Professional Experience

Hired in 2019 as the Safety and Security Specialist at WINK News. FBI Special Agent 1996-2017 serving in Atlanta, New York, FBI HQ and Quantico, VA. Served in the Navy, both on active duty and the reserve, retiring as a Commander in 2011.

News Philosophy

Work to help the citizens of SWFL keep their family, home, cyber, and finances safe and secure.

Hobbies & Interests

Flying, fishing & luge.

Education

Masters in Homeland Security from American Military University, Bachelors in Communications from the University of Miami.

Likes best about Southwest Florida

The people, along with the weather, and no DC traffic!

Hometown

Poughkeepsie, NY.

TSA PRECHECK

Fake websites are promising to get you TSA PreCheck or Global Entry into the U.S.

Since more people are traveling now, travel-related scams are on the rise. Crooks know that no one wants to wait in long security lines. But, this impatience could cost you. The fake sites pop up on google right alongside the real ones. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are great programs that are known as trusted […]

forensic botany

Forensic botany: Plants are now being used to help solve crimes

Plants are being used to help solve crimes. The pollen and seed s they can leave behind can often become key pieces of evidence. But, how does this all work? While plants aren’t able to testify in court, they are able to provide evidence about guilt or innocence. Forensic botany is the use of plants […]

ID verification company helps stop crooks looking to steal unemployment benefits

Crooks are using 3-D technology to steal people’s unemployment benefits by printing fake IDs and trying to mask the crime using fake appearances. The State of Florida isn’t taking any chances on this one, and a man helping the state invented something that’s peeling away the hope of crooks to scam millions of dollars. Greg […]

Microsoft says Chinese-based group attempting to steal American data

Your email could allow hackers access to your personal information or potentially your business’ info. Microsoft announced recently HAFNIUM, a group in China found to be state-sponsored, is attempting to access data from Americans. The group is reportedly looking to hack mostly specific industries such as law firms, higher education, defense contractors and even infectious […]

Beware of spear phishing cyberattacks during COVID-19 vaccine rollout

The coronavirus vaccine is giving a big boost to crooks. According to the FBI, cybercriminals are using the vaccine to steal your information and empty your bank accounts. We looked at how crooks are using fear to lure potential victims. How it starts: You could receive an email that looks urgent with a message about […]

Restaurants hurt by customers demanding refunds through food delivery services

Restaurants are going out of business, and it has nothing to do with the menu. It turns out it’s a result of people taking advantage of their kindness. A case of restaurant failure is due to businesses trying to do a good thing that has quickly gone bad. Grubhub, Uber Eats, DoorDash and many others […]

Policing on two wheels: Fort Myers officers train for new approach

Riding a bike for most people means fun and good exercise, but for bike officers, it means training and another tool to keep citizens safe. WINK News Safety and Security Specialist Rich Kolko went out Tuesday with the new Fort Myers bike police to see how they train. Officer Darian Lutz, on the force for […]

Authorities warn about theft of catalytic converters

Not only do crooks steal cars and any belongings left inside, but they are also targeting a part inside of the vehicle. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s alerted the public of an uptick in thefts of catalytic converters. Catalytic converters are part of the vehicle’s exhaust system and with the right tools can be removed quickly. […]