That's your boyfriend? What's his name? >> What's your boyfriend's name? >> Um, it's um your boyfriend's name. >> Have a good day. >> Yep. You got a warrant under arrest. What the >> police get on the ground. Get on the ground. Please. Please. Hey, don't move. Don't move. Please get out here. Get out here. You're under arrest. Get on the ground. Police department. Get on the ground. Get on the ground. >> The dumbest criminals are usually the ones who think they're smart. This delusion makes them believe they're capable of pulling a fast one on law enforcement, but it's pretty satisfying to watch overconfidence collapse when genius cops trick dumb criminals. >> You probably have an idea why we're here. >> Yeah, it was it was a I knew it was a setup. What's that? >> I knew it was a setup. Yeah. I know I'm not from the get. >> In early 2023, Lacrosse PD set up an elaborate operation posing as an innocent 15-year-old girl online so they could lureual predators lurking nearby. And sure enough, one of them took the bait. His name was James Wooden. [Music] pray for him. Not you. >> Back. >> We'll expand everything as we go. Okay. I appreciate you being decent. Right. >> Do you have anything in your pockets that's going to cover both? >> No, I don't. >> You probably have an idea why we're here. >> Yeah, it was it was a setup. >> What's that? >> I knew it was a setup. >> Okay. >> We'll explain everything as we go. >> Yeah, I know. I knew it from the get. if he knew it was a setup from the very beginning, like he claimed he did. Why did he keep messaging someone who he thought was a teenage girl hoping to hook up with her? He even asked his friend and employer to drive him to the diner, saying he was supposed to meet his niece. >> What's going on, man? Long time no see. >> I'll explain what's going on here. >> Right over here, whatever. >> You okay? >> You got your soda here. We'll grab that. >> You okay? So, what brought you guys here? >> He said he was going to come over here. >> Okay. >> I'm like, why? >> I got to ask you that or did he >> No, he was with me and then he said he wanted to come in here. >> Okay. >> So, >> well, I'll I'll explain that in a second. Um, what what where were you guys going to go once >> I was going to grab my food and I was going back to the job? >> Uhhuh. >> Was he going to stay here? >> He said he was going to take the bus. >> Oh, so he wasn't going to leave with you. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Police questioned James' employer, but nothing indicated he was aware of what was going on. James, on the other hand, was far from innocent. He had an extensive criminal record, including drug charges, battery, and two convictions for secondderee sexual assault of a child. appreciate being decent. It's okay. Like I said, like I knew it was the whole time. I don't think that was right. I think this bull crap said can't be none of my friends and stuff like that. I don't get why is this a >> [ __ ] or is that the same? >> That's the only one that works. Wi-Fi. >> That one's Wi-Fi. This one doesn't have a passport. >> The investigators soon found two phones in James' pockets, and one of them was still logged into the chat with the fictional teenage girl. James might claim that he and the teen were just friends, but the messages and explicit pictures told a different story. >> We'll talk to you. >> I don't think it's quite right. appreciate everything that's going on. >> This is about >> the officers were extremely professional and it couldn't have been easy. After all, they had probably seen all the suggested messages and explicit photos James had sent a 15-year-old. Also, he was the one who suggested they meet at that exact address. It's safe to say his friend was in shock to learn all this. >> All right. So, he thought, >> you kidding me? >> You don't get you don't get arrested for meeting your niece. You know that. >> So, just be fright like I did state that, you know, it was illegal, stuff like that. You know, >> I don't know the specifics of it. One of the other investigators has been done investigation. So, we're here to support. >> Is it kind of like a tragedy to like pull that kind of stuff like fig somebody and then you know talking to somebody about things and you know when someone's having a downtime and they're like depressing they know I think I think everything's factored in right like we understand people are human and and things happen and people sometimes make choices that they normally wouldn't make depending on their circumstances. So definitely you know everything's factored in. What we do is just gather as much information, piece it together, and then we kind of go from there. Okay. >> Not surprisingly, James tried to downplay the entire thing. He repeatedly stated he told the girl they were just friends, even though the evidence said otherwise. The officers didn't contradict him. They just let him talk, probably hoping he would incriminate himself even further. >> So, but no, we sat through everything. You know, we understand people get down and make some not choices they normally would. was saying, you know, it was just like I said, I said I could be friends, you know, this and stuff like that, you know, and my girlfriend kicked me out and, you know, if I could get my children back and just it was down time and she started talking, you know, thought it was a girl, of course, it just, you know, I lost sight of what the thing was because, you know, you're supposed to be at certain range on those kind of sites and stuff like that. So, you know, weren't even thinking about anything like that. So, >> did you talk to him about why he was switching? >> Yes. So, was running handyman service, needed some help doing some work today, drilling some holes from one floor to another. Yep. >> And while they're there, he goes, "Hey, can you give me a corn on? I'm going to meet my niece." >> He's like, "All right, I'll just grab a dog." And he goes, "I was leaving and he was going to take the bus wherever he was going." >> Exactly. Just if you don't mind writing that, >> I won't. I will go. >> It was clear that the man who drove the suspect to the diner had nothing to do with the whole mess. So, he was let go. James confirmed he had been doing some work for his friend. However, he did not explain why he lied to him about meeting his niece. >> You know, granted, maybe I said some things I shouldn't have said, you know, and maybe the picture I should have sent, but it wasn't just it's been pretty rough time for me. >> Sure. >> Yeah. He's doing handyman service. He's did three in. He's two and a half out. He's doing well. So happy for him. >> Yeah. >> This is not my character by any means. >> No. And one act as you know one act or one situation doesn't define who you are right >> but it doesn't look great you know >> we just kind of we we build on and go from here okay who gave you a ride today do some work and I said yeah so that's why I said you want to come here and meet her we launch him >> good so >> yeah we're good thank you I'm just going to touch base >> good people make bad choices from time to time. Nobody's perfect. >> Plus, they need to make