Forletta Investigates

By Larry Forletta

Forletta Investigates takes a close look at topics within the worlds of criminal justice and true crime, as well as in-depth conversations about current issues facing law enforcement.

Larry Forletta has over 25 years of professional law enforcement experience working for the Maryland State Police and the DEA. He is a private investigator and founder of Forletta Consulting and Investigation Services.

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Best of Season 1: Derek Maltz

Forletta InvestigatesJul 20, 2021

00:00

54:59

Best of Season 1: The Cali Cartel

Chris Feistl and Jerry Salameh are two former DEA Agents who were essential in capturing the leaders of what DEA Chief Thomas Constantine once called, "the biggest, most powerful crime syndicate we've ever known," the Cali Cartel. Chris and Jerry dive deep into their own personal experiences in Colombia dealing with the remnants of the Medellin Cartel and the rise of the Cali Cartel.

This is a best of edition of Forletta Investigates and it features two of the most high profile DEA agents in recent history. Enjoy and see you for season 2 in October!

Thank you for listening to Forletta Investigates. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe on your favorite podcast app and if you are in need of investigative or security services, please go to www.fcisllc.com

Jul 27, 202158:39

Best of Season 1: Derek Maltz

Derek Maltz is a former DEA Agent and Director of the Special Operations Division for the U.S. Department of Justice who joined Larry to discuss the current drug crisis in America and the many facets that are contributing to the addiction and deaths of thousands of Americans. Mr. Maltz also goes into detail about the roots of the current opiod crisis with glimpses back to the arrest of the infamous cartel leader, "El Chapo" Guzman.

This is a best of edition of Forletta Investigates and it features two of the most high profile DEA agents in recent history. Enjoy and see you for season 2 in October!

Jul 20, 202154:59

Best of Season 1: The Joe Piersante Story

During a tour, Mr. Piersante was struck by a Taliban sniper and left blind. Listen to Mr. Piersante tell his incredible story of survival and perseverance as he joins Larry Forletta for a fascinating discussion about his experiences and overcoming life's obstacles.

This is a best of edition of Forletta Investigates and it features two of the most high profile DEA agents in recent history. Enjoy and see you for season 2 in October!

Jul 13, 202158:55

Best of Season 1: The Smiley Face Killers

Retired New York City detective Kevin Gannon and criminal justice professor Dr. Lee Gilbertson joined Larry to discuss their theory behind the various murders connected to the "Smiley Face Killings," resulting in the deaths of dozens of males since the late 1990s.

This is a best of edition of Forletta Investigates and it features two of the most high profile DEA agents in recent history. Enjoy and see you for season 2 in October!

Jul 06, 202101:03:25

Best of Season 1: The Infiltrator

The inspiration for the film, The Infiltrator, Robert Mazur spent five years working undercover within the hierarchy of Colombia's drug cartels. The work Mazur did dealing with drug lords, corrupt politicians and dirty bankers helped take down one of the largest money-laundering schemes ever.

This is a best of edition of Forletta Investigates and it features two of the most high profile DEA agents in recent history. Enjoy and see you for season 2 in October!

Jun 29, 202101:03:54

Best of Season 1: The DEA Agents Who Took Down Pablo Escobar

This is a best of edition of Forletta Investigates and it features two of the most high profile DEA agents in recent history. Enjoy and see you for season 2 in October!

On this first episode of Forletta Investigates, Larry welcomed former DEA agents Javier Peña and Steve Murphy. Immortalized in the Netflix series Narcos, both men are true American heroes who were key figures in taking down the world's most wanted criminal.

Thank you for listening to Forletta Investigates. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe on your favorite podcast app and if you are in need of investigative or security services, please go to www.fcisllc.com

Jun 22, 202158:34

What Really Happened in Waco with Mark Rusin

On the 20th edition of Forletta Investigates, former Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Officer and ATF Special Agent, author Mark Rusin, joins the show to dive into the truth behind what happened during the Waco, Texas raid on the Branch Davidians in 1993. In addition to the details behind how ATF was compromised and what led to the inaccurate media coverage after the raid in Waco, Mr. Rusin also provides details into the truth of some other high profile investigations he has been a part of, that you won't want to miss!

