The Jim Rathmann Show

True Crime

Welcome to The Jim Rathmann Show — where former Secret Service agent, homicide investigator, and LSU athlete Jim Rathmann takes a deep dive into some of the most complex and controversial cases in America.

In this new multi-part series, Jim breaks down the Melanie Curtin case — one of the most shocking, misunderstood, and mishandled cases to come out of Louisiana.
Before you continue, trigger warning: this episode contains sensitive and disturbing subject matter involving crimes against children and graphic criminal behavior.

EP01 The Melanie Curtin Case - Part 1

Welcome to The Jim Rathmann Podcast — where former Secret Service agent, homicide investigator, and LSU athlete Jim Rathmann takes a deep dive into some of the most complex and controversial cases in America. In this new multi-part series, Jim breaks down the Melanie Curtin case — one of the most shocking, misunderstood, and mishandled cases to come out of Louisiana. Before you continue, trigger warning: this episode contains sensitive and disturbing subject matter involving crimes against children and graphic criminal behavior. In this episode, Jim covers: His background in law enforcement at the local, state, and federal levels How the arrest of Dennis and Cynthia Perkins exposed hundreds of thousands of disturbing files How a single video from 2014 pulled Melanie Curtin into the case years later Why Melanie became the first woman in Louisiana to receive life without parole for a woman-on-woman crime The major exculpatory evidence that was not allowed in court Why Jim — who once worked directly with Denny Perkins — believes a massive injustice occurred What the upcoming retrial (November 17) could reveal How victim testimony, missing follow-up questions, and blocked evidence shaped the original outcome The timeline leading from the 2014 LSU–Alabama game to Melanie’s arrest in 2020 The emergency room records, text messages, and digital evidence that point to the possibility Melanie was drugged Why critical search history from Denny’s devices — showing patterns and predatory behavior — was kept from the jury Insight from a juror who sat on Melanie’s case This is Part 1 of a full investigative breakdown. In Part 2, Jim will walk you through what happened inside the courtroom, the jury’s perspective, and what was kept out that may have changed everything. If you care about justice, truth, and accountability, don’t miss this series.

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EP02 The Melanie Curtin Case - Part 2

In this episode of The Jim Rathmann Show, Jim returns with Part Two of the Melanie Curtin case and takes you inside the trial that led to her life sentence without parole – and why higher courts later called that conviction into question.
Jim breaks down:
How a 17-minute video from November 8, 2014 (the night LSU played Alabama) became the centerpiece of the prosecution’s case
What really happened in that video according to Juror #3, including key details the jury wasn’t allowed to fully understand
The expert witness controversy, including a toxicology expert testifying about impairment from a still photo
How exculpatory evidence, prior patterns, internet search histories, and the victim’s own background and sworn affidavit were kept away from the jury
The intense, allegedly coercive and hostile jury deliberations that ended with a guilty verdict after threats, shouting, and even a juror punching a wall
Why the First Circuit Court of Appeal and later the Louisiana Supreme Court both agreed that Melanie did not receive a fair trial and ordered the conviction tossed
What happened to Melanie next – ankle monitor, restricted movement, and the Attorney General’s continued push to retry the case
Jim also exposes the alleged contradictions between the victim’s testimony and her own past statements and documents, and raises serious questions about perjury, prosecutorial strategy, and the integrity of the criminal justice process in this case.
TRIGGER WARNING:
This episode discusses sex crimes, alleged drugging, abuse, and crimes involving children. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
Start with Part One if you haven’t watched it yet so this breakdown makes sense in full context.
Stay tuned for Part Three, where Jim will finally reveal the specific evidence that was excluded and why it could completely change how you see this case.
Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss Part 3.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