bad choice cuz nothing's happened. >> For now, the officers are playing along. They're trying to keep the suspect calm and relaxed. They repeatedly sidetrack the conversation towards work. And if there was something good to say about James, it would be his cooperation. He never denied talking to the girl or asking her to meet. >> He does have to search you again. >> That's fine. This is fine. I have nothing. >> Nothing, sir. Fine. Yes, sir. All right. You just stand still here. >> I'm going to throw your soda down here. Okay. Hands up in the back a little. >> Watch your head and your knees. Having a seat in there, sir. Put the seat belt on. >> Oh god. >> You okay? >> Smaller. >> Yeah, they're definitely not made for comfort. Watching neither shut the door. Yes, sir. Go ahead and step out for me, please. >> Want some drink? >> All right. Get those cuffs off for you. And then James does have a signature there. Appreciate you watching. He's not being I'm not you guys. >> Yeah. No sex. I know people do, but I'm not that kind of guy. Regardless, whatever. I'm not a bad person. >> I'm sure most people would disagree with James. A 15-year-old girl is just a child, and making inappropriate comments to her is not what a good person would do. After reading James's Miranda writes, the detective began the interrogation. >> Whatever you need from me, James, tell me why you think you're here. >> I just talk to her. >> She's under the age of 18. Okay. >> And uh, you know, started off just a little talking. I had initially said, you know, that she was too young and stuff like that, that it's against the law. It was time saying that, you know, it's just nothing but a number, whatever, blah blah blah. didn't go anywhere from there, you know, and then as of recent to talk a little bit more, you know, about things cuz like I'm not going to lie. I knew it was wrong and knew what it was wrong. What was wrong? >> Talking >> was there talk about >> there was a >> just talking about coming to my place and you know doing some things. >> What things? just uh like you know like >> James said he had just broken up with his girlfriend and was just looking for someone to talk to. He claimed he was not into child pornography and he even offered to give the cops access to his phones to check his browsing history. >> I'll give you permission because I swear to God there's no I children is not my thing. It's definitely not I have I was also 18 when that happened. I'm not that I'm not that bad. I just The only reason I started talking to this girl like that is just because the age came up in the beginning. Okay. We had talked about that a long time. It was just I was just making just talk. >> Well, you said you were you were lonely. >> Yeah. It's it's nice. >> Talk to somebody, >> right? Just somebody >> I don't I swear to God she does not have no children. I don't do that kind of >> forensic analysts searched James' phone and found no evidence of childography. He was charged with using a computer to facilitate a child's crime, attempting secondderee sexual assault of a child and bail jumping. He pleaded guilty to the seconddereeual assault of a child and got 3 years of probation. On December 12th, 2023, a police officer pulled over a woman for driving too closely behind another vehicle. A practice often referred to as tailgating. >> Afternoon. >> Do you have your license with you? >> It is. I've been >> Okay. Do you have any weapons in the car? >> No. Okay. >> We just have to ask. It's Arizona. >> All righty. Do you have your registration and insurance? >> Okay. And how do you say your name, ma'am? >> Myra. >> Myra. All right. The reason I stopped you is a few reasons. One is you're falling too close behind that semi-truck. I know he changed lanes in front of you, but you never backed off of him and I had you less than a second. I had you point8 seconds behind him. The safe following distance is 3 to 6 seconds. >> Oh, I did not. >> Yeah. That way you have plenty of time to react in case something happens like if he blows a tire or slams on his brakes or you have to take evasive action. It takes the average person about a second and a half just to perceive a threat in front of them and start to react. That doesn't even include the actual reaction time. So, >> okay. Yeah, I did not know that. >> You're good. Just I'll just give you a written warning. How how how dark is your window tint? >> I don't know. >> The driver, 32-year-old Myra Iloisea Aguilar, explained that she just bought the car and didn't know the tint would be an issue. The officer decided to cut her some slack and give her a written warning, but that was just a tactic to get her to exit the vehicle. That way, he could ask her questions in private and determine if she was telling the truth. Go ahead and stand by the tire so I don't hit you with the door there. Where's your son at? >> Where's your son? >> Down in here in I don't know the name of it. That's it. The dad just moved over here. So >> the dad what? >> Well, the dad won custody of the kids. So now they're letting me get um my kids every so often whenever he wants. >> So he's giving me for a week. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. So, where's where's the dad live? >> I don't know his exact address. I'm meeting him in a at a point. >> You're meeting him at a point? >> Yeah. He doesn't want me to know that. >> He doesn't want you to know his address. >> No. Sorry for the work, but >> Oh, really? >> Where does he uh what city does he live in? >> Uh each 15 minutes. >> Notice Myra's body language. hands in her pockets, moving her tongue like she's cleaning her teeth, the slight tremble in her voice. On their own, they might mean nothing, but together, these subtle signs could indicate that a person is uncomfortable or even deceitful. So, the officer started to realize that something was very wrong. >> About 20 minutes from here, he lives in Hull Brook. >> What's his name? >> How long's he lived in Hullbrook for? >> They probably moved in a couple months. Well, I don't like how long. >> Oh, really? >> Mhm. >> Okay. What's your son's name? How old is he? >> 15. >> 15. Is he going to Brook High School then? >> Yeah, I'm assuming. >> You're assuming? >> Yeah. >> How come you don't get to see him very often? >> Cuz he got full custody. >> Why did he get full custody? >> Despite Myra trying her best to explain her situation, the red flags just kept popping up. The biggest one was claiming she didn't know why the judge granted full custody of her kids to the father. In most cases, the mother gets custody, unless she's the problem. It was also odd that she was so chill about it. >> When did you leave Los Angeles? >> Uh, this morning. >> Oh, really? >> Yeah. >> What time? >> Around 3ish. >> 3:00 in the morning. >> Yeah. To get here cuz he >> Did you drive straight or what? >> Oh, well, I stopped at Gap. >> Did you? Oh, I mean, did you stop to sleep at all or? >> No. Well, I live there and I just woke up at 3:00. >> Okay. >> And 3:45, I think, or so. That's when I hit this way. >> Gotcha. >> I just have a quick question for you. Out here on the interstate, we have a people that call and transport