Vegas Crime Files

About Vegas Crime Files

Vegas Crime Files takes you inside the crimes that shaped Las Vegas — and the investigations that brought the bad guys down. Hosted by longtime Las Vegas broadcaster Heidi Harris, this isn’t armchair true crime or breathless speculation. Heidi knows the city, the streets, and — yes — the guy who arrested the guy. As a Vegas native with decades of local media experience, Heidi brings real access, real context, and real conversations with the detectives, prosecutors, and insiders who worked the cases. No sensationalism. No crime-as-entertainment fluff. Just smart, sober storytelling from someone who understands how this town actually works. From infamous cases to lesser-known crimes with big consequences, Vegas Crime Files delivers what most true-crime podcasts can’t: credibility, clarity, and the inside story. 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Publisher

Heidi Harris

Category

news · society & culture · true crime

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Jan 2026

Latest episode

23 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Sept 2026

   COPS IN SCHOOLS: Safety or Too Much Force?

   Podcast summary After reports raised concerns about CCSD Police using force on students—and disproportionate numbers involving Black and Hispanic students— Heidi Harris sits down with retired Las Vegas Metro Sgt. Tom Page to examine what actually happens when police are called into a volatile situation at school. Page explains police use-of-force training and the force continuum, beginning with officer presence and verbal commands and escalating depending on a subject's actions and the threat involved. He describes the basic philosophy as “ask, tell, make,” while emphasizing that rapidly developing violence can require officers to skip some of those steps. The conversation examines whether statistics showing racial disparities in use-of-force incidents tell the whole story. Page argues that individual incidents need to be examined in context: What was happening before police arrived? What was the student doing? What attempts had already been made to stop the behavior? And was the force used reasonable and necessary under those circumstances? He also discusses why pepper spray may sometimes represent a lower level of force than going hands-on, using a Taser or other options. The discussion also acknowledges that excessive force does occur and that officers can behave improperly. Page explains how citizens can complain to a supervisor or Internal Affairs and how body-camera footage has become an important tool for determining what actually occurred during disputed encounters. The conversation ultimately broadens beyond policing into parenting, respect for authority, student violence, peer influence and responsibility. Page argues that improving relationships between young people and law enforcement requires looking not only at police behavior, but also at what students are being taught about conflict, authority and interacting with officers. One of the strongest themes—and probably your best promotional hook—is: Tom Page bio: Tom Page spent 25 years with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, serving in a wide range of assignments including patrol, traffic, field training, the Police Academy, mounted patrol, bicycle patrol, problem solving, and special events. He retired as a sergeant after leading some of Metro's most visible and complex operations. Following his law enforcement career, he transitioned into private security, serving as Director of Security for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Director of Safety and Security for the Neon Museum, and Security Representative for the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces. About Vegas Crime Files Las Vegas has one of the most fascinating criminal histories in America—and many of its most compelling stories have never been fully told. On Vegas Crime Files, veteran broadcaster Heidi Harris goes beyond the headlines with detectives, prosecutors, investigators, victims, and the people who were actually there. These aren't stories pulled from Google—they're firsthand accounts from the people who lived them. 🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and other major podcast platforms. 📱 Follow Vegas Crime Files on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for exclusive content, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes stories. 💻 Visit VegasCrimeFiles.com for episodes, show notes, and more. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. It helps more people discover the untold stories behind America's most mythologized city. Follow us - but not too close.

2. 

