots on the

probably wisdom. Is that boots on the ground? No, not not like inside Iran

ground? No, not not like inside Iran

ground? No, not not like inside Iran where they're in the cities.

where they're in the cities.

where they're in the cities. >> Wait, wait. So, it's not boots on the

>> Wait, wait. So, it's not boots on the

>> Wait, wait. So, it's not boots on the ground because they're not in a city.

ground because they're not in a city.

ground because they're not in a city. What the are you talking about?

What the are you talking about?

What the are you talking about? That clearly counts. The phrase isn't

That clearly counts. The phrase isn't

That clearly counts. The phrase isn't boots in the city.

boots in the city.

boots in the city. Mainly because I'm guessing that's

Mainly because I'm guessing that's

Mainly because I'm guessing that's already the title of an allcap reboot of

already the title of an allcap reboot of

already the title of an allcap reboot of Sex in the City starring Puss and Boots.

Sex in the City starring Puss and Boots.

Sex in the City starring Puss and Boots. The point is, Trump seems desperate to

The point is, Trump seems desperate to

The point is, Trump seems desperate to paint this situation as much more stable

paint this situation as much more stable

paint this situation as much more stable than it actually is. And on Friday, he

than it actually is. And on Friday, he

than it actually is. And on Friday, he essentially just declared victory.

essentially just declared victory.

essentially just declared victory. >> Oh, I think we've won. We've knocked out

>> Oh, I think we've won. We've knocked out

>> Oh, I think we've won. We've knocked out their navy, their air force. We've

their navy, their air force. We've

their navy, their air force. We've knocked out their anti-aircraft. We've

knocked out their anti-aircraft. We've

knocked out their anti-aircraft. We've knocked out everything. We're roaming

knocked out everything. We're roaming

knocked out everything. We're roaming free. From a military standpoint, all

free. From a military standpoint, all

free. From a military standpoint, all they're doing is clogging up the strait.

they're doing is clogging up the strait.

they're doing is clogging up the strait. But from a milit military standpoint,

But from a milit military standpoint,

But from a milit military standpoint, they're finished.

they're finished.

they're finished. >> Oh, well, that's great news. But here is

>> Oh, well, that's great news. But here is

>> Oh, well, that's great news. But here is the problem with that. He already

the problem with that. He already

the problem with that. He already declared that we'd won the war 11 days

declared that we'd won the war 11 days

declared that we'd won the war 11 days ago. And I don't know if you've noticed,

ago. And I don't know if you've noticed,

ago. And I don't know if you've noticed, but it has seemed to continue since

but it has seemed to continue since

but it has seemed to continue since then. And I've got to say, for all this

then. And I've got to say, for all this

then. And I've got to say, for all this administration's disdain for cable news

administration's disdain for cable news

administration's disdain for cable news spin and its insistence, people report

spin and its insistence, people report

spin and its insistence, people report the reality, they are stretching the

the reality, they are stretching the

the reality, they are stretching the truth to breaking point here. Because

truth to breaking point here. Because

truth to breaking point here. Because even as Trump's claiming that we've won,

even as Trump's claiming that we've won,

even as Trump's claiming that we've won, the Pentagon's requesting $200 billion

the Pentagon's requesting $200 billion

the Pentagon's requesting $200 billion in extra funding for this operation,

in extra funding for this operation,

in extra funding for this operation, sure suggesting it's going to be going

sure suggesting it's going to be going

sure suggesting it's going to be going on for a while. He's also claimed we've

on for a while. He's also claimed we've

on for a while. He's also claimed we've destroyed 100% of Iran's military

destroyed 100% of Iran's military

destroyed 100% of Iran's military capability, which is a little hard to

capability, which is a little hard to

capability, which is a little hard to believe given they're still somehow

believe given they're still somehow

believe given they're still somehow managing to strike multiple other

managing to strike multiple other

managing to strike multiple other countries in the region. and he claimed

countries in the region. and he claimed

countries in the region. and he claimed twice this week that a former president

twice this week that a former president

twice this week that a former president endorsed his decision to go to war,

endorsed his decision to go to war,

endorsed his decision to go to war, something they've all since denied. The

something they've all since denied. The

something they've all since denied. The lies are getting pretty flagrant here,

lies are getting pretty flagrant here,

lies are getting pretty flagrant here, even by this president's standards. And

even by this president's standards. And

even by this president's standards. And inevitably, people are noticing. In

inevitably, people are noticing. In

inevitably, people are noticing. In fact, you could argue that the only

fact, you could argue that the only

fact, you could argue that the only irrefutably laser focused, decisive,

irrefutably laser focused, decisive,

irrefutably laser focused, decisive, epic fury that has been on display this

epic fury that has been on display this

epic fury that has been on display this week has been this outburst targeted at

week has been this outburst targeted at

week has been this outburst targeted at him.

him.

him. >> You're a worthless pile of

>> You're a worthless pile of

>> You're a worthless pile of >> again, not know. And now this. And now,

>> again, not know. And now this. And now,

>> again, not know. And now this. And now, as always, people on local TV cannot be

as always, people on local TV cannot be

as always, people on local TV cannot be trusted with St. Patrick's Day.

trusted with St. Patrick's Day.

trusted with St. Patrick's Day. >> It is so great to have you, Risha.

>> It is so great to have you, Risha.

>> It is so great to have you, Risha. >> Thank you for having me. How are y'all

>> Thank you for having me. How are y'all

>> Thank you for having me. How are y'all today?

today?

today? >> Great. Thank you. And happy St.

>> Great. Thank you. And happy St.

>> Great. Thank you. And happy St. Patrick's Day.

Patrick's Day.

Patrick's Day. >> Thank you. Happy St. Patrick's Day to

>> Thank you. Happy St. Patrick's Day to

>> Thank you. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all.

you all.

you all. >> Top of the morning.

>> Top of the morning.

>> Top of the morning. >> Well, may the luck of the Irish be with

>> Well, may the luck of the Irish be with

>> Well, may the luck of the Irish be with you. 6:53. Good morning. Top of the

you. 6:53. Good morning. Top of the

you. 6:53. Good morning. Top of the morning to you all.

morning to you all.

morning to you all. >> Top of the morning to all of you.

>> Top of the morning to all of you.

>> Top of the morning to all of you. >> Top of the morning to you.

>> Top of the morning to you.

>> Top of the morning to you. >> Top of the morning to I don't know if

>> Top of the morning to I don't know if

>> Top of the morning to I don't know if that came out Irish enough, but hey,

that came out Irish enough, but hey,

that came out Irish enough, but hey, whatever, Jane. Top of the morning to

whatever, Jane. Top of the morning to

whatever, Jane. Top of the morning to you.

you.

you. >> Top of the morning, right?

>> Top of the morning, right?

>> Top of the morning, right? >> Top of the morning to you. Happy St.

>> Top of the morning to you. Happy St.

>> Top of the morning to you. Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Patrick's Day.

Patrick's Day. >> I like that. I like that. That was good.

>> I like that. I like that. That was good.

>> I like that. I like that. That was good. Top of the morning to you. I can't do

Top of the morning to you. I can't do

Top of the morning to you. I can't do Irish.

Irish.

Irish. >> Top of the morning to you, Christina.

>> Top of the morning to you, Christina.

>> Top of the morning to you, Christina. It's a beautiful morning out there. And

It's a beautiful morning out there. And

It's a beautiful morning out there. And we're definitely feeling uh like I

we're definitely feeling uh like I

we're definitely feeling uh like I should stop doing that accent.

should stop doing that accent.

should stop doing that accent. >> Top of the morning to you. Top of the

>> Top of the morning to you. Top of the

>> Top of the morning to you. Top of the morning. You got to give it more oomph,

morning. You got to give it more oomph,

morning. You got to give it more oomph, Jacqueline.

Jacqueline.

Jacqueline. >> I'm not Irish.

>> I'm not Irish.

>> I'm not Irish. >> Come on. Maybe Chip has some Irish in

>> Come on. Maybe Chip has some Irish in

>> Come on. Maybe Chip has some Irish in him. Let's send it over to Chip. Maybe

him. Let's send it over to Chip. Maybe

him. Let's send it over to Chip. Maybe he can do the opposite.

he can do the opposite.

he can do the opposite. >> I I have an Ironish jig. I can do an

>> I I have an Ironish jig. I can do an

>> I I have an Ironish jig. I can do an Iris jig. But no, actually my uh my

Iris jig. But no, actually my uh my

Iris jig. But no, actually my uh my lineage comes from England, so we'd be

lineage comes from England, so we'd be

lineage comes from England, so we'd be the persecutors, I guess, in that

the persecutors, I guess, in that

the persecutors, I guess, in that situation.

situation.

situation. >> Who's your favorite Irish person?

>> Who's your favorite Irish person?

>> Who's your favorite Irish person? >> I don't know what off the top of your

>> I don't know what off the top of your

>> I don't know what off the top of your head. You got You don't like any Irish

head. You got You don't like any Irish

head. You got You don't like any Irish people?

people?

people? >> That's not what I said.

>> That's not what I said.

>> That's not what I said. >> I mean, if you can't think of anybody

>> I mean, if you can't think of anybody

>> I mean, if you can't think of anybody you like, I'm uh No.

you like, I'm uh No.

you like, I'm uh No. >> Moving on. Our main story tonight

>> Moving on. Our main story tonight

>> Moving on. Our main story tonight concerns undercover policing. It's not

concerns undercover policing. It's not

concerns undercover policing. It's not just a staple of movies and TV shows.

just a staple of movies and TV shows.

just a staple of movies and TV shows. It's something cops do in real life,

It's something cops do in real life,

It's something cops do in real life, too, to catch people suspected of

too, to catch people suspected of

too, to catch people suspected of breaking laws both big and small. As

breaking laws both big and small. As

breaking laws both big and small. As this woman discovered,

this woman discovered,

this woman discovered, >> Karen Heg plans to fight the $230 ticket

>> Karen Heg plans to fight the $230 ticket

>> Karen Heg plans to fight the $230 ticket she got on Halloween Day. Accused with

she got on Halloween Day. Accused with

she got on Halloween Day. Accused with dozens of other drivers of not stopping

dozens of other drivers of not stopping

dozens of other drivers of not stopping to let a 6'4 Donald Duck cross the

to let a 6'4 Donald Duck cross the

to let a 6'4 Donald Duck cross the street. Then they just told me that I

street. Then they just told me that I

street. Then they just told me that I was I was getting a ticket because I

was I was getting a ticket because I

was I was getting a ticket because I didn't stop for pedestrian and it was a

didn't stop for pedestrian and it was a

didn't stop for pedestrian and it was a crazy it was a duck. It was a huge duck.

crazy it was a duck. It was a huge duck.

crazy it was a duck. It was a huge duck. It was scary. I'm a woman. It scared me.

It was scary. I'm a woman. It scared me.

