Subscribe! Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS
Retired agent Dave Richter served in the FBI for more than 33 years, ten as a support employee and 23 as a special agent. During most of his agent career, he worked violent crime, general criminal, and white-collar crime matters out of the Philadelphia Division’s Newton Square Resident Agency.
In this episode, Dave reviews his investigation of the Johnston Gang, a family-based robbery, and burglary ring that was responsible for millions of dollars of thefts and the murders of six witnesses.
The gang operated for more than 20 years in the rural areas of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and New York, stealing everything they could get their hands on, especially farm machinery. Dave Richter believes that the investigation was a success and the Johnston brothers were brought to justice due to the combined efforts of the federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies assigned.
The case inspired the feature film At Close Range which starred Sean Penn and Christopher Walken.
There were also a number of TV true crime shows, and a book written by a former local reporter. Currently, Dave Richter is a principal in the private investigative agency, Cloud, Feehry & Richter, Inc.
Special Agent (Retired)
David Richter
4/10/1972 – 1/1/1996
“We told him, don’t tell your father. But he showed Bruce Sr. the subpoena, and that night Jimmy Johnston and the other boys disappeared.”—Retired agent Dave Richter
The following are links to articles about the Johnston Gang and the crimes they committed, to include murder:
New York Times – 3/6/1979: Brothers Hearing Opens in 6 Pennsylvania Killings
Daily Times – 11/19/1980: Chester County’s infamous Johnston Gang revisited
People Magazine – 2/25/1980: For the Johnston Family, Police Say, Crime Was a Way of Life—and Then Death
Washington Post – 8/21/1999: ‘Tired’ Escapee Gives Up The Fight
Did You Know Facts: The Kiddie Gang: The True Crime Story Behind the Film ‘At Close Range’
Are there any pictures of the 3 victims?
I don’t have any, but the author may have included photos in his book about the investigation.
Well that’s an interesting bio to read about dave thanks jerri for sharing
Is there any current pictures, of there old house, and the farmhouse where Robin was shot? And pics where the bodies were buried? Thank you, Earl.
I don’t have any photos, but perhaps you’ll find some in the Johnston Gang book written by former Chester County investigative reporter Bruce Mowday.
On the cover of the book Jailing The Johnston Gang is Ancell Hamm , Norman Johnston , David Johnston , and Bruce Johnston Sr.
Thank you. I didn’t know who the 4th person was.
Jerri, great job with the interview with Dave Richter. Dave is an excellent person and fine law enforcement officer. He and the other law enforcement officers greatly helped me with my book on the Johnston Gang.
Thanks Bruce. Could you tell us who are the men featured on the cover of your book?
Jerri,
No – the movie ‘At Close Range’ is WONDERFUL! It’s not cheesy at all (I get how the trailer looks that way, tho)! One of the best performances of Sean Penn’s career, and add to that Christopher Walken, and you’ve got GOLD! A must watch. You gotta watch it! Loving your podcast, btw 🙂
Really? Now, I have to watch it. I’ll check it out this weekend. Thanks for letting me know.