illegal content. You don't have anything illegal in your car, do you? Any weapons or explosives in the car? Any guns? >> No. >> Any bombs? >> No. >> Any bazookas? >> No. What would the hell? >> Any bodies in the car? >> No. >> Okay. In the state of Arizona, marijuana is legal up to an ounce. You have any marijuana in the car? >> I don't use drugs. >> You don't use drugs at all? Okay. Any in the car? Heroin, folks, any prescription drugs you're not supposed to have? >> No. >> How about identity theft items? You have any identity theft items in the car? Any identity theft making machines? Anything like that? >> As she answered question after question, Myra looked visibly uncomfortable. She tried to force out a smile, but she couldn't hide the strain on her face. She was on the verge of tears. But after one particular question, all her hopes of getting out of the situation went down the drain. >> That being said, would you give me voluntary consent to search your vehicle for any of those types of items? Yeah. Okay. Let me just uh get a 10 stamp form really quick. Are you responsible for everything inside the car? Anybody ask you to bring anything up here that to take to anybody? They did. What do you have in there? >> I don't know. >> You don't know? Are you being paid to drive something up here? >> Yeah, >> I haven't got yet. >> You haven't get paid yet? Okay. What's in the car, >> I don't know? >> You don't know? >> Is it illegal? Pretty much. Okay. If you don't know what it is, how do you know if it's illegal? >> Well, there's something on some stripe. >> That was precisely the kind of intuitive questioning that cracks the case in the end. Earlier, Myra said that she was on her way to pick up her son for a month, but the officer knew school was still in session in Hullbrook. Eventually, other cracks showed and Myra had no choice but to come clean. >> So, are you telling me that there's >> Yes. >> drugs in the car? >> Okay. What do you have in there? >> I don't know what it is. You don't know what it is. Okay. All right. Just hang tight for just a second. Okay. So, that being said, I'm just going to go ahead and walk my dog around the car really quick. Okay. >> It's in the back seat. >> It's in the back seat. Okay. All right, Mayor. So, the dog did alert to your vehicle. He's trained to detect the odors of marijuana, meth, heroin, and that alert does give me probable cause. And the fact that you've told me that there's something illegal in your car also gives me probable cause. Okay, so we're going to do a search and we'll go from there. Okay, stay tight. >> The K9 didn't even need to fully circle the car. Almost immediately, it sat down, indicating there were drugs in the vehicle. The officer searched Myra's vehicle and quickly found a black trash bag in the trunk. >> All right, Myra, you under you are under arrest this time. Okay, go ahead and turn around. Put your hands behind your back. I'm going to go ahead and advise you of your rights. Okay, you have the right to remain silent. Bearing that in mind, do you understand your rights? Need a verbal yes or no? Okay. Is there anything else in the vehicle other than >> How much are you being paid to transport that? >> 25. >> 25. And where are you supposed to take it? >> Where I told you. >> So, where you were supposed to meet your >> Yeah. >> Your son? >> Did you get it in the It's still in the car. >> I have a deputy come over here to transport you. We're going to transport this over to our office. Process in there. Okay. >> After securing Myra in the squad car, the officer returned to her vehicle. They needed to see exactly what they found and how much of it. As it turned out, Myra was smuggling me. I mean, pull it off. >> Yeah. Put it on the hood. Let's put it on the hood of my car. Get it untied. So, we have This stuff's fresh. It stinks. Got So, what did you guys think? >> So, we found a large quantity of um our driver has admitted that she was being paid. How many total bags do we have? 10 15 20 25 30 >> 30 >> I if I'm going to guess probably pound a piece probably I just have to take your photograph. Okay. >> On the street this amount of could be worth over $544,000. And in case you're wondering how much drug mules earn by putting their neck on the line, the answer might surprise you. >> She said she spot experia where they pop the trunk and toss the bag in. >> Then they move all your stuff around. >> They I didn't touch nothing. I I was just in the car and they just Okay. >> How did you get approached to do something like this? >> Well, they knew I needed to >> tight. How many trips have you done like this? >> One. >> One before this one. >> Where did you go on that one? >> Right there close by. >> Oh, by in California. >> Okay. How long ago was that? >> Sorry. >> How long ago was that? >> Oh, that would be >> How much did you get paid for that one? >> A,000. >> I know. Myra was arrested and booked into the Navajo County Jail for possession of dangerous drugs and transport of dangerous drugs for sale and was held on a $600,000 bond. Some drug busts happen by chance, others take careful planning. On April 22nd, 2022, an undercover cop arranged to purchase 15 g of methine from a man in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. However, the suspect became suspicious and the entire operation escalated. >> Police get on the ground. Get on the ground. Please. Police. Hey, don't move. Don't move. Police get out here. Get out here. You're under arrest. Get on the ground. Police department. Get on the ground. Get on the ground. Please, you're under arrest. Police department, get on the ground. Get on the ground. Don't move. Let me see your hands. Hands. Hands. Put your hands behind your back. >> Don't move. Shut the car up. >> The officer quickly subdued the suspect, 35-year-old Matthew Simichek. Matthew had just been caught taking $400 in exchange for 15 g of methine. But a third person was also involved. >> Are you injured at all, >> Matt? >> No. >> Are you sure? >> No. >> All right, I'm going to roll you over. >> I didn't do that. What did I do? >> Stand up. >> What did I do? >> Investigator Man Cuz Lacrosse, please. >> I know. I know. What did I do? >> I want to make sure you're okay. >> Yeah. What did I do? >> Step over here. >> Right there. Right there. Right there. On the ground. Let's go. >> Hey, no drugs. Like, Nintendo. >> Sounds good. Hey, there's no drugs in the car. >> You're being detained. Why am I being detained, sir? >> You're being detained, Matt. Okay. Are you injured? >> No. >> Okay. Where' the other one go? >> No. Who was the person that they were with? >> Stay right there. >> I lost my radio in the car. >> The officer asked his colleagues about the second suspect, but he already knew who it was. She was a confidential informant working with the police. When Matthew took the money, he suddenly became suspicious. grabbed the informant by the hand and forced her into his vehicle. At that point, she used her safe ward, prompting the cops to step in. >> 20 seconds. I'm 95 one time. Matthew's my check front of shimmies. >> No drones. >> You got no weapons? >> No. >> No guns? >> No. >> Yeah, there's no weapons here. That's