
COJ #163 - JP Miller Pleads Not Guilty In Federal Court While Federal Authority Terrifies In Minneapolis
13/1/2026 | 1 h 2 min
In this gripping episode, investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland, confront a week that forces an uncomfortable but urgent question: what happens when power escalates faster than accountability? First, Liz Farrell reports firsthand from the federal arraignment of JP Miller—an appearance marked not just by legal gravity, but by a visible public demand for accountability. What she witnessed was extraordinary: 52 U.S. Marshals on duty, federal prosecutors flooding the jury box, and bombshell revelations that paint JP as both a flight risk and danger to the community. Then through dual lenses of investigative journalism and constitutional law, our hosts unpack a deadly ICE encounter in Minnesota, interrogating how rapidly escalating law enforcement tactics collide with due process, civil rights, and public trust. This is not a partisan conversation. It’s a journalistic one. A legal one. And ultimately, a civic one. Because justice doesn’t survive on authority alone... it survives with scrutiny and accountability. ☕ Cups Up! ⚖️ Episode References Walk for Peace Facebook Page ☸️🕉️ History of Qualified Immunity - National Association of Attorneys General ⚖️ 1983 Claim - Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute ⚖️ “Alpha News obtains new footage of ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis” - Alpha News, Jan 9, 2026 📰 “Attorney General Ellison and cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul sue to halt ICE surge into Minnesota” - MN Attorney General’s Office, Jan 12, 2026 📰 Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Premium Members also get access to all new bonus episodes, video episodes, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. CLICK HERE to learn more and join with Promo Code "COJ25" for your first month free! https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/ Support Our Show, Sponsors and Mission: https://lunasharkmedia.com/support/ Quince - Hungry Root - Bombas Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn Find us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ | https://www.instagram.com/cojpod/ Mandy Matney on Instagram | Liz Farrell on Instagram | Eric Bland on Instagram YouTube | TIKTOK *** Alert: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email [email protected] and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** *The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes do not constitute legal advice. Listeners desiring legal advice for any particular legal matter are urged to consult an attorney of their choosing who can provide legal advice based upon a full understanding of the facts and circumstances of their claim. The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes also do not express the views or opinions of Bland Richter, LLP, or its attorneys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COJ #162 - JP Miller’s Federal Arraignment And How He Could Be Paying For His Defense + Looking Ahead In 2026
06/1/2026 | 1 h
Cups Up to Season Four in 2026! Between stretches of absolutely nothing in West Texas and questionable taquito choices, Mandy Matney celebrates LUNASHARK’s new travel podcast "Wherever It Leads…"—because apparently investigating corruption wasn't enough of an adventure. Stay tuned for details on the premiere. Then Mandy, Liz Farrell and Eric Bland dive into serious updates: Russell Laffitte finally reported to federal prison on December 30th, Cory Fleming might be headed home to Beaufort in what seems like shenanigans, and JP Miller heads to his arraignment in federal court on January 12th. Then the team dives deeper into Lee Gilley's upcoming capital murder trial in Houston scheduled for February 23rd. Accused of strangling his pregnant wife Christa to death and killing their unborn child, Gilley has been booping about on bond—attending mega churches and allegedly dating—while Christa’s friends fight tirelessly for justice. The audacity is stunning, the hypocrisy infuriating, and the need for accountability is more dire than ever. ☕ Cups Up! ⚖️ Episode References Follow Mandy & David’s travel adventures on Facebook 🗺️ Learn more about Santa Fe, NM 🌵 JP Miller’s Federal Arraignment - Jan 12, 2025 📅 First Step Act of 2018 ⚖️ Justice for Christa on Facebook and Instagram 💜 Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Premium Members also get access to all new bonus episodes, video episodes, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. CLICK HERE to learn more and join with Promo Code "COJ25" for your first month free! https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/ Support Our Show, Sponsors and Mission: https://lunasharkmedia.com/support/ Quince - Hungry Root - Bombas Our favorite things: https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn Find us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ | https://www.instagram.com/cojpod/ Mandy Matney on Instagram | Liz Farrell on Instagram | Eric Bland on Instagram YouTube | TIKTOK *** Alert: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email [email protected] and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** *The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes do not constitute legal advice. Listeners desiring legal advice for any particular legal matter are urged to consult an attorney of their choosing who can provide legal advice based upon a full understanding of the facts and circumstances of their claim. The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes also do not express the views or opinions of Bland Richter, LLP, or its attorneys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COJ #161 - When Justice Speaks To Persistence, Truth and Accountability... Our 2025 COJ Recap
30/12/2025 | 1 h 3 min
As 2025 draws to a close, the LUNASHARK team takes a moment to look back at the year's most powerful conversations from Cup of Justice. Join digital librarian Kate Thomas as she revisits twelve unforgettable clips, one from each month, featuring the voices that moved us, challenged us, and reminded us why this work matters. From detectives connecting the dots to families walking dark roads seeking answers, from Hollywood productions to legal battles weaponized against journalists... From breakthroughs in cases once dismissed as hoaxes to masterclasses in investigative journalism, from emotional pleas for justice to the surreal moment an actor's transformation into Alex Murdaugh triggered visceral reactions.... These twelve clips tell the story of a year spent chasing justice, celebrating the persistence of families seeking justice, and embracing the power of independent journalism. These moments capture the heart of Cup of Justice's mission: exposing the truth, amplifying victims' voices, and demanding accountability from those in power. ☕ Cups Up! ⚖️ Links to Episodes: COJ 114, COJ 117, COJ 122, COJ 125, COJ 129, COJ 135, COJ 137, COJ 141, COJ 146, COJ 150, COJ 154, COJ 157 Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Premium Members also get access to all new bonus episodes, video episodes, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. CLICK HERE to learn more and join with Promo Code "COJ25" for your first month