It was scary. I'm a woman. It scared me. >> It's true. A cop dressed up as Donald

>> It's true. A cop dressed up as Donald

>> It's true. A cop dressed up as Donald Duck. And then ticketed people who

Duck. And then ticketed people who

Duck. And then ticketed people who didn't stop to let HIM CROSS. I GET why

didn't stop to let HIM CROSS. I GET why

didn't stop to let HIM CROSS. I GET why she kept driving there. Ducks are

she kept driving there. Ducks are

she kept driving there. Ducks are terrifying. As we've covered before, all

terrifying. As we've covered before, all

terrifying. As we've covered before, all ducks, Donald included, have a corkcrew

ducks, Donald included, have a corkcrew

ducks, Donald included, have a corkcrew penis. This isn't the first time that

penis. This isn't the first time that

penis. This isn't the first time that we've used this graphic, and it will not

we've used this graphic, and it will not

we've used this graphic, and it will not be the last. And incidentally, Disney,

be the last. And incidentally, Disney,

be the last. And incidentally, Disney, this guy hits public domain in 2030, and

this guy hits public domain in 2030, and

this guy hits public domain in 2030, and things are going to get interesting

things are going to get interesting

things are going to get interesting then.

then.

then. That is just one of many instances where

That is just one of many instances where

That is just one of many instances where cops have set up so-called stings. In in

cops have set up so-called stings. In in

cops have set up so-called stings. In in the past four decades, sting operations

the past four decades, sting operations

the past four decades, sting operations of all types have become a major part of

of all types have become a major part of

of all types have become a major part of law enforcement in the US. There are

law enforcement in the US. There are

law enforcement in the US. There are stings targeting drug dealing, sex work,

stings targeting drug dealing, sex work,

stings targeting drug dealing, sex work, terrorism, tax fraud, drunk driving,

terrorism, tax fraud, drunk driving,

terrorism, tax fraud, drunk driving, poaching, and a host of other crimes,

poaching, and a host of other crimes,

poaching, and a host of other crimes, including, as you've just seen, failure

including, as you've just seen, failure

including, as you've just seen, failure to yield to a gigantic duck. And on some

to yield to a gigantic duck. And on some

to yield to a gigantic duck. And on some level, you probably know that cops like

level, you probably know that cops like

level, you probably know that cops like running sting operations given just how

running sting operations given just how

running sting operations given just how often they appear on local news.

often they appear on local news.

often they appear on local news. >> Drivers for the online ride service Uber

>> Drivers for the online ride service Uber

>> Drivers for the online ride service Uber targeted in an LA sting operation.

targeted in an LA sting operation.

targeted in an LA sting operation. Dozens of people have been indicted in a

Dozens of people have been indicted in a

Dozens of people have been indicted in a criminal sting operation called

criminal sting operation called

criminal sting operation called Operation Hush.

Operation Hush.

Operation Hush. >> A 4-month major sting operation ends

>> A 4-month major sting operation ends

>> A 4-month major sting operation ends with a Butler County man facing felony

with a Butler County man facing felony

with a Butler County man facing felony drug charges.

drug charges.

drug charges. >> Investigators set up a sting operation

>> Investigators set up a sting operation

>> Investigators set up a sting operation orchestrating a purchase with the

orchestrating a purchase with the

orchestrating a purchase with the suspected drug traffickers. The amount

suspected drug traffickers. The amount

suspected drug traffickers. The amount of fentinel sees and hear this could

of fentinel sees and hear this could

of fentinel sees and hear this could kill the entire population of Louisville

kill the entire population of Louisville

kill the entire population of Louisville several times over.

several times over.

several times over. >> Wow. Is that anchor? Okay. Cops say

>> Wow. Is that anchor? Okay. Cops say

>> Wow. Is that anchor? Okay. Cops say there was enough fentel to annihilate

there was enough fentel to annihilate

there was enough fentel to annihilate this godforsaken town, leaving behind

this godforsaken town, leaving behind

this godforsaken town, leaving behind nothing but a desert of crop pegs bones

nothing but a desert of crop pegs bones

nothing but a desert of crop pegs bones future generations will only refer to as

future generations will only refer to as

future generations will only refer to as the shadow place. Up next, we'll take

the shadow place. Up next, we'll take

the shadow place. Up next, we'll take you inside Louisville's new aquarium,

you inside Louisville's new aquarium,

you inside Louisville's new aquarium, which, and hear this, contains enough

which, and hear this, contains enough

which, and hear this, contains enough water to drown us all several times

water to drown us all several times

water to drown us all several times over. But whilst things are often

over. But whilst things are often

over. But whilst things are often celebrated as triumphs on the news, when

celebrated as triumphs on the news, when

celebrated as triumphs on the news, when you start digging into them, the details

you start digging into them, the details

you start digging into them, the details can quickly become questionable at best.

can quickly become questionable at best.

can quickly become questionable at best. Take that Uber sting. The way operations

Take that Uber sting. The way operations

Take that Uber sting. The way operations like those work is an undercover officer

like those work is an undercover officer

like those work is an undercover officer flags down an Uber, maybe says they

flags down an Uber, maybe says they

flags down an Uber, maybe says they don't have the app or that their phone

don't have the app or that their phone

don't have the app or that their phone is dead, and offers to pay cash for a

is dead, and offers to pay cash for a

is dead, and offers to pay cash for a ride to their destination. The trap

ride to their destination. The trap

ride to their destination. The trap being ride share drivers are subject to

being ride share drivers are subject to

being ride share drivers are subject to arrest if a ride isn't pre-arranged. But

arrest if a ride isn't pre-arranged. But

arrest if a ride isn't pre-arranged. But that seems like a pretty shitty thing to

that seems like a pretty shitty thing to

that seems like a pretty shitty thing to do given drivers may have been bending

do given drivers may have been bending

do given drivers may have been bending the rules to help someone who was

the rules to help someone who was

the rules to help someone who was telling them they were in need. And that

telling them they were in need. And that

telling them they were in need. And that makes it kind of satisfying to watch

makes it kind of satisfying to watch

makes it kind of satisfying to watch this video shot by someone caught in a

this video shot by someone caught in a

this video shot by someone caught in a similar sting who then went back to the

similar sting who then went back to the

similar sting who then went back to the same location to warn other drivers.

same location to warn other drivers.

same location to warn other drivers. >> Hey, brother. Those people are

>> Hey, brother. Those people are

>> Hey, brother. Those people are undercover cops. I just got a citation

undercover cops. I just got a citation

undercover cops. I just got a citation for this.

for this.

for this. >> Oh, really?

>> Oh, really?

>> Oh, really? >> Yeah. They trapped me.

>> Yeah. They trapped me.

>> Yeah. They trapped me. >> Yep.

>> Yep.

>> Yep. Good job, guys. I'll see y'all in court.

Good job, guys. I'll see y'all in court.

Good job, guys. I'll see y'all in court. Oh, I thought your phone was dead. Oh,

Oh, I thought your phone was dead. Oh,

Oh, I thought your phone was dead. Oh, your phone ain't dead no more, huh?

your phone ain't dead no more, huh?

your phone ain't dead no more, huh? >> Excellent. Everything about that is

>> Excellent. Everything about that is

>> Excellent. Everything about that is great. From the speed at which the

great. From the speed at which the

great. From the speed at which the driver pulls away when he hears the word

driver pulls away when he hears the word

driver pulls away when he hears the word cops to the cop's clear disappointment

cops to the cop's clear disappointment

cops to the cop's clear disappointment to the glee of the guy taunting them. I

to the glee of the guy taunting them. I

to the glee of the guy taunting them. I honestly haven't been this delighted to

honestly haven't been this delighted to

honestly haven't been this delighted to see a cop on camera since that Boston

see a cop on camera since that Boston

see a cop on camera since that Boston big boy zooted out of the slide.

It's still so good. It will never not be

It's still so good. It will never not be

It's still so good. It will never not be good. If I die with a smile ON MY FACE,

good. If I die with a smile ON MY FACE,

good. If I die with a smile ON MY FACE, YOU WILL know that that was the last

YOU WILL know that that was the last

YOU WILL know that that was the last thing I saw. Call that video Paul Rudd

thing I saw. Call that video Paul Rudd

thing I saw. Call that video Paul Rudd cuz it never gets old. But if it seems

cuz it never gets old. But if it seems

cuz it never gets old. But if it seems like the cops in that sting weren't so

like the cops in that sting weren't so

like the cops in that sting weren't so much stopping crime as creating it,

much stopping crime as creating it,

much stopping crime as creating it, that's sort of the point here. And it's

that's sort of the point here. And it's

that's sort of the point here. And it's honestly the case with more of these

honestly the case with more of these

honestly the case with more of these operations than you might think. So

operations than you might think. So

operations than you might think. So given all that, tonight, let's look at

given all that, tonight, let's look at

given all that, tonight, let's look at stings. Why police love them, how they

stings. Why police love them, how they

stings. Why police love them, how they use them, and who is paying the price.

use them, and who is paying the price.

use them, and who is paying the price. And let's start with how they became so

And let's start with how they became so

And let's start with how they became so popular. Stings really took off in the

popular. Stings really took off in the

popular. Stings really took off in the 1970s as police shifted from primarily

1970s as police shifted from primarily

1970s as police shifted from primarily reacting to crime to trying to prevent

reacting to crime to trying to prevent

reacting to crime to trying to prevent it. That shift coincided with a string

it. That shift coincided with a string

it. That shift coincided with a string of Supreme Court decisions that expanded

of Supreme Court decisions that expanded

of Supreme Court decisions that expanded protections for defendants against

protections for defendants against

protections for defendants against coercive police tactics with things like

coercive police tactics with things like

coercive police tactics with things like the establishment of Miranda rights. As

the establishment of Miranda rights. As

the establishment of Miranda rights. As one experts noted, as the police use of

one experts noted, as the police use of

one experts noted, as the police use of coercion has been restricted, their use

coercion has been restricted, their use

coercion has been restricted, their use of deception has increased. The first

of deception has increased. The first

of deception has increased. The first large-scale sting operation began in

large-scale sting operation began in

large-scale sting operation began in 1975. And in it, DC police created a

1975. And in it, DC police created a

1975. And in it, DC police created a fake mafia run fencing operation to lure

fake mafia run fencing operation to lure

fake mafia run fencing operation to lure people into selling them stolen

people into selling them stolen

people into selling them stolen property. And officers really got into

property. And officers really got into

property. And officers really got into their roles, giving themselves quote

their roles, giving themselves quote

their roles, giving themselves quote unquote Italian names like Angelo

unquote Italian names like Angelo

unquote Italian names like Angelo Lasagna and Rico Rigoni. Here is a photo

Lasagna and Rico Rigoni. Here is a photo

Lasagna and Rico Rigoni. Here is a photo of them. It is a picture that screams,

of them. It is a picture that screams,

of them. It is a picture that screams, "The only Italian word I know is

"The only Italian word I know is

"The only Italian word I know is lasagna." They even patted out their

lasagna." They even patted out their

lasagna." They even patted out their backstory with lines like, "We got a

backstory with lines like, "We got a

backstory with lines like, "We got a stiff in the trunk. What do we do?" to

stiff in the trunk. What do we do?" to

stiff in the trunk. What do we do?" to which Rico Riatoni would reply, "Tosser

which Rico Riatoni would reply, "Tosser

which Rico Riatoni would reply, "Tosser him in the freeze." They also offered

him in the freeze." They also offered

him in the freeze." They also offered targets meatballs, telling them, and I

targets meatballs, telling them, and I

targets meatballs, telling them, and I quote, "You'll hurt Pasquali's feeling

quote, "You'll hurt Pasquali's feeling

quote, "You'll hurt Pasquali's feeling if you know have a meatball."