   15 Sept 2026

   Fixing America's cop shortage - before it's too late

   What happens when qualified people no longer want to become police officers—and departments lower their standards simply to fill patrol cars? Retired LVMPD Lieutenant Randy Sutton joins Heidi Harris to discuss America’s shortage of police officers, the public perception of law enforcement, and what must change to attract honorable, capable people to the profession. Randy also recounts the night a routine noise complaint led him face-to-face with a serial killer. Acting on instinct, he drew his weapon on a man sitting silently in a recliner. Beneath the man’s seat was a handgun later connected to multiple murders—and the suspect admitted he had intended to kill Randy. The conversation also covers police accountability, allegations of systemic racism, civil liability for officers, declining recruitment standards, body-camera transparency, and Randy’s work helping injured and disabled officers through The Wounded Blue. Key points Randy says departments need a large, qualified applicant pool to maintain meaningful hiring standards. He argues that attacking the entire profession drives away the very people communities should want wearing the badge. Lowering standards to address shortages can become a self-fulfilling problem: unsuitable officers create misconduct that further damages public trust. Randy believes police agencies have historically done a poor job of explaining their work and defending honorable policing. Heidi and Randy agree that departments owe the public transparency, while acknowledging that releasing incomplete information too quickly can create additional problems. Body-camera footage and prompt public briefings have helped agencies respond to inaccurate accounts of police encounters. Randy describes Rescuing 911 as a call for unity between law enforcement and the communities officers serve. Through The Wounded Blue, Randy assists injured and disabled officers and their families with financial and emotional support. Randy Bio: Randy Sutton is a retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police lieutenant who founded The Wounded Blue, a national organization providing assistance and support to injured and disabled law-enforcement officers. He currently serves as the organization’s national director. His 34-year law-enforcement career included ten years with the Princeton Borough Police Department and nearly 24 years with LVMPD, where he received awards for valor, exemplary service, community service and lifesaving. Sutton became widely recognized through several appearances on the television series COPS, leading to roles in Casino, Miss Congeniality 2, Fools Rush In and other productions. He has trained thousands of officers in “Policing with Honor,” received the President’s Points of Light Award and authored several books about policing, service and personal legacy. Randy's books: Rescuing 911 https://www.amazon.com/Rescuing-9-1-1-Fight-Americas-Safety/dp/B0F35WFX53/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3294PYRPW5ZY0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xFQqyg_Pip7WGwkE-LuUhAvTMlOX9FwP_ntwydsvO-OtQx4Ss9YpfvxkLmBRayfvACAcG7Xc5A9MX5ucDaoqiAqxzuifN4wBMjM6joS4bsnUCPg8o1eErH5FzQndJlcTxJpK4oxvjHS7E3mZkaAThM_poWFcueCiBhkc4_4rYBK6_karf6kzG0Ra0ENFnLeXklIBCLQeAzXJU7mEh7tsb__9aekLkidJIhjFyC6lpHw.Vt24soUD8I2RsOVWeLc59IrOY5CoED74kgsH_NrI8G8&dib_tag=se&keywords=rescuing+911&qid=1789407206&sprefix=rescuing+91,aps,209&sr=8-1 (https://www.amazon.com/Rescuing-9-1-1-Fight-Americas-Safety/dp/B0F35WFX53/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3294PYRPW5ZY0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xFQqyg_Pip7WGwkE-LuUhAvTMlOX9FwP_ntwydsvO-OtQx4Ss9YpfvxkLmBRayfvACAcG7Xc5A9MX5ucDaoqiAqxzuifN4wBMjM6joS4bsnUCPg8o1eErH5FzQndJlcTxJpK4oxvjHS7E3mZkaAThM_poWFcueCiBhkc4_4rYBK6_karf6kzG0Ra0ENFnLeXklIBCLQeAzXJU7mEh7tsb__9aekLkidJIhjFyC6lpHw.Vt24soUD8I2RsOVWeLc59IrOY5CoED74kgsH_NrI8G8&dib_tag=se&keywords=rescuing+911&qid=1789407206&sprefix=rescuing+91,aps,209&sr=8-1) True Blue https://www.amazon.com/True-Blue-Sgt-Randy-Sutton/dp/125005124X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BYD0NXTKPV7H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.68zlA9LAgvtlkpRIyOPgudBYpRFrhbHGTiP-sYyMyBNMwpYozw15LgH55VR0Ci2Kdo6Dp2UXjSmSDNbu3kKxiLEnz86mXYYJNBO9GY0HIJB-AD9kgUKZYwagnWWDCk6Lf3lm4jiHngRRxgj3Qa6u_4gvgigTml1_qz0gFBtL82aGHbhzUmxTsu5xS0rdqGAxmhqkk8LOe-zRqs-cXfmmbMlInxFKd40hwwTAdmkDoNo.DOyAp28K4QR27MJw4HrE0GGrePmNU5FpvgCC-EpHuDo&dib_tag=se&keywords=randy+sutton+books&qid=1789407261&sprefix=randy+sutton+books+,aps,210&sr=8-1 (https://www.amazon.com/True-Blue-Sgt-Randy-Sutton/dp/125005124X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BYD0NXTKPV7H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.68zlA9LAgvtlkpRIyOPgudBYpRFrhbHGTiP-sYyMyBNMwpYozw15LgH55VR0Ci2Kdo6Dp2UXjSmSDNbu3kKxiLEnz86mXYYJNBO9GY0HIJB-AD9kgUKZYwagnWWDCk6Lf3lm4jiHngRRxgj3Qa6u_4gvgigTml1_qz0gFBtL82aGHbhzUmxTsu5xS0rdqGAxmhqkk8LOe-zRqs-cXfmmbMlInxFKd40hwwTAdmkDoNo.DOyAp28K4QR27MJw4HrE0GGrePmNU5FpvgCC-EpHuDo&dib_tag=se&keywords=randy+sutton+books&qid=1789407261&sprefix=randy+sutton+books+,aps,210&sr=8-1) A cop’s life https://www.amazon.com/Cops-Life-Stories-Heart-Behind/dp/1250038731/ref=sr_1_1?crid=XTJRQSAFMRUG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GbVQOfaBhfIp_NQMU0fvC462yx3TPhzRFTRPFHepsNLTMnmbNK5INNLjlVZCr6MnQAqGVMqDHppcLcLKt-_88IluBOhWwdU7xUOfSwyXFGSelrhIy2Vt7ucTGzujZrRJ5y-deh7B0bISYLDBpf03V3vw8tI2dXLNpza5L3VaKpDY9iAme8TK7J63Q0q-t7axCzV-5hXfnYPWyl8IvoZ6XfGl94Mq0ZNcHzG_K6q5Yk0.f86cH_nXKyCv93r1u3ABQ9FhflOpwlRFlGPplNdoRxE&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+cops+life&qid=1789409249&sprefix=a+cops+li,aps,291&sr=8-1 https://www.strategicbenefitsadvisory.com/ (https://www.strategicbenefitsadvisory.com/) SkinFuzion.com (http://SkinFuzion.com) Slot sounds: SofiesMood -- https://freesound.org/s/464628/ (https://freesound.org/s/464628/) About Vegas Crime Files The best crime stories aren't found on Google—they're told by the people who were there. Vegas Crime Files features first-person interviews with detectives, prosecutors, victims, and other key players behind Las Vegas' most talked-about cases. Every episode goes beyond the headlines to uncover the evidence, the investigation, and the human stories behind the crime. Subscribe for new episodes and follow us on YouTube, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Is there a Las Vegas crime or investigation you'd like to know more about? Let us know. We're always looking for cases that deserve a deeper dive—and the detectives, prosecutors, victims, and witnesses who can tell the story firsthand. Vegas Crime Files. Beyond the headlines. Beyond the myths. Follow us... but not too close.

3. 

   27 Aug 2026

   The "Black Widow" of Vegas: The Murder, The Money & The Manhunt

   This episode of Vegas Crime Files examines the murder of Las Vegas real estate developer Ron Rudin through the firsthand account of lead investigator Phil Ramos. Rudin disappeared just before Christmas in 1994 after telling friends—and specifying in his will—that if he died under suspicious circumstances, police should investigate his fifth wife, Margaret. About a week later, his burned remains were discovered inside an antique trunk near Nelson’s Landing. He had been shot several times in the head. Investigators uncovered extensive circumstantial and physical evidence pointing to Margaret. The antique trunk was traced directly to her business. A worker she hired to clear out the couple’s bedroom found blood-soaked carpeting and helped dispose of a mattress later confirmed to contain Ron’s blood. Blood spatter was also discovered on a glamour portrait Margaret had taken to a photo shop, claiming the stains were peanut butter and jelly. Detectives also found evidence of her affair with Yehuda Sharon, whom they believed helped move the body. Sharon had rented a van whose mileage nearly matched a round trip from the Rudin home to Nelson’s Landing, but after receiving immunity, he denied knowing anything about the murder. Margaret fled Las Vegas when she learned she was about to be indicted and remained a fugitive for two years, becoming one of the most frequently featured female suspects in America’s Most Wanted history. A viewer eventually recognized her living under an assumed name in Boston. Police confirmed her identity through a pizza delivery, borrowed the driver’s Domino’s hat and jacket, and arrested her after she tried to hide in her shower. Her memorable response was: “It’s about that Vegas thing, isn’t it?” The episode also explores Margaret’s highly unusual trial, questions surrounding her original attorney’s performance, and the judge’s decision to appoint two additional defense lawyers after proceedings had already begun. Despite one initial holdout, the jury convicted her, and she served approximately 20 years before being paroled. Margaret continues to insist she was innocent and later pursued a wrongful-conviction claim, but Ramos maintains that the totality of the evidence left little doubt that she murdered Ron for financial gain. Det. Phil Ramos is a Las Vegas native and retired homicide and cold case detective with 35 years in law enforcement. Over his career, he investigated more than 300 murders, including 15 years in Homicide and Cold Case. He also spent 12 years working undercover in narcotics and intelligence, infiltrating the Cuban Mafia and other organized crime operations. A three-time Officer of the Year, Ramos had contracts placed on his life by organized crime, the Cuban Mafia, and motorcycle gangs. Forensic Files episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61znxKSs6Jk

4. 

