What happens when an IRS insider trades audits for anti-government conspiracies? In this week’s episode, we dive headfirst into the tangled world of the Tax Defier Movement a universe of pseudolegal theories, fringe seminars, cruise-ship conferences, and people who genuinely believe the income tax is optional.

Our case study? Sherry Peel Jackson, a former IRS agent, CPA, and Certified Fraud Examiner who went from enforcing the tax law… to denying it applies at all. After discovering a full-page ad claiming that “income taxes is a fraud,” Jackson fell down a rabbit hole of books, seminars, and misinformation that would eventually lead to a four-year federal prison sentence.

Join Dominique and Tom as they trace Jackson’s journey from respected IRS employee to one of the most notable faces of the modern anti-tax movement. Along the way, you’ll hear:

How an ad in USA Today helped fuel a nationwide surge in tax-defier ideology The rise (and spectacular fall) of the Global Prosperity and PQI schemes Why cruise ships are apparently the unofficial headquarters of tax fraud The most common (and most debunked) myths tax defiers swear by Section 861, the 16th Amendment, 5th Amendment claims, and more How the IRS and DOJ have responded to the growing wave of “tax truthers” Why rhetorical attacks on the legitimacy of the tax system not lost revenue pose the real threat

This episode untangles the conspiratorial logic behind the Tax Defier Movement and shows why these arguments fail in court every. single. time. Spoiler: judges don’t accept “I am a sovereign citizen of my own bedroom” as a legal defense.

By the end, you'll understand how an intelligent, credentialed professional can get swept into a movement built on flimsy interpretations and wishful thinking and why the IRS will never, ever buy the claim that taxes are voluntary.

If you’ve ever wondered how misinformation spreads, who profits from it, and why so many smart people fall for bad tax advice… this episode is your case study.

What happens when a man who built a $200 million business on lies tries to warn you about someone else’s fraud?

In this Tax Crime Junkies Fine Line Files special edition, Dominique sits down with Barry Minkow—the teenage mastermind behind ZZZZ Best, the ex-con-turned-pastor-turned-SEC informant—for a one-of-a-kind interview.

But this isn’t the redemption arc you might expect.

Instead, Dom gets a front-row seat to monologue filled with red flags, Reg D horror stories, and just enough self-awareness to leave you wondering: Is he helping protect people—or just starring in his next act?

In this episode, you’ll hear:

🔹 Why Reg D investment deals are a playground for fraud 🔹 How repeat offenders can sound convincing—even while making confessions 🔹 What Barry says about his own history, and the victims he now advocates for 🔹 The subtle, dangerous charisma of a career con man

And the chilling takeaway from Barry himself:

“Perpetrators of financial fraud can’t guard the front door. And only a crook like me would know that.”

🎧 This episode is a warning, a case study, and a reminder: even a man who lies for a living can sometimes tell the truth. But that doesn’t mean you should trust him.

Call to Action: Have you seen a shady Reg D deal pitched to one of your clients? Know a repeat fraudster who keeps popping up in the industry? We want to hear your story. Leave us a voicemail on our hotline or DM us @TaxCrimeJunkies.

Subscribe, share, and remember: Stay curious. Stay vigilant. And stay on the right side of The Fine Line.

He was a teenage millionaire. A carpet-cleaning king. A Wall Street darling. Then, a convict. Then, a pastor. Then… a convict again.

In this jaw-dropping episode of Tax Crime Junkies, Dom and Tom unravel the unbelievable story of Barry Minkow, a man whose life has more plot twists than a Hollywood thriller (ironically, there is a Hollywood movie about him—he starred in it as himself).

We begin in Reseda, California, where 16-year-old Barry launched ZZZZ Best, a carpet cleaning company that he turned into a $200 million publicly traded corporation... built entirely on lies. But Minkow didn’t stop there. After being convicted of 57 felonies and spending years in prison, he reinvented himself as a pastor and fraud investigator—only to fall back into scandal, stealing millions from his own congregation and defrauding investors again.