if you know have a meatball."

if you know have a meatball." Ultimately, they wrapped up this thing

Ultimately, they wrapped up this thing

Ultimately, they wrapped up this thing by inviting everyone who'd sold goods to

by inviting everyone who'd sold goods to

by inviting everyone who'd sold goods to them to a giant party where a police

them to a giant party where a police

them to a giant party where a police sergeant played Don Corlei and had

sergeant played Don Corlei and had

sergeant played Don Corlei and had attendees kiss his ring as he told them

attendees kiss his ring as he told them

attendees kiss his ring as he told them they were under arrest, all while one

they were under arrest, all while one

they were under arrest, all while one agent sang When the Moon Hits Your Eye

agent sang When the Moon Hits Your Eye

agent sang When the Moon Hits Your Eye Like a Big Piece of Pie as he put

Like a Big Piece of Pie as he put

Like a Big Piece of Pie as he put handcuffs on them. Wow, that's a lot of

handcuffs on them. Wow, that's a lot of

handcuffs on them. Wow, that's a lot of stereotype.

stereotype.

stereotype. But that sting was viewed as such a

But that sting was viewed as such a

But that sting was viewed as such a success, the federal government started

success, the federal government started

success, the federal government started giving local police money to emulate it,

giving local police money to emulate it,

giving local police money to emulate it, and departments around the country began

and departments around the country began

and departments around the country began doing their own versions, and the appeal

doing their own versions, and the appeal

doing their own versions, and the appeal of stings was obvious. As this news

of stings was obvious. As this news

of stings was obvious. As this news report from 1979 explains, catching

report from 1979 explains, catching

report from 1979 explains, catching people on tape makes for very easy

people on tape makes for very easy

people on tape makes for very easy prosecutions.

prosecutions.

prosecutions. >> Around the country, officials have had

>> Around the country, officials have had

>> Around the country, officials have had great success in court with Sting

great success in court with Sting

great success in court with Sting evidence. In Memphis, all but eight of

evidence. In Memphis, all but eight of

evidence. In Memphis, all but eight of the500 Sting defendants pleaded guilty.

the500 Sting defendants pleaded guilty.

the500 Sting defendants pleaded guilty. And every one of those who chose a trial

And every one of those who chose a trial

And every one of those who chose a trial was convicted when the jury saw the

was convicted when the jury saw the

was convicted when the jury saw the tapes.

tapes.

tapes. >> Right. And that does make sense, doesn't

>> Right. And that does make sense, doesn't

>> Right. And that does make sense, doesn't it? Cuz once you have someone on tape,

it? Cuz once you have someone on tape,

it? Cuz once you have someone on tape, it is usually pretty much game over with

it is usually pretty much game over with

it is usually pretty much game over with one notable exception. And police have

one notable exception. And police have

one notable exception. And police have sometimes gotten way too into the plain

sometimes gotten way too into the plain

sometimes gotten way too into the plain dress up part of Stings. In Baton Rouge

dress up part of Stings. In Baton Rouge

dress up part of Stings. In Baton Rouge in the '90s, some cops wore blackface in

in the '90s, some cops wore blackface in

in the '90s, some cops wore blackface in a sting operation, bragging to local

a sting operation, bragging to local

a sting operation, bragging to local reporters, not only did they not know

reporters, not only did they not know

reporters, not only did they not know we're cops, they don't even know we're

we're cops, they don't even know we're

we're cops, they don't even know we're white. And first of all, oh yes, they

white. And first of all, oh yes, they

white. And first of all, oh yes, they did. No one in the history of blackface

did. No one in the history of blackface

did. No one in the history of blackface has ever pulled it off. But also, you

has ever pulled it off. But also, you

has ever pulled it off. But also, you just cannot convince me that a white cop

just cannot convince me that a white cop

just cannot convince me that a white cop could speak for more than 20 seconds

could speak for more than 20 seconds

could speak for more than 20 seconds without identifying himself as both

without identifying himself as both

without identifying himself as both white and a cop. And things as things

white and a cop. And things as things

white and a cop. And things as things became more common, courts have been

became more common, courts have been

became more common, courts have been reluctant to set limits on what police

reluctant to set limits on what police

reluctant to set limits on what police are allowed to do in them. As one

are allowed to do in them. As one

are allowed to do in them. As one analysis puts it, there are no clear

analysis puts it, there are no clear

analysis puts it, there are no clear legal limitations on the length of the

legal limitations on the length of the

legal limitations on the length of the operation, the intimacy of the

operation, the intimacy of the

operation, the intimacy of the relationships formed, the degree of

relationships formed, the degree of

relationships formed, the degree of deception used, the degree of temptation

deception used, the degree of temptation

deception used, the degree of temptation offered, and the number of times it is

offered, and the number of times it is

offered, and the number of times it is offered. All of which leaves the

offered. All of which leaves the

offered. All of which leaves the government with a nearly limitless

government with a nearly limitless

government with a nearly limitless ability to deceive. And some law

ability to deceive. And some law

ability to deceive. And some law enforcement will take that as an

enforcement will take that as an

enforcement will take that as an opportunity to rack up easy arrests and

opportunity to rack up easy arrests and

opportunity to rack up easy arrests and make some headlines. Take Sheriff Grady

make some headlines. Take Sheriff Grady

make some headlines. Take Sheriff Grady Jud in Florida. His department's

Jud in Florida. His department's

Jud in Florida. His department's constantly boasting about running online

constantly boasting about running online

constantly boasting about running online stings, often fishing for arrests

stings, often fishing for arrests

stings, often fishing for arrests concerning sex offenses with flashy

concerning sex offenses with flashy

concerning sex offenses with flashy names like Cyber Guardian, Naughty, Not

names like Cyber Guardian, Naughty, Not

names like Cyber Guardian, Naughty, Not Nice Too, and Child Protector 2, which

Nice Too, and Child Protector 2, which

Nice Too, and Child Protector 2, which sound less like police operators and

sound less like police operators and

sound less like police operators and more like Steven Cigar movies. And while

more like Steven Cigar movies. And while

more like Steven Cigar movies. And while you'd hope they targeted predators

you'd hope they targeted predators

you'd hope they targeted predators looking to engage in criminal activity,

looking to engage in criminal activity,

looking to engage in criminal activity, when a local station dug into the

when a local station dug into the

when a local station dug into the tactics Jud was using, they found that

tactics Jud was using, they found that

tactics Jud was using, they found that wasn't exactly the case. You think you

wasn't exactly the case. You think you

wasn't exactly the case. You think you know how these things go down? Cops post

know how these things go down? Cops post

know how these things go down? Cops post an ad for an underage teen, wait for

an ad for an underage teen, wait for

an ad for an underage teen, wait for predators to respond, then arrest them

predators to respond, then arrest them

predators to respond, then arrest them when they show up in person.

when they show up in person.

when they show up in person. >> If I had Grady's World, they'd all go to

>> If I had Grady's World, they'd all go to

>> If I had Grady's World, they'd all go to prison.

prison.

prison. >> But what so many of our local law

>> But what so many of our local law

>> But what so many of our local law enforcement leaders are not telling you

enforcement leaders are not telling you

enforcement leaders are not telling you is that they've had to try harder and

is that they've had to try harder and

is that they've had to try harder and harder over the years to trick men into

harder over the years to trick men into

harder over the years to trick men into showing up. 10 Investigates has learned

showing up. 10 Investigates has learned

showing up. 10 Investigates has learned through court documents and arrest

through court documents and arrest

through court documents and arrest reports that law enforcement is now

reports that law enforcement is now

reports that law enforcement is now reaching out themselves to young men who

reaching out themselves to young men who

reaching out themselves to young men who did nothing more than post an ad on a

did nothing more than post an ad on a

did nothing more than post an ad on a traditional dating site. Cops form a

traditional dating site. Cops form a

traditional dating site. Cops form a rapport, then switch their age and try

rapport, then switch their age and try

rapport, then switch their age and try to trick the sometimes hesitant men to

to trick the sometimes hesitant men to

to trick the sometimes hesitant men to keep on talking.

keep on talking.

keep on talking. >> They had me call them. I sat on the

>> They had me call them. I sat on the

>> They had me call them. I sat on the phone for an hour with a grown woman who

phone for an hour with a grown woman who

phone for an hour with a grown woman who was talking to me in a very seductive

was talking to me in a very seductive

was talking to me in a very seductive manner.

manner.

manner. >> He was 22 when he had his first and only

>> He was 22 when he had his first and only

>> He was 22 when he had his first and only runin with the law. He thought he was

runin with the law. He thought he was

runin with the law. He thought he was talking to a 26-year-old online who even

talking to a 26-year-old online who even

talking to a 26-year-old online who even sent this photo, wedding ring and all.

sent this photo, wedding ring and all.

sent this photo, wedding ring and all. But after baiting him in, she switched

But after baiting him in, she switched

But after baiting him in, she switched her age from 26 to 13. Joseph thought

her age from 26 to 13. Joseph thought

her age from 26 to 13. Joseph thought she had to have been kidding, so he took

she had to have been kidding, so he took

she had to have been kidding, so he took her up on her offer to meet.

her up on her offer to meet.

her up on her offer to meet. >> I walked into a house and was thrown

>> I walked into a house and was thrown

>> I walked into a house and was thrown into handcuffs.

into handcuffs.

into handcuffs. >> He's serving two years of house arrest,

>> He's serving two years of house arrest,

>> He's serving two years of house arrest, then the equivalent of a life sentence

then the equivalent of a life sentence

then the equivalent of a life sentence since he's now labeled a sexual

since he's now labeled a sexual

since he's now labeled a sexual offender. That really doesn't feel like

offender. That really doesn't feel like

offender. That really doesn't feel like a slam dunk for justice there, does it?

a slam dunk for justice there, does it?

a slam dunk for justice there, does it? He posted an ad online looking for an

He posted an ad online looking for an

He posted an ad online looking for an adult, then talked to an adult on an

adult, then talked to an adult on an

adult, then talked to an adult on an adult site and then got understandably

adult site and then got understandably

adult site and then got understandably confused when that adult suddenly

confused when that adult suddenly

confused when that adult suddenly reversed bigged themselves, especially

reversed bigged themselves, especially

reversed bigged themselves, especially given he'd already been sent this photo,

given he'd already been sent this photo,

given he'd already been sent this photo, which is obviously of a grown woman.

