1 00:00:12,887 --> 00:00:15,156 (CRICKETS CHIRPING) 2 00:00:16,725 --> 00:00:17,693 (BIRD CAWS) 3 00:00:22,725 --> 00:00:25,097 ♪ (OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 4 00:00:51,192 --> 00:00:52,525 (FROGS CROAKING) 5 00:01:16,680 --> 00:01:17,681 yeah, yeah, yeah. All good. 6 00:01:17,681 --> 00:01:19,318 7 00:01:21,953 --> 00:01:23,154 - SAM: The guy... - PATRICK: From (REDACTED) Fundraising 8 00:01:25,388 --> 00:01:26,787 SAM: Yeah. It's one of Ed's friends. 9 00:01:27,856 --> 00:01:28,259 PATRICK: I was gonna work for him. 10 00:01:29,505 --> 00:01:30,627 he was like, "Yeah, you should come work for me. 11 00:01:37,806 --> 00:01:38,471 he was, like, one of the first callers 12 00:01:41,018 --> 00:01:42,941 and now he's running his own shit. 13 00:01:43,941 --> 00:01:47,650 but he wants his identity totally obscured. 14 00:02:46,970 --> 00:02:48,544 (TELEPHONE RINGS) 15 00:02:53,949 --> 00:02:56,384 (TELEPHONE CONTINUES RINGING) 16 00:02:57,050 --> 00:02:58,850 RECEIVER: Hello. 17 00:03:17,537 --> 00:03:19,442 - Ah! Whoo! - (TELEMARKETERS LAUGHING) 18 00:03:25,813 --> 00:03:27,283 (ED HILGER YELLING) 19 00:03:32,287 --> 00:03:34,152 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 20 00:03:35,152 --> 00:03:35,354 ♪ (SONG CONCLUDES) ♪ 21 00:03:37,757 --> 00:03:39,527 wait, wait. Wait. 22 00:03:42,296 --> 00:03:43,531 SAM: Last looks. 23 00:03:51,804 --> 00:03:57,408 um... charity, 24 00:04:02,108 --> 00:04:03,315 So that's what happened. That's what I heard happened. 25 00:04:06,054 --> 00:04:07,455 All I know is I was about to be in an unemployment line. 26 00:04:14,755 --> 00:04:15,328 Fraternal Order of Police didn't get in trouble 27 00:04:17,394 --> 00:04:18,664 too. 28 00:04:19,697 --> 00:04:20,766 They were the ones that were getting the money 29 00:04:22,805 --> 00:04:25,003 They were... No. CDG was the culprit. 30 00:04:45,608 --> 00:04:47,863 and everyone I knew was still scrambling to make ends meet. 31 00:04:50,895 --> 00:04:54,266 uh, Life Alert. 32 00:04:54,266 --> 00:04:56,535 It's not fundraising for the police. 33 00:04:57,828 --> 00:04:58,536 "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up." 34 00:05:03,411 --> 00:05:04,677 man, 35 00:05:08,838 --> 00:05:09,915 like, that shit was a scam. It was full of bullshit. 36 00:05:11,382 --> 00:05:13,451 and it was foul people there. 37 00:05:17,725 --> 00:05:21,427 right now, 38 00:05:25,285 --> 00:05:26,265 - You know what I'm saying? - SAM: (CHUCKLING) Yeah. 39 00:05:26,265 --> 00:05:28,666 it was a different story. 40 00:05:30,320 --> 00:05:31,203 He'd kept his job delivering Chinese food 41 00:05:35,824 --> 00:05:38,510 it sounds like your life is, like, really good right now. 42 00:05:38,510 --> 00:05:43,315 uh, really excellent. 43 00:05:45,292 --> 00:05:46,684 I hooked up with a methadone clinic. 44 00:05:47,920 --> 00:05:50,423 and it's a really good program. 45 00:05:56,829 --> 00:05:59,197 So it really worked out really good for me. 46 00:06:04,868 --> 00:06:07,872 47 00:06:07,872 --> 00:06:11,243 but we didn't really know much about the charities 48 00:06:14,078 --> 00:06:14,847 or why they would've chosen a company 49 00:06:18,049 --> 00:06:19,184 TELEMARKETER: Absolutely miserable. 50 00:06:20,648 --> 00:06:21,988 SAM: And it seemed strange to us that the government 51 00:06:28,167 --> 00:06:31,596 if I hired people to rob banks, I'd go to jail. 52 00:06:33,132 --> 00:06:34,132 when CDG started saying that 53 00:06:36,302 --> 00:06:39,071 our checks no longer said CDG anymore. 54 00:06:40,441 --> 00:06:41,808 They actually said that the Fraternal Order of Police 55 00:06:46,381 --> 00:06:49,114 MATT PETZOLD: The sign said New Jersey FOP Fundraising Center. 56 00:06:58,059 --> 00:06:58,190 - SAM: - Employee. 57 00:06:59,436 --> 00:07:00,019 I work for the police." 58 00:07:01,592 --> 00:07:06,559 you know? 59 00:07:06,559 --> 00:07:09,669 SAM: Pat felt certain that the cops we called on behalf of 60 00:07:16,540 --> 00:07:16,674 So we spent the next couple of years looking for the proof. 61 00:07:18,135 --> 00:07:19,678 guys, Uh, Patrick J. Pespas. 62 00:07:23,127 --> 00:07:25,850 personally, I called for every one of these charities. 63 00:07:26,851 --> 00:07:29,855 maybe they're bad charities. 64 00:07:31,993 --> 00:07:33,558 But I do want to give them a chance to respond 65 00:07:34,787 --> 00:07:35,932 and get their side of the story. 66 00:07:44,549 --> 00:07:47,640 I'm doing a documentary on, um, charities in America. 