Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

During the Prohibition era and the rise of organized crime in the early 20th century, Meyer Lansky emerged as one of the figures who helped shape the modern American mob. Through his partnerships with Charles “Lucky” Luciano and Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, he became closely tied to the development of legalized gambling in Las Vegas and casino operations in Cuba, earning the nickname the “Mob’s Accountant.” He was also remembered by his family for his insistence on education, philanthropy, and what his grandson describes as being a “mobster with morals” who believed in helping the communities where he did business.
In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum welcomes Meyer Lansky II to discuss his new book, The Lansky Legend: The Life and Letters of Meyer Lansky. Meyer shares his memories of his grandfather, how he gradually came to understand the life his grandfather lived, and his grandfather’s role in Prohibition, gambling, Cuba, and the early development of Las Vegas.

Highlights:
(0:00) Sheryl introduces Meyer Lansky II and the legacy of his grandfather, Meyer Lansky
(2:00) What motivated Meyer to tell his grandfather’s story through The Lansky Legend
(5:00) The grandfather Meyer knew and the importance he placed on education, discipline, and doing things well
(7:00) What Meyer says about the reported $300 million fortune and what happened to his grandfather’s money
(10:00) The childhood gambling loss that taught Meyer Lansky never to bet again●
(11:15) How Meyer Lansky met Bugsy Siegel and why their opposite personalities worked so well together
(12:30) A confrontation with Lucky Luciano that became the beginning of another lifelong alliance
(14:45) Meyer Lansky II begins to realize his grandfather is not the ordinary businessman his family described
(16:30) The attempted kidnapping that led to FBI protection and his family secretly leaving town
(21:15) Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel’s early vision for Las Vegas and the Flamingo
(23:45) The FBI surveillance that followed Meyer Lansky into retirement and continued through the end of his life

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Meyer Lansky II is the grandson and namesake of one of the most recognizable figures in American organized crime history. He grew up knowing his grandfather personally and now shares those memories and family stories to help preserve a more complete picture of Meyer Lansky and the era he helped shape.
Meyer Lansky II’s The Lansky Legacy: The Life and Letters of Meyer Lansky is available now. Learn more about the book and order your copy here.

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing.
Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023.

Social Links:
Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
X: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum●
Instagram: @officialzone7podcast
TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum

Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karmelo Anthony was convicted of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during an altercation at a high school track meet and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Anthony’s defense team sought a new trial, and hearings this week revealed that prosecutors and the defense had agreed to keep certain evidence from the original jury.
In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by civil litigator Reagan Charleston Thomas to discuss what that newly disclosed information could mean for the case. They look at the agreement between prosecutors and the defense that kept information about both teenagers out of the original trial and the strategy behind that decision. Sheryl and Reagan also discuss the Nolan Wells case and the dispute over access to his phone before reacting to Judge Michael Chitty’s ruling denying Karmelo Anthony’s motion for a new trial.

Highlights:
(0:00) Sheryl recaps the Karmelo Anthony case and introduces civil litigator Reagan Charleston Thomas
(3:00) Reagan discusses her work in digital harm litigation and why teenagers’ phones can become critical sources of evidence
(4:15) How lawyers build a case by telling a story within the framework of the law
(5:30) The agreement that kept damaging information about both Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf out of the original trial
(6:45) When a school could potentially face civil liability for known threats, bullying, or violent behavior
(8:00) Karmelo’s alleged text about shooting up the school and questions about why prosecutors chose not to introduce it
(12:00) A reported statement about stabbing someone and the evidence involving Austin’s prior graffiti arrest
(16:00) The role racial tension and concerns for both families' safety played in shaping trial strategy
(18:45) Reagan explains why the alleged knife-related text messages changed the way she viewed the evidence and self-defense claim
(21:45) Whether jurors should hear the good, the bad, and the ugly when attorneys decide what evidence reaches the courtroom
(25:45) What information cellphones may contain, the Nolan Wells case, and the dispute over access to his phone
(33:30) Judge Chitty denies Anthony’s motion for a new trial, and Reagan explains why the case is far from over

Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire.
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Reagan Charleston Thomas is a civil litigator whose work includes social media addiction and digital harm litigation. A magna cum laude graduate of Loyola University law school, she also provides legal commentary for Fox News, Fox News Radio, and OutKick.

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing.
Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023.

Social Links:
Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
X: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
Instagram: @officialzone7podcast
TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum

Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While executing an unrelated search warrant, law enforcement discovered 16 children in an isolated Ohio home, ranging in age from 18-month-old twins to an 18-year-old. Parents Gary Siders Jr. and Elizabeth Siders face neglect allegations, while Gary Jr. has also been charged with misdemeanor counts of public indecency. All 16 children were taken to the hospital for evaluation after being removed from the home, with several requiring additional treatment.
In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum talks with Law&Crime correspondent Angenette Levy about the case. Angenette describes the deplorable living conditions inside the home, what school and truancy records reveal about the children’s years away from the classroom, and the medical treatment some required after being removed from the home. She and Sheryl also look at how an entire family could seemingly disappear from public view and what is known about how the household was being supported financially. Angenette closes the episode with a remarkable story of the day she was assigned to cover an active Amber Alert and ended up finding the missing toddler at the center of it.

