A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL

Pamela Colloff's article is a powerful exploration of the life and crimes of Paul Skalnik, a prolific and ruthless conman who passed himself off as a Vietnam veteran, college football star, oilman, criminal defense attorney, undercover FBI agent, and terminally ill cancer patient. Colloff's investigation reveals that Skalnik was one of the most effective jailhouse informants in American history, providing bogus witness testimonies that sent at least four men to Death Row. The article also highlights the injustice and broken lives that Skalnik has left behind, serving as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: OCTOPUS PUBLISHING GROUP

Pamela Colloff, a renowned reporter and writer, showcases her exceptional skills once again in this captivating story. The narrative is both astonishing and profoundly significant, making it a must-read for anyone interested in journalism.

David Grann, a bestselling author of the Sunday Times and the New York Times, praises Colloff's journalism, describing it as "amazing." He emphasizes the importance of reading this story and expressing deep emotions.

Jeffrey Tobin, another prominent journalist, also commends Colloff's work, calling it "astonishing." Tobin emphasizes the significance of this story and urges readers to engage with it.

Paul Skalnik, the subject of Colloff's investigation, was a prolific and ruthless conman and abuser. For over three decades, he falsely portrayed himself as a Vietnam veteran, college football star, high-rolling oilman, criminal defense attorney, undercover FBI agent, and terminally ill cancer patient. Skalnik was incarcerated multiple times and repeatedly used as a jailhouse informant, providing bogus witness testimonies that led to the execution of at least four men on Death Row.

During a year-long investigation for the New York Times Magazine, Pamela Colloff uncovered the truth about Skalnik's role as a jailhouse informant. She determined that he was one of the most prolific and effective informants in American history, considered the state prosecution's closest witness who could smooth over cases' inconsistencies and nudge jurors past reasonable doubt.

Whenever Skalnik was released from prison, he would resume his criminal spree, often targeting women as collateral damage. Over four decades, he was charged with 32 felonies, including larceny, fraud, grand theft, unauthorized practice of law, bail jumping, bigamy, and lewd conduct. He married at least nine different women, some simultaneously, and was a serial abuser of young girls.

The narrative is framed by the botched investigation of James Dailey, who was tried and convicted for the murder of 14-year-old Shelley Boggio. Skalnik's witness testimony played a crucial role in securing Dailey's conviction and sending him to Death Row.

By recounting Skalnik's lurid life, Pamela Colloff tells a larger story of injustice and the trail of broken lives he has left behind. Colloff's investigation sheds light on the systemic issues within the criminal justice system and the devastating consequences of false witness testimony. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of truth, justice, and the pursuit of the truth in journalism.

ISBN-13: 9781913068509