67 00:07:52,045 --> 00:07:54,613 you were using a telemarketer called 68 00:07:55,851 --> 00:07:57,248 and as you know, 69 00:08:00,253 --> 00:08:01,720 And he hung up on me. 70 00:08:01,720 --> 00:08:05,492 Are these really people you wanna give money to? 71 00:08:08,309 --> 00:08:08,527 ♪ (TENSE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 72 00:08:09,527 --> 00:08:10,730 uh, in our documentary, 73 00:08:11,897 --> 00:08:12,526 the main theme that keeps coming up 74 00:08:15,484 --> 00:08:16,268 CDG. They were a bunch of crooksters, 75 00:08:17,486 --> 00:08:19,070 uh, I know you guys used 'em. 76 00:08:19,070 --> 00:08:21,540 um... - Oh yeah? I called 77 00:08:26,954 --> 00:08:29,382 I used to work for CDG. You can't lie to me. 78 00:08:33,138 --> 00:08:33,452 PATRICK: I'm saying did you-- 79 00:08:37,851 --> 00:08:37,960 It's a simple question. 80 00:08:38,822 --> 00:08:39,992 Um... 81 00:08:40,992 --> 00:08:42,961 he didn't like it. He wouldn't give his name. 82 00:08:44,304 --> 00:08:45,565 Absolutely wouldn't grant us an interview. 83 00:08:52,270 --> 00:08:56,776 correct? 84 00:09:03,382 --> 00:09:04,750 How much of the money that you-- 85 00:09:06,338 --> 00:09:08,320 CHARITY EMPLOYEE 2: 86 00:09:09,526 --> 00:09:09,554 let me ask you this. 87 00:09:22,635 --> 00:09:26,570 CHARITY EMPLOYEE 2: 88 00:09:29,474 --> 00:09:30,643 CHARITY EMPLOYEE 2: 89 00:09:30,643 --> 00:09:32,880 Two stars? Fantastic. 90 00:09:48,755 --> 00:09:49,828 bad for the story, 91 00:09:53,630 --> 00:09:55,370 - SAM: Yeah. - I just want to make sure our facts are rock solid. 92 00:09:59,007 --> 00:10:00,072 (THUD) 93 00:10:01,072 --> 00:10:01,507 that girl. 94 00:10:02,854 --> 00:10:04,208 I come in here a lot. 95 00:10:04,208 --> 00:10:07,645 like, there, and I use the Wi-Fi. 96 00:10:07,645 --> 00:10:09,848 I said to the one guy, I said, 97 00:10:11,111 --> 00:10:11,549 this fucking Wi-Fi here, 98 00:10:14,419 --> 00:10:15,054 "If you don't like it, 99 00:10:17,520 --> 00:10:18,223 you can leave. There's a connection down the street." 100 00:10:19,224 --> 00:10:19,825 (LAUGHS) 101 00:10:20,825 --> 00:10:22,661 ♪ (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 102 00:10:23,661 --> 00:10:25,164 man. 103 00:10:25,164 --> 00:10:29,771 I go to Dunkin' Donuts, and they got blazing fast Wi-Fi. 104 00:10:30,771 --> 00:10:32,203 SAM: We went on Charity Navigator 105 00:10:34,773 --> 00:10:36,208 106 00:10:37,208 --> 00:10:39,679 but they were also some of the worst-rated charities 107 00:10:45,479 --> 00:10:46,286 was going back to the telemarketers 108 00:10:48,786 --> 00:10:50,856 I called for three out of ten. 109 00:10:51,932 --> 00:10:54,226 I remember we used to call Cancer Survivors Fund. 110 00:10:54,226 --> 00:10:57,629 PATRICK: I called for the Firefighters Charitable Foundation. 111 00:11:02,736 --> 00:11:04,504 you got police, fire, 112 00:11:13,044 --> 00:11:15,581 So we hired a film crew off of Craigslist 113 00:11:18,778 --> 00:11:20,218 for our first real investigative interview. 114 00:11:21,698 --> 00:11:22,888 I think we got like an hour drive. Um... 115 00:11:22,888 --> 00:11:24,690 Is it cool-- Is it okay if I ask you 116 00:11:27,492 --> 00:11:27,794 absolutely, man. 117 00:11:28,997 --> 00:11:30,129 what do you, you know, 118 00:11:36,133 --> 00:11:37,903 you know, I used to play a lot of guitar. 119 00:11:39,158 --> 00:11:39,939 SAM: Any bands or any of that type of stuff? 120 00:11:41,106 --> 00:11:42,607 Yeah. I was in a couple of bands. Uh... 121 00:11:42,607 --> 00:11:47,612 uh, back in 1992. 122 00:11:51,950 --> 00:11:53,252 under the name Bonehead. 123 00:11:54,370 --> 00:11:55,620 It was heavy metal. 124 00:11:55,620 --> 00:11:57,356 um... 125 00:11:57,356 --> 00:12:00,987 you could say it was just about death metal, 126 00:12:02,002 --> 00:12:02,728 and yeah. 127 00:12:06,101 --> 00:12:10,273 ♪ ("BRUTALIZED" BY MORTICIAN PLAYING OVER SPEAKER) ♪ 128 00:12:14,307 --> 00:12:16,875 that sounds hard to play, 129 00:12:22,017 --> 00:12:23,682 It's all one chord. 130 00:12:24,734 --> 00:12:26,786 ♪ (MUSIC CONTINUES) ♪ 131 00:12:36,981 --> 00:12:37,361 - CREW MEMBER: It's fun. (LAUGHS) - That's Sam's camera? 132 00:12:38,872 --> 00:12:39,598 totally. - That's a good camera. 133 00:12:43,281 --> 00:12:44,638 we're good to go then. So... 134 00:12:45,742 --> 00:12:45,838 - That's-- - SAM: Yeah. 135 00:12:47,101 --> 00:12:47,700 uh, we're back today 136 00:12:50,909 --> 00:12:53,612 thank you for coming on today. 