In this episode, you'll hear:

🔹 How Barry faked restoration jobs, forged documents, and got mob ties to help his company go public 🔹 His time in prison and seemingly miraculous comeback as a man of faith and fraud-busting crusader 🔹 The real story behind the self-funded biopic "Minkow" — and the new crimes he committed while filming it 🔹 How he ran scams from the pulpit, stealing from widows and churches, and manipulated the justice system 🔹 Why even after serving two prison terms, Barry is still out there today... on TikTok, Instagram, and filing whistleblower claims with the SEC

This episode isn't just a cautionary tale about fraud—it’s a look into the psychology of a man addicted to the con. Barry’s story raises deeper questions: Can a person like him ever be reformed? Or does the con always find its way back in?

Key Takeaways:

✅ Some Ponzi schemes are built on greed—others on charisma, charm, and a craving to be adored ✅ Redemption stories can be real… but sometimes they’re just sequels to a long-running scam ✅ If the pastor’s asking for a PayPal account linked to your Discover card, maybe say no

📲 Subscribe, rate, and share if you love true crime, financial fraud, and untangling the lies behind the biggest scams in tax history.

📸 Follow us on Instagram and X: @TaxCrimeJunkies 🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode Summary:

After the rise and fall of San Diego real estate mogul Gina Champion-Cain—and her infamous $400 million Ponzi scheme—Dom is back with a solo deep dive into how these schemes actually work and, more importantly, how you can protect yourself from becoming the next victim. From fake escrow officers (looking at you, Wendy Reynolds) to catfishing crypto investors with “pig butchering” scams, this episode is your survival guide to spotting fraud before it bankrupts your wallet and your faith in humanity.

What You’ll Learn: 🔍 The psychological tricks scammers use to win your trust 💰 The anatomy of a Ponzi scheme—and how to recognize one from a mile away 🚩 Red flags that mean “get out now” (including promises of guaranteed returns and urgency tactics) 📉 Why real investing should be boring—and why exciting means “investigate further” 👀 How to vet people, projects, and platforms before investing a single dollar

Real Talk Quotes from Dom: 💬 “If it smells like Wendy Reynolds, it’s probably a scam.” 💬 “Real investing is boring. But boring doesn’t end with the FBI seizing your beach house.” 💬 “Don’t get caught sending your life savings to a guy named ‘CryptoBrad_420’ with an Instagram full of borrowed Lamborghinis.”

Resources Mentioned:

• FINRA BrokerCheck

• SEC Investment Scam Alerts

• Secret Service Crypto Fraud Reporting

• AARP Fraud Resource Center

Why You Should Listen: ✔️ You’re curious about how Ponzi schemes work and why they’re still so effective ✔️ You want to protect yourself (or a friend) from online romance-investment fraud ✔️ You love a good story and a healthy dose of fraud-sniffing sarcasm

🎧 Listen Now on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your scams—I mean, shows.

📨 Have a story tip or fraud tale of your own? Drop us a line—anonymous confessions welcome.

Until next time: Stay curious. Stay vigilant. And stay on the right side of the fine line.

In this gripping episode of Tax Crime Junkies, we dive deep into the rise and fall of Gina Champion-Cain, a woman who once enjoyed the high life of San Diego’s real estate elite—until she became the mastermind behind one of the most infamous Ponzi schemes in history.

Gina Champion-Cain, self-proclaimed “nice Catholic girl from Michigan,” made a name for herself in the real estate world, taking on high-profile projects and even earning accolades such as “Gina Champion-Cain Day” in San Diego. But behind the glamorous exterior, her empire was built on lies, deception, and millions of dollars siphoned off from unsuspecting investors.

We take you through the fascinating story of how Gina’s ambition, fueled by desperation and the desire to maintain her image, led her down a criminal path. With a carefully crafted Ponzi scheme disguised as a legitimate liquor license lending program, Gina manipulated friends, business partners, and even her trusted employees into believing they were part of something successful—when in reality, it was all a fantasy.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The Rise: From college dropout to a successful real estate mogul, Gina’s journey to the top included some bold moves, but also some major fabrications in her business dealings.

• The Fall: The unraveling of Gina’s Ponzi scheme, which led to charges of conspiracy, securities fraud, and obstruction of justice. We explore how her financial house of cards collapsed and the devastating impact it had on her victims.

• The Method: Learn how Gina operated her Ponzi scheme, including how she used fake names, forged documents, and manipulated escrow accounts to deceive investors. She even created a fake escrow officer, Wendy Reynolds, who never existed.