a different game. >> Like this is harassment. The other day they did the same thing to me. Like I really didn't do nothing wrong with that. There's my medication in my pocket here. I'm prescribe to it. Game earbuds up here. >> Hey man, we search everyone. Okay. >> But damn, this is kind of crazy. legs. >> During the search, police officers found the $400 used to purchase the drugs along with an additional $1,341 in cash. At this point, Matthew was still in denial, hoping this was all just a coincidence. However, the officers were being koi as well, not wanting to divulge too much information. >> As I stand outside the bar, you guys don't know what's going on. There's over here. All right, Matt. For now, you're going to go to the back of the car. Okay. >> Just a beep. >> Yeah. >> We're just gonna hang on to this for now. >> Nothing legal in there. >> No. Fair enough, man. >> Just slow after in the car. Okay. >> Where's my stuff? >> Sit on the floor, the passenger seat. I know y'all ain't going to find no drugs. So Matthew already gave the meth to the undercover cop in exchange for the money. But he also mentioned having more drugs to sell. The next logical step was to search the car. So the officers brought in a canine unit. Do you want her to step away? >> Yeah. >> Do you want door shut? >> Right over here inside the building. Positive alert. >> Positive alert. >> Are you confident in the car or do you want to keep running through? I mean, it's got to be in here somewhere, right? >> We we we bought half. We bought We bought it, but this the informant said that. Now, if that means it's in the back of the house or if they're in, I have no idea. >> Narcotics teams often call these operations buy and busts. The DEA has even been known to run undercover businesses to bring down major drug traffickers. One of the biggest buy and bust operations called Dark Hunter lasted for 10 months and yielded 151 arrests, 234 kg of drugs, and $31.5 million seized. Compared to that, Matthew was a small fry. But he he could have most likely if he he thought he's been set up, he tried to get the CI back forcibly into the car to give the Can you come up for me yet? >> What' you say? >> I don't have any misunderstanding. >> Let me read your rights, man. >> You have the right to remain silent here that you say can be against you in court of law. Do you understand each of these rights I explained to you? Yeah, but what am I getting charged with? >> Having these rights in mind, do you wish to speak with me about why we're here? >> Yeah. >> Okay. You're under arrest or something. >> Okay. >> Who did you sell it to? >> A couple different people. >> My money's in your bag. >> Okay. Yep. >> It is. Trust me. Why? Why? Why are we doing this again? >> You'll read the report. >> The cop quickly took control of the conversation. This wasn't an opportunity for Matt to get answers. It was a chance for the police to get more incriminating evidence against their suspect, but Matt didn't believe any of it at first. >> I think he was fine. >> Okay, I'm not lying, bro. I I didn't know what you're doing here. Okay, I didn't feel like put my hands on you, but when you're when you're trying to tell somebody to get in the car against their will, okay, that that scares me. Okay, so that's why you're being under arrest. But >> you just me. Okay, it's on video. The person that just got out of the car right here and you tried When are you going to learn to stop selling? >> You're under arrest. That's my money in your bag. And now we're going to go search Ash's place cuz that's where you left from. >> It's got to end up Matt was not a stranger to law enforcement. He had already been to prison for the same offense. In fact, he was still on parole at the time of this incident. This time, he was charged with manufacturing or delivering and false imprisonment, which are felonies, as well as a misdemeanor charge for resisting an officer. His cash bond was set at a whopping $50,000. Undercover stings are carefully planned, but highway patrol is a different game. Out on the road, it's all about sharp instincts and quick thinking. On December 8th, 2024, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with dark tints that was tailgating another vehicle. >> Roll this window down for me, bud. >> How many we got in here? Four. >> Okay. You have your license with you? >> Yes. >> You have your registration, insurance? I don't I think it's this one. >> Okay. >> Is this your vehicle or? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I took everything out to talk to >> in this car or >> Yeah. >> So, your window tint is way too dark. >> Yeah. >> And you were right up the back end of that other car. You're way too close. Okay. You you cut in between him and the semi to the point the semi had to go around you. Okay. If you had slammed on your brakes, that semi been right up in your back poker. Okay. I'm not going to write you a ticket. Just going to write you a warning. Can you roll this up just a little bit for me, though? All right. It's good right there. >> The officer then used a tint meter to gauge the level of light transmission through the window. The legal limit in the state of Arizona is 33 to 36% on the front windows. This suspect's tint was at 5%. The officer decided to let him go with a warning, but his investigation is not finished just yet. >> So, I'm just going to write, like I said, I'm just going to write you a warning. Not going to write you a ticket. Just need you to come on back with me and get it knocked out. Do you have your ID with you, ma'am? >> Yeah. Since you're the owner of the >> What's that? >> I'll take care of it. >> Okay, sounds good. You just want to come on back. How do you say your name, Buzz? >> Esgar. >> Asgar. Okay. You just want to stand by the tire there, Egar. That way I don't hit you with my door. You >> guys on vacation today? >> Yeah. >> Oh, yeah. Where are you headed to? >> Just to right here. >> Albuquerque. >> Okay. >> We're trying to go see all the amazing people. >> Uh-huh. >> Gotcha. What's going on in Albuquerque? >> Well, we're just going to go with a friend family. >> You got some family over there? Whose family do you have over there? >> My my girlfriends. >> Okay. is. And that's the girl that owns the car. >> Yeah. >> What's her name? >> Gotcha. Like I said, it's just going to be a warning. It's not going to be a >> tick. >> According to the driver, Escar, they were supposed to be in Albuquerque for 2 to three days, visiting a cousin who had a stroke. The cop explained why tailgating was dangerous and then continued with some friendly banter, trying to get the suspect to relax. >> How long you and Elma have been dating? >> Like four years. >> Oh, wow. Three years. You guys have any kids? >> Oh, really? >> Gotcha. >> That's fair. Everything changes when you have kids, man. >> How many kids you got? >> I've got three. So, which hospital you guys headed to? >> I don't know. >> You don't What's her cousin's name? Julio. >> What's Julio's last name? >> I think it's the same as her. >> Okay. How was traffic today? >> Yeah. Did you guys pop up 17 or what? >> Yeah, actually on there was a little bit of