Eyes of Justice: A Career Crime Fighter Battles Corruption...and Blindness A Memoir

by James Cabezas, Joan Jacobson

Despite a childhood affliction that left James Cabezas with the grim knowledge that he might one day go blind, he led a courageous career in law enforcement for more than four decades. With his vision intact, Jim proudly wore a police uniform, tracking drug dealers, thieves, and an armed robber in the precarious days before Baltimore cops wore bullet proof vests. He performed his duty relentlessly, despite interference from corrupt, racist and inept cops.While the world’s finest eye doctors kept him from going blind, Jim worked as a deep covert, driving a cab in Baltimore’s notorious red light district. In a city plagued with gun violence, he wore no firearm - or even a concealed wire- to hunt for mob bosses, while befriending strip club owners and prostitutes.When he finally got his gun back - after resurfacing as a detective - Jim could no longer see well enough to shoot. Ever resourceful, he became Maryland’s first investigator of political corruption.Jim needed no gun to catch councilmen and sheriffs robbing campaign coffers, a county executive coercing police to conceal his sexual escapades, businessmen stealing millions from school funds, a judge and a gubernatorial aid taking bribes, and Baltimore’s comptroller swindling the city through a fake employee. With his eyesight deteriorating, Jim defied a government doctor who ordered him to stop working. Instead, he got a talking computer. After he went completely blind he investigated a popular Mayor for theft and perjury. Despite public outcry against the inquiry, the mayor was convicted and forced to resign.Eyes of Justice is a memoir of one man’s faith and devotion to duty who refused to be defined by his disability. Reviews for Eyes of Justice"For aficionados of Maryland's robust culture of organized crime, disorganized crime and political culture, the memoir of legendary investigator Jimmy Cabezas arrives to occupy some essential space. From his early undercover work on Baltimore's Block, the red-light district once home to gambling czars and burlesque queens, to his long campaign with the Maryland State Prosecutor's Office and investigations of corrupt politicians -- up to and including Baltimore's mayor -- Cabezas provides an honest insider's view on the quotidian, unending and always unfinished battle for clean government."--David Simon, executive producer The Wire, The DeuceJim Cabezas is a true rarity, someone with a unique story to share. His experiences in law enforcement alone would have made for a terrific read, but his personal battle makes this memoir all the more resonant. Some people say God is in the details, others say it's the devil. Cabezas's life story has both. --Laura Lippman, New York Times bestselling author of Sunburn Jim Cabezas' memoir is a first-hand account of the good and bad of the Baltimore Police Department. Nothing is sugarcoated as he describes scandals inside the department, dating back a half century. This book is a must-read for senior law enforcement leaders and young officers alike. Widely respected as one of the area's top criminal investigators, Jim Cabezas is an inspiration to those who share his passion to investigate corruption regardless of the consequences. --John J. McEntee, Jr. Retired Deputy Commissioner, Baltimore Police Department“In my half-century in journalism, I’ve never met a finer person, nor a braver one, than Jimmy Cabezas. He is unconquerable, and his life story is remarkable and inspiring. Joan Jacobson’s done a wonderful job telling it.”--Michael Olesker, Author and JournalistA riveting true-life story of a street cop who overcomes blindness to become Maryland’s chief political corruption investigator during one of the darkest days in Baltimore’s history – the downfall of Mayor Sheila Dixon. James Cabezas is the epitome of honesty and determination who represents the best in law enforcement. --Robert Rohrbaugh, Former Maryland State Prosecutor

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2018

Reviews

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is many things - a memoir of life growing up in Baltimore and experiencing the joys of childhood and lifelong friendships, a memoir of life fighting corruption in the Baltimore City Police Department, a memoir of life fighting corruption across the state of Maryland, a life of love of parents and family, and a memoir of being the best person you can be.
I really enjoyed reading this book, as I learned about the deep seated corruption that infiltrates people who are enticed by greed. I especially loved reading about Baltimore and the love Jim Cabezas has for the city, the landmarks, but most especially, the people in his life. His devotion to his parents and to his family is remarkable. The love of his wife, Laura, shines through in this book. His accomplishments while facing the threat of complete blindness are amazing and heroic.
In light of what is happening in the world today, especially in American politics, it is heartwarming to know that there are people like Jim Cabezas who believe in doing what is right, all the time. It is refreshingly honest and truthful. I was constantly impressed in how honorable Jim was, never disparaging anyone's character, but looking objectively at the situation - whether in his personal or professional life.
Truly enjoyable and well done!
#EyesOfJustice #JamesCabezas #JoanJacobson

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Jim Cabezas tells the stories of his life growing up in an immigrant working-class family in Baltimore and of his career witnessing and rooting out corruption among public officials in Maryland. I found it hard to put this book down, pulled along by one fascinating story after another. In his career, this dedicated man with a profound sense of justice worked on cases ranging from the secret recording of Monica Lewinski by Linda Tripp to the conviction of Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon for perjury and misconduct in office. He also spent time as a deep covert searching for mafia connections in Baltimore's red light district, all while slowing losing his eyesight due to a childhood illness. His story of personal challenges and triumphs is as engaging as his stories of incredible corruption and hubris among public servants at every level of government.

If you enjoy watching "Law and Order" type crime shows on TV, you will enjoy reading this book written by James Cabezas and Joan Jacobson.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memoir of the life of James Cabezas who spent about 40 years fighting crime and corruption in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a Baltimore city policeman and later an investigator for the State Attorney's Office. He was the primary person responsible for the discovery of Mayor Sheila Dixon's embezzlement and corruption. He names names and provides details about various cases he worked on in his career. The book also talks about his life, the loss of his parents, his marriages and divorces, and his lifelong battle to try to save his vision. A well written, interesting read.

Ultimate Popsugar 2020 - A book about vision issues

[Geralyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this to be an interesting and inspiring story that is bogged down by clunky writing and poor editing. It comes across as a vanity piece instead of a publication-worthy autobiography. That's a shame because the experiences of Mr. Cabeza's personal and professional lives deserve better.

[Mark Nowowiejski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read - a former Baltimore City resident I really enjoyed it. it almost makes we want to go down to the Block and check out some of the places referenced during the deep cover assignment but I think I'll opt for just driving through instead.

[Lynn Jeppi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you thought that the cesspool of Baltimore City politics is recent, you’d better check out this book. But my friend in another state assures me political corruption is actually the norm.

[Megan Case · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read with a lot of baltimore history. Loved the song lyrics and connections.