Season 5: BONUS Q&A
Dive into the murky waters of the New Orleans justice system with "CounterClock," as Delia D'Ambra and her team—including Ashley Flowers, Caitlin Clark, Chris Cucchiara, Caitlin Cucchiara, and Dale Reisen—tackle theories of corruption and misconduct obstructing some of the city's high-profile cases. In a special Q&A bonus episode, the panel scrutinizes why vital arrests and prosecutions have stalled, raising significant questions about the integrity of the investigations. From Joyce Whitfield's non-cooperation to the questionable release of 'Little Mike' by the NOPD, the speakers dissect each layer of the legal conundrum that impacts the efficacy of law enforcement and signal the possibility of deeper issues within the system, underscored by calls for federal oversight.
As the "CounterClock" team delves deeper, they encounter the roadblocks set by key witnesses like Glenn Angus and Joyce Whitfield, whose avoidance to give crucial depositions thwarts progress. The conflicting accounts and continued refusal to cooperate from these witnesses shed light on the difficult terrain investigators must navigate. Additionally, the group explores intriguing angles, such as the potential connection between the murders of Bruce Rottman and Michelle Veras Mendez, while unraveling the enigmatic link between high-stakes business knowledge and personal tragedy. This episode peels back the layers of an intricate web of crime and silence in New Orleans, compelling listeners to ponder the complexities of justice and accountability.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jun 22, 2023 episode of the CounterClock
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1-Page Summary
Corruption and misconduct theories about why there hasn't been an arrest or prosecution yet
There are multiple theories suggesting that corruption and misconduct may be hindering the progression of arrests or prosecutions in significant New Orleans cases. Joyce Whitfield's refusal to cooperate impedes the investigation. The release of 'Little Mike' without questioning by the NOPD, despite being implicated in a homicide and having his real name on record, raises suspicion. Past negative interactions between NOPD homicide detectives and the FBI contribute to a lack of trust, although the new FBI leadership might offer a fresh start. The call for federal oversight suggests a deep-rooted mistrust in the NOPD's resolve to act. Adding to the intrigue, new arson evidence pertaining to a 2014 warehouse fire could implicate additional misconduct in the handling of the case.
Material witnesses like Glenn Angus not compelled to give depositions
Glenn Angus' refusal to discuss the conversation he had with Bruce minutes before his murder blocks critical insight into the case. Without a deposition from Angus, authorities are left with a significant gap in understanding the events leading up to Bruce's death.
Contradictory accounts from Glenn Angus and Joyce Whitfield
Joyce Whitfield has given conflicting reports about how she came into possession of Bruce's cell phone post-mortem, changing her story when questioned by the NOPD in 2012. Moreover, Bruce's phone was active weeks after the murder, hinting at possible leads through phone records that could reveal the location of the phone during that time and potentially provide damning evidence.
Lack of cooperation from key witnesses like Glenn Angus and Joyce Whitfield
Joyce Whitfield's continued refusal to cooperate with the police as of 2022 presents a formidable obstacle to the investigation. Her persistent non-cooperation reflects the challenges law enforcement faces in advancing the case.
Possibility of connection between Bruce Rottman and Michelle Veras Mendez murders
A new line of inquiry investigates a potential link between Bruce Rottman and Michelle Veras Mendez's murders through 'Little Mike', an alias for a suspect suggested to be involved in multiple homicides. Understanding Little Mike's true identity could allow for cross-referencing his name with other victims, including Bruce, which might expose broader criminal connections.
Theories about why business associates knew before Anne Rottman that Bruce was dead or in danger
Bruce's truck being registered to his employer led to a sequence of events whereby the NOPD notified his employer first. This resulted in Bruce's colleagues learning of his death before his wife, Anne Rottman, because the information got passed along rapidly within his professional network.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- 'Little Mike' is an alias for a suspect believed to be involved in multiple homicides in New Orleans. Investigating his true identity could reveal connections to various murder cases, including those of Bruce Rottman and Michelle Veras Mendez. Understanding 'Little Mike's' role in these crimes may help uncover broader criminal networks and potentially shed light on the motives and circumstances surrounding the murders.
- Federal oversight on the NOPD involves external monitoring and supervision by federal authorities to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. This oversight can help address issues of corruption, misconduct, and lack of trust within the police department. It may involve investigations, audits, and the implementation of reforms to improve accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices. Ultimately, federal oversight aims to restore public confidence in the NOPD and enhance the effectiveness of its operations.
- When Bruce's truck was registered to his employer, the NOPD notified the employer first, leading to Bruce's colleagues learning about his death before his wife, Anne Rottman. This rapid dissemination of information within his professional network occurred due to the notification process initiated by the police. The sequence of events resulted in Anne Rottman being informed later than Bruce's business associates.
