Sheriff Booker on the 2017 Whiteside Co. Kidnapping Case | “FBI: True” Behind the Scenes

Season 2, Episode 153

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker about his appearance on the national TV series FBI True and the intense 2017 kidnapping case that gripped the Sauk Valley area.
Sheriff Booker served as the incident commander during the investigation — a high-stakes operation that brought together local police, state police, and the FBI. Through seamless teamwork and quick communication, the agencies successfully rescued two kidnapping victims and apprehended the suspect.
In this conversation, Sheriff Booker shares what it was like to revisit the case for television, his experience filming in New York City, and the lasting lessons learned about collaboration in law enforcement. He also reflects on how the case strengthened community trust and showcased what can be achieved when agencies work together to protect lives.
You can watch the FBI True episode, “Kidnapped in Pleasantville,” Season 7, Episode 3, now streaming on Paramount+.

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🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:

00:22 – The 2017 Kidnapping Case
01:14 – Getting the Call from the FBI Show
01:34 – Taking Command of the Case
01:56 – Behind the Scenes of Filming
02:35 – Community Reactions
03:25 – Lessons from the Case
04:11 – Working with the FBI
04:32 – The Importance of Sharing Stories
05:17 – A Close Call
05:54 – Everyone Has a Role
06:50 – The Big Takeaway
07:36 – Final Thoughts

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