This book addresses the investigation and prosecution of public and political corruption. It focuses on the investigation of the former Attorney General of Pennsylvania, Ernest Preate, who was convicted of mail fraud and served 15 months in Federal prison. The various political machinations that confronted the Pennsylvania Crime Commission when it decided to pursue the investigation of Preate are used to educate the reader on what to expect when and if he or she initiates an investigation of a powerful political official. The author who dedicated over 30 years to investigating the Mafia, political corruption, narcotics trafficking and money laundering addresses a myriad of investigative conundrums in the investigation of complex crimes. He describes the practical implications of enforcing laws that a significant minority of the population chooses to disobey and the corruption that emanates from this disrespect for the law. The author takes you on an eye-opening journey into the world of criminal justice, which often is permeated by raw political and financial power.

The author is a retired New Jersey State Police Detective/Lieutenant. He was the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission. During his 30-plus years in law enforcement, Martens has conducted undercover investigations into organized crime and drug organizations, investigated corrupt political and public officials and has been qualified as an expert in organized crime in both federal and state courts. He was a "monitor" at the site of the World Trade Center during both the recovery effort and the rebuilding of the World Trade Center (NYC) after 9-11; investigated corruption following the devastation brought by Katrina in New Orleans; and was engaged in establishing an Independent Private Sector Inspector General in Northern Ireland subsequent to the peace accord brokered by the United States. He is a member of the esteemed Vidocq Society, a former President of the International Association for the Study of Organized Crime, lectured at PennState University and The College of New Jersey and has lectured throughout the world. He holds two Master's degrees from Fordham University and John Jay College of Criminal Justice and has been recognized by many civic organizations for his investigative acumen.