Counterarguments
- Corruption and misconduct are serious accusations and should not be made without substantial evidence; alternative explanations such as bureaucratic inefficiency or lack of resources might also account for delays in arrests or prosecutions.
- Joyce Whitfield's refusal to cooperate could be due to reasons other than corruption, such as fear for personal safety or distrust in the legal system.
- 'Little Mike's' release without questioning could be due to a lack of evidence at the time, rather than misconduct or corruption.
- Past negative interactions between NOPD homicide detectives and the FBI do not necessarily indicate current misconduct; they could reflect historical issues that have since been addressed.
- The new FBI leadership's potential to offer a fresh start is speculative and does not guarantee changes in the relationship with NOPD or case outcomes.
- Calls for federal oversight might reflect community concerns but do not prove the existence of corruption within the NOPD.
- The discovery of new arson evidence in a 2014 warehouse fire case could be due to advancements in investigative techniques rather than initial misconduct.
- Glenn Angus' refusal to discuss his conversation with Bruce could be protected by his legal rights, including the right to remain silent.
- The lack of a deposition from Glenn Angus might be due to legal strategy or procedural issues rather than a deliberate obstruction of justice.
- Joyce Whitfield's conflicting reports could be the result of confusion or trauma rather than an intent to deceive.
- The activity on Bruce's phone weeks after the murder could be explained by someone else using the phone without connection to the crime.
- Joyce Whitfield's non-cooperation could be influenced by factors other than obstruction, such as legal advice or personal reasons.
- The investigation of a potential link between the Rottman and Mendez murders through 'Little Mike' is a hypothesis that requires further evidence to substantiate.
- The idea that understanding Little Mike's true identity could reveal broader criminal connections is conjectural and needs to be supported by factual evidence.
- The notification of Bruce's employer first due to the truck's registration could be standard procedure rather than indicative of any wrongdoing.
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Corruption and misconduct theories about why there hasn't been an arrest or prosecution yet
Several theories and concerns suggest that corruption and misconduct may be contributing factors to the lack of arrests or prosecutions in key New Orleans cases.
Resistance and Lack of Cooperation
Joyce Whitfield has notably refused to cooperate with law enforcement during their new round of questioning in 2022. The reluctance of involved parties to participate in investigations can be a significant barrier to progress and justice.
Questionable Handling of Key Individuals
Little Mike, also known as Mike White and who was implicated in a homicide, was somebody the police had been trying to locate. When he was taken into custody in 2016, there is confusion and concern about why he was quickly released without questioning. The NOPD had access to his real name, which could have been known from a field interview card dating back to 2016, but this information did not appear to lead to any substantive action.
Past Tensions between NOPD Homicide Detectives and the FBI
Chris and Kaitlyn Cucchiara reflect on their past experience working with the FBI when it assisted the NOPD, describing the interaction as negative. However, with new leadership at the FBI's New Orleans field office, there appears to be an openness to starting fresh investigations.
Appeal for Federal Involvement in Outstanding Cases
Due to the NOPD's seeming inaction, Chris Cucchiara is hopeful that federal influence will encourage NOPD to begin interviewing Bruce Rottman's former co-workers and colleagues. The expressed need for federal investigative ...
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Corruption and misconduct theories about why there hasn't been an arrest or prosecution yet
Additional Materials
Clarifications
...
Counterarguments
- Joyce Whitfield's refusal to cooperate could be due to legitimate concerns for personal safety or legal advice, rather than an indication of corruption or misconduct.
- Little Mike's release might have been due to a lack of evidence at the time, procedural errors, or legal constraints that the police had to adhere to.
- Past tensions between NOPD Homicide Detectives and the FBI could have been the result of misunderstandings, differences in protocol, or individual personalities rather than systemic issues.
- The new leadership at the FBI's New Orleans field office, while potentially positive, does not guarantee the resolution of outstanding cases or the absence of future conflicts.
- Federal involvement in local cases is not alw ...
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Material witnesses like Glenn Angus not compelled to give depositions
Glenn was on the phone with Bruce minutes before the murder but won't share that discussion
Glenn Angus, a Mississippi businessman and considered a material witness, has yet to be compelled by local or federal authorities to provide a deposition regarding the murder case he's linked to. Despite being on the phone with the victim, Bruce, only minutes before Bruce's untimely death, Angus remains tight-lipped about their conversation. Investigators have made ef ...
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Material witnesses like Glenn Angus not compelled to give depositions
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Clarifications
- A material witness is a person with important information about a criminal case. They can be detained to ensure their testimony is given in court or to a grand jury. This legal concept allows authorities to compel crucial witnesses to provide information essential to the case.
