In this episode, Vinny and Diane unravel the intricate web of a sophisticated stolen goods operation that thrived during the sweltering summer of 1976 in Washington Heights. Through firsthand accounts from officers who worked the case, they trace how a seemingly innocent electronics repair shop on 181st Street became the hub of an underground economy during NYC's financial crisis. From late-night stakeouts to undercover operations, this forgotten chapter of New York crime history reveals the complex relationship between a struggling neighborhood and the shadow economy that both exploited and sustained it.

About the Show

Midnight Beat: Tales from the NYPD Archives is a sleepy crime podcast that explores forgotten cases from New York City's gritty past, particularly focusing on the 1970s era of policing. Each episode features authentic interviews with retired officers, witnesses, and sometimes family members of those involved, all delivered in a soothing, measured pace perfect for bedtime listening. The show prides itself on meticulous research and atmospheric sound design that transports listeners to the streets of 1970s New York without being too stimulating for nighttime listening.

Meet Your Hosts

Vinny Calabrese

A 68-year-old retired NYPD detective who served from 1972-1998. Vinny grew up in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, and brings firsthand knowledge of the era's policing tactics and street culture. His gruff but grandfatherly demeanor and authentic Brooklyn accent add credibility and warmth to each episode, often enriching cases with personal anecdotes from his time on the force.

Dr. Diane Powell

A 55-year-old criminal psychologist and native New Yorker who specializes in historical crime analysis. With her warm, educated tone and subtle Queens inflections, Diane provides academic perspective and historical context to each case, explaining the social conditions that contributed to crime patterns of the era. Her soothing, thoughtful demeanor perfectly balances Vinny's more colorful storytelling.