which is obviously of a grown woman.

which is obviously of a grown woman. Wedding ring aside, she's got the face

Wedding ring aside, she's got the face

Wedding ring aside, she's got the face of someone who knows what a Roth IRA is.

of someone who knows what a Roth IRA is.

of someone who knows what a Roth IRA is. But while the crimes in these operations

But while the crimes in these operations

But while the crimes in these operations can be made up, the punishments can be

can be made up, the punishments can be

can be made up, the punishments can be very real. And not just when it comes to

very real. And not just when it comes to

very real. And not just when it comes to sex stings. The ATF for years did

sex stings. The ATF for years did

sex stings. The ATF for years did so-called stash house stings where where

so-called stash house stings where where

so-called stash house stings where where basically undercover agents would

basically undercover agents would

basically undercover agents would recruit a group of people to rob a

recruit a group of people to rob a

recruit a group of people to rob a non-existent stash house full of drugs

non-existent stash house full of drugs

non-existent stash house full of drugs with the promise of huge amounts of

with the promise of huge amounts of

with the promise of huge amounts of money. Over the years, they arrested

money. Over the years, they arrested

money. Over the years, they arrested over a thousand people in these sorts of

over a thousand people in these sorts of

over a thousand people in these sorts of stings, like these men who walked right

stings, like these men who walked right

stings, like these men who walked right into the trap. Stun grenades startled

into the trap. Stun grenades startled

into the trap. Stun grenades startled three young men near Chicago as police

three young men near Chicago as police

three young men near Chicago as police move in. They thought they were going to

move in. They thought they were going to

move in. They thought they were going to rob a drug stash house. Instead, they

rob a drug stash house. Instead, they

rob a drug stash house. Instead, they got busted. A fake scenario set up by

got busted. A fake scenario set up by

got busted. A fake scenario set up by the ATF to get hardened criminals off

the ATF to get hardened criminals off

the ATF to get hardened criminals off the street.

the street.

the street. >> Yeah, they lured a bunch of people into

>> Yeah, they lured a bunch of people into

>> Yeah, they lured a bunch of people into a car under false pretenses and then

a car under false pretenses and then

a car under false pretenses and then sprang a nasty surprise on them. It's

sprang a nasty surprise on them. It's

sprang a nasty surprise on them. It's almost as bad as accidentally hailing

almost as bad as accidentally hailing

almost as bad as accidentally hailing the cash cab under no circumstances. By

the cash cab under no circumstances. By

the cash cab under no circumstances. By the way, do you hear me? The only way

the way, do you hear me? The only way

the way, do you hear me? The only way I'm being transported in that thing is

I'm being transported in that thing is

I'm being transported in that thing is if you kill me and stuff me in the

if you kill me and stuff me in the

if you kill me and stuff me in the trunk.

trunk.

trunk. And while police will claim things like

And while police will claim things like

And while police will claim things like those catch people who'd commit violent

those catch people who'd commit violent

those catch people who'd commit violent crimes anyway, I'm not so sure about

crimes anyway, I'm not so sure about

crimes anyway, I'm not so sure about that. Reporters looked into that case

that. Reporters looked into that case

that. Reporters looked into that case and found that this guy not only had no

and found that this guy not only had no

and found that this guy not only had no convictions for violent offenses. He

convictions for violent offenses. He

convictions for violent offenses. He clearly didn't know what he was doing.

clearly didn't know what he was doing.

clearly didn't know what he was doing. >> USA Today found this smalltime criminal

>> USA Today found this smalltime criminal

>> USA Today found this smalltime criminal in this case showed up with a rusty gun

in this case showed up with a rusty gun

in this case showed up with a rusty gun and bullets that didn't fit. His

and bullets that didn't fit. His

and bullets that didn't fit. His punishment looking at 25 years in jail.

punishment looking at 25 years in jail.

punishment looking at 25 years in jail. >> Yeah. Apparently that gun was so old it

>> Yeah. Apparently that gun was so old it

>> Yeah. Apparently that gun was so old it had been made sometime before World War

had been made sometime before World War

had been made sometime before World War I. and a rusty old gun with bullets that

I. and a rusty old gun with bullets that

I. and a rusty old gun with bullets that don't fit clearly shouldn't justify

don't fit clearly shouldn't justify

don't fit clearly shouldn't justify sending a man to prison for 25 years. At

sending a man to prison for 25 years. At

sending a man to prison for 25 years. At best, it's be the comic relief character

best, it's be the comic relief character

best, it's be the comic relief character in a Pixar movie where a bunch of

in a Pixar movie where a bunch of

in a Pixar movie where a bunch of talking guns learn the value of found

talking guns learn the value of found

talking guns learn the value of found family.

family.

family. And the thing is, judges may not have a

And the thing is, judges may not have a

And the thing is, judges may not have a lot of room for leniency in cases like

lot of room for leniency in cases like

lot of room for leniency in cases like that, thanks to mandatory minimum

that, thanks to mandatory minimum

that, thanks to mandatory minimum sentencing laws, which trigger based on

sentencing laws, which trigger based on

sentencing laws, which trigger based on the severity of the crime. And because

the severity of the crime. And because

the severity of the crime. And because the ATF's making the crime up in the

the ATF's making the crime up in the

the ATF's making the crime up in the first place, they can make sure it meets

first place, they can make sure it meets

first place, they can make sure it meets mandatory minimums by inventing drug

mandatory minimums by inventing drug

mandatory minimums by inventing drug amounts that trigger long sentences or

amounts that trigger long sentences or

amounts that trigger long sentences or pressuring targets into doing things

pressuring targets into doing things

pressuring targets into doing things that increase the penalty. In one sting

that increase the penalty. In one sting

that increase the penalty. In one sting out of Witchita, ATF agents suggested a

out of Witchita, ATF agents suggested a

out of Witchita, ATF agents suggested a felon take a shotgun, saw it off, and

felon take a shotgun, saw it off, and

felon take a shotgun, saw it off, and bring it back to them, even providing

bring it back to them, even providing

bring it back to them, even providing instructions on how to do it. That sort

instructions on how to do it. That sort

instructions on how to do it. That sort of off gun then allowed them to charge

of off gun then allowed them to charge

of off gun then allowed them to charge the man with a more serious crime. And

the man with a more serious crime. And

the man with a more serious crime. And if you're thinking, well, hold on. Isn't

if you're thinking, well, hold on. Isn't

if you're thinking, well, hold on. Isn't all this enttrapment? You would think

all this enttrapment? You would think

all this enttrapment? You would think so, but it turns out the legal bar for

so, but it turns out the legal bar for

so, but it turns out the legal bar for proving enttrapment is incredibly high.

proving enttrapment is incredibly high.

proving enttrapment is incredibly high. One big reason is that in court,

One big reason is that in court,

One big reason is that in court, prosecutors simply have to show that

prosecutors simply have to show that

prosecutors simply have to show that you're doing something you'd have been

you're doing something you'd have been

you're doing something you'd have been predisposed to do anyway. And depending

predisposed to do anyway. And depending

predisposed to do anyway. And depending on your case, things like prior

on your case, things like prior

on your case, things like prior convictions and drug addiction could

convictions and drug addiction could

convictions and drug addiction could qualify. Often, all they have to show is

qualify. Often, all they have to show is

qualify. Often, all they have to show is that you were willing to commit the

that you were willing to commit the

that you were willing to commit the crime. But a key reason people can be

crime. But a key reason people can be

crime. But a key reason people can be willing to do that is because they've

willing to do that is because they've

willing to do that is because they've just been offered a lot of money. All of

just been offered a lot of money. All of

just been offered a lot of money. All of which makes you feel pretty predatory

which makes you feel pretty predatory

which makes you feel pretty predatory that these things can actively target

that these things can actively target

that these things can actively target lowincome communities. In California,

lowincome communities. In California,

lowincome communities. In California, federal judge, a federal judge uh even

federal judge, a federal judge uh even

federal judge, a federal judge uh even accused ATF agents of trolling poor

accused ATF agents of trolling poor

accused ATF agents of trolling poor neighborhoods for suspects.

neighborhoods for suspects.

neighborhoods for suspects. Investigations have also found stings

Investigations have also found stings

Investigations have also found stings disproportionately target minorities.

disproportionately target minorities.

disproportionately target minorities. Now, one that looked at seven years of

Now, one that looked at seven years of

Now, one that looked at seven years of stash house stings in the greater

stash house stings in the greater

stash house stings in the greater Chicago area found that of the people

Chicago area found that of the people

Chicago area found that of the people charged in them, 92% were black or

charged in them, 92% were black or

charged in them, 92% were black or Hispanic. And when a retired ATF agent

Hispanic. And when a retired ATF agent

Hispanic. And when a retired ATF agent was asked to explain why they chose

was asked to explain why they chose

was asked to explain why they chose certain areas, his answer wasn't great.

certain areas, his answer wasn't great.

certain areas, his answer wasn't great. >> Why do a stash house investigation in

>> Why do a stash house investigation in

>> Why do a stash house investigation in Englewood as opposed to some other

Englewood as opposed to some other

Englewood as opposed to some other place?

place?

place? >> Well, we don't we do we do them anywhere

>> Well, we don't we do we do them anywhere

>> Well, we don't we do we do them anywhere that we find that there's people that

that we find that there's people that

that we find that there's people that are willing to participate in that level

are willing to participate in that level

are willing to participate in that level of violence. Those are people we're

of violence. Those are people we're

of violence. Those are people we're going to want to talk to. Uh again, it's

going to want to talk to. Uh again, it's

going to want to talk to. Uh again, it's this is a kill or be killed proposition.

this is a kill or be killed proposition.

this is a kill or be killed proposition. It doesn't matter if you're in

It doesn't matter if you're in

It doesn't matter if you're in Englewood, the West Side, um Detroit, uh

Englewood, the West Side, um Detroit, uh

Englewood, the West Side, um Detroit, uh New Orleans, anywhere, any community

New Orleans, anywhere, any community

New Orleans, anywhere, any community where we can find those violent people

where we can find those violent people

where we can find those violent people within that community, um then we'll

within that community, um then we'll

within that community, um then we'll provide them with this opportunity.

provide them with this opportunity.