137 00:12:57,650 --> 00:12:59,986 what is the real-- 138 00:13:05,177 --> 00:13:05,291 KEN BERGER: It's easy to do it. 139 00:13:06,453 --> 00:13:07,125 you can start a nonprofit 140 00:13:19,971 --> 00:13:24,643 that you get everybody imaginable applying. 141 00:13:30,478 --> 00:13:31,216 'cause there are a lot of good charities out there. 142 00:13:32,314 --> 00:13:34,052 and I am in no way saying 143 00:13:41,072 --> 00:13:43,995 But we have two million nonprofits in the United States. 144 00:13:45,242 --> 00:13:46,031 It is two trillion dollars' worth 145 00:13:49,734 --> 00:13:49,901 It's one out of every ten jobs. It's ten percent of GDP. 146 00:13:51,111 --> 00:13:53,638 Wow. That's a lot. That is a lot. 147 00:13:53,638 --> 00:13:56,507 Now how are charities regulated in the United States? 148 00:13:57,880 --> 00:14:00,012 um, a certain way they're regulated? 149 00:14:05,185 --> 00:14:08,120 it certainly depends on who you speak to. 150 00:14:09,390 --> 00:14:10,622 there's not enough. 151 00:14:12,119 --> 00:14:13,158 And one of the things that we learned very early on 152 00:14:15,789 --> 00:14:16,361 that surprised us was that it seems 153 00:14:20,932 --> 00:14:24,169 uh, police officers, for example. 154 00:14:25,448 --> 00:14:27,601 this is one-- Actually, this is one of the shirts. 155 00:14:44,456 --> 00:14:47,192 and doing tremendous harm to our society 156 00:14:50,096 --> 00:14:52,632 great. Now if you're at home 157 00:14:55,867 --> 00:14:56,703 Very simple. 158 00:15:00,273 --> 00:15:01,841 - The end. - I would agree with that. 159 00:15:03,351 --> 00:15:03,474 ♪ (PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 160 00:15:04,676 --> 00:15:06,012 SAM: I don't think it ever occurred to me 161 00:15:09,880 --> 00:15:12,450 we came out. Charity Navigator. 162 00:15:13,706 --> 00:15:14,854 you know, look 'em up on the web. 163 00:15:16,140 --> 00:15:17,090 nice office building. 164 00:15:21,077 --> 00:15:21,294 that we just kept going and would pretty much interview 165 00:15:28,958 --> 00:15:30,937 when telemarketing was beginning to get into its heyday. 166 00:15:30,937 --> 00:15:33,539 Police groups contract with a telemarketing firm 167 00:15:35,078 --> 00:15:36,609 where they might keep 80 percent or more of what's collected. 168 00:15:38,163 --> 00:15:38,978 The police would agree to that because they didn't have to 169 00:15:41,114 --> 00:15:43,114 they could just sign the contract 170 00:15:45,517 --> 00:15:46,585 some of these companies 171 00:15:47,947 --> 00:15:50,726 used techniques to raise money in questionable ways. 172 00:15:54,192 --> 00:15:56,098 There were these retired circus people. 173 00:15:57,497 --> 00:15:59,265 174 00:16:03,168 --> 00:16:04,336 "Wouldn't you like to buy a block of tickets 175 00:16:07,734 --> 00:16:08,340 you help the police group 176 00:16:10,976 --> 00:16:13,445 a lot of money was raised, 177 00:16:14,867 --> 00:16:15,747 but most of it went to the telemarketers 178 00:16:18,851 --> 00:16:19,354 - (LIGHTER CLICKING) - (WATER BURBLING) 179 00:16:24,656 --> 00:16:26,192 We're-- we're getting ready to go to the circus. 180 00:16:26,192 --> 00:16:28,263 This is gonna be the bomb. 181 00:16:33,166 --> 00:16:35,000 man. 182 00:16:36,013 --> 00:16:37,502 ♪ (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 183 00:16:37,502 --> 00:16:40,940 SAM: It turned out that Pat had actually done telemarketing 184 00:16:42,127 --> 00:16:43,179 for police circuses back in the day. 185 00:16:44,611 --> 00:16:48,679 PATRICK: We would pitch them for a 35-dollar donation. 186 00:16:50,052 --> 00:16:52,383 "Oh, I hate the circus," 187 00:16:57,434 --> 00:17:00,293 and I'll give you 100 child's tickets." 188 00:17:05,292 --> 00:17:05,730 nah. 189 00:17:07,348 --> 00:17:08,401 What they'll do is they'll go down to the local Y 190 00:17:15,149 --> 00:17:15,675 a million of these things and just sit the box out there 191 00:17:19,181 --> 00:17:21,116 yeah, all right, I'm gonna send my son to this show." 192 00:17:24,650 --> 00:17:27,556 You know what I'm saying? It was a big-time scam. 193 00:17:45,505 --> 00:17:49,177 ♪ (LIVELY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 194 00:17:54,515 --> 00:17:57,819 ♪ (UPBEAT TECHNO MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 195 00:18:03,758 --> 00:18:05,525 (WHISTLES) 196 00:18:37,784 --> 00:18:38,657 like, the ticket right here that... 197 00:18:44,989 --> 00:18:45,597 and it's a drop box. 198 00:18:46,853 --> 00:18:47,265 SAM: So they're say-- They're totally implying 199 00:18:48,504 --> 00:18:49,032 that this is going to help out the fucking police. 