A new podcast explores the rise and fall of NYPD Detective Louis Scarcella

WNYC News

Other officers in the NYPD used to call former Detective Louis Scarcella "the closer," a reputation he helped to cultivate and promote during his decades in the force.

"I was one of the best detectives in Brooklyn," he said. "I looked like a detective right out of central booking. I fit the part. I was the part."

But more than a decade ago, the Brooklyn District Attorney's office called into question his record by opening investigations into about 50 of his convictions. Now, 20 of those convictions have been overturned, with the potential of more to come, though Scarcella denies any wrongdoing.

Steve Fishman is co-host of a new podcast about Scarcella’s days on the streets of New York City and the people who helped uncover his alleged wrongdoing. It’s called "The Burden."

He joined Morning Edition host Michael Hill to discuss Scarcella's infamous past and his potential future.