- The significance of being on the phone with the victim before the murder lies in the potential for the conversation to provide crucial information about the events leading up to the crime. This communication could shed light on the victim's state of mind, any potential threats or conflicts, or even the identity of the perpetrator. It is a key detail that investigators often consider when piecing together the timeline and circumstances surrounding a crime. The content of this conversation could potentially hold vital clues that may help solve the case.
- Compelling someone to give a deposition involves a legal order requiring the individual to provide sworn testimony outside of court. This process is typically initiated by issuing a subpoena, which legally compels the person to appear and testify. Failure to comply with a deposition subpoena can result in legal consequences. Depositions are crucial in gathering e ...
Counterarguments
- Glenn Angus's right to silence is protected by the Fifth Amendment, which allows individuals to avoid self-incrimination.
- The lack of a deposition from Glenn Angus does not necessarily indicate guilt or that he has information that would be crucial to the case.
- Authorities may not have compelled a deposition from Angus due to insufficient evidence to mandate his testimony or because it could compromise an ongoing investigation.
- Angus's refusal to share the conversation could be due to reasons unrelated to the murder, such as protecting personal privacy or sensitive business information.
- The investigators' inability to obtain information from Angus might reflect legal and ethical boundaries that law enforcement must adhere to, even when dealing with potential witnesses.
- The text does not provide information on whether Angus has legal ...
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Contradictory accounts from Glenn Angus and Joyce Whitfield
The NOPD has had to contend with conflicting statements from Joyce Whitfield regarding how she came into possession of Bruce's cell phone following his death.
Joyce gave conflicting reports in 2012 of how she obtained Bruce's cell phone after his death
Joyce Whitfield provided varying accounts to the NOPD in 2012 about how she obtained Bruce's cell phone. Caitlin Clark highlighted the issue when she pointed out that Joyce started using Bruce's phone and has given two different stories about how the phone came into her possession.
Phone was still active for calls and texts weeks after the murder
After Bruce's murder, his cell phone disappeared from the crime scene, yet it remained active. Bruce's number was operational for calls and texts weeks after his death, most notably when Joyce used it ...
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Contradictory accounts from Glenn Angus and Joyce Whitfield
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Clarifications
- Caitlin Clark is a person who pointed out discrepancies in Joyce Whitfield's statements about how she acquired Bruce's cell phone after his death. Her role in highlighting these inconsistencies suggests she may have been involved in investigating or analyzing the case. Her perspective adds credibility to the concerns raised about the conflicting reports provided by Joyce Whitfield.
- Joyce Whitfield provided conflicting accounts to the NOPD in 2012 about how she obtained Bruce's cell phone after his death. She gave two different stories regarding how the phone came into her possession, leading to inconsistencies in her statements. The exact circumstances of how she acquired the phone remain unclear due to the contradictory reports she provided.
- The phone remaining active after Bruce's murder suggests that someone had possession of it and was using it. This raises questions about who had access to the phone and why it was still being used. The ongoing activity on the phone could provide valuable information about its whereabouts and potential connections to the case. Verizon's records could help track the phone's usage and potentially ...
Counterarguments
- Joyce Whitfield's conflicting reports could be due to memory issues or misunderstandings rather than an intent to deceive.
- Caitlin Clark's observation about Joyce using Bruce's phone and providing different stories might lack context, and there could be reasonable explanations for the discrepancies.
- The fact that Bruce's cell phone remained active after his murder does not necessarily implicate Joyce in any wrongdoing.
- Joyce using Bruce's phone to contact Ann two months later could be explained by legitimate reasons, such as managing Bruce's affairs posthumously.
- The ongoing activity of Bruce's phone and the question of location ...
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Lack of cooperation from key witnesses like Glenn Angus and Joyce Whitfield
Joyce refuses again to cooperate with police in 2022
According to Ryan Oakland, Joyce Whitfield has again refused to cooperate with law enforcement in 2022. Despite the need for her input, Whitfield's unwillingness to work with the police remains a barrier in the case. The provided ...
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Lack of cooperation from key witnesses like Glenn Angus and Joyce Whitfield
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Counterarguments
- The refusal of Joyce Whitfield to cooperate with law enforcement could be due to valid legal reasons or concerns for personal safety that are not detailed in the text.
- Glenn Angus's lack of cooperation might also be justified by factors not mentioned, such as legal advice or personal circumstances.
- The barrier in the case caused by the lack of cooperation from key witnesses might be overcome by other investigative methods or evidence that does not rely on ...
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Possibility of connection between Bruce Rottman and Michelle Veras Mendez murders
Recent developments suggest a potential connection between the murders of Bruce Rottman and Michelle Veras Mendez, with an unidentified individual dubbed "Little Mike" or "Mike White" coming to the forefront of the investigation.