200 00:18:50,338 --> 00:18:52,198 of course! -"Although your contribution is not tax-deductible, 201 00:18:54,760 --> 00:18:55,307 your donation is appreciated by our entire membership." 202 00:18:59,879 --> 00:19:00,245 if it's not a charity event, 203 00:19:02,282 --> 00:19:04,687 (DOG PANTING) 204 00:20:09,412 --> 00:20:10,749 "Hey, uh, Marc Keezer wants to meet you." 205 00:20:11,749 --> 00:20:15,890 let's restart this thing. 206 00:20:29,635 --> 00:20:31,671 And that was only a month between shutting down CDG 207 00:20:32,983 --> 00:20:34,672 you know, getting back to work. 208 00:20:34,672 --> 00:20:36,808 There was really not a lot of difference 209 00:20:40,521 --> 00:20:41,317 between CDG and RPI. It was like a restart. 210 00:20:47,015 --> 00:20:48,619 that was his brother, Dave Keezer, 211 00:20:51,031 --> 00:20:51,427 who'd started all this. Marc was kind of like... 212 00:20:52,392 --> 00:20:55,126 if you will. 213 00:20:55,126 --> 00:20:59,364 they couldn't get the big FOPs, 214 00:21:00,594 --> 00:21:01,034 eventually, I do remember 215 00:21:05,473 --> 00:21:08,006 These are the lists that RPI was calling. 216 00:21:19,310 --> 00:21:22,616 Kentucky FOP, 217 00:21:32,614 --> 00:21:34,093 are all getting called by RPI 218 00:21:41,192 --> 00:21:42,545 SAM: 219 00:21:45,890 --> 00:21:46,578 - Mm-hmm. - (LIGHTER CLICKS) 220 00:21:47,873 --> 00:21:50,353 SAM: 221 00:21:57,092 --> 00:21:58,561 Maybe that's why. 222 00:21:59,727 --> 00:22:01,827 The cops want you to be a con artist. 223 00:22:03,157 --> 00:22:05,259 You have to be. You gotta be grimy. You have to be. 224 00:22:08,734 --> 00:22:10,436 that turned to 12 people. 225 00:22:11,682 --> 00:22:12,972 Then they figured out that they could get people that 226 00:22:21,245 --> 00:22:22,614 basically, formed like an all-star team 227 00:22:23,901 --> 00:22:25,787 of all the best telemarketers from all over the country. 228 00:22:42,519 --> 00:22:42,600 too. 229 00:22:42,600 --> 00:22:45,238 230 00:22:48,506 --> 00:22:50,838 They had masterminded work from home 231 00:23:02,052 --> 00:23:03,988 and by the time I was released, 232 00:23:05,344 --> 00:23:07,526 I was their number one caller. They didn't wanna lose me. 233 00:23:09,796 --> 00:23:10,930 "We'll hook you up in your room. 234 00:23:27,281 --> 00:23:29,848 Joyce, calling with a thank you call 235 00:23:31,234 --> 00:23:31,384 on behalf of the Police Athletic League. 236 00:23:34,389 --> 00:23:36,055 Joyce. 237 00:23:37,123 --> 00:23:38,958 you're not good. What's the matter, Joyce? 238 00:23:40,296 --> 00:23:40,996 What's the matter today? You're not feeling well? 239 00:23:43,031 --> 00:23:44,428 Have you been to a doctor? 240 00:23:45,609 --> 00:23:48,868 Ethel, how are you today? 241 00:23:48,868 --> 00:23:50,838 what's the matter, Ethel? 242 00:23:52,140 --> 00:23:54,437 (ETHEL SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) 243 00:23:55,810 --> 00:23:57,709 you get-- Do you have a walker? 244 00:23:58,980 --> 00:24:00,113 or... Okay. Okay. 245 00:24:01,583 --> 00:24:03,082 Nora? 246 00:24:04,421 --> 00:24:05,616 Nora, 247 00:24:09,034 --> 00:24:09,921 I know. Nora, I know you're in a hurry, 248 00:24:11,230 --> 00:24:12,228 but we just need one more second to make... Nora. 249 00:24:17,598 --> 00:24:18,665 Bitch didn't want to go 250 00:24:21,326 --> 00:24:22,238 knowing they gonna ask for a fucking credit card. 251 00:24:23,571 --> 00:24:27,338 That's what it was. Stinking bitch. 252 00:24:28,594 --> 00:24:28,907 ♪ (OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 253 00:24:32,209 --> 00:24:34,745 planning on getting married 254 00:24:35,810 --> 00:24:37,715 she left me. 255 00:24:37,715 --> 00:24:42,556 I got depressed, experimented with mescaline, 256 00:24:42,556 --> 00:24:44,557 and all of that culminated 257 00:25:12,680 --> 00:25:13,652 for all the good people that support the local officers 258 00:25:16,287 --> 00:25:18,256 you don't wanna help, just say you don't wanna help. 259 00:25:19,467 --> 00:25:20,759 bitch? 260 00:25:20,759 --> 00:25:24,562 yeah. This way, this way-- Well, Anna-- 261 00:25:27,487 --> 00:25:27,599 Hope your whole fucking neighborhood 262 00:25:47,818 --> 00:25:51,422 a.k.a. Jonathan Civella. 263 00:25:57,128 --> 00:26:00,302 (INDISTINCT CHATTER ON POLICE SCANNER) 264 00:26:02,701 --> 00:26:02,901 This is a police scanner. 