   7 Aug 2026

   Protecting VIPs in Vegas: Inside Executive Protection

   Executive protection is far more than standing next to a celebrity in a suit and sunglasses. Retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sergeant Tom Page explains that 95% of the job is planning, logistics, and preparation, with only a small portion involving reacting to problems as they happen. Drawing on his experience protecting Dana White, President and CEO of the UFC, as well as other high-profile clients, Page discusses how successful protection depends on threat assessments, advance work, contingency planning, and strong relationships with venue security. Some of the topics covered include: Why executive protection is a highly cerebral profession—not a job for "big bodyguards" who rely only on physical strength. How professionals assess threats by analyzing behavior, body language, social media posts, and a client's unique risk profile. The importance of advance planning, including multiple travel routes, emergency exits, medical contingencies, and escape plans. How Las Vegas casinos and event venues work closely with executive protection teams to keep VIPs safe. The balance between protecting clients and allowing them to interact with fans, especially public figures like Dana White who enjoy meeting supporters. Why diplomacy, communication, and de-escalation are often more effective than force. Lessons learned from working with the U.S. Secret Service and protecting high-profile clients at UFC events around the world. Famous stalking cases involving Jerry Lewis and Taylor Swift, and what those incidents teach about assessing real threats. Common mistakes made by inexperienced bodyguards, including unnecessary physical confrontations and poor public interactions. Practical tips everyone can use, such as always knowing your exits, paying attention to body language, and thinking ahead in crowded environments. Key takeaway Page's central message is simple: the best executive protection professionals are the ones you never notice. Success isn't measured by fighting off attackers—it's measured by preventing dangerous situations from developing in the first place through meticulous planning, situational awareness, and sound judgment. Tom Page bio Tom Page spent 25 years with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, serving in a wide range of assignments including patrol, traffic, field training, the Police Academy, mounted patrol, bicycle patrol, problem solving, and special events. He retired as a sergeant after leading some of Metro's most visible and complex operations. Following his law enforcement career, he transitioned into private security, serving as Director of Security for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Director of Safety and Security for the Neon Museum, and Security Representative for the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces. Today, he's sharing what it really takes to protect high-profile clients, manage security in one of the world's busiest entertainment destinations, and keep celebrities, athletes, and VIPs safe in Las Vegas. Skinfusion.com StrategicBenefitsAdvisory.com About Vegas Crime Files Las Vegas has one of the most fascinating criminal histories in America—and many of its most compelling stories have never been fully told. On Vegas Crime Files, veteran broadcaster Heidi Harris goes beyond the headlines with detectives, prosecutors, investigators, victims, and the people who were actually there. These aren't stories pulled from Google—they're firsthand accounts from the people who lived them. 🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and other major podcast platforms. 📱 Follow Vegas Crime Files on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for exclusive content, episode updates, and behind-the-scenes stories. 💻 Visit VegasCrimeFiles.com for episodes, show notes, and more. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. It helps more people discover the untold stories behind America's most mythologized city. Follow us - but not to close.

5. 

   30 Jul 2026

   Hunting MS-13: Inside the Las Vegas Investigation

   How do you stop a gang that's killing people faster than investigators can connect the dots? Between late 2017 and early 2018, Las Vegas was rocked by a series of brutal murders tied to the violent MS-13 Parkview clique. Victims disappeared, bodies were discovered in the desert and mountains, and detectives soon realized they weren't investigating isolated homicides—they were hunting an organized criminal enterprise. In this episode of Vegas Crime Files, retired Las Vegas Metro Homicide Sergeant John Harney takes us inside the investigation. He explains how homicide detectives worked alongside the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations to identify the killers, build the case, and ultimately help bring members of one of America's most notorious gangs to justice. Topics Covered: The MS-13 Parkview clique The Las Vegas murder investigation How homicide detectives linked multiple killings FBI and Homeland Security task force operations Inside MS-13's structure and recruitment RICO prosecutions and organized crime The role of prison gangs in street violence https://www.justice.gov/usao-nv/pr/three-illegal-alien-ms-13-members-convicted-nine-murders-kidnapping-and-racketeering

6. 