Potential to cross-reference "Little Mike/Mike White" with other homicide victims once real name obtained
Information from a source out of a defunct undercover NOPD unit has implicated "Little Mike," also known as "Mike White," in the murder of Michelle Veras Mendez. Investigators propose that upon determining Little Mike's actual identity, his name could be cross-referenced with other homicide victims. This list of victims is presumed to include Bruce Rottman. The suggestion extends to checking any associat ...
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Possibility of connection between Bruce Rottman and Michelle Veras Mendez murders
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Clarifications
- "Little Mike" or "Mike White" are aliases used to describe an unidentified individual who is a person of interest in the investigation. These names are not the person's real identity but are being used by law enforcement and the media to reference this individual until their true name is discovered. The use of aliases is common in investigations to protect the individual's privacy until they are officially identified. The significance of these aliases lies in connecting this individual to the crimes under investigation.
- Cross-referencing "Little Mike/Mike White" with other homicide victims involves comparing information about this individual with details related to other murder cases to identify potential connections or patterns that could help in solving those cases. By determining the real identity of "Little Mike," investigators can look for any links between him and other victims, such as similarities in modus operandi or associations. This process aims to uncover any potential relationships or commonalities that could shed light on the broader scope of criminal activities involving this individual.
- Little ...
Counterarguments
- The connection between the murders of Bruce Rottman and Michelle Veras Mendez is still speculative and may not be substantiated by concrete evidence.
- The focus on "Little Mike" or "Mike White" could potentially be a result of tunnel vision, where investigators focus on one suspect to the exclusion of other possibilities.
- The information from the defunct undercover NOPD unit may not be reliable, as it is not currently operational and the context or reasons for its disbandment could affect the credibility of the information.
- Cross-referencing "Little Mike/Mike White" with other homicide victims is contingent on the accuracy of the identification process and the assumption that he is indeed connected to multiple crimes.
- The list of homicide victims presumed to include Bruce Rottman may not be exhaustive or accurate, and o ...
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Theories about why business associates knew before Anne Rottman that Bruce was dead or in danger
When Bruce met an untimely death, the notification of his passing took an unorthodox route, leading to his business associates knowing of the incident before his wife, Anne Rottman, did. There are several theories about why this happened.
Truck registered to employer, not Bruce personally
One crucial detail in this sequence of events is that Bruce's pickup truck was registered to his employer's company rather than to Bruce personally. This fact played a significant role in how information about his welfare reached his family.
NOPD contacted employer first when victim ID info wasn't available
Because Bruce was found without his wallet and could not be immediately identified, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) contacted his employer first. This action by the NOPD initiated a chain of communication that led to Bruce's associates being alerted before ...
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Theories about why business associates knew before Anne Rottman that Bruce was dead or in danger
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Clarifications
- The unorthodox route of notification in this context means that the information about Bruce's situation reached his business associates before his wife due to the sequence of events involving the police contacting his employer first, who then informed his colleagues. This chain of communication bypassed the usual route of family members being the first to be notified in such situations, leading to the associates learning about Bruce's condition before his wife did.
- Bruce's pickup truck being registered to his employer was crucial because it meant that official notifications about Bruce's situation were directed to the employer first, as the vehicle's ownership information was used to establish contact. This led to Bruce's business associates being informed before his family, as the employer was the initial point of contact for authorities due to the vehicle registration details.
- The NOPD contacted Bruce's employer first because he was found without identification, making it difficult to immediately notify his family. This standard procedure is followed to establish the identity of individuals involved in incidents where identification is not readily available. By reaching out to the employer, authorities aimed to gather information that could help identify the individual and notify their next of kin.
- The information about Bruce's situation spread quickly from the employer to Bruce's colleagues through direct communication channels within the company. This could involve methods such as phone calls, emails, or internal messaging systems to inform coworkers promptly. The employer's swi ...
Counterarguments
- The truck being registered to the employer may not necessarily be the reason the NOPD contacted the employer first; there could have been other identifiers that led them to the company.
- It is possible that standard protocol would have the NOPD contact the registered owner of a vehicle in an incident regardless of the availability of victim ID info.
- The employer's decision to inform colleagues before the spouse could be seen as a breach of protocol or insensitivity to family privacy.
- There might have been alternative ways for the NOPD or the employer to identify Bruce and contact his wife directly, such as through a home address or emergency contact information on file.
- The rapid spread of i ...
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1-Page Summary- Corruption and misconduct theories about why there hasn't been an arrest or prosecution yet
- Material witnesses like Glenn Angus not compelled to give depositions
- Contradictory accounts from Glenn Angus and Joyce Whitfield
- Lack of cooperation from key witnesses like Glenn Angus and Joyce Whitfield
- Possibility of connection between Bruce Rottman and Michelle Veras Mendez murders
- Theories about why business associates knew before Anne Rottman that Bruce was dead or in danger
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