265 00:26:04,635 --> 00:26:05,838 you know, I might be sitting here pitching somebody, 266 00:26:06,972 --> 00:26:08,842 he becomes intimidated. Why? 267 00:26:10,141 --> 00:26:12,345 Because now he thinks he's on the phone 268 00:26:14,948 --> 00:26:16,749 That's the dope right there. 269 00:26:24,185 --> 00:26:24,292 - But there's a guy coming. - SHEM: Yeah. Fuck him. 270 00:26:53,614 --> 00:26:55,722 SHEM: I do professional fundraising for law enforcement 271 00:27:00,930 --> 00:27:04,400 and we sell them on the idea of supporting the police. 272 00:27:08,833 --> 00:27:09,338 JEFF: 273 00:27:27,552 --> 00:27:28,988 I dial the number. 274 00:27:31,624 --> 00:27:32,291 I don't even know the name of the company. 275 00:27:35,626 --> 00:27:36,694 (INDISTINCT CHATTER ON PHONE) 276 00:27:37,696 --> 00:27:38,864 How're you doing now? Mike... (REDACTED) 277 00:27:47,005 --> 00:27:48,208 Mike? How are you? 278 00:27:57,654 --> 00:27:58,917 Sergeant Michael Davis, 279 00:28:00,322 --> 00:28:01,553 asked me to reach out to you directly. 280 00:28:02,796 --> 00:28:02,822 This is the time of year 281 00:28:05,656 --> 00:28:06,891 with all our good friends and professionals. 282 00:28:08,385 --> 00:28:09,161 Mike. 283 00:28:10,500 --> 00:28:12,896 MIKE: 284 00:28:14,001 --> 00:28:15,901 okay. So you... You know firsthand the importance... 285 00:28:23,162 --> 00:28:24,743 I apologize, hold on. 286 00:28:33,897 --> 00:28:34,453 we'd put you into the officers family referral. 287 00:28:35,941 --> 00:28:39,025 family, friend of an officer 288 00:28:40,112 --> 00:28:41,359 Mike, 289 00:28:42,723 --> 00:28:43,963 we do a very good job of recommending your name 290 00:28:45,267 --> 00:28:45,458 to our friends and family. 291 00:28:51,553 --> 00:28:52,137 - a multibillionaire overnight... - (CELL PHONE POWERS DOWN) 292 00:28:54,140 --> 00:28:59,344 my fucking battery died. My motherfucking battery died. 293 00:29:00,688 --> 00:29:04,449 bro. That was a goddamn sale. 294 00:29:04,449 --> 00:29:07,586 Come on. We gotta... We gotta get to a fucking... 295 00:29:09,072 --> 00:29:09,425 bro. 296 00:29:13,979 --> 00:29:14,998 SAM: 297 00:29:25,474 --> 00:29:26,973 MIKE: 298 00:29:29,578 --> 00:29:30,076 sorry about that, Mike. I was actually on detail 299 00:29:31,370 --> 00:29:33,479 and I dropped my phone in a puddle of water 300 00:29:53,102 --> 00:29:54,933 like a cup of coffee a day, 301 00:30:05,911 --> 00:30:06,880 My name and number's on the receipt. 302 00:30:14,084 --> 00:30:15,989 my friend, is how you make a sale. 303 00:30:17,234 --> 00:30:19,725 - (SNIFFS) - ♪ (TENSE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 304 00:30:44,119 --> 00:30:45,852 you got a bunch right here. Look. 305 00:30:51,357 --> 00:30:55,264 State Fraternal Order of Police. 306 00:31:06,469 --> 00:31:08,941 (PITCHING IN SPANISH) 307 00:32:03,461 --> 00:32:04,363 - SAM: It's such a crazy thing. - Yeah. 308 00:32:05,776 --> 00:32:06,197 like, the foreign businesses, 309 00:32:10,126 --> 00:32:10,602 when they get the calls, 310 00:32:11,974 --> 00:32:13,604 they seriously think the local police department 311 00:32:17,610 --> 00:32:20,579 their store, if they had those stickers, 312 00:32:22,814 --> 00:32:25,218 ♪ (PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 313 00:32:31,993 --> 00:32:34,463 So we drove up north to check it out. 314 00:32:38,572 --> 00:32:39,832 you know what? 315 00:32:45,170 --> 00:32:48,172 But I can remember the days where you would never-- 316 00:32:49,427 --> 00:32:49,974 man. 317 00:33:07,072 --> 00:33:09,128 000-dollar donation 318 00:33:15,365 --> 00:33:17,369 The doctor indicated that was a lot of money. 319 00:33:21,107 --> 00:33:22,902 He implied that he was-- 320 00:33:25,642 --> 00:33:27,412 The doctor started to become a little bit suspicious. 321 00:33:30,082 --> 00:33:32,185 and we told him that that had nothing to do with us. 322 00:33:33,185 --> 00:33:36,015 And we sent two detectives there the next day. 323 00:33:41,625 --> 00:33:43,229 and nobody here has ever heard of the Garden State 324 00:33:49,432 --> 00:33:51,136 325 00:33:54,147 --> 00:33:55,473 He's signing his name as a sergeant 326 00:33:56,761 --> 00:33:57,776 327 00:33:59,879 --> 00:34:01,880 PATRICK: So what came out of that? 328 00:34:04,812 --> 00:34:07,552 um, these organizations 329 00:34:09,705 --> 00:34:13,592 are operating just on the borderline of illegality. 