True Crime Prevention Podcast

Don't let fake pills put your loved ones at risk. On the latest TCP podcast, Paul DelPonte discusses recent high-profile fentanyl poisoning cases and ways to keep your community safe.

With the recent court cases against Meta and others, what is your state doing to protect your children from social media harm? Hear from advocate Sam Chapman from Parents for Safe Children on this must see episode.

Bernie Madoff’s fraud may be history—but the tactics behind it are still everywhere.

In this episode of True Crime Prevention, Paul DelPonte breaks down how trust, reputation, and familiarity can be used against us—and what to look for before a scam costs you or someone you love.

Trust—but verify. Stay alert. Take a bite out of crime!

This episode explores the recent $18 billion settlement by Meta over lawsuits related to child safety harms on Facebook and Instagram. We discuss the implications, safety measures, and ongoing efforts to protect children online.

In this episode, crime prevention expert Gail Bleth discusses personal safety strategies, the victim pyramid, and real-life case studies including stalking, domestic violence, and campus safety. Learn practical tips to enhance your awareness and reduce risk.

This episode features the heartbreaking story of Tommy Jodry, a young man whose life was tragically cut short due to grooming and predatory behavior. William and Mary Jane Jodry share their journey of uncovering the truth, the failures of the investigation, and vital lessons on recognizing warning signs and protecting loved ones from sexual predators.

This episode features the heartbreaking story of Tommy Jodry, a young man whose life was tragically cut short due to grooming and predatory behavior. William and Mary Jane Jodry share their journey of uncovering the truth, the failures of the investigation, and vital lessons on recognizing warning signs and protecting loved ones from sexual predators.

In this in-depth interview, legal expert Laura Marquez-Garrett discusses the recent landmark case against social media giants Meta and Google, highlighting the design flaws, addictive algorithms, and harmful impacts on children. The conversation explores legal precedents, the ecosystem created by these platforms, and actionable steps for parents and advocates to protect kids from digital harms.

In this episode of True Crime Prevention, Paul DelPonte speaks with Ayleen Charlotte, a victim of the Tinder Swindler, about her harrowing experience with online dating scams. Ayleen shares her journey from falling in love to being manipulated and defrauded, highlighting the emotional and psychological tactics used by scammers. The conversation delves into the importance of victim support, the need for better training in financial institutions, and the creation of SAFE, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and educating about fraud. Ayleen's story serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of online dating and the importance of being...

In this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte engages with Amanda Lee, a domestic abuse survivor, who shares her harrowing journey from victimhood to empowerment. They discuss the complexities of recognizing abuse, the importance of support systems, and the challenges of navigating the legal system. Amanda emphasizes the significance of leaving abusive situations and the resources available for survivors. Through her story, she aims to inspire others to find their strength and seek help.

In this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte speaks with Jody Plauché, a survivor of childhood abuse who became an advocate for victims.

Jody shares his harrowing experience of being groomed and abused by his karate instructor, Jeff Doucet, and the subsequent events that led to his father's dramatic act of revenge. The conversation delves into the psychological impact of abuse on children, the importance of parental awareness, and the need for open communication about such sensitive topics.

Jody also discusses his book, 'Why Gary Why,' which aims to educate and empower o...

In this episode of True Crime Prevention, Paul DelPonte and guest Lori Flowers delve into the world of romance scams, focusing on Lori's personal experience as a victim. They discuss how scammers exploit vulnerabilities, the grooming process, and the emotional manipulation involved in these schemes. Lori shares her story of being scammed through LinkedIn, highlighting the trust-building tactics used by the scammer and the eventual financial loss she faced. The conversation emphasizes the importance of awareness, skepticism, and seeking help after such experiences, while also providing valuable advice for preventing similar scams in the future.

What can families learn from one of the most haunting missing-persons cases in modern history?

In this episode of True Crime Prevention, we’re joined by Jason Brick, safety expert and author, to discuss travel safety through the lens of the Natalee Holloway case—and the real-world lessons families can take from it today.

Together, we break down how quickly everyday travel can turn dangerous, what warning signs are often missed, and how families can better prepare before a trip ever begins. Jason shares practical, no-nonsense guidance on keeping yourself and your...

What happens when survival turns into a lifelong fight for justice—and change?