free! https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/ Support Our Show, Sponsors and Mission: https://lunasharkmedia.com/support/ Quince - Hungry Root - Bombas Our favorite things: https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn Find us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ | https://www.instagram.com/cojpod/ Mandy Matney on Instagram | Liz Farrell on Instagram | Eric Bland on Instagram YouTube | TIKTOK *** Alert: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email [email protected] and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** *The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes do not constitute legal advice. Listeners desiring legal advice for any particular legal matter are urged to consult an attorney of their choosing who can provide legal advice based upon a full understanding of the facts and circumstances of their claim. The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes also do not express the views or opinions of Bland Richter, LLP, or its attorneys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COJ #160 - A Purple Christmas Gift To Mica Francis + Confronting Power, The Cost Of Truth, and Other Discovery Abuses
23/12/2025 | 58 min
In this holiday edition, investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell talk with attorney Eric Bland about their Festivus grievances and the ongoing legal harassment they face in the Beach v. Parker civil conspiracy case. Eric explains how unlimited budgets enable clients to weaponize discovery processes, while Mandy and Liz discuss their decision to speak publicly about Greg Parker's tactics rather than remain silent. Plus, Mandy shares some observations from her eye-opening jury duty experience highlighting systemic inefficiencies and her encounters with familiar figures in the 14th Circuit. Then we’re discussing newly revealed details from JP Miller's federal indictment for cyberstalking and lying to investigators—including the chilling allegation that he called Victim #1 (likely Mica Francis) over 50 times on March 11, 2024, how JP allegedly lied about slashing her tires and allegedly lied to federal investigators about local police instructing him to leave her alone. Despite the frustrations, the team remains defiant, grateful for their community's support, and ready for the major trials and appeals ahead in 2026. ☕ Cups Up! ⚖️ Episode References Mandy’s Parker’s Kitchen Gas Boycott Post - Facebook, Dec 20, 2025 🌐 Mica Francis Case & the “Unrighteous” Millers Spotify Playlist 🎧 FBI’s Press Release and Statement on JP Miller’s Indictment - Facebook, Dec 18, 2025 🌐 “Full Exclusive: John-Paul Miller breaks silence about wife Mica Miller's death | Banfield” - NewsNation, July 20, 2024 🎞️ “Myrtle Beach-area pastor indicted on federal charges” - The Post and Courier, Dec 18, 2025 🎞️ Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Premium Members also get access to all new bonus episodes, video episodes, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. CLICK HERE to learn more and join with Promo Code "COJ25" for your first month free! https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/ Support Our Show, Sponsors and Mission: https://lunasharkmedia.com/support/ Quince - Hungry Root - Bombas Our favorite things: https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn Find us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ | https://www.instagram.com/cojpod/ Mandy Matney on Instagram | Liz Farrell on Instagram | Eric Bland on Instagram YouTube | TIKTOK *** Alert: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email [email protected] and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** *The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes do not constitute legal advice. Listeners desiring legal advice for any particular legal matter are urged to consult an attorney of their choosing who can provide legal advice based upon a full understanding of the facts and circumstances of their claim. The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes also do not express the views or opinions of Bland Richter, LLP, or its attorneys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COJ #159 - Inside South Carolina's Supreme Court Power Grab and AG Alan Wilson's THC Witch Hunt
16/12/2025 | 57 min
Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell talk with attorney Eric Bland about South Carolina's deeply flawed judicial selection process as former House Speaker Jay Lucas—at 69 years old with no judicial experience—positions himself for John Kittredge's Supreme Court chief justice seat against experienced appellate judge John Few. The team exposes how the legislature's selection system operates like a backroom good-old-boys club, with candidates humiliating themselves outside chambers while schmoozing white male lawmakers. The conversation shifts to Attorney General Alan Wilson's theatrical raid on minority-owned stores selling legal THC products, seizing $80,000 from Eric's clients despite unclear laws following the 2018 US Farm Bill. Liz and Mandy argue Wilson is ignoring South Carolina's real problems LIKE ALLEGED MURDERERS WALKING FREE. Plus: Why conservative Republican Katrina Shealy was pushed out for defending women's rights, Eric's surgical complications, and revisiting our Premium Dive into Jury Duty featuring insights from the Bannon Law Group. ☕ Cups Up! ⚖️ Episode References “Supreme Court candidate Jay Lucas pops up as issue in SC Attorney General race” - The State, Dec 11, 2025 📰 Meet Dr. Anne Andrews - SC Senate Candidate ⭐👩🏼⚕️⭐ “POLL: Graham faces tight race against generic Democrat, challenger Andrews trails by 6” - ABC4 News, Updated Dec 12, 2025 📰 Alan Wilson’s Operation Ganjapreneur press release - Facebook, Dec 12, 2025 🌐 Reference Episodes: David Pascoe on COJ 152 Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Premium Members also get access to all new bonus episodes like the corruption watchlist, Girl Talk (Liz & Mandy's Version), Premium Dives series, Q&A Episodes and more. Plus video episodes, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. CLICK HERE to learn more and join with Promo Code "COJ25" for your first month free! https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/ Support Our Show, Sponsors and Mission: https://lunasharkmedia.com/support/ Quince - Hungry Root - Bombas Our favorite things: https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn Find us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ | https://www.instagram.com/cojpod/ Mandy Matney on Instagram | Liz Farrell on Instagram | Eric Bland on Instagram YouTube | TIKTOK *** Alert: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email [email protected] and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** *The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes do not constitute legal advice. Listeners desiring legal advice for any particular legal matter are urged to consult an attorney of their choosing who can provide legal advice based upon a full understanding of the facts and circumstances of their claim. The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes also do not express the views or opinions of Bland Richter, LLP, or its attorneys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices



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