330 00:34:14,959 --> 00:34:16,395 They disappear and reappear under a different name 331 00:34:18,199 --> 00:34:18,897 and it's pretty hard to track them down. 332 00:34:19,978 --> 00:34:20,599 once the money is donated, 333 00:34:21,885 --> 00:34:24,106 actually. 334 00:34:25,506 --> 00:34:29,708 man. - PATRICK: Same shit, different day. 335 00:34:29,708 --> 00:34:32,644 336 00:34:34,020 --> 00:34:35,081 and he wasn't just some dude who started up 337 00:34:39,693 --> 00:34:42,225 for the New Jersey State Fraternal Order of Police. 338 00:34:47,562 --> 00:34:48,531 SAM: Yeah. 339 00:35:02,662 --> 00:35:04,110 man? - SAM'S DAD: Whoa. The famous... 340 00:35:05,302 --> 00:35:05,645 how's it going? - (CHUCKLES) 341 00:35:15,219 --> 00:35:16,989 Jonah. 342 00:35:18,232 --> 00:35:18,425 man? - What's up? 343 00:35:21,346 --> 00:35:22,626 SAM'S MOM: 344 00:35:23,660 --> 00:35:24,497 - It's all right. - JONAH LIPMAN-STERN: Enjoy it? 345 00:35:36,306 --> 00:35:37,676 if we wanna get these, we're gonna have to get them... 346 00:35:40,512 --> 00:35:42,281 the only way to get 'em is gonna be 347 00:35:55,031 --> 00:35:57,395 - Yeah. - You're for the Fraternal Order of Police. 348 00:35:58,731 --> 00:35:58,831 - And you're gonna ask them... - Yeah. 349 00:36:05,000 --> 00:36:06,572 ♪ ("THE CRAZIES" BY MORTICIAN PLAYING OVER SPEAKER) ♪ 350 00:36:06,572 --> 00:36:10,510 SAM: I took my dad's advice and reached out to Bobby Gries 351 00:36:11,785 --> 00:36:12,710 352 00:36:14,246 --> 00:36:16,180 but they never responded to any of my emails. 353 00:36:16,180 --> 00:36:19,084 "Fuck it, let's go big." 354 00:36:20,264 --> 00:36:20,520 ♪ (TENSE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 355 00:36:25,290 --> 00:36:26,829 and he was like, "No..." 356 00:36:30,960 --> 00:36:33,764 (READS PROMPT) 357 00:36:34,962 --> 00:36:37,635 358 00:36:37,635 --> 00:36:41,006 359 00:36:42,440 --> 00:36:44,646 these lodges don't ever seem to get mentioned in the press. 360 00:36:48,989 --> 00:36:52,083 these FOP lodges just go ahead and hire a new one. 361 00:37:20,844 --> 00:37:23,652 SAM: 362 00:37:27,722 --> 00:37:27,752 (LAUGHS) 363 00:37:28,886 --> 00:37:31,257 no... 364 00:37:34,146 --> 00:37:34,792 There was all this weird shit happening. 365 00:37:36,147 --> 00:37:37,795 I was constantly looking in my rear-view mirror thinking 366 00:37:42,735 --> 00:37:46,205 And Pat was totally convinced that the people we'd called 367 00:37:55,733 --> 00:37:55,783 PATRICK: (OVER PHONE) 368 00:37:56,284 --> 00:37:57,520 (STAMMERS) 369 00:38:04,521 --> 00:38:05,991 Pat's excited. 370 00:38:05,991 --> 00:38:09,261 371 00:38:14,283 --> 00:38:14,600 " 372 00:38:15,951 --> 00:38:18,570 and I found this insane charity watchdog website. 373 00:38:18,570 --> 00:38:21,206 And it fucking had all the YouTube videos 374 00:38:33,750 --> 00:38:34,854 SAM: I emailed the guy who ran the site. 375 00:38:44,761 --> 00:38:45,664 MATT: It was like somebody that got a phone call 376 00:38:46,844 --> 00:38:47,767 from the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police. 377 00:38:49,079 --> 00:38:49,602 And he created this whole website 378 00:39:02,081 --> 00:39:03,114 he was a reverend. 379 00:39:04,177 --> 00:39:05,621 ♪ (GOSPEL MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 380 00:39:18,365 --> 00:39:19,768 ♪ If I get in trouble... ♪ 381 00:39:27,176 --> 00:39:28,576 pulling up the website. 382 00:39:35,822 --> 00:39:37,750 but he was public enemy number one. 383 00:40:05,227 --> 00:40:05,677 ♪ (GOSPEL MUSIC CONTINUES) ♪ 384 00:40:06,677 --> 00:40:08,116 SAM: I had no idea how to take this guy. 385 00:40:15,355 --> 00:40:19,191 that made us want to go interview him even more. 386 00:40:23,260 --> 00:40:23,928 what's up? 387 00:40:25,206 --> 00:40:26,831 Pat called me up, 388 00:40:28,136 --> 00:40:30,702 "Sorry, man, something came up, 389 00:40:38,342 --> 00:40:39,478 ♪ (GOSPEL MUSIC CONCLUDES) ♪ 390 00:40:42,180 --> 00:40:43,216 Holy Land Spiritual Church? 391 00:40:44,481 --> 00:40:45,751 "Protecting and serving the flock..." 392 00:40:47,031 --> 00:40:47,285 yeah. -"...since 1999." 393 00:40:48,729 --> 00:40:49,822 - Yeah. Protecting and serving the flock. - I like that. 394 00:40:51,990 --> 00:40:53,524 we're gonna do everything we can to either 395 00:40:55,326 --> 00:40:57,291 ♪ (TENSE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 396 00:40:58,291 --> 00:41:00,231 100 lodges, 397 00:41:04,469 --> 00:41:06,705 The regular person doesn't want a bunch of cops 398 00:41:07,968 --> 00:41:08,374 you know, 399 00:41:09,802 --> 00:41:11,144 but they shouldn't be asking 400 00:41:19,385 --> 00:41:19,552 but what it's really for 401 00:41:26,043 --> 00:41:27,993 but who watches out for you? 402 00:41:33,093 --> 00:41:35,101 benefits, and working conditions. 