FORT APACHE:
REAL STORY OF BEN “DARTH VADER” KRAMER: International Drug Smuggler, Powerboat Racing Champion, Apache Boat builder, and Murderer of Don Aronow!!!
by
Book Details
About the Book
FORT APACHE: THE REAL STORY OF BEN “DARTH VADER” KRAMER: My first thought when told of another PI Book is ‘here we go, more cases solved and self-complimenting chapters. The truth however was very different!! Having known Rory for over twenty years as a colleague and friend, I should have known that any story penned would lock one into a seriously good read! Rory J McMahon has woven a masterpiece of literature encompassing details of the high-profile murder of Ben Kramer - and the aftermath. Each chapter locks the reader into needing to move forward to find the next bit of the jigsaw. The author’s career as a Probation Officer was cut short. However, Rory always was and is a five-star investigator. I enjoyed ‘the ride’ immensely, and whilst I am not an American, I do recall many of the cases exposed by Rory in his exhilarating story. Whilst it may surprise some readers, the average PI will not be shocked at just how closely the Criminal underbelly, Lawyers and Private Investigators inter-relate in their day-to-day professional activities! The narrative starts with detailed accounts of his duties involving the supervision of organized crime figures in both jurisdictions. Numerous high-profile cases came his way, including crooked cops stealing cocaine leading to over a hundred officers being caught. Getting up close and personal with some of the criminal characters of the era for over twenty years was undoubtedly extremely risky, and volatile. Over the following years Rory in his official capacity dealt with some dangerous criminals, including Philip M. Wilson the “Shark of Sark,” described as a “world class swindler. The case of Seal, sentenced to work in public service in Baton Rouge, On February 19, 1986, Seal was shot to death, abruptly ending a DEA investigation. Colombian assassins of the Medellín Cartel were apprehended trying to leave Louisiana and were eventually convicted. The daily rations of high-octane duties led eventually to Rory being summoned to his Chief and suspended for allegedly providing confidential information to the author of a book. The charge strongly denied and unproven. The career change that followed opened new challenges for the erstwhile Rory, between teaching PI courses, he became licensed in Florida and opened his own PI Agency. Becoming a member of various professional PI associations and gaining invaluable qualifications on the way, He achieved the NALI Certified Legal Investigator status, undoubtedly one of the most highly respected qualifications for a professional investigator. The Author has skillfully penned an interesting and factual account of the times and trials of Rory McMahon, and the South Florida criminal fraternity of the period, factually explained and illustrated with references and dates, A highly recommended read for all non-fiction reality lovers. Ian D. Withers Author: Private Eye Secret Spy 2021’ updated as ‘Dangerous Escapades 2024’. In Fort Apache, Rory McMahon takes the reader on a ride deep into the dark heart of the Sunshine State. A private detective and former federal probation officer, McMahon was in the room with notorious smugglers like Barry Seal and Ben Kramer (whose Miami powerboat company lends this book its title). Even more compelling are some of the lesser-known but equally mind-blowing cases like that of Hilmer Sandini, the homicidal federal informant who commandeered one of the most corrupt FBI operations in American history. McMahon seems drawn to the gray area between the bad guys and the good -- but it's never in doubt that the author himself is one of the latter. Journalist BOB NORMAN has been raking the muck of South Florida for the past 25 years. His work has led to criminal cases against corrupt politicians, the ouster of bad judges from the bench, and has garnered dozens of state, regional, and national awards. I am channeling the spirit of Tom Burdick: Was he murdered by the mob or did he just disappear forever?? Rory, I apologize for writing about those things you didn't say- but I did make you famous ... Art Harris Author of best-selling book: Speed Kills, a movie starring John Travolta and based on my true crime book of the same name. It is now on Netflix, and in its opening week was the fifth most-watched movie on the site.
About the Author
Rory has been an Investigator, both as a federal law enforcement officer, and private investigator for over 45 years. He has recently created online courses for those interested in careers as Professional Investigators or those wanting information or CEU’s in the field. He currently has 10 classes on his website: www.iecoit.com. They cover many of the facets of the skills required to be a Professional Investigator. He also continues to operate his McMahon & Associates Detective Agency, located in South Florida, since 1991. He has worked many high profile and complex criminal defense cases and fraud investigations throughout the US. He is a Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). He has authored 3 books: Fraud Investigation..(2018), Practical Handbook for Professional Investigators (CRC Press 2013) & recently Guide to Professional Investigation (2020). Specialties: Legal Investigations, Fraud Investigations; Background & Due Diligence Investigations.