About this episode
Army veteran Paul Schiffbauer, Sr. got a civilian job that led him to a criminal enterprise. Hired to collect money from vending machines, Paul was soon in on the real purpose of his company — to run an illegal gambling operation. This was the early ‘90s in Maryland, and video poker games were only supposed to be used for “amusement” purposes. Paul moved up in the organization and ended up lobbying politicians, making “political donations” that were really pay-offs, and racketeering, money laundering, fraud, extortion, and bribery. Paul wrote a book about his experiences called “Amusement Only” and talks with Ian about his life 30 years ago and what he’s up to now. Big thank you to FACTOR for sponsoring this episode. Go to: FACTORMEALS.com/lockedin50 and use code lockedin50 to get 50% off your first box. Connect with Paul Schiffbauer Sr.: https://www.youtube.com/@pigeonface Connect with Ian Bick: https://www.ianbick.com/ 00:00 Intro 00:40- 01:01:20 (FACTOR AD) 02:20 Childhood 04:14 Military and wanting to be a FBI Agent 06:30 Connection to the Vending Business and Start 14:44 Growing up middle class 18:34 Why Law Enforcement? 19:19 Operations of the Vending Machine business 25:16 Finding out he’s doing something illegal 34:05 Gambling Machines 37:10 First Raid reaction and Blackmail 40:12 Factor AD 42:17 Politicians able to Diverge Laws 50:45 Engaging in Illegal Activities 59:01 Enforcer 1:09:24 Wire Tapped and FBI investigation 1:22:09 Relief of avoiding any trouble Subscribe to our membership program on YouTube to get early access to interviews, see behind the scenes photos, live chat with Ian & more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvVklIft6DMelVW18M0oBw/join Powered by Q29 Productions, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices