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In this episode of the Modern Divorce podcast, host Billie Tarascio sits down with Gina Godbehere, candidate for Maricopa County Prosecutor, to discuss local crime and the justice system. The conversation begins with a focus on the Gilbert Goons, a group recently classified as a gang, and the complications of prosecuting their crimes without sufficient evidence to prove gang-related motivations.

Gina elaborates on the difficulties in tying crimes to gang activities, noting that traditional gang identifiers, such as markings and territorial threats, are missing in this case. Despite the group’s gang-like intimidation tactics, there was insufficient evidence to charge them under gang-related statutes. This nuanced explanation sheds light on the frustrations felt by the community regarding the prosecution of these crimes.

The discussion then shifts to recent plea deals offered to members of the Gilbert Goons, including notable cases involving Christopher Fantastik, DeLeon Haynes, Jacob Pennington, and Garrett Bagshaw. Gina explains the implications of these deals, particularly how some offenders might only end up with misdemeanors, raising concerns about the potential for future criminal activity without a lasting felony record.

A significant portion of the podcast is devoted to Gina’s critique of Rachel Mitchell, the current county attorney', and her more lenient approach to diversion programs and plea deals. Gina emphasizes the need for a balanced justice system that ensures accountability and protects victims' rights. Gina also touches on supervised probation and the challenges in effectively monitoring offenders to prevent recidivism.

The episode wraps up with Gina’s reflections on her campaign and her commitment to restoring balance in the justice system, advocating for both victim support and fair prosecution. For more information about Gina, go to Gina for Justice, to learn more.

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In this powerful episode, Modern Divorce Host and Attorney Billie Tarascio interviews Jennie Gage, who found herself divorced and broke after adhering to traditional wife
roles dictated by her Mormon faith. Jennie recounts her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to a domestic violence advocate and social media influencer.

She emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency and shares how she rebuilt
her life through side hustles, including furniture flipping and social media, and her recent work with a law firm helping victims of child sex abuse in the Mormon Church.

Jennie’s story serves as a cautionary tale for women who rely solely on traditional roles without safeguarding their futures. She discusses the pressures she faced to conform to her religious community's expectations and the devastating financial and emotional impacts following her divorce. Billie provides practical legal advice on the importance of post-nuptial agreements and maintaining relevant skills, even for stay-at-home moms, to ensure financial independence.

This episode highlights the need for ongoing self-reliance and preparation for unexpected life changes. Jennie’s advocacy work and her partnership with attorney Andrew Van Arsdale aim to support victims and bring about institutional change. Billie and Jennie conclude with insights into how women can better protect themselves and their children.

Find Jennie Gage on Tiktok and Instagram

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In this special episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast, host and attorney Billie Tarascio interviews Colonel Frank Milstead, a 25-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department and candidate for Maricopa County Sheriff. They delve into Frank's extensive law enforcement background, his leadership roles, and his vision for improving the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and managing the crime that keeps us up at night. The discussion also touches on pressing issues like public trust in policing, crime reduction strategies, and school safety.

If you’ve been following the Gilbert Goons saga and the murder of teen Preston Lord, Frank shares his own experience losing a teen brother and how that impacted his family growing up.

Key Topics:

• Frank Milstead’s Background: Frank shares his journey from growing up in Phoenix to his extensive career in law enforcement, including his time as the Chief of Police in Mesa and the Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
• DOJ Oversight: Frank explains the ongoing Department of Justice oversight of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, its origins, and his strategy to resolve these issues and restore trust.
• Challenges in Policing: They discuss the current challenges in policing, including media portrayal, public trust, and recruitment difficulties. Frank offers his perspective on how to rebuild trust and support for law enforcement.
• Crime Reduction Strategies: Frank outlines his plans for crime reduction in Maricopa County, emphasizing collaboration between various law enforcement agencies and transparency in communication.
• School Safety Initiatives: The conversation highlights Frank’s involvement in developing early warning systems for schools to enhance safety and his views on the importance of proactive measures.

This episode provides a deep dive into the critical issues facing law enforcement in Maricopa County from the perspective of a seasoned professional. Whether you're a concerned parent, a law enforcement professional, or a voter, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the key topics affecting your community.