For use as a supplementary text for courses in Criminal Investigations or Criminal Law; a core text for Organized Crime, Terrorism, Drug Investigations, and Gang Investigations courses.

The only text on the market that covers the conduct of conspiracy investigations, this timely book describes in detail the methods used in complex criminal investigations that focus on terrorism, drugs, and sophisticated street gangs. Written by a retired DEA Supervisory Special Agent with experience teaching at the FBI Academy, it features many real-world examples and case scenarios.

(NOTE: Each chapter ends with a Summary.)

1. Introduction to Conspiracy Law.

Definition of Conspiracy. The Wharton Rule. Punishment for Conspiracy. Elements of the Crime of Conspiracy. Plurality Requirement. The Agreement. Overt Acts. Pinkerton Theory of Vicarious Liability. Withdrawal from the Conspiracy. Termination of the Conspiracy. Venue. Duration of the Conspiracy. Statute of Limitations.

2. Types of Criminal Conspiracies.

Ongoing Conspiracies. Historical Conspiracies. Dry Conspiracies. Chain Conspiracies. Cell Conspiracies. Wheel Conspiracies. Combination Wheel and Cell Conspiracies.

3. Advantages of Conducting Conspiracy Investigations.

Simplicity. Crime Prevention. Leverage. Exception to the Hearsay Rule of Evidence. Asset Forfeiture. Evidence Can Be Used in Multiple Trials.

4. Difficulties of Conducting Conspiracy Investigations.

Protracted in Nature. Manpower Intensity. Verification and Corroboration. "No Dope" Drug Conspiracies.

5. Developing Conspiracy Cases.

Confidential Informants. Undercover Agents. Asset Forfeiture Inquiries. Fixed and Mobile Surveillance. Pen Registers. Wiretaps and Technical Listening Equipment. Surveillance Cases. The Grand Jury. Coordination with Other Law Enforcement Agencies. Analytical Investigative Support. Public, Private, and Government Records. Polygraph Examinations. Mail Covers. Trash Runs. Photo Lineups. Search Warrants.

6. Drug Interdiction Conspiracy Cases.

Introduction. Courier Profiling. Approaching the Passenger. Hotel Profiling. Expanding the Initial Investigation. Other Considerations. Suggested Reading.

7. Coordination with the Prosecutor.

Charging All Crimes Committed by Conspirators. Sealed Indictments. Arrest Warrants. Material Witness Warrants. Grand Jury Proceedings. Immunity. Multiple Venues. Asset Forfeiture Procedures.

8. Defense Attorney Tactics.

Defendant Withdrew from the Conspiracy. Outrageous Government Conduct. Multiple Defendants. Entrapment. Mistaken Identity. Fabrication of Exculpatory Evidence. Placing the Investigator on Trial. Defendant Was Involved in an Entirely Different Conspiracy. The Blind Mule.

9. Extra-Judicial Renditions.

Introduction. The Formal Extradition Process. Setting the Trap. International Criminal Police Organization.

10. Overview of Terrorist Organizations.

Introduction. Motivation for Terrorism. Transnational Terrorist Organizations. The al-Qaida Network. Sub-National Terrorist Organizations. Combating Terrorism.

11. Overview of Drug Trafficking.

Introduction. Source Countries of Popular Illegal Drugs. Use of Confidential Informants in Drug Conspiracies. Covert Operations. Controlled Deliveries. Other Considerations. Suggested Reading.

12. Gang Profiles: Crips and Bloods.

Introduction. Gang Indentifiers. Friends and Enemies. Structure of the Organizations. Recruitment and Initiation. Violent Prison Behavior.

13. Terrorism Conspiracy Case Study.

Introduction. Conspiracy to Commit Air Piracy and Terrorist Acts Against the United States.

14. Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Case Study.

Introduction. Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.

15. Gang Conspiracy Case Study.

Introduction. Conspiracy to Commit Murder; Attempted Murder.


Appendix A: Sample Conspiracy Indictment.
Appendix B: The Zacarias Moussaoui Indictment.
Appendix C: U.S. v. Alvarez-Machain, 504 U.S. 655 (1992).
Appendix D: Osama bin Laden Conspiracy Indictment.