In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins is joined by retired FBI agent Shawn Johnson and retired bank robber Stephen Myers to examine one of the most sophisticated bank robbery investigations in modern American history. The discussion focuses on the notorious career of Scott Scurlock, known as the "Hollywood Bandit," and the law enforcement effort that ultimately brought the robbery spree to an end. Get the book, Click Here on The Treehouse: The True Story of Hollywood the Bank Robber. Shawn Johnson begins by discussing his career with the FBI, including assignments involving violent crime, counterterrorism, instruction at the FBI Academy, and his work training new agents after retirement. His experience provides insight into the methods and challenges of major federal investigations. Stephen Myers recounts his unusual path from Kansas City to a life of architecture, sculpture, furniture design, and restoration work around the world. He explains how he first met Scott Scurlock while helping build a treehouse compound in Washington State and how that relationship eventually drew him into a criminal enterprise. The conversation explores Scurlock's early involvement in methamphetamine production and the development of the remote treehouse property that served as a base of operations. After a violent incident ended that chapter, Scurlock turned his attention to bank robbery, approaching it with meticulous planning and extensive research. Stephen describes how Scurlock studied failed robberies, developed disguises using prosthetic masks, conducted surveillance operations, mapped escape routes, and used radios and communications equipment to reduce the chances of capture. The pair discuss the first successful robberies and the methods that allowed the crew to evade authorities. Shawn Johnson explains how the FBI investigation evolved into a major task force operation. Investigators analyzed robbery patterns, vehicle purchases, tire records, witness statements, and other forensic evidence to identify the perpetrators and understand their operating methods. The episode examines the robbers' transition from traditional teller robberies to more ambitious vault takeovers. Stephen discusses the use of insider information, surveillance of cash deliveries, and careful target selection designed to minimize risk and avoid unnecessary violence. The discussion also highlights the emotional impact of bank robberies on victims. Shawn explains how repeated robberies affected tellers and customers and how investigators worked to document both the physical evidence and the human consequences of the crimes. A key breakthrough came through the use of ProNet tracking devices secretly placed inside bank vaults. Shawn details how these tracking tags helped investigators close in on the suspects and ultimately unravel the robbery operation. The episode concludes with the dramatic final robbery on Thanksgiving Eve, the ensuing shootout, Stephen Myers' arrest, and the death of Scott Scurlock. Both guests reflect on the investigation, the lessons learned, and the unlikely friendship that later developed between a former FBI agent and a former member of the robbery crew. They also discuss Stephen's book, The Treehouse, which provides a detailed account of the case and its aftermath. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support. Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwire Click here to "buy me a cup of coffee" To go to the store or make a donation click here. To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click here To rent Brothers against Brothers, click here. To rent Gangland Wire, click here.