EP03 The Melanie Curtin Case - Part 3

In this episode of The Jim Rathmann Podcast, former homicide investigator and U.S. Secret Service agent Jim Rathmann returns for Part 3 of the Melanie Curtin case and breaks down the exculpatory evidence a jury never heard.
Jim walks through the internet search history and alleged fetish patterns of disgraced deputy Danny Perkins, the role-playing dynamics with his then-wife, and why that context matters for understanding the 17-minute video at the center of Melanie’s mandatory life sentence. He explains what the appeals court ruled, why the original conviction was tossed, and what evidence will finally be allowed into Melanie’s upcoming retrial in November 2025.
You will hear Jim’s perspective on:
What exculpatory evidence was kept from the jury
How the “rape shield” law was used in this case
Why juror #3 says they felt misled after the trial
The impact of media headlines linking Melanie to crimes against children
What the Attorney General’s office knew, presented, or allegedly withheld
Why Jim believes Melanie did not receive a fair and impartial trial
Jim also shares his personal connection to Danny Perkins from their days working together in law enforcement, and how it felt to learn the truth about someone he once trusted with his life.
As Melanie faces a second trial and the key witness prepares to take the stand again, Jim asks you to look at the facts for yourself and decide: Was Melanie Curtin given a fair trial, or was she used to make a narrative stick?
TRIGGER WARNING:
This episode discusses sex crimes, alleged drugging, abuse, and crimes involving children. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
Start with Part One if you haven’t watched it yet so this breakdown makes sense in full context.
Stay tuned for Part Four, where Jim will wrap up reveal the case.
Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss Part 4.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

EP04 The Melanie Curtin Case - Part 4

Welcome back to The Jim Rathmann Podcast. In this Part 4 deep dive into the Melanie Curtin case, Jim walks you through exactly why the First Circuit Court of Appeal threw out her conviction and what the Louisiana Supreme Court decided next. From excluded evidence to prejudicial testimony, he breaks down the legal moves that led to Melanie’s case being overturned and what it really means for her future in court.
Jim unpacks the seven key issues the appellate court identified, including the internet search history that was kept from the jury, the role-playing and fetish evidence that was blocked, and the unrelated videos that were allowed in and helped sway the jury. He also examines the recent legal wrangling over what can be presented at the new trial, the push to close the courtroom, and why that matters for Melanie’s constitutional right to a fair and public proceeding.
You will also hear about the juror misconduct allegations, the chaotic deliberation room, the victims who fought subpoenas to avoid testifying, and the investigator decisions that raise serious questions about bias and selective prosecution. Jim explains why he believes this case is a textbook example of malicious prosecution and a complete miscarriage of justice, and why he feels strongly that Melanie Curtin does not belong in prison for life.
If you care about true crime, constitutional rights, and how the system is supposed to work, this episode will challenge you to look past headlines and dig into the facts. Jim encourages you to read the public records, review the transcripts yourself, and decide where you stand.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

EP05 764 EXPOSED: The Digital Cult Targeting Children

Welcome back to The Jim Rathmann Podcast. Today’s episode covers one of the most disturbing and urgent threats facing children online today — the rise of a digital extremist network known as 764, a group the FBI has identified as a form of modern-day terrorism.

Jim breaks down how 764 operates across platforms like Discord, Telegram, Roblox, and Minecraft, how they specifically target vulnerable kids ages 9–17, and the terrifying grooming tactics they use — from emotional manipulation to coercion, self-harm, animal cruelty, and even suicide.

This episode also explores the heartbreaking case of 13-year-old Jay Taylor, whose death exposed the global scale of this network and triggered major FBI investigations spanning the U.S., Australia, and Germany. Jim walks through how predators build trust, obtain personal data, and weaponize shame to control their victims.

Parents, guardians, educators, and anyone responsible for children must see this episode. Jim shares the red flags to watch for, behavior changes that could signal online exploitation, and the critical steps families must take to protect their children.

If you witness or suspect online exploitation, report it immediately:

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: www.ic3.gov

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: www.missingkids.org

NCMEC Hotline: 1-800-THE-LOST

A full multi-part series is coming, including expert interviews and former FBI investigators who have worked these cases firsthand.

