PLANTING SEEDS OF HOPE AND OPPORTUNITY
The Hustler Files with Lisa Reilly
Drawing from his upbringing on an Indiana farm, Sheriff Brad Burkhart’s philosophy is grounded in the idea of “planting seeds of hope and opportunity” for those incarcerated individuals under his watch in Hancock County. With over 38 years of experience in law enforcement, Sheriff Burkhart shares his journey and has seen firsthand that in corrections, there is a need to prepare the ground for individuals to grow and thrive, just like the seeds he planted as a young farm boy. One such preparation is the utilization of the Orijin tablets, which provide incarcerated individuals...
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FROM A WHITE COLLAR CRIME TO BECOMING A WHITE KNIGHT
The Hustler Files with Lisa Reilly
There aren’t many people who can transition from incarceration for a white-collar crime to CEO of an established educational nonprofit, but then again, Jeff Abramowitz is unlike most people you’ll ever meet. As CEO of the critically acclaimed Petey Green Program, Jeff discusses the transformative power of education for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, a firsthand experience he gained when going from a successful trial lawyer to incarceration for a white collar crime. It was that experience, behind the wall, that shaped his commitment, upon his...
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TRUST THE TIMING OF YOUR LIFE
The Hustler Files with Lisa Reilly
In Franklin County, Massachusetts, Sheriff Lori Streeter may be the newest female Sheriff in Massachusetts. She joins Sheriff Donna Buckley of Barnstable County as one of two female Sheriffs across the Commonwealth, but Sheriff Streeter is also the first female Sheriff to be appointed, in her County by the Governor. (She takes over for Sheriff Donelan, who retired early.) With over 35 years of experience in the Franklin County Sheriff's office, Sheriff Streeter shares her climb up the proverbial ladder, from correctional officer to Sheriff, her passion for the job, the challenges...
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WORKING TO KEEP HIS COUNTY, THE WAY LIFE SHOULD BE
The Hustler Files with Lisa Reilly
Upon driving into the State of Maine there is a sign that reads, ‘WELCOME TO MAINE, THE WAY LIFE SHOULD BE’. For thirty-eight years, Kevin Joyce, the current Sheriff of Cumberland County, Maine, has made it his mission to ensure that his county, which includes the city of Portland, Maine, lives up to its state motto. While the State of Maine, in general, is considered rural, Cumberland County is a blend of cities, towns, and the second-largest and deepest lake in the state. This combination offers its own unique challenges and responsibilities for Sheriff Joyce and his law...
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WHEN GOD CALLS YOUR NAME
The Hustler Files with Lisa Reilly
In another milestone episode, retired prison Chaplain Peg Newman shares an insightful and heartfelt look inside her life journey at the intersection of faith, spirituality, and the criminal justice system. From her early work with AIDS patients to providing spiritual guidance to incarcerated individuals with life sentences or facing death and dying, her stories offer profound reflections from a compassionate vantage point. Peg highlights the importance of community, connection, and the human spirit despite the most challenging of circumstances, and the gifts that she unexpectedly...
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CRIME & CONSEQUENCES IN A MISSOURI SMALL TOWN, PART 1 of EP 111
The Hustler Files with Lisa Reilly
In Episode 108, Attorney Charlie Weiss shared the wrongful conviction and exoneration of Josh Kezer, a man who spent sixteen years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit. That interview led to a compelling conversation with former Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter. Rick shares his harrowing experience of discovering the body of Mischelle Lawless in 1992 and the subsequent investigation by a previous Sheriff, which led to the wrongful conviction of Josh Kezer. Rick discusses the complexities of the case, his journey through law enforcement that led him to serve three terms in Scott...
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CRIME & CONSEQUENCES IN A MISSOURI SMALL TOWN, PART 2 of EP 111
The Hustler Files with Lisa Reilly
In part 2 of this gripping story, former Sheriff Rick Walter dives deeper into the complex and haunting case of murder victim Mischelle Lawless. After years of investigation and a wrongful conviction, Rick shares his journey of reopening the case, the obstacles he faced, and the truth he uncovered. This episode also delves into the themes of justice, perseverance, and the impact of systemic failures in the criminal justice system. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that challenges the narratives surrounding crime, redemption, and an unsolved case, 32 years later.
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WHEN LIBERTY IS YOUR LAST NAME
The Hustler Files with Lisa Reilly
In this milestone episode, The Hustler Files welcomes, for the first time, a Department of Corrections (prison) Commissioner. Randall Liberty is the head of the Department of Corrections in Maine, overseeing eight prison/correctional facilities. With over 43 years of experience in law enforcement, Commissioner Liberty shares his transformative journey from visiting his father in prison at the age of six to leading the most progressive corrections model in the US. Discover how he is reshaping the prison system by focusing on rehabilitation, education, and community...
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TRUTH BE TOLD
The Hustler Files with Lisa Reilly
Laurence Colletti is a seasoned podcast producer, writer, and attorney. For over a decade, he’s brought to light the stories and critical issues surrounding prison reform and wrongful convictions while hosting the Legal Talk Network Podcast, and producing the For The Innocent Podcast. In this episode of The Hustler Files, Laurence shares his journey into podcasting, the emotional stories behind some of those who were wrongfully accused, and the impactful work that must continue to bring these narratives to light.
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THE BREAD AND BUTTER FOR HIS SOUL
The Hustler Files with Lisa Reilly
"The future isn't about what you do. It's about what you're for”. Charlie Weiss never thought he’d become an attorney, but a chance meeting with a man of the cloth led him to a scholarship at Notre Dame Law School and a storied career fighting for the rights of those who are wronged. From his early days in law to his impactful pro bono work, Charlie shares inspiring stories of those wrongfully convicted individuals and why, at age 83, he continues his relentless pursuit of justice for those who are innocent and living behind bars.
info_outlineGabrielle Perry was one of the lucky ones. Her birth mother was incarcerated when giving birth to Gabrielle. She engaged the aid of a friend who found a family to adopt Gabrielle, site unseen. Her parents were older, settled and without children and as she tells it, her beloved father Thurman Perry, answered the call to raise her as his own. Gabrielle’s life was as normal as could be until as a teenager she lost her beloved father, her mother became disabled, she learned she was adopted, and met her birth mother on her deathbed. Despite Gabrielle’s grit and dedication to her adoptive mother, survival eventually took her down the justice-impacted path. It was during that time in jail that Gabrielle says she found a peacefulness away from the stress of her life. She also found a level of kindness, especially from the Judge who finally heard her case. Gabrielle was once again one of the lucky ones, and over the years has achieved so much. Her greatest joy now is honoring her birth mother and the man who raised her, as she provides direct assistance and resources to system-impacted women and girls.