choke. >> Oh, really? >> Once you get the 40 cal down >> Uhhuh. If the officer was suspicious before, he became even more certain that something was wrong. He quickly patted down Escar and told him to stand by the squad car. Then he proceeded to talk to the girlfriend, Alma, trying to see if their stories matched. >> Just got to take a look at the VIN real fast. >> I actually have it on my >> Oh, I just I always inspect both VINs. He told me I could look at the one here on the door. You guys on vacation today? working at. >> Oh, cool. >> Cool. What part of New Mexico you guys said? >> Oh, right on. >> What family you got going over there? >> Uh >> oh. What family do you have over there? >> Uhhuh. >> Close friends. You said they're sick. What? What they got going on? Is it his friend or >> No, it's like people we know from back in the day. >> Uhhuh. >> So, you know how consider them family? >> Right. Right. What's their name? >> Susan. >> Susan. Susan sick. >> Oh, what's what she have going on? >> Like I said, I don't know. >> You don't know? >> Oh, okay. I got you. Okay. Gotcha. Just hang tight. The couple obviously didn't take the time to establish a credible cover story. The officer only had to ask a few questions to know that they were lying through their teeth and that they were up to no good. But before proceeding any further, he decided to call for backup first. I get a second. >> So you said it's her cousin that's sick. >> What' you say his name was? >> Julio. Gotcha. Escar, I got a quick question for you. Part of my job out here on the interstates to look for people hauling and transporting illegal contra. You guys don't have anything illegal in the car, do you? You have any weapons or explosives in the car like guns? Any bombs, bazookas? You got any dead bodies in the trunk? Okay. You guys have any illegal drugs in the car? Any marijuana in the car? Marij is legal up to an ounce. You guys have any at all? >> No. Okay. Do you have any I mean cocaine heroin fol or pills? Okay. Any prescription drugs you guys aren't supposed to have or anything like that. >> Reading body language is a critical skill for any police officer. Did you notice how Escar looked down when the officer mentioned fentanyl? Doubtful the officer asked for permission to search the vehicle. Not surprisingly, Escar said no. But the cop had other options. >> No. Okay. I do have a narcotics dog with me, so I'm just going to walk him around the car real fast. Okay. Just hang tight right here. >> I'm gonna It's not a search. It's a pre-air sniff. Um, but you guys have two different stories. Your nervouses all get up. It's got me suspicious. You're He's telling me your cousin's the one that's sick and they're in the hospital and you can tell me exactly what's wrong with them. You gave me a completely different name than he did. Makes me suspicious. Is that fair? Okay. All right. Go ahead and come on out. Go ahead and leave everything in the car for me, please. Outst boy. >> The two suspects may have agreed to deny everything, but their deception was no match for the cop's sharp wit and his dog's keen sense of smell. The K9 sat down facing the vehicle which indicated he had found something. >> All right guys, so the dog is trained to detect the oders of marijuana and it's giving me a positive indication he's located one or more of those odors coming from the vehicle. Are there any of those odors in the car? Okay. You guys responsible for everything in the car? >> I am. >> You are. Okay. All right. So, that alert does give me probable cause to search the vehicle. So, if there's anything in there, now is the time to be up front. Okay. Elma, anything in the car? Do you guys have ID on you by chance? >> Is it in the car? Okay. Is yours in the car as well? >> Okay. All right. Just hang tight here. Okay. [Music] Hidden almost in plain sight. The officer found 12 lb of fent. That's around 53,000 individual pills. A stash that size could have easily slipped through. But that time the officer's instincts and training kicked in exactly when they were needed. >> Everybody stand up. >> Everybody face the wall. >> Guys are under arrest for transportation, narcotic drugs. All right, Escar. I'm going to advise you your rights. Okay. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to the presence of an attorney before any questioning if you desire. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, won't be provided to you free of charge. You can decide at any time not to answer any questions or make any statements. Bearing that in mind, do you understand your rights? >> I need an audible. Yes. >> In the end, three out of the four suspects were charged with transportation of narcotic drugs for sale, possession of narcotic drugs for sale, and possession of narcotic drugs. Their cases are still pending. Back in the early days of the internet, there was the infamous Nigerian print scam. These days, it's fake Microsoft support agents targeting the elderly. On October 9th, 2023, police were on the hunt for a scammer who defrauded an 88-year-old victim for over $100,000. >> They ask you to download some software onto your computer. >> Yeah. >> So, they did take control of it because he was able to move the mouse and correct. >> Yeah. >> How they married? >> So, so they did have complete control of that computer. So, did you open any bank accounts or did they go into your bank accounts while they were on the computer that you know of? >> See, the guy whom I'm talking to mostly >> Steven Sheffer, he this Microsoft, the guy who says Microsoft, >> right? >> He doesn't call me much. He just called me this morning and said, "Your computer is protected 60%." Yesterday said it was 44%. Now today it has gone up to 60%. So we're still working on it. >> Defrauding the elderly is despicable. In addition to the 100k they had already taken. They also tried to get the victim to send them a large sum of gold coins. The transaction was supposed to occur within the next few days and the police were closely monitoring the succeeding calls between the scammer and the victim. >> Hi Steven. >> Hello. >> Hello. >> Yes sir. Can you hear me now? >> Yeah, now I can hear you very well sir. >> Thank you so much. So you already back to your home from your appointment? >> Yes. And how was your appointment sir? >> Oh, it went very well. >> Everything is fine. >> Yeah. And uh you know I'm I'm a diabetic and hypertensive so it takes a while. >> I understand sir. At this age I understand at this age we used to get lots of disease. We can't say at what time we can get what kind of disease. >> Speaking in broken English, the scammer engaged in small talk, pretending to care about the victim's health problems. But that didn't last too long. Pretty soon, he switched the topic of conversation back to the golden coins. >> Can you please use your landline and call the shop? >> No. >> And asked them, uh, is my gold ready or not? >> Well, no. I went to the gold shop and I picked up the gold. You have already picked up the gold. >> Yeah. On my way back, I went to the uh store and picked up the gold. I have it. >> Okay. Do one thing. Do one thing, sir. Now, first >> you need to click