Stay vigilant. Protect your children. Share this episode with anyone who needs to know what is happening online.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

EP06 764 EXPOSED: From Roblox to Bomb Threats - Interview with Det. Thomas VanTasel

In this powerful and deeply unsettling episode, Jim Rathmann exposes the dark reality of the 764 network, a nihilistic violent extremist movement targeting children through online gaming platforms like Roblox, Discord, and other digital spaces.

Jim breaks down a real case out of Vernon, Connecticut, involving a 17-year-old honor roll student who was groomed, exploited, and ultimately manipulated into becoming an active participant in online bomb threats, swatting incidents, and digital extortion. What began as victimization escalated into coordinated threats against schools, religious institutions, public libraries, and government buildings, triggering a massive law enforcement response across state and federal agencies.

Joining Jim is Detective Thomas Van Tassel of the Vernon Police Department, a nationally recognized investigator with deep expertise in digital forensics and online extremism. Together, they unpack how the case unfolded, how investigators identified digital patterns across international borders, and why the FBI has labeled networks like 764 a modern-day terrorist threat.

Most importantly, this episode equips parents, educators, and guardians with critical insight into:

How children are groomed online through gaming and chat platforms

Warning signs of online exploitation and self-harm

How extremist groups manipulate vulnerable youth

Practical steps parents can take to protect their children’s devices and digital lives

This is not fear-mongering. This is awareness. And it may save a life.

If you have children who game online, this episode is required listening.

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode contains descriptions of child exploitation, grooming, self-harm, and suicide. Listener discretion is strongly advised. The information shared is for educational and awareness purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement or the appropriate authorities right away.

Stay tuned for more episodes to come., where Jim will wrap up reveal the case.

Follow Jim on Instagram: @therealjimrathmann

Special thanks to our partners: Podgo and Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing this show.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

EP07 764 EXPOSED: The Origin of 764 - Interview with Ali Winston

In this gripping episode of The Jim Rathmann Show, Jim dives deep into the disturbing rise of 764—a decentralized, predatory network that has moved far beyond the traditional boundaries of online crime. With a major new case surfacing in California, the threat is no longer theoretical; it is on our doorstep.

To pull back the curtain on this digital underworld, Jim is joined by acclaimed investigative journalist Ali Winston. Winston, known for his relentless reporting on extremist groups and surveillance, breaks down the dark origins of 764. Together, they trace how this group evolved from fringe chat rooms into a sophisticated machine designed for "extortion-as-a-sport" and the psychological destruction of the vulnerable.

In this episode, we discuss:

The California Connection: An inside look at the latest case sent shockwaves through local law enforcement.

The Genesis of Terror: Ali Winston reveals the ideological and technical roots of the 764 network.

Digital Warfare: How 764 uses "sextortion" and "blackmail" as tools for control rather than profit.

This is a must-listen for parents, educators, and law enforcement. The digital landscape has changed, and the predators of 764 are playing by a much more dangerous set of rules.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Cemetery Thief: Selling the Dead for Profit

In this episode of The Jim Rathmann Show, Jim dives into one of the most depraved criminal cases of his career—one that blurs the line between a criminal investigation and a real-life horror movie. When historic graves began to be desecrated at the Civil War–era Mount Moriah Cemetery near Philadelphia, investigators expected a case of simple vandalism; instead, they uncovered a gruesome, multi-state enterprise run by 34-year-old Jonathan Gerlach. Jim breaks down the investigation that led to the discovery of over 100 sets of human remains hidden in Gerlach’s home and storage units, ranging from centuries-old skeletons to recent burials still containing pacemakers and even the remains of infants.