Get more from Mark Rusin and read his books by going to markrusin.com!

Produced by Pretty Easy Podcasts

Jun 15, 202139:32

The Attempted Murder of Two DEA Agents in Colombia

This week on Forletta Investigates, Larry welcomes a former DEA agent with some experiences that are straight out of a Hollywood movie. As a special agent and pilot, Kelley McCullough was serving in Colombia on an operation seeking to stop the flow of drugs from Colombia to the U.S. On this very special episode, Mr. McCullough gives the play by play of what exactly happened when he and his partner were kidnapped, shot, and left for dead, while in the line of duty.
Thank you for listening to Forletta Investigates. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe on your favorite podcast app and if you are in need of investigative or security services, please go to www.fcisllc.com.
Produced by Pretty Easy Podcasts

Jun 08, 202148:11

The Reality at the Border with Robert Almonte

Robert Almonte is a retired U.S. Marshall and an expert on Mexican gangs and drug cartels, and this week on Forletta Investigates, Mr. Almonte gives incredible insight into the evolution of the issues the United States has faced and currently faces at the Mexican border. On this episode, not only will you get detailed stories from someone who has worked at multiple levels of law enforcement on the border since 1978, but also an honest take on the current situation at the U.S./Mexico border from a frontline perspective. With the border crisis becoming more and more urgent to the security of the United States each day, this is a can't miss edition of Forletta Investigates full of information that sheds light on a topic that is rarely covered as thoroughly and truthfully as it should be.

To learn more about Mr. Almonte's books and training seminars, please go to robertalmonte.com.

Produced by Pretty Easy Podcasts

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Jun 01, 202144:36

From Crime Writer to Crime Fighter with Jeffrey Higgins

This week's edition of Forletta Investigates features a remarkably talented and dedicated guest, the one and only Jeffrey James Higgins. Mr. Higgins' is a former reporter turned supervisory special agent, who has had one of the most fascinating careers a DEA Agent could have. On this episode, Mr. Higgins details DEA's role in the 9/11 attacks and gives incredibly colorful play by play of some of his DEA exploits. From earning both the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor, to being nominated for various awards for his prolific writing, Mr. Higgins has some amazing stories to tell and eloquently at that!

Produced by Pretty Easy Podcasts

May 25, 202151:38

Mike Powers: A True Legend of DEA

This week Larry welcomes former assistant agent in charge of DEA's Tampa office, Mike Powers. Having served in Vietnam, starting his DEA career in New York City, and eventually working all around the globe working to stop cartels and traffickers in Thailand and Malaysia. Mr. Powers shares some of the most unique and colorful stories we have heard yet on Forletta Investigates, so you cannot miss this highly entertaining and insightful conversation that really reveals just how dedicated agents in DEA are day in and day out!

Produced by Pretty Easy Podcasts

May 18, 202141:33

A Narc's Tale with Keith Grounsell

This week on Forletta Investigates, Larry welcomes Keith Grounsell, a law enforcement veteran with an incredible array of experience both nationally and internationally. As the Chief of Police of Simpsonville, SC, an undercover vice narcotics agent, a special agent for the DEA, and a contractor for the U.S. government, Mr. Grounsell shares stories and his unbelievable wealth of knowledge from all levels of law enforcement. Mr. Grounsell gives an in-depth view of what life is like undercover and as a chief of police navigating the murky waters of today's political climate on another eye opening episode featuring someone who has dedicated their life to law enforcement.

