On September 2, 2010, 24-year-old Michelle O’Connell broke up with her boyfriend, St. Johns County Sheriff Deputy Jeremy Banks. Minutes later, she’s dead. 

The St. Johns Sheriff’s Office quickly ruled the case a suicide, without examining crucial forensic evidence or interviewing any key witnesses. A medical examiner ruled her death a homicide, yet other investigations failed to gain traction.

And her boyfriend Deputy Jeremy Banks was never charged and is still working as a St. Johns County Sheriff’s Deputy. 

Years later, an amateur sleuth named Eli Washtock winds up murdered after investigating Michelle O’Connell’s death. What did he find out?

Criminal Conduct is an investigative true-crime podcast series hosted by John Taylor and Javier Leiva. The hosts retrace the footsteps of the Eli Washtock, the slain sleuth—picking up the investigation where he left off.

Criminal Conduct debuts March 23rd 

About the hosts

Javier Leiva - Host of Criminal Conduct and Pretend Podcast

Javier Leiva is the producer of PRETEND, a documentary-style podcast. 

PRETEND is a story-driven show about real people pretending to be someone who they’re not. Javier interviews con artists, snake-oil salesmen, and undercover agents—anyone living a lie. 

Javier’s career has taken him from producing 15 years of television (documentaries, news, commercials) to creative director at various marketing agencies. Regardless of the medium, his passion is storytelling.

John Taylor - Host of Criminal Conduct and Twisted Podcast

John Taylor is not just another podcaster. 

He’s an experienced law enforcement professional who worked as a Special Agent for the U.S. Secret Service in the Washington Field Office and at the White House.  Currently, he’s a licensed private investigator in North Carolina who searches for people who don’t want to be found and looks for answers from people who don’t want to talk. 

John hosts the true-crime podcast, TWISTED, and writes in the true crime genre.