Phil Kitzer scammed hundreds of people out of millions of dollars in the 1970s. James J. Wedick (who now lives in Sacramento) and Jack Brennan were the young FBI agents with no undercover training who were assigned to bring in the world’s greatest swindler.
Their pursuit of Kitzer took them around the world, and they were so convincing that Kitzer came to think of them as friends.
David Howard recounted this true story in his 2017 book, “Chasing Phil: The Adventures of Two Undercover Agents with the World’s Most Charming Con Man.” Actor Robert Downey Jr. has optioned the movie rights.
The author and the two former FBI agents will appear in conversation at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, in the University Union's Hinde Auditorium. The event is part of the Division of Criminal Justice’s 50th Anniversary Week and is co-sponsored by the campus chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society.
“I expect that it will be entertaining for anyone who loves a good story,” said Jennifer Noble, assistant professor of criminal justice. “Kitzer was a charismatic swindler, and the two FBI agents had no idea what a wild ride they were in for.”
Author David Howard will be on campus on March 6, featured as a part of the Criminal Justice Department's 50th anniversay celebration. (Photo courtesy of David Howard)The case, called Operation Fountain Pen, is considered the birth of the modern-day FBI, ushering in the era of undercover operations.
John Panneton, CJ lecturer and former federal prosecutor, will lead the conversation. A question-and-answer session and book-signing will follow. Copies of “Chasing Phil” will be available for purchase.
The culmination of CJ’s golden anniversary observance is a gala and dinner Saturday, April 13, at Harper Alumni Center. The theme is “Justice Education Leadership."
Judge Consuelo Callahan, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, is the keynote speaker. The division also will honor a group of outstanding CJ alumni.
Gala tickets are $100, with proceeds going to student scholarships and faculty professional development. For more information about CJ’s 50th anniversary and to purchase gala tickets go to the department website. – Dixie Reid