James Hibbard (Reporter)

The Binge. It's January 2001, and for 28-year-old reporter James Hibbard, the year has started with a bang. He managed to do what an entire task force of over 40 cops and FBI agents could not.

The Binge. It's January 2001, and for 28-year-old reporter James Hibbard, the year has started with a bang. He managed to do what an entire task force of over 40 cops and FBI agents could not.

His front-page interview for the Phoenix New Times blew up, and the task force is not happy about this. They put the screws on James, pressuring him to cooperate. And they offered him a $76,000 reward if he does.

His front-page interview for the Phoenix New Times blew up, and the task force is not happy about this. They put the screws on James, pressuring him to cooperate. And they offered him a $76,000 reward if he does.

Now, the young reporter has a decision to make. take the reward money and set up another meeting with the arsonist, or stick to his journalistic guns and protect his source. So what happens next?

Now, the young reporter has a decision to make. take the reward money and set up another meeting with the arsonist, or stick to his journalistic guns and protect his source. So what happens next?

Did you give that spiel to the cops?

Did you give that spiel to the cops?

Lieutenant Rob Handy felt complicated about this.

Lieutenant Rob Handy felt complicated about this.

Was that frustrating?

Was that frustrating?

As a journalist, I respect James' decision. But decisions have consequences. Not only would James lose out on $76,000, the decision will impact him in ways he never expected.

As a journalist, I respect James' decision. But decisions have consequences. Not only would James lose out on $76,000, the decision will impact him in ways he never expected.

James Hibbert, the guy who interviewed the arsonist, is about to fall under the microscope of the task force.

James Hibbert, the guy who interviewed the arsonist, is about to fall under the microscope of the task force.

It's not just James in the crosshairs. The entire Phoenix New Times is now a target.

It's not just James in the crosshairs. The entire Phoenix New Times is now a target.

Rob Handy and his task force, with the help of the county attorney, take the New Times to court. Trent Crump says the team suspected the newspaper might have information that could blow the whole case wide open.

Rob Handy and his task force, with the help of the county attorney, take the New Times to court. Trent Crump says the team suspected the newspaper might have information that could blow the whole case wide open.