• The Consequences: Discover how Gina’s actions impacted her victims—some of whom were lifelong friends—leading to a cumulative loss of over $183 million. We also discuss the role of Chicago Title and the complicity that led to a $187 million settlement for victims.

• The Redemption? After her conviction, Gina claims to have turned a new leaf, but is her redemption story just another attempt to please people? What’s next for the woman who once made her living off of lies?

Key Takeaways:

• Gina’s rise to fame was built on talent, charisma, and deception. She knew how to make people believe in her, even when her business dealings were anything but legitimate.

• The psychological profile of a Ponzi schemer: Gina’s addiction to pleasing people and maintaining her image led her to cross moral and legal lines, leaving a trail of broken trust in her wake.

• The fallout from Gina’s Ponzi scheme affected hundreds of investors, from wealthy individuals to friends and family members who had placed their trust in her.

• Despite claiming she wants to help her victims recover, Gina’s history raises questions about whether she can truly turn over a new leaf—or if her desire to “help” is just another part of her con.

Stay tuned for more juicy details and shocking revelations as we uncover the story of one of the most prolific female Ponzi scheme artists in history.

Subscribe to Tax Crime Junkies for more stories about financial crimes and the trail of deceit they leave behind. We’re here to uncover the truth and expose the scams that fool even the most seasoned investors.

Follow us on social media @TaxCrimeJunkies for updates and exclusive content.

What happens when the person sworn to protect your paycheck is secretly shopping for a yacht on the company dime?

In this episode of The Fine Line Files, Dom dives solo into the murky waters of leadership corruption—from union bosses with designer tastes to corporate execs who think “transparency” is a four-letter word. Building off the Tax Crime Junkies episode Blue Betrayal: How a Union Boss Went Rogue, this episode peels back the curtain on how unethical leadership starts, how to spot it, and why your financial future depends on speaking up. Listen in to hear how far the corruption extends beyond just Karen Read!

• What the heck is going on with union embezzlement—and why it matters

• The 5 unmistakable red flags of unethical leadership (file under: 🚩🚩🚩)

• How even nonprofits and government agencies fall into the fraud trap

• Why transparency isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifeline

• The hilarious (and horrifying) ways corrupt leaders fail to cover their tracks

• What YOU can do to protect your organization, your money, and your peace of mind

💬 “If your union boss is vacationing in Bali while you’re still waiting for dental benefits... congratulations, you’ve spotted a corruption unicorn.” – Dom 💬 “Honestly, if your leader dodges questions about finances like a raccoon avoiding a flashlight, that’s not visionary leadership—it’s a red flag buffet.” – Dom 💬 “Fraud doesn’t always wear a ski mask. Sometimes, it wears a tailored suit and has a very convincing PowerPoint.” – Dom

✔️ You’ve worked in or around leadership and want to understand the signs of financial misconduct ✔️ You’re fascinated by the intersection of money, power, and moral flexibility ✔️ You’ve got a sense of humor—and a healthy distrust of unmonitored expense accounts ✔️ You want to make sure your organization doesn’t end up in next week’s episode

Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and everywhere you like to binge your financial fraud with a side of sarcasm.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your favorite board member (the one who still uses AOL mail).

Have a hot tip or tale of shady leadership? Slide into our inbox—we’d love to hear it.

Until next time... stay curious, stay vigilant, and stay on the right side of the fine line.

In this week’s episode of Tax Crime Junkies, we take you behind the badge into one of the most shocking scandals to hit the Massachusetts State Police union. Meet Dana Pullman, the union boss who turned SPAM (State Police Association of Massachusetts) into his personal piggy bank. From backdoor kickbacks to romantic getaways funded by union dues, Pullman’s crimes weren’t just a betrayal of his organization—they were a masterclass in how not to run a union.

Join Dominique and Tom as they unravel the fraud, bribes, and downright audacity that led to Pullman’s downfall. Along the way, they’ll explore how the IRS pieced together the trail of corruption and share how even small financial missteps can lead to massive legal consequences. Listen in to hear how far the corruption extends beyond just Karen Read!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Dana Pullman misused police union funds for personal gain.
• The role of kickbacks and disguised payments in Pullman’s schemes.
• How the IRS uncovered the fraud and tied it to false tax returns.
• The importance of receipts, documentation, and transparency (hint: don’t throw away your expense reports).
• How Pullman’s defense attorney tried to argue “bad vibes” instead of facts.