403 00:41:44,576 --> 00:41:44,811 O'BRIEN: "Thanks for your care and compassion 404 00:41:49,179 --> 00:41:49,313 They actually sent you a letter 405 00:41:50,849 --> 00:41:51,017 asking you to help police widows. 406 00:41:52,650 --> 00:41:52,986 Mm-hmm. And we are the police widows. 407 00:42:01,979 --> 00:42:02,694 and then didn't give a dime of it to any of them. 408 00:42:10,090 --> 00:42:10,802 Then Mike Byrne said the FOP exploited him 409 00:42:12,299 --> 00:42:13,072 and nearly 300 other disabled police officers 410 00:42:14,635 --> 00:42:15,407 by using convicted felons as telemarketers 411 00:42:16,970 --> 00:42:18,576 who allegedly misled people into thinking cops like Byrne 412 00:42:24,311 --> 00:42:25,854 I never received a dime from FOP. 413 00:42:32,750 --> 00:42:32,991 REPORTER: Where did the money go? 414 00:42:34,404 --> 00:42:34,861 Mark Donahue, says 415 00:42:41,160 --> 00:42:41,866 Hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent 416 00:42:43,969 --> 00:42:44,871 including golf outings and parties. 417 00:42:46,041 --> 00:42:47,639 000-dollar bill to pay for limousines 418 00:42:50,773 --> 00:42:51,343 attending Chicago's St. Patrick's Day parade. 419 00:42:52,876 --> 00:42:53,678 be my guest. 420 00:42:55,881 --> 00:42:57,052 make sure it gets there. 421 00:43:01,819 --> 00:43:03,825 SAM: 422 00:43:19,545 --> 00:43:20,072 " 423 00:43:21,383 --> 00:43:21,774 and then the group didn't give any money 424 00:43:31,516 --> 00:43:33,312 the FOP provides financial assistance 425 00:43:34,448 --> 00:43:35,420 to the families of member officers 426 00:43:38,256 --> 00:43:38,824 427 00:43:43,139 --> 00:43:43,995 but I actually felt kind of proud 428 00:43:45,292 --> 00:43:47,166 that the other ten percent was going to help the families 429 00:43:51,746 --> 00:43:53,406 it was the one thing you could feel good about. 430 00:43:54,861 --> 00:43:56,641 And to find out that only a fraction of that money 431 00:43:59,003 --> 00:43:59,982 it kinda fucked me up. 432 00:44:05,520 --> 00:44:06,284 heavy. 433 00:44:07,803 --> 00:44:08,652 SABRINA: And they do whatever they wanna do. 434 00:44:09,958 --> 00:44:12,892 quote-unquote, "legally." 435 00:44:18,565 --> 00:44:19,599 Ain't nothing to worry about. 436 00:44:29,343 --> 00:44:31,644 SAM: We started thinking of other police unions 437 00:44:34,782 --> 00:44:35,980 we're about to call that... 438 00:44:38,483 --> 00:44:43,489 The PBA was the second largest police union in the country 439 00:45:12,839 --> 00:45:16,926 about charity and organization fundraising in America. 440 00:45:19,293 --> 00:45:21,459 I... And that's why I wanted to interview you guys. 441 00:45:22,836 --> 00:45:26,397 The secretary was adamant that they don't use fundraisers. 442 00:45:29,854 --> 00:45:30,236 443 00:45:31,582 --> 00:45:33,372 444 00:45:34,849 --> 00:45:37,876 too. 445 00:45:37,876 --> 00:45:39,878 And they either left telemarketing 446 00:45:41,116 --> 00:45:42,851 depending on who you ask. 447 00:45:47,686 --> 00:45:48,187 right? 448 00:45:49,187 --> 00:45:50,457 let them. - SAM: Like, totally, they hate the FOP. 449 00:45:53,075 --> 00:45:54,993 it's Patrick J. Pespas, and we're out here today. 450 00:45:56,105 --> 00:45:57,697 We're gonna interview the vice president 451 00:46:00,730 --> 00:46:02,434 It's my understanding that they don't use 452 00:46:05,940 --> 00:46:08,277 uh, see what he has to say. 453 00:46:14,011 --> 00:46:15,114 preying on the elderly. 454 00:46:22,604 --> 00:46:24,322 They really don't-- don't like it. I know that. 455 00:46:34,393 --> 00:46:35,733 The Fraternal Order of Police have been... 456 00:46:35,733 --> 00:46:38,905 and if you look at their letter, 457 00:46:41,339 --> 00:46:44,010 cities, and neighborhoods safe, 458 00:46:48,741 --> 00:46:49,948 There's absolutely no correlation 459 00:46:52,371 --> 00:46:52,650 between donations and keeping your town safe. 460 00:46:54,207 --> 00:46:55,387 The law enforcement officers and the police departments 461 00:46:56,458 --> 00:46:56,488 take care of that. 462 00:46:57,608 --> 00:46:58,323 uh, it has nothing to do 463 00:47:02,172 --> 00:47:03,356 It seems like you're the only organization 464 00:47:05,762 --> 00:47:07,565 we've encountered how many organizations 465 00:47:09,346 --> 00:47:11,002 "How much can we make?" 466 00:47:12,350 --> 00:47:13,806 Look what you have to go through and sell your soul 467 00:47:20,664 --> 00:47:21,080 but the Fraternal Order of Police in their newsletter 468 00:47:29,490 --> 00:47:30,355 PATRICK: That's crazy. 