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 access to educational resources and vocational training, thus fostering hope and opportunity. It is the transformative power of the tablet initiative, along with other programs behind the wall, that is creating a positive impact and reducing recidivism in the Hancock County community.

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 release, to helping others overcome the challenges of reentry into society. Tune in to hear Jeff talk about the importance of understanding choices, the impact of educational programs, and how to break the cycle of poverty and incarceration.

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 she faced during her appointment to Sheriff, and her vision for the future of the office. Listen in to hear her talk about the importance of community relationships, the innovative programs for incarcerated individuals that she will continue to support and grow, and the significance of having women in leadership roles within law enforcement.

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 enforcement team. From the intricacies of managing a large jail population, to the impact of mental health and substance use on the Maine justice system, and the importance of community engagement, Sheriff Joyce is still as passionate about his mission and the people under his watch, both outside and behind the wall, as he was thirty-eight years ago.

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 received when placing her faith in front of her fear.

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 County, and the emotional weight of reopening a case, as now Sheriff, that haunted him for decades. Listen in as we unpack the intricacies of justice, the impact of personal history, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

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.

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 reintegration, all while reducing violence and promoting dignity within the correctional environment. His innovative approaches such as salad bars from the prison gardens, a Christmas tree farm that returns the trees to local Vets and their families, and remote work opportunities, with fair market pay for residents of his prisons, plus the importance of treating residents with respect, is a testament to the power of change in the criminal justice system. Because when Liberty is your last name, your life’s mission is clear.