Category: Crime, Law

  • How a Major Investment Firm Got Away with a Massive Ponzi Scheme

    While working as an investment broker for Morgan Stanley in the early 2000s, author Dana de Windt discovered some shocking improprieties. “Morgan Stanley inadvertently established a Ponzi scheme, with the deliberate and intentional selling of Kemper Lumbermen’s Surplus Notes,” he says. “That’s the reason that they and their regulators have fought like tigers to keep this very serious infraction from getting into the public’s knowledge.” In 2007, Morgan Stanley and one of its senior traders agreed to pay $6.1 million in fines and restitution to settle allegations that the investment bank overcharged brokerage customers — one of whom was Dana’s then 87-year-old father — on 2,800 purchases of $59 million of bonds. But no criminal charges were ever pursued. Dana is the author of “Checkmate: The Morgan Stanley Whistle Blower.” Contact Dana de Wendt at (772) 773-6879; ddewindt@rtirguests.com

  • Diddy Video: Let’s Talk About Domestic Violence

    The recently-leaked video of Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulting his girlfriend is sparking discussions about domestic violence and abuse. The video garnered media attention but also serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of intimate partner violence. Phoenix Rose can discuss the unseen reasons women stay with those who hurt them, what domestic violence victims have in common with their abusers, why the occurrence of domestic violence spiked drastically during the pandemic, and much more. She’ll share her personal story of escaping a violent relationship and rebuilding her life, and offer real, actionable advice for people to help themselves or their loved ones do the same. Phoenix Rose is the author of “Walking in Aloha: 5 Steps to Living Your God Potential Life,” Contact her at (808) 201-2784 or prose@rtirguests.com

  • Exiled for Exposing Russian Mafia – True Story of a Banking Whistleblower

    John Christmas worked for Parex Bank in Latvia in 2004 when he exposed widespread bank fraud to a major international audit firm and the Latvian government. He was terrorized and fled the country while the firm and the government ignored the information. It eventually led to the bank’s collapse and the 2008 Latvian financial crisis, which continues to this day. Learn how a corrupt Western taxpayer-funded development bank covered up the corruption for years while Christmas was exiled for exposing the Russian Mafia bank. The spy thriller “KGB Banker,” co-written with crime fiction author William Burton McCormick, was inspired by John Christmas’ story. Ask him: What’s become of the players you exposed? Were your allegations ever investigated? Are you still in danger? Could a similar situation happen again? Contact John Christmas at (514) 700-9015; jchristmas@rtirguests.com

  • Totally Ridiculous Laws Still on the Books

    In Gainesville, Ga., eating fried chicken with a fork is illegal. In Mississippi, public swearing will get you 30 days in the slammer. “There are a lot of outdated laws that are still on the books that can get you fined or arrested,” says award-winning author, screenwriter and former Universal Studios government affairs executive John Thibault. John can share other bizarre, often hilarious laws that are still in effect, how they came about and why. He can also discuss how average citizens can actually change laws, why writing to Congress is a waste of time and how to become a lobbyist to effect change in your community. He is the author of the critically acclaimed book “How to Change a Law.” Contact John at (650) 761-7564; Jthibault@rtirguests.com

  • Chauvin Verdict Reaction

    Former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin has been convicted on all charges in the death of George Floyd. He’ll be sentenced in 8 weeks, and faces up to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, up to 25 years for third-degree murder and up to 10 years for second-degree manslaughter. Attorney Nkechi (Nah – KEE – Chee) Taifa (Tah – EE – Fah) can discuss the trial and verdict, as well as what the slogan “defund the police” really means and why people shouldn’t be afraid of it. Taifa co-hosts the weekly Pacifica radio show “Crossroads” and tackles hot-button issues on numerous national radio and TV shows. An author, activist and academic, Nkechi Taifa, Esq. is CEO of The Taifa Group LLC, a social enterprise firm whose mission is to advance justice. Contact her at Memoir@BlackPowerBlackLawyer.com; nkechi@thetaifagroup.com