In this episode of True Crime Prevention, we sit down with Keri Potts, President and Founder of A Fight Back Woman., to share her powerful story of survival, advocacy, and empowerment. In November 2008, Keri survived an assault and attempted rape while studying abroad in Rome, Italy.

What followed was a grueling, two-year battle through the Italian criminal justice system—one that ultimately ended with her attacker pleading guilty. Keri is one of the few American women to successfully pres...

It’s been more than 30 years—and the question remains: who killed the four girls at the Austin yogurt shop?

In this episode, True Crime Prevention sits down with the Brett and Alice of The Prosecutors Podcast to examine the chilling facts, lingering mysteries, and controversial turns in the Austin Yogurt Shop Murders.

From false confessions to destroyed evidence, we explore how this case became a cautionary tale of investigative failure—and what it teaches us about protecting victims, preserving evidence, and preventing future miscarriages of justice.

When 22-year-old Gabby Petito went missing during a cross-country road trip, the nation watched — and mourned — as her story became a tragic symbol of intimate partner violence hiding in plain sight.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the True Crime Prevention Podcast, we are joined by Gabby’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, who speaks candidly about Gabby’s life, the warning signs that were missed, and the urgent lessons every family, friend, and community needs to hear.

This conversation goes beyond headlines and true crime curiosity. Niki shares how Gabby’s story ha...

2025 was a year that kept true crime at the center of the national conversation. In this special episode of the True Crime Prevention Podcast round up episode, we’re joined by Sheriff Aaron Hanson of Douglas County, Nebraska to break down some of the biggest and most talked-about cases of the year.

From the shocking developments in the Bryan Kohberger case, to the explosive allegations and legal fallout surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs, to the deeply divisive Karen Read trial, we unpack what these cases reveal about investigations, media coverage, public trust, and the criminal justice system...

On this episode of the True Crime Prevention Podcast, we revisit the tragic and mysterious murder of JonBenét Ramsey, the six-year-old beauty pageant star found dead in her Boulder, Colorado home in 1996. Decades later, her case still captures the public’s attention—but beyond the mystery, there are important lessons for families and communities about crime prevention and child safety.

Join NCPC’s Executive Director Paul DelPonte and Tatiana Peralta as we explore:

-Key facts and timeline of the JonBenét Ramsey case

-How the investigation unfolded and the challenges law enfo...

21-year-old Ohio State student Reagan Tokes never made it home the night she left work on February 8, 2017. What happened in the hours that followed shocked Ohio, exposed catastrophic failures in the criminal justice system, and forever changed one family’s life. In this powerful episode of True Crime Prevention, Reagan’s mother Lisa and sister Makenzie sit down with host Paul DelPonte to share Reagan’s story in their own words: the nightmare they lived through, the fight for justice, and the advocacy work they’ve taken on to protect others in her memory. You’ll hear: • The heartbreaking timeline of...

"It can happen to anyone."

When Devon Michaels took what he believed was a Percocet, he had no idea it was a fake — and laced with fentanyl. His death devastated his family and sparked a mission to protect other young people from the same danger.

In this powerful episode of True Crime Prevention, Ava Michelle (Netflix’s "Tall Girl," & "Dance Moms") and her mother Jeanette Cota open up about losing their brother and son to a fake pill. They share how their grief turned into advocacy through the Devon Michaels Foundation, dedi...

On Thanksgiving night in 2009, what should have been a warm family celebration turned into one of the most shocking and tragic family crimes in modern American history. Paul Merhige arrived at his relatives’ home for dinner but before the night was over, he had executed a calculated plan of murder that left four family members dead, including a 6-year-old Makayla Sitton.

In this powerful episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte is joined by NCPC's Tatiana Peralta for a deep dive on the case and a conversation about the warning signs that went unnoticed.

In 2002, the DC Sniper terrorized a city and leaving more than a dozen dead. But behind the headlines was a chilling personal story few knew: Mildred Muhammad, the ex-wife of the sniper, was the real target all along.

In this gripping episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte speaks with Dr. Muhammad as she reveals the chilling reality behind the headlines, the courage it takes to speak out, and her experiences living with a man who would become one of America’s most notorious killers. She shares the warning signs of escalating violence, the ps...

What happens when one survivor refuses to stay silent?

