Inside the S.A.O Podcast

S1E1: Overview of the S.A.O

Welcome to ‘Inside the S.A.O.’ Our first podcast episode features an overview of the office from State’s Attorney John McCarthy. Assistant State’s Attorney Carlotta Woodward provides insight on how juvenile cases are handled and processed in Maryland’s criminal justice system. Assistant State’s Attorney Lynda Earle highlights the work of our Community Outreach Team.

S1E2: State V. Hollywood

Two of our top prosecutors, Assistant State’s Attorneys Teresa Casafranca and James Dietrich, weigh in on Hollywood verses reality when it comes to the criminal justice system in Montgomery County, MD. They also discuss some frequently asked questions about sentencing, parole and probation.

S1E3: Speak Up, Save a life

As part of our 'Speak Up, Save a Life' program, under the direction of State’s Attorney John McCarthy, the State’s Attorney’s Office visits public and private schools across Montgomery County to talk with our youth about the dangers of using illicit opioids and fentanyl. The guests for this episode include Assistant State’s Attorney Kimberly Cissel with our Overdose Prosecution Unit, Moises Rodriguez with our Community Outreach Team, and Jennifer Pisarra, who lost her son Michael to fentanyl. This episode of ‘Inside the S.A.O.’ is dedicated to Michael Pisarra.

S1E4: The Gold Bar Scam

Millions of dollars have been lost to this fraud scheme in Montgomery County, MD. International Organized Crime rings are targeting people in our community, often senior citizens, and stealing their life savings. Our office is prosecuting several cases at the local level and also working in partnership with the F.B.I. and Homeland Security. While Montgomery County Police have been able to intercept and prevent some of the handoffs, victims who have already handed over money in the form of gold bars have a very slim chance of ever getting that money back. State’s Attorney John McCarthy explains our efforts to educate the public. Assistant State’s Attorney Hannah Gleason and Detective Sean Petty with the Montgomery County Police Financial Crimes Section break down how the criminals operate and provide updates on our current cases.

S1E5: Got Jury Duty?!

This episode features a guest co-host, S.A.O. intern Ellen Aron, who grills Assistant State’s Attorney Robert Hill about the difference between being called to serve jury duty and being called to serve on the Grand Jury. Is there any sure-fire way to “get out” of serving?! And why you should actually NOT want to skip it.

S1E6: Don't Suffer in Silence

Everyone living in Montgomery County, MD, should be aware of the resources available at the F.J.C. (Family Justice Center). It’s a walk-in, one-stop-shop facility providing on the spot help for anyone experiencing domestic violence. Assistant State’s Attorney and Chief of our Special Victims Division, Debbie Feinstein, joins the Director of the F.J.C., Tom Manion, for an eye-opening discussion on the issues of domestic violence and child abuse. Just how prevalent are these crimes in our area and what can you do if you believe someone you know is a victim?