Media & Press
When a political figure surrenders to federal prison or a celebrity gets sentenced, producers at CNN, NPR, Vanity Fair, Bloomberg, and Newsweek call Sam Mangel.
Most talking heads read about federal prison. Sam lived it. He prepared Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro before they surrendered. And he's provided expert commentary on cases like Sam Bankman-Fried, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Luigi Mangione, and Changpeng Zhao. When a journalist needs someone who can explain what actually happens inside, Sam's the call.
Why does Sam do media? To cut through the "Club Fed" myths and give audiences a real picture of what defendants face. No sensationalism. Just facts from someone who's been there.
As Seen In
2026
How Nicolás Maduro and Wife Can Expect to Be Treated at Brooklyn's MDC
Expert analysis on conditions facing the Venezuelan president and his wife at the federal detention center.
The First 48 Hours of Nicolás Maduro's Detention in New York
Inside source on conditions at MDC Brooklyn during Maduro's detention.
Bryan Kohberger Daily Life in Prison
Analysis with Ted Rowlands on what the Idaho murder defendant faces serving life sentences.
Federal Prison Expert Commentary
Quoted as expert on federal detention conditions.
2025
Prison Is Helping Massive Ghislaine Maxwell Coverup for Trump
Podcast interview with host Joanna Coles revealing how BOP transferred Maxwell at orders from higher-ups.
Diddy's Future Prison Won't Be as Bad as MDC Brooklyn
Expert analysis on what facility Diddy will likely serve his sentence at after MDC Brooklyn.
What life is like at the prison where Ghislaine Maxwell is held
Expert analysis of FPC Bryan conditions and Maxwell's transfer to Houston.
The Rise of Federal Clemency and Second Chances in the U.S. Justice System
Expert perspective on the growing clemency landscape under the Trump administration.
Sam Mangel is the Ally You Need if You're in American Legal Trouble
Feature profile on Sam's work helping international clients facing U.S. federal charges.
Pardon Me? Why Offers To Secure Clemency Might Be A Scam
Expert commentary on legitimate vs fraudulent clemency assistance.
Luigi Mangione Wants a Laptop in Jail So He Can Review Evidence
Analysis of Mangione's conditions and requests at MDC Brooklyn.
Trump Pardons and White Collar Defendants
Expert commentary on the clemency landscape and pardon applications.
Sam Bankman-Fried Prison Conditions and Media Access
Analysis of BOP policies on high-profile inmate communications.
Sensing Opportunity, White-Collar Criminals Vie for Trump Pardons
Expert analysis on the surge in clemency requests under the new administration.
SBF Parents Exploring Trump Pardon for Son
Expert analysis on clemency prospects for FTX founder.
SBF's Parents Seek Pardon from President Trump
Expert perspective on the Bankman-Fried family's clemency efforts.
Sean "Diddy" Combs Sentencing Analysis
Expert commentary on Vinnie Politan Investigates about Combs' federal case.
In Washington, Everything Appears to Be for Sale
Quoted on the clemency and pardon landscape in Trump's second term.
2024
Sam Mangel: The Federal Prison Fixer
Comprehensive profile on Sam's work with high-profile defendants and the clemency landscape.
How P Diddy Will Spend Christmas This Year in 'Hell on Earth' Prison
Expert analysis of holiday conditions at MDC Brooklyn.
Luigi Mangione Behind Bars at Federal Jail
Expert analysis of MDC Brooklyn conditions for high-profile defendant.
Luigi Mangione Could Join Same Jail Unit as Diddy and SBF
Expert analysis on MDC Brooklyn's protective custody arrangements.
Luigi Mangione Being Held in Same Prison as Diddy
Analysis of high-profile inmates at MDC Brooklyn.
Luigi Mangione in Same 'Hell on Earth' Prison as P. Diddy
Expert commentary on conditions at MDC Brooklyn for high-profile defendants.
Inside Diddy's New Life Behind Bars: 'Pure Hell,' 'Horrible' Jail
Exclusive expert analysis on Sean Combs' conditions at MDC Brooklyn.
'Keep Your Head Down': SBF's Prison Advisor Offers Advice for Caroline Ellison
Expert guidance for the FTX executive heading to federal prison.