   16 Jul 2026

   The Crash That Changed Everything: The Henry Ruggs Investigation

   A split-second decision changed countless lives forever. Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was driving more than 150 miles per hour after a night of drinking when he slammed into the back of Tina Tintor's vehicle. She and her dog, Max, died in the fire that followed. The crash dominated national headlines—but the headlines only told part of the story. In this episode of Vegas Crime Files, Heidi Harris sits down with retired Las Vegas Metro fatal traffic investigator Dwaine McCuistion, the detective who led the investigation. He walks us through what happened that night, how investigators reconstructed every second of the crash, the evidence that proved exactly how fast Ruggs was traveling, and the lasting lessons about impaired driving, speed, and the devastating consequences of one terrible decision. This isn't a story about celebrity. It's a story about victims, evidence, accountability, and lives forever changed. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/37596226/henry-ruggs-iii-officially-pleads-guilty-fatal-dui-case https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/10/us/henry-ruggs-sentenced-fatal-dui https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49032484/ex-raiders-wr-henry-ruggs-denied-parole-nearly-5-years-crash About Vegas Crime Files The best crime stories aren't found on Google—they're told by the people who were there. Vegas Crime Files features first-person interviews with detectives, prosecutors, victims, and other key players behind Las Vegas' most compelling cases. Every episode goes beyond the headlines to uncover the evidence, the investigation, and the human stories behind the crime. Subscribe for new episodes and follow us on YouTube, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Is there a Las Vegas crime or investigation you'd like to know more about? Let us know. We're always looking for cases that deserve a deeper dive—and the detectives, prosecutors, victims, and witnesses who can tell the story firsthand. Vegas Crime Files. Beyond the headlines. Beyond the myths. Follow us... but not too close. About Heidi Harris For nearly 30 years, Heidi Harris has been asking tough questions on the radio in Las Vegas. A Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame inductee, she now hosts Vegas Crime Files, taking listeners inside the investigations behind some of the city's most talked-about crimes through exclusive interviews with the detectives, prosecutors, victims, witnesses, and experts who were there. No internet speculation. No recycled headlines. Just firsthand stories from the people who know them best. About our expert: Detective Dwaine McCuistion retired from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in 2023 after an 18-year law enforcement career, following 20 years of honorable service in the United States Air Force, where he retired as a Master Sergeant. During his law enforcement career, McCuistion became one of LVMPD's leading experts in impaired driving and fatal crash investigations. He served as a Fatal Collision Detective from 2018 until retirement, investigating more than 200 fatal and critical-injury crashes, officer-involved shootings involving vehicles, and vehicular homicides. Prior to that assignment, he worked as a motorcycle traffic officer, patrol officer, and hit-and-run detective. His experience includes: * Primary investigator on approximately **1,500 traffic collisions** * Lead investigator on **more than 100 fatal collision investigations** * More than **300 DUI investigations** * Extensive courtroom testimony as an expert witness in DUI and fatal crash cases * Specialized testimony involving alcohol, cannabis, and drug impairment Detective McCuistion holds numerous advanced certifications, including: * Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) * Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) Instructor * Drug Impairment Training for Educational Professionals (DITEP) Instructor * Crash Reconstruction Specialist * Evidential Breath Testing Operator He completed extensive advanced training in collision reconstruction, crash data retrieval, pedestrian and bicycle crash investigation, vehicle dynamics, forensic evidence, and accident analysis through nationally recognized law enforcement programs. In addition to his investigative work, McCuistion has trained hundreds of law enforcement officers. He instructed courses in Drug Recognition Expert certification, Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and DUI investigations, helping develop impaired-driving enforcement throughout the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. His career reflects decades of expertise in collision reconstruction, impaired driving detection, forensic investigation, and courtroom testimony, making him a highly qualified authority on fatal traffic crashes and DUI investigations.

7. 

