Solving Cases Across Decades: Pete Hughes on Cold Case Investigations

Cold cases test the patience, persistence, and creativity of any investigator. Few know this better than Pete Hughes.

In this episode of Fed Time Stories, hosts Dave Brant and John Gill talk with Pete about his four decades in law enforcement, from his early years as a patrol officer to his leadership role at NCIS. Pete shares how he helped shape the agency’s cold case program and the unique methods investigators use when re-examining unsolved crimes years later.

He also reflects on one of his most challenging investigations, a decades-old disappearance that had long been considered unsolvable, and how determined investigative work ultimately brought long-awaited resolution for a grieving family. Beyond cold cases, Pete discusses his later work uncovering fraud and corruption in Afghanistan and at MITRE, showing how the same skills and values carried across each stage of his career.

Tune in for an inside look at investigative persistence, lessons from decades of service, and what it takes to bring closure after so many years.

Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast