Recently, the Cinniapolis Safety Department (CSD) and Holy Sheriff Legion (HSL) joint task force notably arrested Annabelle Winston, aka Painfree-B, and several of her associates on suspicions of theft, drug trafficking, and drug distribution. This task force was the first joint mission between the newly formed CSD and the new privately contracted HSL. The success of this operation was touted as a triumph of public and private services combining resources, sharing intel and manpower to protect Cinniapolis from criminal activity. While the law enforcement institutions claim victory, the Painfree-B posse claims corruption and entrapment, demanding an immediate release of their leader.

The Cinniapolis Chorus Investigative Team (CCIT) sat down with three of the main players in this saga to get their perspective on the detainment of the rising folk hero, Painfree-B. CSD CEO Rhonda Dixon, HSL Chief of Operations General John Chester, and Painfree-B agreed to go on the record regarding the pending case versus Painfree-B.

First, we met with Ms. Dixon. We were welcomed into her office at CSD headquarters. She spun around in her decadently tufted burgundy leather office chair to greet our reporter. After a brief exchange of greetings, Ms. Dixon was on the record:

CCIT: There is public sentiment that Painfree-B is being wrongly detained. How do you respond to that general feeling from the public?

Ms. Dixon: Ms. Winston is being lawfully detained. The only agenda the CSD has is partnering with communities to make Cinniapolis safe for everyone, not just those with private security details.

CCIT: Can you elaborate more on that last statement?

Ms. Dixon: Gladly. Cinniapolis is descending into the haves and have-nots. The haves hire their own personal security to guard their homes, their businesses, and really themselves. We are trying to provide that same inherent right of security to all areas of Cinniapolis.

CCIT: Painfree-B was detained for distributing drugs, mainly prescription painkillers, to those without insurance or access to this type of medicine. How do you reconcile her allegedly moral actions against her choice to break the law?

Ms. Dixon: Well, I dispute the characterization of Ms. Winston as moral. She knowingly broke the law. She stole from law-abiding clinics and pharmacies. She is not a doctor and endangered everyone’s lives that chose to use her product. To me, those actions are very immoral. It is never a tough decision to pursue criminals and shutdown their operations.

CCIT: Can you provide any details about the partnership between the CSD and HSL?

Ms. Dixon: The CSD values the cooperative relationship we’ve established with the HSL. Apprehending Ms. Winston and her associates is an example of law enforcement at its finest. The synergy between CSD and HSL was a key factor in taking Ms. Winston off the streets.

CCIT: The HSL has been accused of the same brutality and abuse that caused the elimination of the Cinniapolis Police Department. In fact, there are many members of the HSL that were former CPD officers. How do you defend the decision to include disgraced officers back into the world of law enforcement?

Ms. Dixon: Is this an interview about Ms. Winston or an indictment of law enforcement? You do understand I’m not here to denigrate the HSL or any of their members?

CCIT: Understood. It is a piece focused on Painfree-B and the success of growing cooperation between CSD and HSL. On the surface, it appears the disbanded CPD has not gone away, it just has a new title. Do you have a comment on that?

Ms. Dixon: I will comment on Ms. Winston. But, I have no comment on any loaded questions trying to paint law enforcement as the bad guys.

CCIT: Do you believe the case against Painfree-B is at risk due to alleged abuses by agents of the HSL?

Ms. Dixon: I’m not aware of any alleged abuse towards Ms. Winston or any of her associates.

The CCIT was referring to two former CPD officers currently enrolled as HSL agents that were fired from CPD before it was disbanded. Our sources indicate they were part of the joint task force that shut down Painfree-B’s enterprise.

Next, we sat down with General John Chester of the HSL. Mr. Chester met us at the local Beaned Café where he arranged a private room for our interview. We exchanged introductions, and from there Mr. Chester was on the record:

CCIT: How would you describe the HSL-CSD relationship?

Mr. Chester: Functioning (laughs). It’s a work in progress, I’d say. If you’re comparing the two organizations, the CSD is domesticated and the HSL is…less domesticated.

CCIT: What do you mean by that?

Mr. Chester: I mean, the CSD in theory, is a fantastic venture. But, in practice, the CSD is too much pollyanna and not enough cynicism. Look, if crooks immediately surrendered when confronted by law enforcement, the CSD would function as intended. But, after more than a year on duty, it’s clear the CSD needs some teeth. The HSL can provide that support.

CCIT: So the HSL is the muscle for the CSD?

Mr. Chester: No, no. The HSL provides tactical experience to overpower criminals. Nowadays, one sophisticated criminal organization, just one, can acquire weaponry and training equivalent to a small military. The CSD is no match for that type of firepower and strategy. They are not equipped nor trained for that type of combat. But, partnering with the HSL, they have an option to expand their effectiveness in stopping crimes. Which is why we’re here today, to talk about the Painfree-B crew.

CCIT: How would you assess the performance of the joint task force between CSD and HSL in detaining Painfree-B?

Mr. Chester: Great, I’d say. She is behind bars, where she belongs. And, we’re here to shine a light on the newfound partnership between us (HSL) and the CSD.

CCIT: The public is not sharing that perspective. What do you say to them?

Mr. Chester: Everything is not always so black and white. I understand Painfree-B thinks she was helping those in need. But, her methods are illegal. Her intimidation tactics over rival crews created a danger for that same public that is defending her. I don’t believe you can claim a higher moral ground when your methods result in shootouts on the highways of Cinniapolis. It’s inhumane.

CCIT: You referenced public shootouts between rival crews. The only shootout the public is aware of was a clinic owner chasing Painfree-B and firing shots at her, unprovoked. Are there other examples?

Mr. Chester: That’s the one I remember. And, I wouldn’t call it unprovoked. She stole from this man. But, I don’t recall any other shooting incidents. But, one shootout on the highway is one too many. I understand the desire to make her a martyr but she is a stone-cold criminal, no if’s, and’s, or but’s about it.

At this point, Mr. Chester informed us he was late for a meeting. He thanked us for the interview and quickly left.

Lastly, we met with Painfree-B at the Walesburg Correctional Facility. She sat down as her officer escort cuffed her hands and ankles to the metal table legs. Before pleasantries could be exchanged, Painfree-B was officially on the record:

Painfree-B: This (expletive) is on the record, yeah? ‘Cus I got a lotta (expletive) to say, ya know? But, you (expletive) probably already know that, huh? That’s why your professor looking (expletive) is here, ain’t that right?

CCIT: Yes, we are on the record. We also suggest refraining from cussing in your responses because we will not print vulgar words.

Painfree-B: Alright, then. I’ll do my best. Y’all should send CNPS Stream over here to get the uncensored version.

CCIT: The public has described you as a righteous warrior in the fight against tyrannical government and greedy corporations. Others have described you as a drug-dealing criminal. How would you describe yourself?

Painfree-B: I’m not those things. I’m a person that wants to do right, help others. This (expletive) I’m being accused of has nothing to do with hurting other people. I was only helping those that couldn’t help themselves. I’m a god-(expletive) saint, if I have to describe myself.

CCIT: You’re being charged with drug trafficking and distribution. Previous subjects interviewed for this story would say you’re anything but saintly. They allege you and your crew threatened rival drug gangs to become the top supplier of narcotics within Cinniapolis. What’s your response to them?

Painfree-B: Where are my spoils, then? Where is my mansion and (expletive) Lambo? I did what I did to help sick people that can’t afford medicine, ya know? I didn’t sell them medicine, I donated it to them. They didn’t pay me a cent. No dollars, no bitcoin, none of that (expletive). Ya know, one man’s threat is another man’s negotiation. I street-taxed the (expletive) out of those other crews, weakening them. Some of those (expletive) even left town because of me. I should be getting a medal around my neck for service to my community. Instead I got (expletive) metal around my wrists and ankles.

CCIT: We want to remind you that you’re not required to divulge any details regarding your alleged crimes. Also, we won’t print any cuss words or vulgar language.

Painfree-B: I’m sorry about the swearing, it’s a bad habit. But, I won’t censor myself about my activities. A jury of my peers won’t convict me. I didn’t break any moral codes of the public. I’m accused of breaking man-made laws put in place by abusive governments and corporations.

CCIT: How can you be so confident about the trial’s outcome?

Painfree-B: ‘Cus the public is my people. They ain’t boardroom execs or city council. And, they (the public) is just as fed up as me. I heard the people burned down that theatre, is that right? That just don’t happen if the public is content, ok?

CCIT: Just so I understand, you believe a jury won’t convict you because they are angry and you are also angry?

Painfree-B: I’m saying the public is on my side, ok? The rule-makers and CEOs ain’t gonna be on that jury because it’s beneath them, too low-class. They’ll throw some cash at someone to get their name off that list. If it’s truly a jury of my peers, then I’ll walk.

CCIT: Do you feel like you were unfairly targeted?

Painfree-B: I don’t think of this (expletive) as fair or unfair. They felt my actions in their pocketbooks. Their customers became my customers. Making people pay for their own health is the devil’s game. I don’t play that.

And with that response, our time was up with Painfree-B. Our conclusion after interviewing these three subjects remains indecisive. One can’t fault Painfree-B for her motives. Just as one can’t fault Ms. Dixon and Mr. Chester for their respective decision to detain Painfree-B. After all, she broke the law and created a pocket of chaos. Time will tell whether the law is stronger than a public’s shifting moral code.