Episode Highlights:

• Union Funds Gone Wild: From $9,000 in flowers to $2,000 in iTunes charges, Pullman treated the union debit card like his personal expense account.
• Kickbacks and Coverups: Learn how Pullman and lobbyist Anne Lynch funneled bribes disguised as “consulting fees” and thought they could outsmart the IRS.
• Romantic Getaways: When union dues become a ticket to Miami—and how the IRS found out.
• The Vibes Defense: Yes, you read that right—Pullman’s lawyer argued the prosecution was based on “bad vibes.”
• The Fallout: Jail time, fines, and the lingering impact on the union and its members.

Memorable Quotes:

• “If you’re going to steal, don’t use the company debit card. And maybe, just maybe, keep the receipts.” – Dom
• “When your treasurer tells you the union is ‘getting screwed,’ maybe take the hint.” – Tom
• “Vibes don’t pay taxes, and they definitely don’t cover fraud.” – Dom

Resources and Links:

• Learn more about us at taxcrimejunkies.com
• Follow us on social media: @taxcrimejunkies on Twitter and Instagram

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Your support helps us keep bringing you the wildest tales of tax crimes and financial fraud. Have a story idea or feedback? Reach out to us on our website or social media—we’d love to hear from you!

Life insurance is meant to provide financial security for loved ones after a loss. But what happens when a policy becomes a motive for crime? In this episode of The Fine Line Files, we explore the dark world of life insurance fraud—from suspicious claims to staged deaths, foreign death fraud, and the murky legal landscape that insurers must navigate when fraud is suspected.

We’ll break down the financial incentives behind suspicious life insurance claims, the warning signs investigators look for, and the infamous cases where life insurance played a pivotal role in premeditated crimes. And, as a shocking twist, we’ll discuss how some fraudsters fake their own deaths, including the bizarre case of QuadrigaCX’s Gerald Cotten—whose mysterious death in India left investors missing millions in cryptocurrency. Did he really die, or did he disappear with the money?

From legal loopholes to exotic schemes that involve fake documents and even morgue bribery, we explore the fine line between a tragic accident and a criminal conspiracy.

💰 The Psychology Behind Suspicious Life Insurance Claims – Why financial incentives can drive crime 💰 How Investigators Spot Red Flags in Fraudulent Claims – The key evidence insurers use to detect deception 💰 The Fine Line Between an Accident, Suicide, and Premeditated Murder – When life insurance becomes a motive 💰 How Some People Fake Their Own Deaths – From fake documents to staged bodies, the underground business of vanishing 💰 The QuadrigaCX Scandal & Gerald Cotten’s ‘Death’ in India – When millions in cryptocurrency disappear with the deceased

🔹 A Policy Too Convenient – Why sudden life insurance policy changes before death are a red flag 🔹 The Foreign Death Conundrum – How insurers investigate claims from unfamiliar jurisdictions 🔹 The Dark Side of Insurance – Famous fraud cases where murder was the ultimate financial plan 🔹 The ‘Death Kit’ Market – The shocking ways criminals fake their deaths, from phony documents to bribed officials 🔹 QuadrigaCX & The Missing Millions – How a crypto CEO’s mysterious death in India left investors stranded and sparked conspiracy theories

📝 “Sometimes, the biggest red flag in a life insurance case isn’t the death itself—it’s the money trail left behind.” 📝 “If you think faking your death is impossible, think again—there’s an entire underground industry making it happen.” 📝 “When the only asset in the will is a life insurance policy, it’s time to start asking questions.” 📝 “Is Gerald Cotten dead—or is he sipping cocktails on a beach, laughing at the crypto world?”

🔎 Learn More About Life Insurance Fraud: Corporate Finance Institute – Fraud Red Flags 🔎 Investigating Suspicious Deaths Overseas: Watkins Firm – Commingling Funds & Assets 🔎 What to Do If You Suspect a Fraudulent Life Insurance Claim: Indinero Guide

📩 Have a tip or case suggestion? Contact us at TaxCrimeJunkies.com 📣 Follow us on social media: @TaxCrimeJunkies on Instagram & Twitter 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Your support helps us bring more deep-dive crime investigations to your ears.

🔎 Stay Curious. Stay Vigilant. Stay on the right side of the Fine Line.