a clear picture of the gold and send to the same conversation once. Okay. >> That that is all in a in a pack. They nicely packed it and I can't open it now. Do you want the whole gold photographed? How the box? It is all nicely packed, Steven. >> The cops then sent a picture of a box supposedly filled with gold. Steven later confirmed he received the image. He was happy with it and decided to proceed with the pickup. That is if they managed to agree on the details of the pickup. >> Hello. >> Yeah, I can hear you. Hello. Do you hear me? >> Okay. Well, I got the update for you, sir. Uh-huh. >> Today we are not able to complete this procedure. Okay. >> Uhhuh. >> I say today it's not going to be possible. It will only going to be possible tomorrow, sir. Tomorrow. >> Yeah. I'm sorry, Stephen. I got to I can't cancel mine for your sake. We have to We have to >> If it is possible, if it is possible, can you please be at home tomorrow? No, we are going >> request. >> No, no. I I have obliged you all these four days, but you can't you can't be that strict on me. >> The victim then tried to change the pickup to Monday because of a supposed trip. But the scammer didn't like that. The moment the victim tried to stand up to the bully, things started to get shaky. If it is possible you can uh you can stay at your home to tomorrow or can you please tell me like uh how far you are going from your home tomorrow? How far you will be going? >> Why? Why do you want to know all those things? You are very nosy person. >> Sir, listen to me. We are not going to work according to you. Okay? >> Why? >> You have to work according to the rules and regulations sometimes. No, no, no, no. Don't threaten me. >> I am not threaten threatening you, sir. I understand you have to go. I just asked you that are you able to cancel that or are you able to stay at home? You said no. And I do understand. So, we have to fix everything on Monday now, right? >> Okay. Yeah. >> When Monday morning came, the scammer called again and explained when, where, and how the delivery should take place. The whole thing felt more like a drug drop than a payment for Microsoft services. >> All right, let me give you the information. Okay. >> Mhm. >> First of all, the person who's coming this time >> that will be an Asianamean. Okay. >> That is the same last time. >> I'm sorry. >> Last time also Asianame. >> Yes, this time also. And let me tell you, we'll be coming in car. >> Mhm. And uh the backside window will be open of that car. All right. >> And what you need to do is you need to go get down from your vehicle, go to his car or her or his and ask ask the password. Once you get the password, then you have to put the box to the back seat. Okay. Okay. >> Okay. Oh, okay. The victim handed over the box containing the fake gold and a tracking device. Over the following day, the police tracked the courier to a nearby hotel and later on to a meeting with the scammer himself. The two were pulled over on a highway shortly after. >> So, we were doing a an investigation and which led us to you and Zajit. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Tell me what happened today or or let me ask you this cuz you guys came in Arizona yesterday. >> Last night. >> Okay. Why did you guys come to Arizona yesterday? >> So he have some relative that he they gave him some work to finish. >> So that the whole purpose that I drive him up here. >> Okay. So do you had relatives here? >> No. Oh, >> like on phone he said his relative gave him some work to do >> and then he need to collect those files or and then one couer box he said. So basically what happened this morning he left early while I was sleeping in my room and then he came back after like 30 minutes 40 minutes and then he told me bro uh now we should head back to LA then before that I have to collect my one of my Amazon Amazon package he said >> Farhan the driver confirmed driving to the gated community and taking the parcel from an older man however he claimed he didn't know what the parcel was or anything about the scam. His partner Sajit, however, did not want to say anything without a lawyer present. Both men were charged with theft, fraud scheme, and assisting a criminal syndicate. It's hard to say which is worse, scammers who prey on the weak and elderly, or drug traffickers flooding the streets with dangerous substances. On June 12th, 2024, another random traffic stop turned into a massive drug seizure. >> Afternoon. >> Do you have your license with you? >> Yeah. >> Is there anybody in the car else in the car? Huh? >> Can you roll that this back window down just so I can see? >> Yeah. >> Perfect. >> Then my license I keep on my phone. I have progressive. >> Your insurance? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I don't think I have a right now. >> You don't have the card right now? >> No, but you want me to pull it up? Uh yeah, if you could. And then while you're getting that, Yolanda, the reason I stopped you, a couple things. One, you were just falling too close behind that uh SUV in front of you. You were in the lefth hand lane, ready to pass, and then you jumped in behind him. I had you less than a second. You need to be about 3 to 6 seconds to give yourself plenty of time to react. >> Based on these cases, it seems like drug cartels need to start enrolling their mules in driving schools. It seems like tailgating brings more of them down than anything else. Once again, the officer says he's going to give out a written warning, but then starts asking questions. >> Yeah. I'm just going to give you a written warning. I won't give you a ticket cuz you just want to come back with me and bring your phone so you can pull your insurance up and get this knocked out. >> Do you have any ID on you, sir? >> Do you have any ID on you? >> Oh, Mexican. >> Huh? >> Mexican. >> Mexican ID. Okay. You guys on vacation today? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Just want to stand right here by the tire. That way it'll catch you with the door. I'm gonna open the door. So, if you just stand by the tire there. >> Where are you headed to? >> We're gonna go back to um >> Phoenix. >> The Phoenix? I mean, where are you going to right now? >> Uh we were here in St. Joseph St. Joseph's. >> St. Joseph's. >> Is it Joseph City? >> Joseph City. >> Yeah. >> Okay. What were you guys doing in Joseph City? >> We went We came to see an uncle. >> Okay. Who's uncle? >> My uncle. >> Cool. What's your uncle's name? >> Uh, it's Ernesco. >> From the very start, something felt off. And the more questions the officer asked, the more it became clear that the driver was hiding something. She didn't know her uncle's address and even got confused about which direction she was headed. >> Where does he live in Joseph City? >> Um, I don't have the He sent me the address. >> He sent you the address. So, you've already visited him or We're going to we're going to go back. >> I don't know. >> Joseph said he's back that way. >> Yeah, Joseph said he's back that way. >> Okay. Cuz we were in the gas station and then >> Uh-huh. >> What address did he send you? >> Do you have it on your phone there? >> He has it on his phone. That