Jim walks you through every chilling detail of the investigation, beginning with how old-school police instincts combined with modern license plate readers and DNA evidence to catch a grave robber in the act. He takes you inside the search warrants that uncovered a macabre collection of bodies staged for display and skulls packaged for shipment, revealing the dark pipeline to the online oddities market. You’ll learn how stolen remains are funneled through private Facebook groups and digital marketplaces to oddities collectors seeking everything from human bones for "art" to skin for tanning. Jim also exposes the shocking legal loopholes regarding "antique" remains that allow this underground oddities trafficking to persist across state lines, while reflecting on the devastating emotional toll inflicted on families whose loved ones were stolen from their final resting places.

Follow Jim on Instagram: @therealjimrathmann

Special thanks to our partners: Podgo and Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing this show.

Fake Ashes, Stolen Bodies: The Shocking Harvard Medical School Morgue Scandal

Harvard morgue scandal exposed. In this episode of The Jim Rathmann Podcast, Jim breaks down one of the most disturbing criminal cases in recent history: the Harvard Medical School morgue scandal involving stolen human remains, fake ashes, and a nationwide black-market network.

What began as a trusted donation to science turned into a years-long nightmare for hundreds of families.

From 2018–2023, Harvard Medical School morgue manager Cedric Lodge allegedly orchestrated the theft and sale of human body parts, allowing buyers to hand-select remains and shipping them across the country. Families were given fake ashes while their loved ones were trafficked as “oddities.”

Jim walks through:

How donated cadavers were stripped, sold, and resold nationwide

The shocking role of accomplices and oddity dealers

The investigation that finally cracked the case

The devastating impact on families who trusted elite institutions

The horrifying story behind the Lux Law, created after a stillborn infant’s remains were sold instead of cremated

This episode isn’t just about crime — it’s about trust, accountability, and honoring the dead. If this could happen at Harvard, where else could it be happening?

Stay tuned for more episodes to come., where Jim will wrap up reveal the case.

Follow Jim on Instagram: @therealjimrathmann

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Special thanks to our partners: Podgo and Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing this show.

Cyber Warfare: Dr. James McGibney

In this hard-hitting episode, Jim sits down with Dr. James McGibney, the founder of Bullyville and the investigator featured in the Netflix documentary The Most Hated Man on the Internet.

Dr. McGibney breaks down the real-world dangers happening online right now, from revenge porn and cyberstalking to extremist grooming networks targeting kids. In a powerful segment of the show, Jim and James discuss 764, exposing the disturbing reality of these online predatory networks and what parents must know to keep their children safe.

You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes story of the takedown of IsAnyoneUp.com and how Hunter Moore became one of the internet’s most notorious villains. Jim and Dr. McGibney also talk about military brotherhood, surviving childhood trauma, and what it takes to go to war with online predators and bullies.

Inside the Episode

We dive deep into the mechanics of online harassment and the practical steps you can take to harden your home's defenses:

The Predator’s Playbook: How cyberbullies operate and why they feel untouchable behind a screen.

The Dark Web Economy: Understanding the underground markets for harassment, extortion, and stalking-for-hire.

Hardening Your Home Network: Why you should separate your home Wi-Fi into multiple networks and how to monitor traffic via your router.

Digital Parenting: Crucial conversations about screenshots, "disappearing" apps, and the permanency of a digital footprint.

Taking Action: How victims can request the removal of intimate images from search results and what to do when the legal system falls short.

Resources mentioned:

Bullyville (help and reporting)

Bully Hunter (A&E)

Search: “Google remove unwanted image-based sexual abuse” to find the removal request form

If you or someone you love is dealing with cyberstalking, harassment, sextortion, or online abuse, share this episode with them.

Subscribe for more deep dives into cybercrime, investigations, and real-world threats.

Comment below: What’s the biggest online safety concern you have for your family right now?

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode contains descriptions of child exploitation, grooming, self-harm, and suicide. Listener discretion is strongly advised. The information shared is for educational and awareness purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement or the appropriate authorities right away.

Follow Jim on Instagram: @therealjimrathmann

Special thanks to our partners: Podgo and Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing this show.

Sponsored by: Podgo Services

Produced at: Hi Hello Labs (Orlando, FL)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.