Check out Keith Grounsell's books and more at grounsellbooks.com

May 11, 202143:11

The Transporter: Luis Navia with Eric Kolbinsky

For the first time on Forletta Investigates, Larry welcomes someone who was actually involved in the operations of drug trafficking. Luis Navia worked as a high-level drug transporter for the Mexican and Colombian drug cartels for over 25 years. Mr. Navia joins the program to discuss his criminal activity and subsequent arrest. Eric Kolbinsky was the DEA agent who arrested Mr. Navia and also joins the show to discuss his career, arresting Navia, and eventually getting Navia to cooperate with government officials leading to valable intel for future DEA operations. This is a fascinating interview with individuals from both the right and wrong side of some of the most major drug trafficking operations in history.
You can purchase Luis Navia's book Pure Narco on Amazon at this link.
Thank you for listening to Forletta Investigates. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe on your favorite podcast app and if you are in need of investigative or security services, please go to www.fcisllc.com
Produced by Pretty Easy Podcasts

May 04, 202157:32

Loudoun County Sheriff Michael Chapman

Sheriff Michael Chapman has served Loudoun County, VA since being elected in 2011. This week, Forletta Investigates welcomes Sheriff Chapman to discuss some of his incredible experiences working on major drug busts for DEA in Miami and the far east, as well as some of the major issues police face today involving public discourse and the tools police actually need to use in order to provide proper public safety.

Produced by Pretty Easy Podcasts

Apr 27, 202152:45

Ray Donovan: New York DEA's Special Agent in Charge

Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s New York Division, Ray Donovan, joins the show to discuss his contributions as the coordinator of the investigation that led to the capture of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. SAC Donovan also goes into detail, the current issues DEA faces in dealing with cartels out of Mexico, as well as China's involvement in the opioid crisis. This is a can't miss episode of Forletta Investigates as Larry welcomes the first active agent to the show to discuss some of the most important issues facing DEA today!

Produced by Pretty Easy Podcasts

Apr 20, 202135:27

The French Connection with Pete Charette

This week, Larry welcomes Pierre "Pete" Charette to the show, for an in-depth look at one of DEA's most famous investigators. Mr. Charette's undercover work spanned across the globe from the United States to the French criminal underworld. The courage and innovative techniques Mr. Charette utilized during his 33 year career, helped pave the way for future narcotic enforcement and undercover techniques. On this episode, Mr. Charette shares multiple pulse pounding stories from his work undercover that are are both inspiring and eye-opening to the valiant work from some of DEA's very best. We are honored to welcome the legendary Pete Charette to this very special edition of Forletta Investigates!

Produced by Pretty Easy Podcasts

Apr 13, 202101:01:36

Smuggler's Paradise with Larry Holifield

Larry Holifield is the former DEA Regional Director for Mexico and Central America. For over 23 years, his incredible array of experiences within DEA included combating drug traffickers in Central America, seizing airplanes full of cocaine, and flipping informants. Mr. Holifield shares stories from his time combating major drug traffickers smack dab in the middle of a smuggler's paradise, including some hilarious anecdotes and big time busts.

Produced by Pretty Easy Podcasts

Apr 06, 202101:00:38

The Downfall of Noriega with William "Lenny" Athas

William "Lenny" Athas is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Special Agent for the DEA, and Maryland State Trooper. He is also currently a practicing private defense attorney and with all of his experiences working in law enforcement and the courts, Lenny joins Forletta Investigates for one of our most entertaining conversations yet. From his work fighting drug trafficking from South America, to his involvement in the prosecution of Manuel Noriega, to being an attorney for the United States of America; Lenny tells some of the most fascinating stories from a life of service well lived.

Produced by Pretty Easy Podcasts

Mar 30, 202154:32

Chris Fesitl and Jerry Salameh on The Cai Cartel

Chris Feistl and Jerry Salameh are two former DEA Agents who were essential in capturing the leaders of what DEA Chief Thomas Constantine once called, "the biggest, most powerful crime syndicate we've ever known," the Cali Cartel. Find out what went into tracking and taking down some of the most innovative and powerful narcotraffickers the world has ever seen as Chris and Jerry dive deep into their own personal experiences in Colombia dealing with the remnants of the Medellin Cartel and the rise of the Cali Cartel.