provide them with this opportunity. >> Huh, what a fascinating off the top of

>> Huh, what a fascinating off the top of

>> Huh, what a fascinating off the top of your head list that was Anglewood, the

your head list that was Anglewood, the

your head list that was Anglewood, the Westside, Detroit, or New Orleans. All

Westside, Detroit, or New Orleans. All

Westside, Detroit, or New Orleans. All fun fact, majority black areas. He's

fun fact, majority black areas. He's

fun fact, majority black areas. He's only one step away from adding Wakanda

only one step away from adding Wakanda

only one step away from adding Wakanda to that list. And disproportionate

to that list. And disproportionate

to that list. And disproportionate targeting has been baked into stings

targeting has been baked into stings

targeting has been baked into stings from the very beginning. Remember the

from the very beginning. Remember the

from the very beginning. Remember the fake mafia guys buying fenced goods. It

fake mafia guys buying fenced goods. It

fake mafia guys buying fenced goods. It rounded up about 120 people, although

rounded up about 120 people, although

rounded up about 120 people, although most were not experienced traffickers,

most were not experienced traffickers,

most were not experienced traffickers, but unemployed black men who had heard

but unemployed black men who had heard

but unemployed black men who had heard about the high prices being offered at

about the high prices being offered at

about the high prices being offered at the warehouse and had decided to steal

the warehouse and had decided to steal

the warehouse and had decided to steal something. Flash forward to 2018 and law

something. Flash forward to 2018 and law

something. Flash forward to 2018 and law enforcement in Chicago were using a

enforcement in Chicago were using a

enforcement in Chicago were using a Bates truck that they filled with Nike

Bates truck that they filled with Nike

Bates truck that they filled with Nike sneakers and parked in an impoverished

sneakers and parked in an impoverished

sneakers and parked in an impoverished neighborhood. Something that justifiably

neighborhood. Something that justifiably

neighborhood. Something that justifiably infuriated community members. Instead of

infuriated community members. Instead of

infuriated community members. Instead of y'all chasing crime, you trying to

y'all chasing crime, you trying to

y'all chasing crime, you trying to create crime.

create crime.

create crime. >> On this YouTube video posted by

>> On this YouTube video posted by

>> On this YouTube video posted by anti-rime activist Charles McKenzie,

anti-rime activist Charles McKenzie,

anti-rime activist Charles McKenzie, outraged residents call that entrapment.

outraged residents call that entrapment.

outraged residents call that entrapment. >> Y'all baiting our young kids.

>> Y'all baiting our young kids.

>> Y'all baiting our young kids. >> It's a base truck, man.

>> It's a base truck, man.

>> It's a base truck, man. >> Park Nike truck.

>> Park Nike truck.

>> Park Nike truck. >> I think this is bogus and y'all

>> I think this is bogus and y'all

>> I think this is bogus and y'all shouldn't be entrapping black. I think

shouldn't be entrapping black. I think

shouldn't be entrapping black. I think it's real crimes being committed. Why do

it's real crimes being committed. Why do

it's real crimes being committed. Why do you got to do Why don't you go preach to

you got to do Why don't you go preach to

you got to do Why don't you go preach to somebody else? Huh?

somebody else? Huh?

somebody else? Huh? >> Put this in your neighborhood.

>> Put this in your neighborhood.

>> Put this in your neighborhood. >> Yeah, fair point. And I know it's a

>> Yeah, fair point. And I know it's a

>> Yeah, fair point. And I know it's a little hard to tell what the cop dropped

little hard to tell what the cop dropped

little hard to tell what the cop dropped on the ground there, but from context,

on the ground there, but from context,

on the ground there, but from context, I'm going to just guess it's his

I'm going to just guess it's his

I'm going to just guess it's his dignity, but it is not just racial or

dignity, but it is not just racial or

dignity, but it is not just racial or economic targeting. Stings can also

economic targeting. Stings can also

economic targeting. Stings can also sweep up people who might be easier for

sweep up people who might be easier for

sweep up people who might be easier for cops to manipulate due to mental illness

cops to manipulate due to mental illness

cops to manipulate due to mental illness or disabilities. Just listen to these

or disabilities. Just listen to these

or disabilities. Just listen to these parents of an autistic teenager in

parents of an autistic teenager in

parents of an autistic teenager in California tell the story of how some

California tell the story of how some

California tell the story of how some happy news from school quickly took a

happy news from school quickly took a

happy news from school quickly took a turn for the worse.

turn for the worse.

turn for the worse. >> He told me that he met a new friend in

>> He told me that he met a new friend in

>> He told me that he met a new friend in art class, and I was completely amazed

art class, and I was completely amazed

art class, and I was completely amazed by that. It seemed like uh they were

by that. It seemed like uh they were

by that. It seemed like uh they were having these great conversations back

having these great conversations back

having these great conversations back and forth or what seemed typical for a

and forth or what seemed typical for a

and forth or what seemed typical for a teenager because there was such a

teenager because there was such a

teenager because there was such a furious amount of texting going on.

furious amount of texting going on.

furious amount of texting going on. >> But those texts weren't just friendly

>> But those texts weren't just friendly

>> But those texts weren't just friendly teenage banter. Instead, their son's new

teenage banter. Instead, their son's new

teenage banter. Instead, their son's new friend was pressuring him to buy

friend was pressuring him to buy

friend was pressuring him to buy marijuana. And this new friend wasn't

marijuana. And this new friend wasn't

marijuana. And this new friend wasn't just a teenager. He was an undercover

just a teenager. He was an undercover

just a teenager. He was an undercover cop who went by the name of Daniel

cop who went by the name of Daniel

cop who went by the name of Daniel Briggs. It took the Snodgrass's son

Briggs. It took the Snodgrass's son

Briggs. It took the Snodgrass's son three weeks to buy half a joint of pot

three weeks to buy half a joint of pot

three weeks to buy half a joint of pot off a homeless man. A few weeks later,

off a homeless man. A few weeks later,

off a homeless man. A few weeks later, armed policemen walked into his

armed policemen walked into his

armed policemen walked into his classroom and arrested him in front of

classroom and arrested him in front of

classroom and arrested him in front of his peers. 22 students were arrested in

his peers. 22 students were arrested in

his peers. 22 students were arrested in the drug sting. Most of them were

the drug sting. Most of them were

the drug sting. Most of them were special needs students. That is

special needs students. That is

special needs students. That is appalling. And for what it's worth,

appalling. And for what it's worth,

appalling. And for what it's worth, their son only got the joint because his

their son only got the joint because his

their son only got the joint because his cop friend told him he was always in

cop friend told him he was always in

cop friend told him he was always in trouble with his strict mom and was

trouble with his strict mom and was

trouble with his strict mom and was super stressed. That's why he really

super stressed. That's why he really

super stressed. That's why he really needed it. So, it seems that cop was

needed it. So, it seems that cop was

needed it. So, it seems that cop was truly living by Mr. Rogers's famous

truly living by Mr. Rogers's famous

truly living by Mr. Rogers's famous advice, "Look for the helpers so you can

advice, "Look for the helpers so you can

advice, "Look for the helpers so you can arrest them for weed possession." And in

arrest them for weed possession." And in

arrest them for weed possession." And in a sign of just how much the media

a sign of just how much the media

a sign of just how much the media uncritically laps these stories up, this

uncritically laps these stories up, this

uncritically laps these stories up, this is how those arrests got covered on the

is how those arrests got covered on the

is how those arrests got covered on the local news.

local news.

local news. >> Riverside County Sheriff's deputies have

>> Riverside County Sheriff's deputies have

>> Riverside County Sheriff's deputies have smashed an illegal drug ring operating

smashed an illegal drug ring operating

smashed an illegal drug ring operating out of three high schools in Tmacula.

out of three high schools in Tmacula.

out of three high schools in Tmacula. >> 22 students were taken into custody.

>> 22 students were taken into custody.

>> 22 students were taken into custody. >> It was like 21 Jump Street. Like

>> It was like 21 Jump Street. Like

>> It was like 21 Jump Street. Like >> deputies say during the investigation

>> deputies say during the investigation

>> deputies say during the investigation they seized all types of drugs, meth,

they seized all types of drugs, meth,

they seized all types of drugs, meth, cocaine, LSD, and ecstasy. Chapperel

cocaine, LSD, and ecstasy. Chapperel

cocaine, LSD, and ecstasy. Chapperel High School also had students escorted

High School also had students escorted

High School also had students escorted by police off campus. This picture shows

by police off campus. This picture shows

by police off campus. This picture shows one of five arrests made there.

one of five arrests made there.

one of five arrests made there. >> That kid on the screen there was the one

>> That kid on the screen there was the one

>> That kid on the screen there was the one who spent weeks trying to buy half a

who spent weeks trying to buy half a

who spent weeks trying to buy half a joint for his friend because he was

joint for his friend because he was

joint for his friend because he was worried about it. But I can see why the

worried about it. But I can see why the

worried about it. But I can see why the news didn't lead with that angle. Cops

news didn't lead with that angle. Cops

news didn't lead with that angle. Cops bust massive drug ring is a much cooler

bust massive drug ring is a much cooler

bust massive drug ring is a much cooler story than cops manipulate/arrest

story than cops manipulate/arrest

story than cops manipulate/arrest autistic teen. And it goes way beyond

autistic teen. And it goes way beyond

autistic teen. And it goes way beyond school drug busts. An investigation into

school drug busts. An investigation into

school drug busts. An investigation into another ATF practice of setting up fake

another ATF practice of setting up fake

another ATF practice of setting up fake stores to buy drugs and guns found them

stores to buy drugs and guns found them

stores to buy drugs and guns found them repeatedly manipulating people with

repeatedly manipulating people with

repeatedly manipulating people with disabilities. In one case, agents set up

disabilities. In one case, agents set up

disabilities. In one case, agents set up a fake smoke shop in Portland and paid a

a fake smoke shop in Portland and paid a

a fake smoke shop in Portland and paid a 19-year-old who was mentally disabled

19-year-old who was mentally disabled

19-year-old who was mentally disabled and his friend to promote their store

and his friend to promote their store

and his friend to promote their store by, and this is true, getting a large

by, and this is true, getting a large

by, and this is true, getting a large tattoo on their necks of the fake shop's

tattoo on their necks of the fake shop's

tattoo on their necks of the fake shop's emblem, which was a giant squid smoking

emblem, which was a giant squid smoking

emblem, which was a giant squid smoking a joint, which is utterly despicable.

a joint, which is utterly despicable.

a joint, which is utterly despicable. And when a judge later reprimanded a

And when a judge later reprimanded a

And when a judge later reprimanded a government lawyer for that, I'd argue

government lawyer for that, I'd argue

government lawyer for that, I'd argue she did it in far too casual a manner.

she did it in far too casual a manner.

she did it in far too casual a manner. >> But the agent, it was government money

>> But the agent, it was government money

>> But the agent, it was government money that was used to pay for the tattoos,

that was used to pay for the tattoos,

that was used to pay for the tattoos, >> I believe. So,

>> I believe. So,

>> I believe. So, >> uh could you send a message back to uh

>> uh could you send a message back to uh

>> uh could you send a message back to uh it was a which agency was doing it?

it was a which agency was doing it?

it was a which agency was doing it? >> Uh ATF

>> Uh ATF

>> Uh ATF >> that uh it's really a bad idea. Um

>> that uh it's really a bad idea. Um

>> that uh it's really a bad idea. Um nothing unlawful about it, but uh not a

nothing unlawful about it, but uh not a

nothing unlawful about it, but uh not a good idea.

good idea.