was my boyfriend. >> That's your boyfriend? What's his name? >> What's your boyfriend's name? >> Um, it's um You know your boyfriend's name? >> Forgetting your boyfriend's name after a year of dating might sound strange, but it's actually related to stress. Stressful situations make our bodies secrete a stress hormone called cortisol, which has been proven to interfere with storing and recalling memories. It took her a few minutes, but the suspect eventually remembered. >> Are you only going to be up here for a little bit? >> Yeah, for a little while. >> And where do you live right now? um in Phoenix. >> How come such a short trip? >> No, cuz I had the day off today. >> Oh, really? >> Yeah. And he had the day off. >> Uh-huh. >> He works at um he's a mechanic. >> Your uncle's a mechanic? >> No, my boyfriend. >> Oh, gotcha. >> Ugo. Ugo. >> Ugo. >> Yes. >> So, your uncle lives in Joseph City then? >> Yeah. >> And you're going to meet him in Joseph City? >> Yeah. It's the address that he gave us. He was going to meet us at um Sorry, my mouth is uh >> got a super dry mouth there. >> And I was drinking water, but I had a lot of coffee. >> You had a lot of what? >> Coffee. >> Oh. >> And then I had an energy drink cuz I I went to work out with my daughter >> today. >> Yeah. In the morning before I came over. >> Oh. What time did you leave Phoenix? >> Um I think it was like 9:30. I live in South Phoenix. >> In South Phoenix, >> huh? >> Oh, here we go. >> The officer focused on reading the suspect's body language and finding holes in her story. No matter how much the woman tried to cover them, new holes just kept popping up. >> How come you're just not going to meet him at his house? >> Well, he was going to meet her there. >> Uh-huh. >> To go to his house. >> Oh, to go to his house. >> Didn't just give you the address to his house so you could punch it in. >> Okay. So, how come your boyfriend has the address? >> Cuz he sent that to My phone wasn't getting good reception. >> Oh, it wasn't? >> No. >> Gotcha. I just got to look at the VIN, bud. >> I'm just looking at the vent. >> Where'd it go? Come around to your side. What's that? >> What's that? >> You're good. You're good. Where are you guys going? >> My I don't know English little bit. My my name. Uh, >> what are you coming to do here? >> I'll I'll talk. I'll be right back. >> Apparently, the Mexican passenger understood English but did not speak it. The officer then tried using a translating app. The passenger tried to stick with the story, but there was one question, though, that exposed their lies. Are you guys on vacation today? [Music] >> See? >> Yeah. >> Do you know where you're supposed to meet her family member? >> Huh? No. No. >> Yeah. Sorry. >> He says he doesn't know where you guys are going to. Just that you're visiting family. >> So you just visit. You're just going to visit your uncle and head straight back today. >> Yeah, we visit. >> Okay. >> He said Joe or St. Joe's. >> Uh-huh. Joseph City. Yeah, that's back there. When two people are traveling to meet family members, but neither of them knows where they're headed exactly, it would definitely raise some suspicions. The officer then decided to be more direct and asked about something he saw in the back of the car. >> What's the suitcase for in the back? You have a big >> You have You have a suitcase back there. >> Oh, we just bought it today. >> You just bought it today? Where did you buy it at? at um at >> in Phoenix. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So, Yolanda, I have a quick question for you. >> Part of my job out here on the interstates to look for people hauling and transporting illegal stuff. You don't have anything illegal in the car, do you? >> Any weapons or explosives in the car? >> No. >> Any guns? >> No. >> Any bombs? >> No. >> Any bazookas? >> No. >> Okay. You have any dead bodies in the suitcase? >> Oh, god. No. >> Okay. You have any illegal drugs in the car? >> No. >> Um Marijuana underannounced is legal in the state of Arizona. You have any marijuana in >> No marijuana at all? >> Okay. Any marijuana overannounced? >> No. Okay. >> Sorry. Yeah. You really >> Okay. >> In addition to denying having bazookas, Yolanda also denied having any or however when asked for her consent to search the vehicle, she paused and thought for a moment. >> If I told you no, >> it's a yes or no question. I've asked you for consent to search the vehicle. You can tell me yes or you can tell me no. It's up to you. >> No. >> No. Okay. So, I do have a narcotics dog with me. I'm just going to walk him around your car real quick. Okay. >> All right. Hang tight. [Music] >> Go ahead and stand back here for me. I'm going to roll your windows up. Okay. Once again, the K-9 unit gave a clear sign by sitting and pointing to the vehicle. At this point, the suspect's story was proven to be full of inconsistencies, and the drug sniffing dog alerted to the presence of illegal substances in the car. Despite all that, the suspects still denied any wrongdoing. Yolanda, >> my dog's trained to detect the odor of marijuana. [Music] No. Okay. So, the pro the alert does give me probable cause to search your vehicle. >> So, if there's anything in there, I'm giving you a chance to be honest with you. >> Has anybody asked you guys to bring anything up here? >> No. Okay. You responsible for everything in the car? [Music] Finally, it was time to look in the big black suitcase that the suspects supposedly just bought. As soon as the officer opened it, he immediately saw the drugs neatly packaged. The suitcase was filled to the brim with fentel pills, 375,000 of them to be exact. Yolanda, stand up. You >> guys are under arrest for transportation narcotics. Okay. Do you have anything else in your pockets? >> No. >> No. >> Okay. Let me lock these up. Hey Yolanda, I'm going to adise your rights. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and won't be used against you in the fourth. >> Both Yolanda and her boyfriend were taken into custody. Neither of them seemed to be too worried, even though possession of such a large amount of drugs can send them to prison for 10 years up to life. On April 16th, 2025, officers arrived at a home address trying to locate a suspect who had skipped a court date. They learned about an argument the man had had with his mother just the day before, and they were ready to use that information to their advantage. [Music] >> Hey, Anthony. How's it going? Just my body came on. I just got called to check on you. >> For what? >> I don't know. Do you mind? Can you talk to me for a minute? >> For what? >> Make sure you're good. Somebody called me to check on you and they've been worried about you. >> How's that? >> I don't know. I called to check on you. An argument or something? Anything with anybody? >> No. >> Oh, I didn't know whose house is this. >> Why? How? How do you not know whose house is? >> I'm just asking. I knew last I knew you were living down on South. Yeah, but how how is it that you come over here not knowing not knowing >> somebody just called me to come here and check on you cuz they were worried about you? >> Well, I I'm all right. >> The suspect, Anthony, seemed