In this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte speaks with Erin Merryn — a survivor turned national advocate whose story inspired Erin’s Law, landmark legislation that teaches children about safe and unsafe touches. Erin opens up about her personal experience with childhood abuse, the subtle grooming tactics predators use, and why open conversations about personal safety can save lives.

Together, Paul and Erin explore how education, awareness, and community involvement can stop abuse before it starts — and how every parent, teache...

When entrepreneur and business owner Shay Onorio checked her bank account one Saturday morning, she never would have imagined that she would be the victim of identity theft. What followed was a nightmare of stolen identities, drained accounts, and a battle to reclaim what was hers.

In this episode of True Crime Prevention, Shay shares her story of dealing with financial crime and identity theft and the devastating emotional toll it took. Host Paul DelPonte talks with Shay about how financial criminals operate, what victims go through, and what you can do to protect yourself...

A normal school day turned into horror... and one mother’s life changed forever. When Lori Alhadeff’s 14-year-old daughter, Alyssa, was killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting, her tragedy became a call to action.

Determined to make sure no other family endures the same pain, Lori co-founded Make Our Schools Safe and helped pass Alyssa’s Law, requiring silent panic alarms in schools to save precious seconds when every second counts.

Now a Broward County School Board Member, Lori continues her fight on the front lines advocating for stronger safety policies, empowering students through preven...

Anthony Graves spent 18 years behind bars—12 of them on death row—for a crime he didn’t commit. Wrongfully convicted of a brutal 1992 murder, Graves was exonerated in 2010 after years of fighting to prove his innocence. In this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte speaks with Graves about how he survived nearly two decades in the Texas prison system, the failures that led to his wrongful conviction, and his mission today to reform the criminal justice system and prevent future injustices.Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-prevention-podcast/Read Anthony Graves' Book...

When Celisia Stanton fell victim to a financial scam, it changed her life forever. What started as a moment of misplaced trust quickly spiraled into a painful lesson about how easily anyone can be deceived.

Now, Celisia is using her experience to educate others.In this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte talks with Celisia about how the scam unfolded, what she learned from the experience, and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to similar crimes.

Check out Celisia's podcast, Truer Crime https://geni.us/TruerCrime

More about Celisia...

She thought she was safe in bed. Instead, she came face to face with one of America’s most infamous serial killers.In 1978, college student Kathy Kleiner Rubin survived a brutal attack inside her Florida State University sorority house at the hands of Ted Bundy. While two of her friends were murdered that night, Kathy lived to tell the story — and to share a message of strength, resilience, and hope.On this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte sits down with Kathy to revisit that terrifying night, the long road to recovery, and how she’s turned her su...

She thought it was just another showing. Instead, it was a trap.In September 2014, Arkansas real estate agent Beverly Carter walked into a home to meet a new client. Hours later, she was reported missing. Days later, her family learned the unthinkable—Beverly had been kidnapped, ransomed, and murdered in a crime that shocked the nation.On this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte sits down with Beverly’s son, Carl Carter, who relives the nightmare and reveals how his mother’s case exposed the hidden dangers of working in real estate. Carl also shares how he turned...

Alison Parker was a 24-year-old journalist and rising star at WDBJ7 in Roanoke, Virginia. In August 2015, while reporting live on air, she and her colleague Adam Ward were tragically murdered in a shooting that shocked the nation. Alison was known for her passion for storytelling, her vibrant spirit, and her dedication to shining a light on community issues.Her father, Andy Parker, turned his grief into advocacy and has become a powerful voice for victims and survivors of gun violence, working tirelessly to promote stronger safety measures and to hold tech and media companies accountable for the spread of...

Sami Josephson was a 21-year-old college senior with a bright future ahead of her. But in March 2019, her life was tragically cut short after she got into a car she believed was her rideshare. Sami’s story has since become a rallying cry for awareness, reminding us all how a simple safety step can save lives.

Watch the Full Episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/t3EazOezud4

Seymour Josephson

When his daughter's life was stolen, Seymour turned unimaginable grief into action. He has since become a leading voice fo...

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Behind the headlines of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes lies a story of survivors silenced and systems that looked away. In 1991, Jess Michaels was assaulted by Epstein—an experience that would fuel her fight for justice. On True Crime Prevention, she and Tracy DeTomasi uncover the failures—and the blueprint for a safer future.