Will Diddy Be Able to See His 7 Kids While in Jail?
Expert commentary on visitation policies for detained defendants.
Prison Expert Says Diddy's Jail is 'Worst in the US'
Expert describes MDC Brooklyn conditions and claims mogul is 'in hell.'
P Diddy in 'Hell' in 'Worst Jail in the US'
Expert provides insight into notorious Brooklyn detention center.
Sam Mangel, The Sidekick You Need in Federal Criminal Court
In-depth feature on Sam's consulting practice and approach to client service.
Federal Prison Expert Commentary
Local expert perspective on federal detention in South Florida.
Binance Founder CZ Reports to Low-Security California Prison
Expert analysis on Changpeng Zhao beginning his four-month sentence at Lompoc.
Binance Founder CZ Begins Four-Month Prison Sentence
Expert commentary on CZ becoming the country's richest inmate.
Preparing Bannon and Navarro for Federal Prison
In-depth interview with Jessica Dean about how Sam prepares high-profile clients for federal prison.
The fixer who can get white-collar criminals a quieter cell or cushy job
Feature in Britain's leading Sunday paper on Sam's work with international clients.
Steve Bannon Danbury Prison Analysis
Expert analysis on why Bannon won't be in "Club Fed" despite expectations.
Prison Expert Warns: Trump Behind Bars Would Be 'Nightmare'
Analysis of what prison would mean for Trump and the country.
Prison consultant Sam Mangel helps ex-Trump adviser Peter Navarro navigate life behind bars
In-depth feature by Gina Chon on Sam's work with Navarro at FCI Miami.
CZ's Four-Month Prison Sentence Sparks Mixed Reactions
Expert analysis on Binance founder's sentencing and what to expect at Lompoc.
I'm a federal prison consultant. Here's how I went from prison to becoming consultant
First-person feature on Sam's journey from federal inmate to leading consultant.
Industry Reacts to Changpeng Zhao's Sentencing
Expert analysis on CZ's 120-day sentence at Lompoc federal prison.
What Will Prison Be Like for SBF?
Podcast interview analyzing what Sam Bankman-Fried will face serving his 25-year sentence.
Inside the Cell of Sam Bankman-Fried
Episode 391: Deep dive with host Brandon Zemp on SBF's prison conditions and Sam's consulting work.
Peter Navarro Begins Serving Prison Sentence
Live analysis on CNN's "The Source" with Kaitlan Collins as Navarro surrendered.
Peter Navarro Begins 4-Month Prison Sentence for Contempt of Congress
Coverage of Navarro's surrender with expert commentary on prison preparation.
Sam Mangel to Peter Navarro: Call Me
Op-ed offering guidance to Navarro before his surrender to federal prison.
Sam Mangel, Prison Consultant, Illuminates the Path for the Justice-Impacted
Feature on Sam's approach to helping white-collar defendants navigate the system.
Sam Mangel to Sam Bankman-Fried: Acceptance Is the Path Forward
Op-ed offering advice to SBF on prison adjustment and mindset.
Life Behind Bars Would Be 'Humiliating' and 'Degrading' for Trump
Expert analysis on what incarceration would mean for the former president.
Scott Maddox Released from Federal Prison After Serving 18 Months
Expert commentary on how the former city commissioner qualified for early release.
Prison's 'Massive' Maxwell 'Coverup' Came from the White House: Expert
Analysis of Ghislaine Maxwell's unusual prison transfer.
For Producers & Journalists
Sam does TV, radio, podcasts, and print. He's worked with producers at CNN, NPR, CourtTV, and dozens of major publications. He knows how breaking news works and can turn around quickly.
Same-day availability for breaking news. 24 to 48 hours for features. Based in Florida, Eastern time. Available for in-studio, remote, or phone.
Media Contact
Breaking news? Call directly.
Available for Commentary On
- • Federal prison system and BOP policies
- • High-profile federal criminal cases
- • Prison preparation and surrender process
- • Federal clemency and sentence reduction
- • RDAP program and substance abuse treatment
- • White collar crime and sentencing
Recent Case Commentary
Steve Bannon, Peter Navarro, Sam Bankman-Fried, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Luigi Mangione, Changpeng Zhao, Ghislaine Maxwell, Bryan Kohberger