I recorded a short episode talking about the recent release of documents on the 2006-2008 prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein. I discussed why State Attorney Dave Aronberg decided to make these files publicly available. Later I touched on a few strange tidbits I found, including a story about Epstein employing Wackenhut security guards and a “ninja” who was hiding out in Epstein’s bushes. The ninja turns out to be a private investigator linked to corrupt attorney Scott Rothstein and the Gambino Family, thus adding another strange layer to this complex story.
This week marked the return of PPR to a live show format on Ochelli.com. In the first hour hour I discussed the under reported raid on the North Korean embassy in Madrid. I talked about the shadowy group Cheollima Civil Defense which claimed responsibility for the raid. I discussed the allegations by Spanish authorities that at least two assailants have links to the CIA. Later I talked about the ringleader of the raid, Adrian Hong Chang, and his strange connections to institutions such as Yale and Freedom House. I finish off by touching on Leo Wolosky who has been retained by Cheollima Civil Defense as legal counsel. I also touch on the larger legal and geopolitical implications of breaking into a foreign embassy and stealing cell phone and computers.
In the second hour Ed Opperman joined me for a wide ranging conversation. We started off by talking about Alex Jones’ continued legal problems with Sandy Hook parents. Ed and I discussed the recent deposition Jones had to give. We talked about the responsibility that we have as producers of media to tell the truth. We also touched on the extent to which we are responsible for the actions that out listeners carry out. Ed and I also talked about the danger of going after conspiracy theorists even ones as crazy as Alex Jones. Later Ed and I talked about the recent murder of purported Gambino boss Frank Cali by Anthony Comello. We talk about Comello’s fascination with Qanon and flashing MAGA slogans written on his hand in court. Ed and I discuss whether there is more to this case or if Comello is just a nut or a patsy. We finish off by ranting about how much we hate Michael Avenatti. Ed offers up his expert opinion on if Avenatti will face jail time.
On today’s episode I take a close look at the Reverend Al Sharpton’s work as a confidential informant for the FBI. I discuss his time as CI-7 and how this formed the man that Sharpton would become later in life. I begin with his early years working at Spring Records and how this initiated Sharpton into the world of organized crime. I look at his connections with the Gambino and Genovese crime families, and how an FBI cocaine sting led him to become one of the Bureau most protected and valuable informants. I discuss Sharpton’s relationships with mafioso luminaries such as Joseph “Joe Bananas” Bonanno, Daniel Pagano, Matthew “Matty the Horse” Ianniello, and many others. I also discuss Sharpton’s relationship with heroin trafficker and record producer Robert Curington, who was integral to Sharpton’s fame and power. I also break down how Sharpton’s work informing on the Mafia led to some of the biggest cases in FBI history, including some aimed at Genovese family boss, Vincent “Chin” Gigante. Later I look at allegations that Sharpton was also informing on black revolutionaries and activists during the 1980’s. I explore the allegation that Sharpton was working with the FBI to locate legendary Black Panther Assata Shakur.
Later I discuss Sharpton’s ever evolving public persona and how he may still be working with the government today. I break down how Sharpton has publicly spoken out against ripping off black musicians and the problem of drugs in the black community while simultaneously working with the very people responsible for these crimes. I also point out how several mafia figures and Sharpton himself have been mirrored in the television show The Sopranos. I finish off by ranting about Anthony Wiener, how disgusted I am at the election, and link it to figures like Al Sharpton.