About Jess Michaels: https://www.jessmichaelsspeaks.com/ Jess Michaels is a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse who has become a powerful voice demanding accountability and transparency. From calling for the rele...

Use Code PREVENTION for 10% off your order at Safely! https://livesafely.co/

After surviving a horrifying sexual assault, Hanna Senko went to the authorities. But when nothing happened, she discovered that the Austin Police Department barely investigated her case and that dozens of other women had the same fate.

Hanna and the other women refused to accept it and took on the system itself—filing a groundbreaking class-action lawsuit against the City of Austin and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office.

Hanna's story isn’t just about surviving sexual assault—it’s about expo...

Use Code PREVENTION for 10% off your order at Safely! https://livesafely.co/In this compelling episode, we sit down with Anna Giaritelli, a seasoned crime and homeland security reporter for the Washington Examiner, to discuss her powerful op-ed, "A man went to prison for assaulting me. DC Police crime stats show he was never arrested." Anna shares her personal experience as a sexual assault survivor in Washington, D.C., and uncovers how the Metropolitan Police Department's crime statistics may not fully reflect the reality of crime in the city.🔗 Read Anna's full op-ed here: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/op-eds/3498600/man...

Use Code TRUECRIMEPREVENTION for 25% off The McGruff Shop:https://mcgruff.org/shop-mcgruff/Starring on the hit reality series "Dance Moms" at just 13 years old, Lennon Torres has lived most of her life in the spotlight, being both witness to and victim of the dangers of online exploitation and the harmful role social media can play in young people’s lives. Now a leading voice for accountability in the tech industry, Lennon has dedicated her work to protecting kids and raising awareness of the real risks that exist online.In this episode of True Crime Prevention, Lennon joins host Paul De...

At just 16 years old, David Molak was the target of relentless cyberbullying. The emotional toll became unbearable—and in 2016, David died by suicide in his own backyard.

In the aftermath of his death, his mother, Maurine Molak, co-founded David’s Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to ending cyberbullying and protecting children online.

This week on True Crime Prevention, Maurine shares David’s story, how her family turned grief into advocacy, and the legislative change they helped bring about through David’s Law.

💡 This isn’t your typical true crime podcast—it’s about preventing the ne...

At age 14, Alex Schachter was like any other high school kid—always happy and smiling, a proud member of the school marching band, and a huge sports fan.But on February 14, 2018, a gunman armed with a semi-automatic rifle opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Alex's life, along with those of 16 other students and staff, was cut short.In the wake of his son's death, Max Schachter made a choice to channel his grief into change. He became a national advocate for school safety, founding Safe Schools for Alex and working with officials at every le...

Tim and Tamia Woods were living an ordinary life in Streetsboro, Ohio, raising and cheering on their teenage son James, a standout student and cross-country runner. But their world was shattered when James became the target of a sophisticated sextortion scheme—an online predator posing as a teenage girl manipulated and blackmailed him, leading to devastating consequences.Now, Tim and Tamia are telling their story to True Crime Prevention.In the wake of unimaginable loss, they founded the Do It For James Foundation to educate families, protect kids, and prevent this from happening to anyone else. Their mission is ro...

Jeffrey Epstein's name is back in the news with the headlines focusing on the politics, the celebrities, the powerful connections. But what gets lost in this news cycle is the truth at the center of it all:Human trafficking. Child exploitation. Systemic failure.In this True Crime Prevention mini episode, NCPC’s Paul DelPonte looks past the viral headlines and reminds us: this is not just a political scandal—it’s a story of real victims, missed opportunities, and the urgent need for prevention.🛑 What allowed Epstein to operate for so long?🛑 Why were victims ignored and institutions silent?🛑 How do we stop...

CONTENT WARNING- Discussion of SA and other potentially upsetting topics

Julie Weil, a 31-year-old mother of two, was on a routine preschool pickup when her life changed forever. In the parking lot of her church, she was ambushed by a man with a butcher knife, forced into her minivan with her infant son and three-year-old daughter, and driven out into the Florida Everglades where she endured 4 brutal sexual assaults in frontof her children.

Now she's telling her story to True Crime Prevention. Julie survived and chose to fight back for all of the victims who...