469 00:47:31,633 --> 00:47:32,157 is there anything you personally 470 00:47:34,621 --> 00:47:36,996 would like to see happen as far as cleaning this whole game up? 471 00:47:38,304 --> 00:47:39,298 There is no way to clean it up. 472 00:47:40,586 --> 00:47:43,562 Regulating telemarketing is like regulating Somalia pirates. 473 00:47:44,615 --> 00:47:45,804 - (CHUCKLES) - Just can't be done. 474 00:47:45,804 --> 00:47:49,008 best way to do it is sink that ship. 475 00:47:50,037 --> 00:47:50,408 ♪ (SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 476 00:47:51,604 --> 00:47:53,178 these FOPs are always like, 477 00:47:58,754 --> 00:47:59,718 But how are you gonna blame the telemarketers 478 00:48:01,230 --> 00:48:01,821 if you're advertising for your cops 479 00:48:15,437 --> 00:48:17,904 you know? 480 00:48:29,647 --> 00:48:31,250 and it was actually my dad 481 00:48:51,252 --> 00:48:53,039 The whole reason that CDG had gotten shut down 482 00:48:56,800 --> 00:48:58,511 where they told people a hundred percent of the donation 483 00:49:00,279 --> 00:49:04,083 But the CDG owners all testified that the consultant model 484 00:49:06,947 --> 00:49:10,855 Dave Keezer testified it was the Indiana State FOP 485 00:49:12,035 --> 00:49:13,295 who came to CDG with the plan. 486 00:49:15,445 --> 00:49:15,862 And Scott Pasch testified 487 00:49:17,100 --> 00:49:18,229 they'd even threatened to fire CDG 488 00:49:19,518 --> 00:49:20,135 if they didn't go along with it. 489 00:49:21,302 --> 00:49:23,635 Maybe Keezer and Pasch were just lying. 490 00:49:23,635 --> 00:49:27,506 But then I saw an email from the Connecticut State FOP 491 00:49:27,506 --> 00:49:30,642 too. 492 00:49:32,030 --> 00:49:33,545 "We find that calls are often disconnected 493 00:49:38,516 --> 00:49:41,587 If we could add that 100 percent of all donations 494 00:49:57,101 --> 00:50:00,138 there were State FOPs signing off on the language. 495 00:50:01,504 --> 00:50:03,977 they'd even pitch old stories of dead cops 496 00:50:05,278 --> 00:50:07,479 even though their families had already gotten 497 00:50:13,950 --> 00:50:15,854 I couldn't understand how anybody could look at this 498 00:50:17,131 --> 00:50:18,990 and think CDG had acted alone. 499 00:50:22,394 --> 00:50:25,468 and told him I was making a movie about charity fraud. 500 00:50:27,701 --> 00:50:30,635 I actually used... That's where it all starts for me. 501 00:50:32,062 --> 00:50:35,007 uh, off and on throughout high school. 502 00:50:36,303 --> 00:50:40,145 um, thing, 503 00:50:44,583 --> 00:50:47,219 504 00:50:48,399 --> 00:50:50,492 like a real-life meeting with the U.S. government. 505 00:50:52,492 --> 00:50:56,099 And I was so fucking excited to tell Pat it was gonna happen. 506 00:51:01,969 --> 00:51:04,202 But Pat was fucking gone. 507 00:51:05,346 --> 00:51:05,538 (DOORBELL RINGING) 508 00:51:11,256 --> 00:51:11,576 (RINGING CONTINUES) 509 00:51:12,576 --> 00:51:12,748 (KNOCKING ON DOOR) 510 00:51:17,751 --> 00:51:19,950 how you doing? 511 00:51:24,782 --> 00:51:25,389 ♪ ("CHANGES" BY BLACK SABBATH PLAYING) ♪ 512 00:51:26,391 --> 00:51:27,760 SAM: I checked every corner of Plainfield. 513 00:51:29,118 --> 00:51:30,499 - (LINE RINGING) - SAM: There was no sign of him. 514 00:51:34,458 --> 00:51:35,434 (INAUDIBLE CONVERSATION) 515 00:51:35,434 --> 00:51:37,302 - ♪ I feel so sad... ♪ - (PHONE CHIMES) 516 00:51:45,045 --> 00:51:47,649 ♪ That I ever had ♪ 517 00:51:49,316 --> 00:51:51,217 ♪ She was my woman... ♪ 518 00:51:52,217 --> 00:51:53,251 Sam? 519 00:51:54,382 --> 00:51:55,253 I'm gonna eventually do some dope. 520 00:52:00,454 --> 00:52:01,659 It's gonna be the best dope I ever got in my life. 521 00:52:02,707 --> 00:52:04,163 522 00:52:07,201 --> 00:52:09,569 And I'm gonna drop fucking dead. 523 00:52:09,569 --> 00:52:16,476 ♪ I'm going through changes... ♪ 524 00:52:43,738 --> 00:52:44,707 Huh. 525 00:52:46,541 --> 00:52:47,510 Pat? 526 00:52:51,443 --> 00:52:52,278 ♪ (SONG CONCLUDES) ♪ 527 00:52:53,278 --> 00:52:55,884 ♪ (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING) ♪ 528 00:53:42,497 --> 00:53:44,267 ♪ (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC CONCLUDES) ♪