good idea. >> Not a good idea. Look, there is a time

>> Not a good idea. Look, there is a time

>> Not a good idea. Look, there is a time to be polite, but finding out agents

to be polite, but finding out agents

to be polite, but finding out agents just use taxpayer money to tattoo a teen

just use taxpayer money to tattoo a teen

just use taxpayer money to tattoo a teen with mental disabilities is not it. In

with mental disabilities is not it. In

with mental disabilities is not it. In fact, I looked up that exact situation

fact, I looked up that exact situation

fact, I looked up that exact situation in Emily Post book of etiquette and her

in Emily Post book of etiquette and her

in Emily Post book of etiquette and her advice just says, "Fuck those

advice just says, "Fuck those

advice just says, "Fuck those sideways with a rusty fork." I didn't

sideways with a rusty fork." I didn't

sideways with a rusty fork." I didn't say that. Emily posted, so you know it's

say that. Emily posted, so you know it's

say that. Emily posted, so you know it's official. And if it wasn't enough for

official. And if it wasn't enough for

official. And if it wasn't enough for cops to prey on disabled or desperate

cops to prey on disabled or desperate

cops to prey on disabled or desperate people, there is one more way they can

people, there is one more way they can

people, there is one more way they can make things easy on themselves with

make things easy on themselves with

make things easy on themselves with stings. And that is by using

stings. And that is by using

stings. And that is by using confidential informants or CIS.

confidential informants or CIS.

confidential informants or CIS. Basically, people they convince to go

Basically, people they convince to go

Basically, people they convince to go undercover on their behalf. sometimes by

undercover on their behalf. sometimes by

undercover on their behalf. sometimes by paying them, but often by taking people

paying them, but often by taking people

paying them, but often by taking people they've already arrested and pressuring

they've already arrested and pressuring

they've already arrested and pressuring them to work as CIS to obtain their

them to work as CIS to obtain their

them to work as CIS to obtain their freedom. As this ex- cop readily

freedom. As this ex- cop readily

freedom. As this ex- cop readily explains, using these sources can really

explains, using these sources can really

explains, using these sources can really speed things up when it comes to making

speed things up when it comes to making

speed things up when it comes to making a case.

a case.

a case. >> If you had not been able personally to

>> If you had not been able personally to

>> If you had not been able personally to use confidential informance, would you

use confidential informance, would you

use confidential informance, would you have been as effective?

have been as effective?

have been as effective? >> Nowhere near as effective.

>> Nowhere near as effective.

>> Nowhere near as effective. >> You really feel you need this?

>> You really feel you need this?

>> You really feel you need this? >> Oh, I know I would not. I may have to

>> Oh, I know I would not. I may have to

>> Oh, I know I would not. I may have to watch a house for days or weeks to

watch a house for days or weeks to

watch a house for days or weeks to establish probable cause. My informant

establish probable cause. My informant

establish probable cause. My informant goes in and makes a buy out of it and I

goes in and makes a buy out of it and I

goes in and makes a buy out of it and I have my probable cause in 5 minutes.

have my probable cause in 5 minutes.

have my probable cause in 5 minutes. Look, I will concede that man in

Look, I will concede that man in

Look, I will concede that man in particular is going to have a hard time

particular is going to have a hard time

particular is going to have a hard time going undercover because if you showed

going undercover because if you showed

going undercover because if you showed me that guy and gave me three guesses

me that guy and gave me three guesses

me that guy and gave me three guesses what he does for a living, they'd be in

what he does for a living, they'd be in

what he does for a living, they'd be in order. Cop, cop, and guy who plays cop

order. Cop, cop, and guy who plays cop

order. Cop, cop, and guy who plays cop in porn.

in porn.

in porn. And the appeal for police in CIS is

And the appeal for police in CIS is

And the appeal for police in CIS is obvious. They're people who may already

obvious. They're people who may already

obvious. They're people who may already be known and trusted in their community

be known and trusted in their community

be known and trusted in their community and crucially as civilians. They're

and crucially as civilians. They're

and crucially as civilians. They're subject to even fewer rules and

subject to even fewer rules and

subject to even fewer rules and restrictions than cops regarding conduct

restrictions than cops regarding conduct

restrictions than cops regarding conduct during an investigation. But there are

during an investigation. But there are

during an investigation. But there are some obvious issues here. First, because

some obvious issues here. First, because

some obvious issues here. First, because CIS can be paid or working under the

CIS can be paid or working under the

CIS can be paid or working under the threat of jail time, they can be under

threat of jail time, they can be under

threat of jail time, they can be under huge pressure to produce whatever info

huge pressure to produce whatever info

huge pressure to produce whatever info cops need, whether it is reliable or

cops need, whether it is reliable or

cops need, whether it is reliable or not. Meaning, they might well fabricate

not. Meaning, they might well fabricate

not. Meaning, they might well fabricate information. Also, cops can look the

information. Also, cops can look the

information. Also, cops can look the other way at crimes their CIS have

other way at crimes their CIS have

other way at crimes their CIS have committed or even continue to commit

committed or even continue to commit

committed or even continue to commit while they are working for them. And

while they are working for them. And

while they are working for them. And finally, if you're thinking pressuring

finally, if you're thinking pressuring

finally, if you're thinking pressuring untrained civilians into doing the job

untrained civilians into doing the job

untrained civilians into doing the job of undercover cops feels like it could

of undercover cops feels like it could

of undercover cops feels like it could end badly, you're right about that.

end badly, you're right about that.

end badly, you're right about that. There have been multiple stories of CIS

There have been multiple stories of CIS

There have been multiple stories of CIS being assaulted or murdered in the

being assaulted or murdered in the

being assaulted or murdered in the course of working for the police. In

course of working for the police. In

course of working for the police. In fact, as this expert points out, there

fact, as this expert points out, there

fact, as this expert points out, there are a whole host of issues CIS raised,

are a whole host of issues CIS raised,

are a whole host of issues CIS raised, but the limited nature of disclosure on

but the limited nature of disclosure on

but the limited nature of disclosure on these operations means we don't know the

these operations means we don't know the

these operations means we don't know the full extent of any of them. There is no

full extent of any of them. There is no

full extent of any of them. There is no law enforcement entity or official in

law enforcement entity or official in

law enforcement entity or official in this country that knows how many

this country that knows how many

this country that knows how many informants there are, how many crimes

informants there are, how many crimes

informants there are, how many crimes they solve, and how many crimes are

they solve, and how many crimes are

they solve, and how many crimes are tolerated by law enforcement by the

tolerated by law enforcement by the

tolerated by law enforcement by the informants that they run.

informants that they run.

informants that they run. >> Exactly. And it is probably not a great

>> Exactly. And it is probably not a great

>> Exactly. And it is probably not a great sign that we have less information about

sign that we have less information about

sign that we have less information about confidential informants than we do about

confidential informants than we do about

confidential informants than we do about how many toilets Megan Trainer and her

how many toilets Megan Trainer and her

how many toilets Megan Trainer and her spy kid husband have. And it's not just

spy kid husband have. And it's not just

spy kid husband have. And it's not just information on confidential. You know

information on confidential. You know

information on confidential. You know what? I don't think I was actually clear

what? I don't think I was actually clear

what? I don't think I was actually clear about that. They have two They have two

about that. They have two They have two

about that. They have two They have two toilets right next to each other so they

toilets right next to each other so they

toilets right next to each other so they can piss and presumably together

can piss and presumably together

can piss and presumably together without breaking eye contact. That is

without breaking eye contact. That is

without breaking eye contact. That is from their old house. They've since

from their old house. They've since

from their old house. They've since moved and are opting for a quote knees

moved and are opting for a quote knees

moved and are opting for a quote knees to knees setup. Yeah, I don't like

to knees setup. Yeah, I don't like

to knees setup. Yeah, I don't like knowing this about them either, but at

knowing this about them either, but at

knowing this about them either, but at least we're on the same page now.

least we're on the same page now.

least we're on the same page now. Anyway, it's not just information on

Anyway, it's not just information on

Anyway, it's not just information on confidential informants. Public data on

confidential informants. Public data on

confidential informants. Public data on stings in general is extremely limited,

stings in general is extremely limited,

stings in general is extremely limited, partly because they're usually not

partly because they're usually not

partly because they're usually not subject to public disclosure laws. And

subject to public disclosure laws. And

subject to public disclosure laws. And that mixed with a near limitless ability

that mixed with a near limitless ability

that mixed with a near limitless ability for cops to target anyone they want is a

for cops to target anyone they want is a

for cops to target anyone they want is a truly dangerous combination. And if you

truly dangerous combination. And if you

truly dangerous combination. And if you want to see everything that we've

want to see everything that we've

want to see everything that we've discussed tonight in one place, just

discussed tonight in one place, just

discussed tonight in one place, just look at counterterrorism stings. After

look at counterterrorism stings. After

look at counterterrorism stings. After 911, the FBI went hard in trying to

911, the FBI went hard in trying to

911, the FBI went hard in trying to preemptively stop the next big terror

preemptively stop the next big terror

preemptively stop the next big terror attack. One hallmark of this involves

attack. One hallmark of this involves

attack. One hallmark of this involves stings targeted at Muslim communities

stings targeted at Muslim communities

stings targeted at Muslim communities and these cases resulted in a lot of

and these cases resulted in a lot of

and these cases resulted in a lot of convictions. A survey two years ago

convictions. A survey two years ago

convictions. A survey two years ago found that out of 992 terrorism

found that out of 992 terrorism

found that out of 992 terrorism defendants since 911, just three have

defendants since 911, just three have

defendants since 911, just three have been acquitted and four have seen their

been acquitted and four have seen their

been acquitted and four have seen their charges dropped or dismissed, giving the

charges dropped or dismissed, giving the

charges dropped or dismissed, giving the Justice Department a near perfect record

Justice Department a near perfect record

Justice Department a near perfect record of conviction when it comes to terrorism

of conviction when it comes to terrorism

of conviction when it comes to terrorism cases. But that same report also found

cases. But that same report also found

cases. But that same report also found that the majority of defendants had no

that the majority of defendants had no

that the majority of defendants had no direct connection to terrorist

direct connection to terrorist

direct connection to terrorist organizations at all. And over a third

organizations at all. And over a third

organizations at all. And over a third had been caught up in FBI stings. And

had been caught up in FBI stings. And

had been caught up in FBI stings. And some of those were incredibly dicey,

some of those were incredibly dicey,

some of those were incredibly dicey, like the case of these four men in

like the case of these four men in

like the case of these four men in Newberg, New York, who the FBI claimed

Newberg, New York, who the FBI claimed

Newberg, New York, who the FBI claimed planned to attack synagogues and an

planned to attack synagogues and an

planned to attack synagogues and an airport. And at the time, they trumpeted

airport. And at the time, they trumpeted

airport. And at the time, they trumpeted the arrests as a huge deal.

the arrests as a huge deal.