   11 Jun 2026

   October 1: The Detectives Speak

   In this powerful episode of **Vegas Crime Files**, Heidi Harris speaks with retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department homicide detectives **John Harney** and **John Scott**, who responded to the October 1, 2017 mass shooting that claimed 58 lives that night and ultimately 60 lives total. Rather than revisiting conspiracy theories or internet speculation, the episode focuses on the firsthand experiences of investigators who worked the largest mass shooting in American history. The detectives recount receiving late-night calls about what initially sounded like a multiple-victim shooting, only to discover a catastrophe of unprecedented scale. Upon arriving at the Route 91 Harvest Festival grounds, they encountered scenes that reminded Scott of combat zones in the Middle East: bodies scattered across the venue, hundreds of wounded victims, and thousands of abandoned cell phones ringing as loved ones desperately searched for family and friends. Harney and Scott describe the enormous challenge of treating every victim as an individual homicide investigation while preserving an 18-acre crime scene. They explain how detectives, crime scene analysts, coroner investigators, firefighters, medical personnel, and federal agencies worked together around the clock to document evidence, identify victims, notify families, and process a scene unlike anything Las Vegas had ever experienced. The conversation also explores the emotional toll the event took on seasoned homicide investigators. Both men discuss the difficulty of compartmentalizing such overwhelming tragedy and the haunting memories that remain years later, particularly the sound of thousands of cell phones ringing across the crime scene. Addressing questions that continue to surround the shooting, the detectives explain why they concluded Steven Paddock acted alone, emphasizing that investigators examined every possibility before reaching that determination. They also discuss the reality of investigating mass casualty events, the limits of security measures, and why motive is not always knowable, even after exhaustive investigation. Ultimately, this episode is not about theories—it's about the human cost of October 1st. Through the eyes of the detectives who walked the crime scene, listeners gain a sobering understanding of the tragedy, the professionalism of first responders, and the resilience of a city forced to confront unimaginable loss. Jon Scott bio: Retired Police Sergeant Detective, has over 30 years of service specializing in homicides, burglary, fraud, and sex crimes. His career began in 1988 as a U.S. Marine Corps Captain, leading Marines in combat operations. In 1993, he joined the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, later becoming a Detective in 1997. For the last 12 years of his career, he served as a Homicide Detective Sergeant, managing homicide and officer-involved shooting investigations. Jon Scott’s expertise includes homicide and criminal investigations, crime scene management, counterterrorism, interrogations, policy development, and officer-involved shooting cases. He holds a Master’s in Administration of Justice from Alaska University and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice/Political Science from Cameron University. With decades of training and experience in law enforcement, Jon and his partner Phil DePalma founded DeScotta Investigative Group to provide professional investigative services for both private and institutional clients. John Harney bio: 23 yrs with Metro Metro/Undercover narcotics detective including DEA Task Force/Narcotics Sergeant/UC Task Force SGT with USAF OSI/Robbery Sergeant including working with FBI Task Force/Homicide Sgt last 5 years Vegas Crime Files is recorded and produced in Las Vegas, Nevada. Host Heidi Harris is a 28 year award-winning broadcaster, born and raised in Vegas. Member, Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Follow us on all the socials: @VegasCrimeFiles and VegasCrimeFiles.com (http://VegasCrimeFiles.com) Insta: VegasCrimeFilesPod

8. 

   13 May 2026

   The Nevada casino blacklist

   Vegas Crime Files Episode Summary In this episode of Vegas Crime Files, Heidi Harris talks with gaming journalist Rick Velotta about Nevada’s infamous “Black Book” — the state’s official List of Excluded Persons banned from casinos. The conversation traces the Black Book’s origins back to 1960, when Nevada created it to keep organized crime figures out of casinos during the mob era. Over time, the list evolved from targeting mobsters to focusing on major casino cheats, illegal gambling operators, and other serious offenders connected to the gaming industry. Rick explains how modern casino cheating schemes have become increasingly sophisticated, from slot-machine manipulation devices to complex illegal betting operations. The discussion also explores how Nevada’s approach differs from other states like New Jersey, which maintains a much larger exclusion list. The episode dives into the controversy surrounding due process and lifetime exclusion. Once someone is placed in Nevada’s Black Book, they are banned from entering casinos indefinitely — even restaurants or entertainment venues inside casinos. Critics argue the process can be overly punitive, while supporters say the list protects the integrity of Nevada gaming. The conversation also highlights current high-profile cases, including bookmaker Matthew Bowyer and longtime excluded figure Frank Citro, both of whom are seeking removal from the Black Book. Their cases raise broader questions about redemption, rehabilitation, and whether lifetime bans should ever be reconsidered. Along the way, the episode touches on gambling addiction, casino security, mob history, and some of the most unusual cheating methods ever uncovered in Las Vegas. Rick Velotta bio: Richard N. “Rick” Velotta has covered business, the gaming industry, tourism, transportation and aviation in Las Vegas for 25 years. A former reporter and editor with the Las Vegas Sun, the Ogden (Utah) Standard-Examiner, the Arizona Daily Sun in Flagstaff and the Aurora (Colo.) Sun, Velotta is a graduate of Northern Arizona University where he won the school’s top journalism honor. Rick's articles in the RJ. https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/changes-could-be-made-to-nevadas-black-book-this-week-3791013/ (https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/changes-could-be-made-to-nevadas-black-book-this-week-3791013/) https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/illegal-bookmaker-nix-added-to-nevadas-black-book-3712421/ (https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/illegal-bookmaker-nix-added-to-nevadas-black-book-3712421/) https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/theyve-got-me-over-a-barrel-convicted-gambler-says-he-was-a-fall-guy-for-non-complying-casinos-3709482/ (https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/theyve-got-me-over-a-barrel-convicted-gambler-says-he-was-a-fall-guy-for-non-complying-casinos-3709482/) https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/gaming-commission-to-consider-removal-of-man-from-black-book-3612194/ https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/it-wasnt-oceans-11-but-these-cheaters-took-1-2m-from-bellagio-and-landed-in-black-book-3421576/ Vegas Crime Files is recorded and produced in Las Vegas, Nevada. Host Heidi Harris is a 28 year award-winning broadcaster, born and raised in Vegas. Member, Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Follow us on all the socials: Vegas Crime Files and VegasCrimeFiles.com (http://VegasCrimeFiles.com)