to be taken aback by the unexpected visit and clearly wasn't happy about it. Most likely, this was not the first time he had to deal with law enforcement. As the officers talked to him, another voice was heard from inside the house. >> Who's that back there? It's my aunt. Can I talk to her or what? She's not drift, >> huh? >> Okay. Do you mind just stepping out for a minute so I can just talk to you further to figure out what's going on? >> Are you going through a tough time right now, Anthony? It sounds like that's what >> like are you out on the street? >> Are you like out on the street? >> Are you living? Yeah. >> Yeah. You got a place now or you just kind of hopping around? Well, I was I was staying with my mom for a little while, but I told her since uh my and my mom and I've been getting into it. So, I told her I needed a couple days away from her. Where's mom? >> The officer kept asking about Anony's mom. He claimed he had been staying with her since the day before. But all these questions puzzled him. He wasn't quite sure what to make of all this. Most certainly he didn't expect what happened next. >> Uh why do you even know this? >> I'm just asking his mom live in town or you stay somewhere else with her. >> Out of town. >> Out of town. Okay. Did you guys get So you guys get in an argument last night and she kicked you out and you're just wandering around or something? >> Okay. Yeah. We I think she called in this morning and said she was worried you guys were just roaming the street. She was just here. >> Yeah. >> Oh, she's just here. >> I don't know then. She's worried about you. >> Have a good day. >> Yep. You got a warrant under arrest. What the >> What the is that behind the back? >> Behind the back. >> What the? The officer masterfully executed the friendly handshake trick, grabbing the suspect before he had a chance to retreat inside the house. The takeown that followed was less gracious, but they were able to get the job done, so the officer already had one suspect in custody. >> What the was that all about, dude? >> He had a warrant. We told you that you're under arrest and you tried to duck back in the house without playing that game, Anthony. Yeah, I said we're fighting. He's in custody now. >> Okay. >> I didn't do anything. >> Okay. You ready to stand up? Are you going to be calm? >> Oh, I wasn't even fighting you, dude. >> Okay. Yes, you were. >> No, I wasn't. You grabbed me. >> You can't do that. I step back. >> I'm not going to fight you. I just command you to stand. >> All right. >> Let's walk. Okay. Chill. >> I command you. Are you a man of God? We'll take care of. >> Are you a man of God? >> Did you take an oath? >> Anthony wasn't too pleased with such sneaky police tactics. His pride was hurt because he got duped by these cops. So, with nothing better to do, he started berating them. But more than anything, he wanted to know why he was being arrested. It had nothing to do with his mom, but everything to do with a missed court date. a judge somewhere sign off on something. >> Is there anything on you? >> No, I don't have anything on. >> What the is this all about? >> You got a warrant. >> When you're done. >> Well, you can't you can't do that. >> I can. >> No, you cannot. That's against the wall. >> That's the And you got your body cam on. >> It is. do. >> Okay. Well, you didn't read my rights. >> I wanted to read your rights. >> You didn't just You didn't tell me I had a warrant. You just like >> I did. I said you have a warrant arrest and I grabbed the hole. I think you wanted to try and fight. So, that's why we're in the situation. >> You lied to me, bro. >> He lied to me, bro. >> You got screwed. >> Anthony couldn't get over the way the cops tricked him. That just means it was a genius tactic because he never saw it coming. The suspect might have a tough time dealing with it, but the officers were delighted with the outcome. >> You guys can't hear the rest of this micro. >> Are you injured at all? >> No, I'm not. >> Good. >> Yeah. >> You guys getting a little struggle? >> We did. I got him and I finally come out of the house. I'm talking to him and I'm like, "All right, you got a warrant. You're under arrest." And he went to turn around. He's like tensing and trying to pull away. So he just in the house. >> Yeah. So I tried to take him one way and he held on to him. So I went flying and tumbling in the front yard and he picked him up and threw him on the ground. I came over him. My thumb hurts. I can't ended up doing the kind of tug where he was going, I was in the other. I just ended up winning. He He won and I just went flying off and I tumbling into a front yard. >> Make sure you rub that into his face off. There you go. >> Nothing beats a bit of banter with colleagues after a fight and a job well done. After the adrenaline wore off, it was time to compare the battle scars, or in this case, boooos. >> So, where are you? >> Your left right pointer figure and your left. >> And you got boooos, too. >> You got boos, too. Oh my my >> Yes, man. >> I guess I got to fix up. >> Yeah, >> I apologize. >> You're good. >> I didn't mean to fight. >> We just haven't we haven't we learned from this over time. >> You freaked me out. >> This is the way it goes every time. >> Cooperate and make it easier. >> I was just saying >> I scared you. >> Yeah, you freaked me out a little bit. >> Understand? because it was sometimes because you lied to me and then you said >> I didn't like how I said >> you heard it was it was a immediate rush and said you got a war and grab me. >> Yeah, cuz I know normally how you are. So I I figured that's you were going to try running back into the house or not to officers. >> I uh >> I was being cooperative. >> I think almost every time I've had to deal with you that you've been under arrest. You we've had to fight you. By that time, Anthony had calmed down and tried to portray himself as a peaceful citizen who just reacted instinctively when the officer tried to grab him. The officer remembered it differently. According to him, Anthony resisted every second of the arrest. >> It was once. Let's make number three. >> The other two times we had a taser. >> Well, I >> Huh. There's a girl. >> You're under arrest for your warrant. See, you're bailing and get that taken care of. And you're also being charged with resisting. Okay. >> I thought he just said that I wasn't. >> Nope. I'm charging you with resisting. And then you have your warrant for I believe it's for a battery for whatever. >> Why charge me with resisting? >> Because you can get back in >> because of how you approached yourself. >> That's resisting. So, >> well, it's an illegal approach. >> Okay. Well, you'll have a court date if you want to try and contest that. >> On top of his existing warrant for aggravated battery charges, Anthony was charged with resisting arrest. His case proves once again that when officers approach, the best thing to do is to stay calm and cooperate. Thank you for sticking around to the very end. If you enjoyed watching genius cops outsmart dumb criminals and other exciting arrests, make sure you subscribe to our channel and I'll see you in the next video.