the arrests as a huge deal. >> We have breaking news. The FBI says it

>> We have breaking news. The FBI says it

>> We have breaking news. The FBI says it has thwarted a terror plot. Federal

has thwarted a terror plot. Federal

has thwarted a terror plot. Federal investigators say the suspects are four

investigators say the suspects are four

investigators say the suspects are four men with a shared hatred for America.

men with a shared hatred for America.

men with a shared hatred for America. >> According to the FBI, the four men

>> According to the FBI, the four men

>> According to the FBI, the four men intended to carry out their plan today.

intended to carry out their plan today.

intended to carry out their plan today. >> The good news here is that our FBI and

>> The good news here is that our FBI and

>> The good news here is that our FBI and our NYPD did a very, very good job. The

our NYPD did a very, very good job. The

our NYPD did a very, very good job. The fact that we've been able to penetrate

fact that we've been able to penetrate

fact that we've been able to penetrate these groups early on, they were being

these groups early on, they were being

these groups early on, they were being monitored for close to a year. This is

monitored for close to a year. This is

monitored for close to a year. This is truly a a textbook example of how a a a

truly a a textbook example of how a a a

truly a a textbook example of how a a a major investigation uh should be

major investigation uh should be

major investigation uh should be conducted.

conducted.

conducted. >> That sounds pretty impressive, doesn't

>> That sounds pretty impressive, doesn't

>> That sounds pretty impressive, doesn't it? But you should know while friend of

it? But you should know while friend of

it? But you should know while friend of the Bailey's Chuck Schumer there was

the Bailey's Chuck Schumer there was

the Bailey's Chuck Schumer there was bragging that the FBI was able to

bragging that the FBI was able to

bragging that the FBI was able to penetrate the group very early on, the

penetrate the group very early on, the

penetrate the group very early on, the reason for that is they're the ones who

reason for that is they're the ones who

reason for that is they're the ones who put the group together in the first

put the group together in the first

put the group together in the first place. The entire plan was concocted by

place. The entire plan was concocted by

place. The entire plan was concocted by the FBI. So, I guess it really was

the FBI. So, I guess it really was

the FBI. So, I guess it really was textbook if the textbook was called How

textbook if the textbook was called How

textbook if the textbook was called How to Solve Crimes When You're the One

to Solve Crimes When You're the One

to Solve Crimes When You're the One Doing Them. The truth is, none of the

Doing Them. The truth is, none of the

Doing Them. The truth is, none of the four men arrested were militants. They

four men arrested were militants. They

four men arrested were militants. They were, however, impoverished individuals,

were, however, impoverished individuals,

were, however, impoverished individuals, one of whom had severe mental health

one of whom had severe mental health

one of whom had severe mental health issues. They were recruited by an

issues. They were recruited by an

issues. They were recruited by an informant who promised them huge

informant who promised them huge

informant who promised them huge financial inducements to carry out the

financial inducements to carry out the

financial inducements to carry out the plot, including $250,000, free holidays,

plot, including $250,000, free holidays,

plot, including $250,000, free holidays, and expensive cars. And that informant

and expensive cars. And that informant

and expensive cars. And that informant then did everything for the men, from

then did everything for the men, from

then did everything for the men, from getting the missile and bombs to

getting the missile and bombs to

getting the missile and bombs to teaching them the tenets of radical

teaching them the tenets of radical

teaching them the tenets of radical Islam. One of their attorneys actually

Islam. One of their attorneys actually

Islam. One of their attorneys actually summed up the whole situation pretty

summed up the whole situation pretty

summed up the whole situation pretty succinctly. The government conceded at

succinctly. The government conceded at

succinctly. The government conceded at trial that these four defendants never

trial that these four defendants never

trial that these four defendants never had a plan, never had done this before,

had a plan, never had done this before,

had a plan, never had done this before, had no technology ability to this, had

had no technology ability to this, had

had no technology ability to this, had no access to these kind of weapons, had

no access to these kind of weapons, had

no access to these kind of weapons, had no access to the money of this to make

no access to the money of this to make

no access to the money of this to make these kind of bombs, had no access to

these kind of bombs, had no access to

these kind of bombs, had no access to terrorists to come up with the ideas,

terrorists to come up with the ideas,

terrorists to come up with the ideas, had no access to anything,

had no access to anything,

had no access to anything, even cars. These four defendants were no

even cars. These four defendants were no

even cars. These four defendants were no more capable of firing a stinger missile

more capable of firing a stinger missile

more capable of firing a stinger missile or creating a bomb than you know Tony

or creating a bomb than you know Tony

or creating a bomb than you know Tony the Tiger could make a bomb frosted

the Tiger could make a bomb frosted

the Tiger could make a bomb frosted flights box. Yeah, that is both

flights box. Yeah, that is both

flights box. Yeah, that is both infuriating and completely true right up

infuriating and completely true right up

infuriating and completely true right up to his claim about Tony the Tiger

to his claim about Tony the Tiger

to his claim about Tony the Tiger because I I know this isn't the point.

because I I know this isn't the point.

because I I know this isn't the point. Tony the Tiger is a fictional character.

Tony the Tiger is a fictional character.

Tony the Tiger is a fictional character. Therefore, in his world, he is capable

Therefore, in his world, he is capable

Therefore, in his world, he is capable of anything, including bomb making. Now,

of anything, including bomb making. Now,

of anything, including bomb making. Now, do I believe the good folks at Kelloggs

do I believe the good folks at Kelloggs

do I believe the good folks at Kelloggs would put a bomb maker on their cereal

would put a bomb maker on their cereal

would put a bomb maker on their cereal box? No. But could Tony conceptually

box? No. But could Tony conceptually

box? No. But could Tony conceptually build a bomb in the universe he

build a bomb in the universe he

build a bomb in the universe he inhabits? Of course he could. And by

inhabits? Of course he could. And by

inhabits? Of course he could. And by that logic, you can make the case that

that logic, you can make the case that

that logic, you can make the case that he was actually more equipped to do

he was actually more equipped to do

he was actually more equipped to do terrorism than these people the FBI

terrorism than these people the FBI

terrorism than these people the FBI railroad did for no reason.

railroad did for no reason.

railroad did for no reason. Ultimately, the men were sentenced in

Ultimately, the men were sentenced in

Ultimately, the men were sentenced in 2011 to a mandatory minimum of 25 years

2011 to a mandatory minimum of 25 years

2011 to a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison. Although three years ago, the

in prison. Although three years ago, the

in prison. Although three years ago, the judge in their case granted a motion for

judge in their case granted a motion for

judge in their case granted a motion for compassionate release, calling their

compassionate release, calling their

compassionate release, calling their conduct heinous, but acknowledging the

conduct heinous, but acknowledging the

conduct heinous, but acknowledging the real lead conspirator was the United

real lead conspirator was the United

real lead conspirator was the United States, which depressingly is pretty

States, which depressingly is pretty

States, which depressingly is pretty much modern world history in a sentence.

much modern world history in a sentence.

much modern world history in a sentence. And you can see just how tempting it is

And you can see just how tempting it is

And you can see just how tempting it is for law enforcement to do this,

for law enforcement to do this,

for law enforcement to do this, especially whenever there is a panic

especially whenever there is a panic

especially whenever there is a panic about a certain population. More

about a certain population. More

about a certain population. More recently, it has been immigrants. You

recently, it has been immigrants. You

recently, it has been immigrants. You may remember when Trump and the media

may remember when Trump and the media

may remember when Trump and the media were freaking out about that video that

were freaking out about that video that

were freaking out about that video that supposedly proved trend aragua gangs

supposedly proved trend aragua gangs

supposedly proved trend aragua gangs were taking over Colorado apartment

were taking over Colorado apartment

were taking over Colorado apartment complexes. It was undeniably a

complexes. It was undeniably a

complexes. It was undeniably a frightening image. And in the wake of

frightening image. And in the wake of

frightening image. And in the wake of that, the ATF ran a sting operation in

that, the ATF ran a sting operation in

that, the ATF ran a sting operation in that town with undercover agents

that town with undercover agents

that town with undercover agents offering large sums of money to vene

offering large sums of money to vene

offering large sums of money to vene Venezuelan immigrants to procure them

Venezuelan immigrants to procure them

Venezuelan immigrants to procure them guns and drugs. And last summer, DOJ

guns and drugs. And last summer, DOJ

guns and drugs. And last summer, DOJ officials called a press conference to

officials called a press conference to

officials called a press conference to proudly show off the results. In a

proudly show off the results. In a

proudly show off the results. In a matter of minutes, we learned this was

matter of minutes, we learned this was

matter of minutes, we learned this was far more than a news conference about

far more than a news conference about

far more than a news conference about arrests, drugs, and guns. The 10-month

arrests, drugs, and guns. The 10-month

arrests, drugs, and guns. The 10-month undercover operation produced 30

undercover operation produced 30

undercover operation produced 30 arrests, including three described as

arrests, including three described as

arrests, including three described as TDA leaders, along with five other

TDA leaders, along with five other

TDA leaders, along with five other alleged TDA members. The others labeled

alleged TDA members. The others labeled

alleged TDA members. The others labeled as actively involved in TDA criminal

as actively involved in TDA criminal

as actively involved in TDA criminal activity. TDA has brought its terrorism

activity. TDA has brought its terrorism

activity. TDA has brought its terrorism to the United States. TDA is real. It is

to the United States. TDA is real. It is

to the United States. TDA is real. It is dangerous. and we have made prosecuting

dangerous. and we have made prosecuting

dangerous. and we have made prosecuting TDA a priority in the District of

TDA a priority in the District of

TDA a priority in the District of Colorado.

Colorado.

