The Badge is Retired, and the Story Lives On.... cover art

The Badge is Retired, and the Story Lives On....

The Badge is Retired, and the Story Lives On....

By: James Mitchell
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The author discusses noteworthy criminal investigations and prosecutions. The cases are real, and the presenters were the actual persons involved in the case.
Guests include prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, experts who have testified in court proceedings, and occasionally defendants who discuss their interactions with the author.

© 2026 The Badge is Retired, and the Story Lives On....
Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Justice For a Serial Killer
    Apr 20 2026

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    Part two of a two-part episode. former Deputy Prosecutor Thomas Vanes recalls his role in the prosecution of Michael Lee Lockhart for the murders of two teenaged girls and a Texas Police Officer. Murder and death sentencing in three states involves a complicated process and coordination, which Vanes meticulously describes in this episode.

    Vanes also discusses the many nuances, coincidences and 'small world' situations in this account.

    James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

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    43 mins
  • The Hunt for a Serial Killer
    Apr 11 2026

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    Guest, former Deputy Prosecutor, Thomas Vanes gives his account of the search for an active serial rapist/murderer who is killing teenaged girls. In an amazing twist of fate, a conversation between two ladies in Florida sparks a lead that will put investigators on the trail. This is a two-part series; part one is The Hunt for a Serial Killer. Part two is the trial and sentencing of the killer.

    Mr. Vanes recently retired from government after 50 years serving the citizens of Lake County, Indiana, a suburb on the Southeast side of Chicago, Illinois. He directed the Career Criminal Unit at the Prosecutor's Office before moving over to direct the staff of court appointed defense attorneys in the county courts.

    Along with an exceptional record as a Prosecutor, Mr. Vanes, in at least two cases, was largely responsible for proving the innocence of two accused murderers after identifying the responsible individuals.

    James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

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    42 mins
  • A Former Drug Dealer Presentation
    Aug 27 2025

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    Neil Basarich, a convicted drug dealer talks a group of kids age 6-14 about what drugs do. Basarich tells how he got involved in taking drugs and later becoming a major dealer. He then talks about what changed him and how he escaped the grip of drugs.

    James Mitchell will continue to present criminal justice representatives who will tell of actual events they have encountered during their service. Many of these guests will discuss actual cases that were documented in the book, A Badge Well Worn, by James Mitchell.

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    43 mins
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