9. 

   16 Apr 2026

   Valentine's Day ended in murder - here's why.

   On Valentine’s Day 1996, a 19-year-old pregnant newlywed sat inside a Las Vegas convenience store, keeping her husband company during his overnight shift. She never made it home. In this episode of Vegas Crime Files, Heidi Harris speaks with the first officer on the scene and the lead homicide detective who worked the case—two men who never forgot what they saw that night. You’ll hear: What the first responding officer encountered walking into the store The haunting moments inside UMC as doctors fought to save both mother and baby How two suspects, disguised as women, carried out the robbery Why the case took years to resolve And how fear kept key witnesses from testifying This is a story about violence, loss—and the lasting impact on everyone who was there. https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/feb/22/where-i-stand-go-shopping-to-buy-not-die/ https://www.reviewjournal.com/crime/homicides/men-arrested-in-1996-killing-were-identified-by-girlfriend-at-the-time-2103748/ https://www.reviewjournal.com/crime/homicides/pregnant-womans-killing-haunts-family-24-years-later-2164032/

10. 

    31 Mar 2026

    Vegas burned for 30 days - why nobody talks about it.

    Everyone remembers the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles. Almost no one knows what happened next. Fright Night: The 30 Days of Riots Las Vegas Doesn’t Talk About What this episode covers: The overlooked Las Vegas riots following the Rodney King verdict Why the unrest lasted 30 days, not just one night The role of gangs, media, and delayed response How close rioters came to downtown Las Vegas Firsthand accounts from officers under fire Lessons learned that changed policing going forward 👤 Guests: Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony – Nevada Lieutenant Governor, former Metro Police Captain, author of Knights of Fire David Radcliffe – Metro officer on the front lines Eddie Kravetz – Metro sergeant, community policing specialist David Sheppard – Former FBI agent, brought armored vehicle support 🔥 Key moments: Rioters stopped just short of Fremont Street Officers taking sustained gunfire Firefighters targeted while responding to fires Gangs coordinating attacks Armored vehicle deployed under fire 📚 Mentioned: Knights of Fire by Stavros Anthony 📣 Connect: Email: Heidi@VegasCrimeFiles.com Follow & subscribe: Vegas Crime Files For nearly 30 days, Las Vegas descended into chaos—fires, ambushes, and more than a thousand rounds fired at police, firefighters, and civilians. In this special episode of Vegas Crime Files, Heidi Harris sits down with Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony—who documented the events—and three officers who were on the front lines. They describe: The night hundreds of rioters marched toward downtown The moment officers made a stand just blocks from Fremont Street What it was like taking gunfire from all directions How gangs that normally fought each other joined forces And why the situation spiraled before it was finally shut down This isn’t history from a textbook—it’s firsthand from the people who lived it. A major chapter of Las Vegas history… that most people never even knew happened.

11. 

    11 Mar 2026

    Pulled over in Vegas? Don't say THIS.

    What actually happens during a traffic stop — and what are drivers legally required to do? In this episode of Vegas Crime Files, Heidi Harris speaks with retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sergeant Tom Page, a 25-year veteran who worked as a patrol, traffic, and training sergeant. Sergeant Page explains why officers stop vehicles, what drivers must legally provide, and the mistakes people make that can escalate routine traffic stops into dangerous encounters. If you drive in Nevada — or anywhere — understanding how traffic stops work can help keep situations calm and safe for everyone involved. In This Episode • The two legal reasons police can stop a vehicle: probable cause and reasonable suspicion • Why officers sometimes run license plates at stoplights • What drivers are legally required to provide during a stop • Why signing a traffic citation does not mean admitting guilt • What happens if you refuse to sign a ticket • When police can legally ask drivers to step out of the vehicle • Why officers may temporarily use handcuffs during a stop • The difference between a pat-down and a search • How DUI investigations work, including field sobriety tests • Special traffic enforcement issues unique to Las Vegas Guest Sergeant Tom Page (Ret.) Former Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department sergeant with 25 years of service, including patrol, traffic enforcement, and officer training. Key Takeaway Most traffic stops are routine encounters. But misunderstanding your rights — or refusing basic lawful instructions — can quickly escalate a situation. Knowing what officers are legally allowed to do, and what drivers are required to do, can prevent unnecessary conflict. Listen & Subscribe Follow Vegas Crime Files wherever you get your podcasts. 🌐 Website: vegascrimefiles.com 📧 Contact: heidi@vegascrimefiles.com (mailto:heidi@vegascrimefiles.com) 📱 Social: @VegasCrimeFiles

12. 