Colorado. >> Okay, so there is a lot to unpack there

>> Okay, so there is a lot to unpack there

>> Okay, so there is a lot to unpack there from the elaborate work that went into

from the elaborate work that went into

from the elaborate work that went into their massive gun diarama to what is in

their massive gun diarama to what is in

their massive gun diarama to what is in those baggies because it looks to me

those baggies because it looks to me

those baggies because it looks to me like pink panther Jes. But the thing is,

like pink panther Jes. But the thing is,

like pink panther Jes. But the thing is, as one reporter has since put it, the

as one reporter has since put it, the

as one reporter has since put it, the results of that sting in court have

results of that sting in court have

results of that sting in court have failed to back up the hype because

failed to back up the hype because

failed to back up the hype because finally suggests most of the people

finally suggests most of the people

finally suggests most of the people charged weren't actually gang members at

charged weren't actually gang members at

charged weren't actually gang members at all, but a loose collection of

all, but a loose collection of

all, but a loose collection of impoverished and desperate immigrants

impoverished and desperate immigrants

impoverished and desperate immigrants drawn in by offers of cash. In fact,

drawn in by offers of cash. In fact,

drawn in by offers of cash. In fact, when it comes to those firearms, it's

when it comes to those firearms, it's

when it comes to those firearms, it's worth knowing many of the drugs and guns

worth knowing many of the drugs and guns

worth knowing many of the drugs and guns weren't in the defenders of possession

weren't in the defenders of possession

weren't in the defenders of possession before the government got involved. So,

before the government got involved. So,

before the government got involved. So, the feds basically dangled money in

the feds basically dangled money in

the feds basically dangled money in front of a bunch of desperate people,

front of a bunch of desperate people,

front of a bunch of desperate people, said, "Go get us guns," and they did it.

said, "Go get us guns," and they did it.

said, "Go get us guns," and they did it. And all that really proves is that for

And all that really proves is that for

And all that really proves is that for enough money, you can basically get

enough money, you can basically get

enough money, you can basically get people to do anything, which not for

people to do anything, which not for

people to do anything, which not for nothing was, I believe, also the

nothing was, I believe, also the

nothing was, I believe, also the official slogan of the Riyad Comedy

official slogan of the Riyad Comedy

official slogan of the Riyad Comedy Festival. The point here is the long

Festival. The point here is the long

Festival. The point here is the long history of police things has far too

history of police things has far too

history of police things has far too often left us with a bunch of fake

often left us with a bunch of fake

often left us with a bunch of fake crimes from manufactured criminals

crimes from manufactured criminals

crimes from manufactured criminals resulting in very real punishments. And

resulting in very real punishments. And

resulting in very real punishments. And look, I am not saying the crimes you've

look, I am not saying the crimes you've

look, I am not saying the crimes you've seen people arrested for tonight don't

seen people arrested for tonight don't

seen people arrested for tonight don't happen. Of course they do. People do

happen. Of course they do. People do

happen. Of course they do. People do sell drugs in schools, traffic guns,

sell drugs in schools, traffic guns,

sell drugs in schools, traffic guns, planned terror attacks, and molest

planned terror attacks, and molest

planned terror attacks, and molest children. And those crimes should be

children. And those crimes should be

children. And those crimes should be investigated. The problem with stings is

investigated. The problem with stings is

investigated. The problem with stings is they're an easy way for police to rack

they're an easy way for police to rack

they're an easy way for police to rack up arrest and sell the illusion that

up arrest and sell the illusion that

up arrest and sell the illusion that they're addressing these crimes, even

they're addressing these crimes, even

they're addressing these crimes, even when that may not actually be the case.

when that may not actually be the case.

when that may not actually be the case. Remember that county in Florida where

Remember that county in Florida where

Remember that county in Florida where Grady Jud loves to hold press

Grady Jud loves to hold press

Grady Jud loves to hold press conferences about his online sex things?

conferences about his online sex things?

conferences about his online sex things? It's currently being sued by this woman

It's currently being sued by this woman

It's currently being sued by this woman who came to them at age 12 because she'd

who came to them at age 12 because she'd

who came to them at age 12 because she'd been sexually abused by her adoptive

been sexually abused by her adoptive

been sexually abused by her adoptive father for years. The investigation by

father for years. The investigation by

father for years. The investigation by Justice Department was an absolute

Justice Department was an absolute

Justice Department was an absolute disgrace. The detective who handled her

disgrace. The detective who handled her

disgrace. The detective who handled her case failed to collect key evidence and

case failed to collect key evidence and

case failed to collect key evidence and as her supervisor later wrote conducted

as her supervisor later wrote conducted

as her supervisor later wrote conducted her interview of the girl using

her interview of the girl using

her interview of the girl using inappropriate questions and statements.

inappropriate questions and statements.

inappropriate questions and statements. Judge's department ultimately wound up

Judge's department ultimately wound up

Judge's department ultimately wound up charging the girl with giving false

charging the girl with giving false

charging the girl with giving false information to a law enforcement officer

information to a law enforcement officer

information to a law enforcement officer for which she was placed on probation

for which she was placed on probation

for which she was placed on probation and also made to write these letters of

and also made to write these letters of

and also made to write these letters of apology to both her abuser and the

apology to both her abuser and the

apology to both her abuser and the sheriff's office. It was only after she

sheriff's office. It was only after she

sheriff's office. It was only after she was abused again, during which she had

was abused again, during which she had

was abused again, during which she had the presence of mind to take photos and

the presence of mind to take photos and

the presence of mind to take photos and video of the incident on her phone, that

video of the incident on her phone, that

video of the incident on her phone, that her abuser was finally arrested and

her abuser was finally arrested and

her abuser was finally arrested and sentenced to 17 years in prison, which

sentenced to 17 years in prison, which

sentenced to 17 years in prison, which is clearly infuriating. She basically

is clearly infuriating. She basically

is clearly infuriating. She basically had to do that department's work for

had to do that department's work for

had to do that department's work for them. And it makes you think that maybe

them. And it makes you think that maybe

them. And it makes you think that maybe Grady Jud's office would have been a

Grady Jud's office would have been a

Grady Jud's office would have been a little better at protecting an actual

little better at protecting an actual

little better at protecting an actual child if they weren't spending all day

child if they weren't spending all day

child if they weren't spending all day pretending to be one online. Now, Jud

pretending to be one online. Now, Jud

pretending to be one online. Now, Jud never responded to us when we asked him

never responded to us when we asked him

never responded to us when we asked him about this, but apparently I still have

about this, but apparently I still have

about this, but apparently I still have to tell you that they've called that

to tell you that they've called that

to tell you that they've called that woman's lawsuit frivolous and baseless.

woman's lawsuit frivolous and baseless.

woman's lawsuit frivolous and baseless. And I don't know, man. When you've made

And I don't know, man. When you've made

And I don't know, man. When you've made a literal child write a letter of

a literal child write a letter of

a literal child write a letter of apology to her rapist, I wouldn't be

apology to her rapist, I wouldn't be

apology to her rapist, I wouldn't be throwing the word frivolous around, I

throwing the word frivolous around, I

throwing the word frivolous around, I might just shut the up about

might just shut the up about

might just shut the up about everything for the rest of my

everything for the rest of my

everything for the rest of my life. But I guess reasonable people can

life. But I guess reasonable people can

life. But I guess reasonable people can agree to disagree there.

agree to disagree there.

agree to disagree there. And when you put all this together, it's

And when you put all this together, it's

And when you put all this together, it's hard not to conclude that stings might

hard not to conclude that stings might

hard not to conclude that stings might actually be doing more harm than good.

actually be doing more harm than good.

actually be doing more harm than good. So what do we do? Well, I would argue at

So what do we do? Well, I would argue at

So what do we do? Well, I would argue at the very least cops should be doing much

the very least cops should be doing much

the very least cops should be doing much less of them and ideally none of the

less of them and ideally none of the

less of them and ideally none of the stings where the goal is basically find

stings where the goal is basically find

stings where the goal is basically find anybody for anything. As one expert put

anybody for anything. As one expert put

anybody for anything. As one expert put it, if we're going to do stings, they

it, if we're going to do stings, they

it, if we're going to do stings, they should be narrowly focused on

should be narrowly focused on

should be narrowly focused on individuals who law enforcement have

individuals who law enforcement have

individuals who law enforcement have credible evidence may be planning to

credible evidence may be planning to

credible evidence may be planning to commit a serious or violent crime

commit a serious or violent crime

commit a serious or violent crime imminently or who've already done so and

imminently or who've already done so and

imminently or who've already done so and are planning to do so again. Which seems

are planning to do so again. Which seems

are planning to do so again. Which seems right to me because as it stands, police

right to me because as it stands, police

right to me because as it stands, police seem utterly addicted to stings, even

seem utterly addicted to stings, even

seem utterly addicted to stings, even though for what it's worth, making up

though for what it's worth, making up

though for what it's worth, making up imaginary crimes and arresting people

imaginary crimes and arresting people

imaginary crimes and arresting people for them isn't law enforcement. It is

for them isn't law enforcement. It is

for them isn't law enforcement. It is theater. In fact, the one reform that

theater. In fact, the one reform that

theater. In fact, the one reform that might actually be within all our control

might actually be within all our control

might actually be within all our control right now is to try and remember that we

right now is to try and remember that we

right now is to try and remember that we are all the audience for that theater.

are all the audience for that theater.

are all the audience for that theater. So, if you are serving on a jury or work

So, if you are serving on a jury or work

So, if you are serving on a jury or work in the media or you see a story on TV

in the media or you see a story on TV

in the media or you see a story on TV about a sting operation, it's worth

about a sting operation, it's worth

about a sting operation, it's worth questioning what role law enforcement

questioning what role law enforcement

questioning what role law enforcement played in creating the crime that they

played in creating the crime that they

played in creating the crime that they just supposedly stopped. Honestly, we

just supposedly stopped. Honestly, we

just supposedly stopped. Honestly, we first started looking at this story a

first started looking at this story a

first started looking at this story a few years ago, and it has changed how

few years ago, and it has changed how

few years ago, and it has changed how I've viewed every sting story that's

I've viewed every sting story that's

I've viewed every sting story that's made headlines since. Remember when that

made headlines since. Remember when that

made headlines since. Remember when that group of men were arrested for trying to

group of men were arrested for trying to

group of men were arrested for trying to kidnap Gretch and Whitmer? Guess how

kidnap Gretch and Whitmer? Guess how

kidnap Gretch and Whitmer? Guess how many confidential informants seem to

many confidential informants seem to

many confidential informants seem to help that plot along? I'll give you a

help that plot along? I'll give you a

help that plot along? I'll give you a clue. It is a lot more than you would

clue. It is a lot more than you would

clue. It is a lot more than you would like. And you don't have to sympathize

like. And you don't have to sympathize

like. And you don't have to sympathize with these men or agree with their views

with these men or agree with their views

with these men or agree with their views to wonder if that plan could have even

to wonder if that plan could have even

to wonder if that plan could have even gotten off the ground if there hadn't

gotten off the ground if there hadn't

gotten off the ground if there hadn't been as many as a dozen confidential

been as many as a dozen confidential

been as many as a dozen confidential informants involved and two undercover

informants involved and two undercover

informants involved and two undercover federal agents. The point here is cops

federal agents. The point here is cops

federal agents. The point here is cops have been getting away with

have been getting away with

have been getting away with stings for far too long and we just

stings for far too long and we just

stings for far too long and we just cannot let this slide anymore. In fact,

cannot let this slide anymore. In fact,

cannot let this slide anymore. In fact, there's really only one type of cop

there's really only one type of cop

there's really only one type of cop sliding that I am completely on board

sliding that I am completely on board

sliding that I am completely on board with and I think we all know what it is.

you, Paul Thomas Anderson. THAT IS

you, Paul Thomas Anderson. THAT IS

you, Paul Thomas Anderson. THAT IS THE BEST PICTURE OF ANY GODDAMN YEAR

THE BEST PICTURE OF ANY GODDAMN YEAR

THE BEST PICTURE OF ANY GODDAMN YEAR right there. That is our show. Thanks so

right there. That is our show. Thanks so

right there. That is our show. Thanks so much for watching. We'll see you next

much for watching. We'll see you next

much for watching. We'll see you next week. Good night.

What the

What the