  • Tis the Season for Crooks: Biggest Holiday Scams

    Nothing can put a damper on your holiday spirit faster than getting tricked out of your hard-earned cash! This year experts say scammers are out in full force looking to fool you, steal your money and more! Invite William Francavilla to share the biggest scams this holiday season (yes, porch pirates are still stealing packages), how to spot a rip-off scheme, and who scammers target most and how they do it. From charity donations to online rip-offs and social media phishing scams, Francavilla will outline ways to make sure your information and your funds don’t fall into the wrong hands. Francavilla is the author of “The Madoffs Among Us: Combat the Scammers, Con Artists and Thieves Who Are Plotting to Steal your Money.” He’s a CFP and former senior vice president, and director of Wealth Management for Legg Mason who has extensive media experience. Contact him at (757) 870-4590; wmfrancavilla@gmail.com

  • What Really Happened in Waco?

    It has been nearly 28 years since the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and the National Guard were ambushed during the execution of a search and arrest warrant at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. Since then there have been multiple movies and TV mini-series (the last in 2018) and books but according to former ATF agent Mark Rusin, the public still doesn’t know what really happened. How was the ATF compromised so badly? Who was ultimately responsible for the deaths of four ATF agents? Who fired the first shot? Who set the fires after the 51-day siege? Get the answers from Rusin, who, as the ATF representative to the Drug Czar’s office at the White House briefed President Clinton in 1993 regarding the families of the slain ATF agents at Waco. Rusin also met several U.S. presidents while protecting them. He has been a consultant to “CSI” and other shows and is the author of the upcoming book “METRO: Sin City Chronicles.” An earlier novel, “Justice For Dallas,” was based on real events and is being turned into a screenplay. Contact Mark Rusin at (520) 205-1113; msrusin@comcast.net

  • Racist Cops? Are Their Numbers Exaggerated?

    Mark Rusin, a former Las Vegas METRO police officer and retired ATF special agent with nearly 30 years as a law enforcement official, wants to talk about Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter, and defunding the police. He says although there are some bad apples, all cops are being unfairly painted as racist when “99% of cop shootings of ‘unarmed’ people occur when they resist arrest or fail to follow commands.” He adds, “It is a known fact that when an ‘unarmed’ subject refuses to follow lawful police commands and chooses to physically engage in hand-to-hand combat with an officer they must be treated as ‘armed’ because every officer has a loaded gun at their side.” Rusin will also share why allegations of racism have led to police apathy in America and what that means for public safety. A consultant to “CSI” and other shows, he is the author of the upcoming book “METRO: Sin City Chronicles.” An earlier novel, “Justice For Dallas,” based on real events, is being turned into a screenplay.  Contact Mark Rusin at (520) 205-1113; msrusin@comcast.net

  • What Happens to Frozen Embryos when Couples Split?

    Recent news stories have explored the issue of frozen embryos caught in the crossfire of couples who have uncoupled. Fertilized during happier times, these embryos may remain in limbo forever and rack up storage fees if the couples cannot agree on their future. Or, as Nate Birt advises, the couple can agree to let the frozen embryo be adopted by someone else, a possibility they may not have considered. Learn more when you interview Nate, whose daughter began life as another couple’s frozen embryo. Nate is the author of “Frozen, But Not Forgotten: An Adoptive Dad’s Step-by-Step Guide to Embryo Adoption.” Ask him: What are some of the controversies that surround frozen embryos? Are fertilized embryos people or property? How costly is it to adopt such an embryo? Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; Nbirt@rtirguests.com

  • What You Could Lose by Winning a Lawsuit

    Talk about initiating a lawsuit and most people think: Hefty settlement! Getting justice! (Or retribution.) Healing and starting over. But legal trouble is stressful and expensive, and lawsuits can last years, taking more out of you than you gain. So warns attorney Francine Tone, who’s been educating the public for years about getting the right legal help, asking prudent questions, making wise decisions, and proceeding with caution as legal challenges unfold. Invite her to explore realities about suing and being sued, myths and truths about the law, and how even winning lawsuits can jeopardize your business, marriage or health. Francine is the author of “What Every Good Lawyer Wants You to Know.” Contact Francine Tone at (531) 208-1297; FTone@rtirguests.com