    4 Mar 2026

    What cops don't say about "suicide by cop" scenarios

    Vegas Crime Files Suicide by Cop: The Impact on Police Officers Episode Summary What happens to police officers when someone forces them into a life-or-death decision? In this episode of Vegas Crime Files, Heidi Harris speaks with retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officer Marcus Martin, who spent nearly 25 years with Metro after serving nine years in the Marine Corps. Marcus describes two incidents in his career involving suicide by cop, including a call during his first week on the jobthat he says he will never forget. The conversation explores what these situations are really like for officers on scene, the emotional toll they carry afterward, and why these incidents are often misunderstood by the public. What We Discuss What “suicide by cop” actually means A shocking incident during Marcus’s first week as a police officer The psychological impact these incidents have on officers Why the public often misunderstands police use-of-force situations What happens to officers after a critical incident The importance of counseling and support after traumatic calls About Our Guest Marcus Martin served nine years in the United States Marine Corps and nearly 25 years with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. During his career he worked patrol and critical incident investigations and experienced multiple situations involving suicide by cop. About Vegas Crime Files Vegas Crime Files explores the real stories behind crime in Las Vegas through interviews with the people who were there — detectives, journalists, and witnesses who experienced the cases firsthand. Host Heidi Harris, a longtime Las Vegas broadcaster and member of the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame, brings decades of local knowledge and connections to the stories that shaped the city.

13. 

    16 Jan 2026

    Who's the dead guy in the barrel?

    When Lake Mead’s water levels dropped, they revealed more than abandoned boats and buried history—they revealed a body sealed inside a barrel. Who was this person, and why has no one ever identified them? In this the premier episode of Vegas Crime Files, host Heidi Harris explores the mystery alongside a cold case detective and a veteran journalist, uncovering the investigative dead ends, the unanswered questions, and the quiet human tragedy behind one of Las Vegas’s most unsettling discoveries. Body https://news3lv.com/news/local/body-found-in-barrel-at-lake-mead-remains-unidentified-after-three-years (https://news3lv.com/news/local/body-found-in-barrel-at-lake-mead-remains-unidentified-after-three-years) Shoes and clothing https://www.8newsnow.com/investigators/clothing-shoes-could-help-id-man-found-dead-in-barrel-at-lake-mead-outside-las-vegas/ What did he look like? https://www.crimeonline.com/2023/11/30/fbi-provides-composites-of-man-found-shot-dead-in-barrel-in-lake-mead-last-year/ Son of drowning victim recently discovered speaks out https://news3lv.com/news/local/son-of-identified-lake-mead-victim-remembers-father-thomas-erndt-clark-county-southern-nevada-las-vegas-skeletal-remains-20-years-later-2002-drowning (https://news3lv.com/news/local/son-of-identified-lake-mead-victim-remembers-father-thomas-erndt-clark-county-southern-nevada-las-vegas-skeletal-remains-20-years-later-2002-drowning) Clothing https://www.8newsnow.com/investigators/clothing-shoes-could-help-id-man-found-dead-in-barrel-at-lake-mead-outside-las-vegas/ (https://www.8newsnow.com/investigators/clothing-shoes-could-help-id-man-found-dead-in-barrel-at-lake-mead-outside-las-vegas/) Mob Museum story on bodies in barrels https://themobmuseum.org/blog/stuffing-murder-victims-in-barrels-a-common-practice-since-mid-19th-century/ (https://themobmuseum.org/blog/stuffing-murder-victims-in-barrels-a-common-practice-since-mid-19th-century/) Vegas cold case recently solved https://dnasolves.com/articles/stephanie-isaacson-murder/ (https://dnasolves.com/articles/stephanie-isaacson-murder/) Support our sponsors who make this podcast possible: SkinFuzion skinfuzion.com (http://skinfuzion.com) Wellthcare wellthcare.com (http://wellthcare.com) Follow us! (But not too close) VegasCrimeFiles.com

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