Produced by Pretty Easy Podcasts

Mar 23, 202158:30

Derek Maltz on the Poisoning of America

Derek Maltz is a former DEA Agent and Director of the Special Operations Division for the U.S. Department of Justice. This week, Larry welcomes Mr. Maltz to the program to discuss the current drug crisis in America and the many facets that are contributing to the addiction and deaths of thousands of Americans. Mr. Maltz also discusses the roots of the current opiod crisis with glimpses back to the arrest of the infamous cartel leader, "El Chapo" Guzman. This is an imporatant and fascinating episode featuring one of the country's top experts in understanding the current stranglehold cartels and China have on the lives of many Americans affected by the current issues DEA is facing.

Mar 16, 202154:50

Robert Stutman: The Most Famous Narc in America

Bob Stutman joins the show to discuss his legendary career as a top DEA Special Agent. Mr. Stutman was once labeled "the most famous narc in America" by Dan Rather and had even been targeted for assassination by Pablo Escobar. In addition to insight into his time with DEA, Mr. Stutman also joins Larry Forletta to discuss the current changing landscape of drugs in America.

Mar 09, 202150:09

Deep Cover: America's Top Undercover Agent Michael Levine

60 minutes called Michael Levine "America's top undercover agent for 25 years." Mr. Levine's work in DEA is considered legendary because of how successful he was at handling deep cover assignments. On this episode, Mr. Levine gives details into some incredible stories during his time under deep cover as an American Mafia drug dealer overseas. We also dedicate this episode to the memory of Mr. Levine's son, Sgt. Keith Levine, a former NYPD policeman who was killed on duty in 1991.

Mar 02, 202158:43

Shot, Blinded, and Never Giving Up: The Joe Piersante Story

As a member of the DEA's Foreign Advisory Support Team (FAST), agent Joe Piersante was assigned to a Delta Team for multiple tours in Afghanistan. During a tour, Mr. Piersante was struck by a Taliban sniper and left blind. Listen to Mr. Piersante tell his incredible story of survival and perseverance as he joins Larry Forletta for a fascinating discussion about his experiences and overcoming life's obstacles.

Feb 23, 202158:45

The Smiley Face Killers with Detective Kevin Gannon and Dr. Lee Gilbertson

Retired New York City detective Kevin Gannon and criminal justice professor Dr. Lee Gilbertson join Larry to discuss their theory behind the various murders connected to the "Smiley Face Killings," resulting in the deaths of dozens of males since the late 1990s. Both Mr. Gannon and Dr. Gilbertson have been featured on the Oxygen network's docuseries, Smiley Face Killers: The Hunt for Justice, and have done extensive research into these murders, which have all been ruled as undetermined or as accidental drownings.

Feb 16, 202101:03:11

The Infiltrator: A Conversation with Robert Mazur

On this episode, Larry welcomes former undercover DEA agent Robert Mazur. The inspiration for the film, The Infiltrator, Mazur spent five years working undercover within the hierarchy of Colombia's drug cartels. The work Mazur did dealing with drug lords, corrupt politicians and dirty bankers helped take down one of the largest money-laundering schemes ever. This is a can't miss episode, as we here the story of one of the most talented and dedicated undercover agents in U.S. history.

Feb 09, 202101:03:40

How to Stop a Narco-Terrorist: The DEA Agents Who Took Down Pablo Escobar

On this first episode of Forletta Investigates, Larry welcomes former DEA agents Javier Peña and Steve Murphy. Peña and Murphy join the show to discuss the story behind their pursuit of the world's first narco-terrorist, Pablo Escobar. Immortalized in the Netflix series Narcos, both men are true American heroes who were key figures in taking down the world's most wanted criminal.

Feb 02, 202158:25

Welcome to Forletta Investigates

This new podcast from private investigator and 25 year law enforcement veteran Larry Forletta will take a close look at the current issues faced by law enforcement and real stories about true crime. Please subscribe now and get ready for meaningful conversations about the issues affecting our communities!

Dec 30, 202002:14