Directors Dan Johnstone and Castor Fernandez Talk ‘Cowboy Cartel‘ Coming to AppleTV+ on August 2, 2024.
‘Cowboy Cartel,’ a forthcoming documentary series premiering on Friday, August 2, 2024, on Apple TV+, delves into the riveting saga of Scott Lawson, a rookie FBI agent whose tenacity unraveled the operations of Los Zetas, one of Mexico’s most formidable drug cartels. This four-part series, produced by Breaklight Pictures and helmed by directors Dan Johnstone and Castor Fernandez, shines a spotlight on Lawson’s audacious pursuit of justice amidst the treacherous landscape of cartel-infested crime.
In speaking with producers Johnstone and Fernandez, the significance of ‘Cowboy Cartel,’ becomes evident—the series not only chronicles a gripping real-life drama but also sheds light on the complex interplay of crime and law enforcement in combating international drug trafficking and money laundering operations. Through compelling storytelling and unprecedented access to key players, ‘Cowboy Cartel,’ promises to captivate audiences with its portrayal of courage, perseverance, and the pursuit of justice in the face of daunting odds.
‘Cowboy Cartel,’ premiers Friday, August 2, 2024 on AppleTV+.
In ‘Cowboy Cartel,’ Scott Lawson emerges as an unlikely hero from rural Tennessee, whose investigative instincts led him to scrutinize the seemingly innocuous world of American Quarter Horse racing. His pivotal breakthrough came through tracking financial transactions involving the Treviño brothers, notorious figures within Los Zetas. As Lawson delved deeper, he uncovered a labyrinthine network of money laundering schemes embedded within the sport, masterminded by the cartel to launder millions of dollars.
‘Cowboy Cartel,’ exclusive interviews with key figures integral to the investigation, including Lawson himself, IRS agent Steve Pennington, and law enforcement officers from Irving, Texas—Steve Junker, Brian Schutt, and Kim Williams. Additionally, insights from Assistant United States Attorney Doug Gardner, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ginger Thompson of The New York Times, and Joe Tone, author of ‘Bones: Brothers, Horses, Cartels, and the Borderland Dream,’ enrich the narrative.
Producers Johnstone and Fernandez share the profound impact of ‘Cowboy Cartel,’ emphasizing its role in revealing the intricate dynamics of criminal investigation and showcasing the bravery of those involved in dismantling criminal enterprises. This series not only aims to entertain but also aims to educate viewers about the realities of combating organized crime on a global scale.
‘Cowboy Cartel,’ premiers on Friday, August 2, 2024, on Apple TV+