Hales v. Owen Explodes: Prosecutor Fires Back—The Unknown Podcast Breaks It Down

The Unknown Podcast returns with a blistering special report as journalists Michael Volpe and Richard Luthmann dissect the implosion of Jeremy “GERM” Hales’ latest federal disaster: his lawsuit against Florida prosecutor Daniel Owen, which the Attorney General’s Office is now moving to dismiss with prejudice.

In the episode, Volpe and Luthmann walk listeners through the full meltdown—using the federal filings themselves. According to Defendant Owen’s motion, Hales’ case is not just weak; it’s “patently frivolous” and legally impossible. Owen argues he is protected by absolute prosecutorial immunity, qualified immunity, and the simple fact that he did nothing wrong.

Volpe breaks down the core problem: Hales claims Florida must automatically enforce an Ohio protective order. But the motion explains that full faith and credit does not require automatic prosecution, and that Florida officials not only reviewed the order—they even brought charges against Preston and Cook in multiple cases. That alone demolishes Hales’ theory.

Luthmann, a former attorney turned investigative journalist, highlights the most explosive part of the filing: the Attorney General argues the lawsuit should be dismissed with prejudice because no amendment could ever make it valid. The filing accuses Hales of trying to hold a prosecutor liable for decisions he is constitutionally immune from. As Luthmann notes, this is “day-one law school stuff.”

The episode also exposes Hales’ broader pattern of POLAMOP—proliferation of litigation and multiplication of proceedings—a phrase coined by Florida attorney Bruce Matzkin. Volpe and Luthmann trace how Hales’ endless lawsuits, YouTube theatrics, and accusations have dragged multiple courts, citizens, and now Florida law enforcement into pointless legal warfare, culminating in his attempt to sue a prosecutor for not doing his bidding.

The hosts warn that Hales may have finally crossed a line: suing a state prosecutor and irritating the Attorney General’s Office could trigger real consequences. As Luthmann puts it, “He’s pissed off Florida law enforcement. They won’t be laissez-faire anymore.”

The report ends with a deep dive into causation, due process, prosecutorial discretion, and why Hales’ complaint collapses under its own weight. Using direct quotes and analysis from the filings, the episode delivers the most complete breakdown anywhere of the fast-crumbling case of Hales v. Owen.