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Today’s show is going to be a little different. Usually, I interview professionals who are law enforcement, military, or victims of crimes. Today, I will interview a man who was a criminal. This is a story of second chances and what can be accomplished after making a mistake.
Today on the show, I have Owen Hanson, whose life story was featured in the Mark Wahlberg production documentary, Cocaine Quarterback, available on Amazon Prime.
Owen is a California kid whose mother left him and his father at a young age. He grew up playing volleyball and earned a scholarship to play at the University of Southern California. In his sophomore year, he was essentially cut from the team. His coach told him to get bigger and improve his vertical leap.
So, Owen worked out six days a week, twice a week, and made it as a walk-on to the football team. He also took performance-enhancing drugs in his quest to become stronger and faster. This kid, who came from a modest middle-class broken home, was now partying with rock stars and other celebrities. He was also the team's and campus’s drug dealer.
After graduation, he wound up working as a bookie, money launderer, and associate with a Mexican drug cartel. At one point, he was making over a million dollars a day until it all came crashing down on him.
He was tried and sentenced to 21 years in federal prison. Through a cooperation agreement with the Australian government, he was released after nine years. While he was in prison, he started a frozen protein product that he is now selling as a free man.
Owen made a mistake, paid the price, and is now reinventing himself. He is proof that sometimes all someone needs is a second chance.
In today’s episode, we discuss:
· Having his mom abandon him as a young boy.
· Your route to USC via volleyball and feeling out of place with the rich kids in his school.
· Dealing illegal drugs in college.
· The availability of powder cocaine at USC in the early 2000s.
· Being benched his sophomore year in college volleyball.
· Becoming a walk-on for the football team.
· Being the team's drug dealer, getting the drugs at the veterinarian's office in Tijuana.
· Living the rock and roll lifestyle as a college football player.
· How he got involved with a Mexican drug cartel.
· Making prison frozen protein.
· Does he ever look over your shoulder, thinking a cartel hitman might come after him?
Head on over to Owen's website to learn more about his story!
Head on over to my website!
What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?
My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.
That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.
Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.
Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click th
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