John Mattes Uncovering Truths Demanding Justice

John Mattes is an American investigative journalist who has won 5 Emmys, one Golden Mike award, one Edward R Murrow award and 10 press club awards for exposing fraud and corruption in government.

Mattes holds an advanced degree in Communication Research from the University of Wisconsin and a law degree from the University of Miami.

John Mattes

Hard-hitting, Groundbreaking Investigations

Mattes holds an advanced degree

Emmys Award

Golden Mike award

About John Mattes

Welcome to the official page of John Mattes, an American investigative journalist known for his drive for justice. With a collection of five Emmys, one Golden Mike Award, one Edward R. Murrow award, and 10 press club awards, John’s efforts in exposing fraud and corruption have left its mark. His academic background, with an advanced degree in Communication Research from the University of Wisconsin and a J.D. from the University of Miami, have provided a foundation for his investigative pursuits.

Before his journalistic career, John served as a County Supervisor and city council member in Madison, Wisconsin, Later he practiced law in Miami, Florida, focusing on Public Policy Investigation. This blend of legal practice and civic duty set the stage for his investigative work.

John’s journalistic endeavors are highlighted by his work on the Iran- Contra scandal where he played a major role in exposing illegal activities that threatened to bring down a president

Later as the Investigative Counsel to the United States Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs, he brought to light the tragic stories of abandoned CIA assets left behind for decades in POW camps .For 5 years he fought to bring justice and compensation for the Lost Army Commandos who had been left to die by the CIA.

Currently based in San Diego, California, John continues his mission through various investigative projects.

Investigation of the Contra drug smuggling gun running as part of Iran–Contra. His work was critical in exposing the illegal network and in assisting then Senator John Kerry’s investigation of narcotics trafficking.

A 4-year campaign to rescue CIA Commandos left behind in communist POW camps for 20 years. He was able to bring over 150 POW families out of Vietnam and, after a lengthy court battle, won compensation for over 350 POWs who had been left behind in Vietnam by the CIA.

As an investigative reporter for Wami TV in Miami, his award-winning stories uncovered workers forced to pay kickbacks to bosses at the airport and exposed the links between the auto title loan industry and organized crime figures.

Exposed extensive interference in the 2016 U.S. Election that aided the U.S. Intelligence community in concluding there was massive Russian hacking and involvement.

CURRENT PROJECTS

John’s latest project is a gripping 7-part podcast titled “Lawyers, Guns, and Money,” hosted by Jon Cryer and directed by Jack Bryan. The podcast dives into the heart of danger and intrigue, tracing John’s journey from his days as a Miami public defender in 1985. When he met his first felony defendant, a Cuban American involved in what appeared to be a CIA gun-running operation, John was pulled into a whirlwind of danger, drugs, and mercenaries. His quest for truth led him to collaborate with a young senator, following a trail that led directly to the White House. This podcast not only reflects John’s commitment to exposing hidden truths but also brings to life the dramatic and often dangerous world of investigative journalism.

Lawyers, Guns, and Money Podcast Trailer

Don’t miss this captivating series. “Lawyers, Guns, and Money” is now streaming on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms. Tune in and join John Mattes on a journey through the shadows of history and power, where each episode unveils a piece of the intricate puzzle. Listen today and become part of an audience that values the relentless pursuit of truth and the stories that shape our world.

Major Investigations

The Invisible Pilot

Mattes was one of the first to uncover the illegal Contra war and ties to the NSC in 1985. His investigation exposed the illegal weapons trafficking from South Florida to the Contras.

The investigation revealed how Contra leaders were involved in ongoing massive cocaine shipments, all of which were protected by the CIA. Over a 5 year period, Mattes defended Contra whistleblowers who provided critical evidence of the trafficking of multi-ton shipments of Cocaine.

CIA Contra Connections

Mattes was one of the first to uncover the illegal Contra war and ties to the NSC in 1985. His investigation exposed the illegal weapons trafficking from South Florida to the Contras.

Lost Army Commandos

Mattes uncovered one of the darkest secrets of the Vietnam War by exposing how the CIA and Department of Defense abandoned hundreds of commandos in Communist POW camps for 25 years.

The government covered up the scandal by declaring all of the men dead. Mattes sued the CIA and the Pentagon on behalf of the commandos.

2016 Russian Election Interference

In 2016, during the contested Democratic primary, John Mattes began to notice something fishy on the San Diego Bernie Sanders Facebook group he managed. His instincts proved correct, and led him down a long rabbit hole that proved there was Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Long Distance Overcharges

In 2011, John Mattes uncovered a worldwide pay phone scam, where travelers in airports were overcharged on pay phone calls placed within the airport. The targeted victims were frequently United States soldiers trying to call home. Tens of thousands of innocent travelers were victimized.

Media Appearance

Investigative Journalist

Mattes holds an advanced degree in Communication Research from the University of Wisconsin and a law degree from the University of Miami. He served as a County Supervisor and city council member in Madison, Wisconsin and practiced law in Miami, Florida focusing on Public Policy Investigation.

I am Great People For Collaboration Projects

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9 / 10

Rating Based From My Clients & Partner Collaboration

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I Still Learn & Keep Upgrade Own Skills

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