Highlights:
(0:00) Sheryl introduces Angenette Levy and explains why she turned to her for the latest on the Ohio case
(3:00) Authorities execute a sealed search warrant and unexpectedly find 16 children inside the Ohio home
(5:30) What is known about the public indecency charges against Gary Siders Jr. and what remains unclear
(8:30) School and truancy records raise questions about the children’s years away from the classroom
(12:30) A neighbor recalls seeing children run toward the house and later came to believe the property was vacant
(15:00) Reports about the conditions inside the home
(17:15) Angenette looks at public benefits, a local diaper bank, and questions how the household was being supported
(20:00) The role schools and mandated reporters can play in identifying children at risk
(22:45) The children’s medical treatment after being removed from the home
(26:00) Angenette shares how she found a missing toddler while covering an Amber Alert
(33:00) Where the children are now and the additional support provided through therapeutic foster care

Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire.
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Angenette Levy is a correspondent and host with Law&Crime Network. She has covered major trials, including Steven Avery, Kyle Rittenhouse, and Derek Chauvin, and was Emmy-nominated in 2015 for a story in which she helped find a missing toddler during an active Amber Alert.

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing.
Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023.

Social Links:
Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
X: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
Instagram: @officialzone7podcast
TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum

Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint
River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by human trafficking survivor and advocate Tina Dixon, who ran away as a young teenager before being trafficked through the Dixie Mafia’s network of brothels and organized prostitution across the South. Together, they discuss the grooming, manipulation, violence, and addiction traffickers use to control their victims and how organized trafficking operations adapt to changing technology as recruitment expands through social media and other online platforms. Tina also explains what finally helped her break free after decades of exploitation and why she has made it her mission to help others escape trafficking and rebuild their lives.
Highlights:
(0:00) Sheryl explains the Dixie Mafia’s ties to human trafficking and the importance of understanding victimology in investigations
(2:00) Why investigators distinguish between different forms of commercial sexual exploitation and how those differences shape an investigation
(3:45) Tina runs away at 14, arrives on Bourbon Street, and becomes involved with an outlaw motorcycle club
(8:30) The differences between a “Cassanova pimp” and a “gorilla pimp” and how traffickers use manipulation before violence
(10:15) Inside Louisiana's prostitution “circuit” of roadside bars, gambling rooms, and brothels hidden throughout the bayous
(11:45) How traffickers groom children online using social media, emotional manipulation, and false promises
(15:00) Childhood abuse, addiction, and the vulnerabilities traffickers intentionally exploit
(17:15) Inside a rural brothel: how victims are trained, controlled, and punished
(23:15) Why traffickers profit while victims are left with addiction, trauma, and nothing to show for years of exploitation
(24:15) How online predators continue using the same grooming tactics to recruit children today
(26:45) The confrontation that led to Tina being shot twice
(30:00) Why Destiny House, Hookers for Jesus, and EMDR finally succeeded after 17 rehab attempts

Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire.
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Tina Dixon is the founder and executive director of Queens Arise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking build independent futures through education, career training, mentorship, and long-term recovery support. After surviving decades of trafficking herself, Tina now helps survivors create lasting stability while advocating for survivor-led solutions.
Learn more about Tina and sign up for updates on her upcoming memoir, Going to the Country: https://queensarise.org/tina-dixon/

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing.
Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023.

Social Links:
Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
X: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
Instagram: @officialzone7podcast●
TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum

Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum takes a closer look at the ransom note released in the Nancy Guthrie case. Based on her decades of crime scene investigation experience, Sheryl examines the message line by line, pointing out the inconsistencies in its wording, timeline, demands, and structure while explaining why she has never believed the case was motivated by money. She’s been saying since day one: it doesn’t add up.

Highlights:
(0:00) Sheryl’s long-held belief that Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance was never about money
(2:30) Why “Hello, Savannah” reads more like a greeting than a demand
(4:30) Timeline problems and contradictory deadlines that raise red flags
(6:30) A “safe drop-off” promise that doesn’t fit real kidnapper behavior
(8:15) Contradictions surrounding negotiation, payment demands, and deadlines
(10:00) The shift from “we” to “me” and why it may matter more than the author intended
(11:45) The watch detail and the stronger proof Sheryl says should have been included
(13:00) Details someone who was actually inside the house should have been able to describe
(14:15) A timeline of the ransom emails, family responses, reward increases, and missed deadlines

Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire.
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Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing.
Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023.

Social Links:
Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
X: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
Instagram: @officialzone7podcast
TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum

Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.