David M.
I wanted to fix the broken window
My name is David Moulder. I hired White Collar Advice in 2/24 after finding Michael Santos featured on the BOP website. At the time, I felt overwhelmed and had no idea where to start. I began watching Justin's videos and Michael's interviews with Judge Bennet and Judge Bough. The advice those judges shared was exactly what I needed to hear. They didn't just talk about remorse-they explained how important it was to show measurable action. Judge Bough's words hit home: "if you break my window, don't tell me you're sorry. Tell me how you're going to fix it." When I called Justin, I told him, "I want to fix the window." From the very first conversation, it was clear that White Collar Advice just abot giving tips or general advice - they were about action and accountabiltity. Justin and his team made it clear: no one else could tell my story for me. If I wanted the judge to see who I really was, I had to take ownership, lead the process and prove that I was more than my worst decisions. Justin, Michael, Forest and the entire team helped me break the process down in to pratical steps. One of the most meaningful parts of the journey was volunteering with Prison Professors. It gave me a sense of purpose when I needed it most. I'm proud that the course I helped create is now reaching and influencing so many people in prison. At first my lawyers were against mitigation. They knew how the system worked and never heard of someone trying to mitigate on their behave. As time went and my lawyers saw what I was doing, writing a narrative, contributing to Prison Professors and receiving letters from University Professors - they came around. These materials became central to my case. At one point, the government labeled me as one of the "Kingpins" of the conspiracy. That was hard to hear, but it also made me realize that only I could change that narrative. No one else could or would do it for me. I poured myself into showing the court who I really was and how I was different. In the end, it worked. The actual kingpin in the case got 10 years in federal prison. I avoided prison entirely, because I took responsibility and proved, through my actions, that I earned leniency. You cannot fake mitigation, action speak louder than words. I agree with Michael when he says, "BE THE CEO OF YOUR OWN LIFE." I knew I couldn't rely on boilerplate letters or empty promises. The judge needed to hear from and see the record I had built. When sentencing day arrived and the judge asked me how I was doing, I said, "nervous," but I was ready. After I gave my speech at sentencing and Judge Tunheim said, "I'm going to do something unusual," I knew before he sentenced me that the work I put in had paid off. I had pled guilty to 48-60 months, when the judge handed down my sentence-one year probation and 21 days in a county jail-I felt nothing but gratitude. If you're in trouble, here's my advice: do the work and don't wait. The government is building it's case and working to send you to prison. You have to show how you're different. As Michael often says, "Be part of the solution." I'm going to continue my volunteer work with Prison Professors Charitable Corporation. I recently finished a book called, The Ethical Edge, I plan to give it away to business schools and I have sent a copy to Judge Tunheim. Sharing what I've learned and continuing to move forward is part of the promise I made to myself and my family. Looking back, hiring White Collar Advice was one of the best decisions I've ever made. They didn't sugarcoat anything and they provided the roadmap and tools I needed to succeed. If you're facing sentencing or trying to navigate a government investigation, don't delay, this is where you start. Be honest, take ownership, and commit to telling your story the right way. It's not luck or pixie dust, it's about preparation, accountability and showing the court you're serious about fixing the broken window. I would be happy to speak to anyone about my experience with White Collar Advice and Prison Professors. David Moulder
Response from White Collar AdviceFeb 5, 2025
David, your story is exactly why we do this work. From the moment you said, "I want to fix the window," you clearly understood what too many people miss—remorse alone isn’t enough. Judges need to see the work, not just hear the words. You did that, and your result speaks for itself. Most people wait or hope the government will “see the truth.” You didn’t. You built the record. You changed the narrative. The fact that you went from being labeled a “kingpin” to avoiding prison entirely? That wasn’t luck—it was a direct result of your effort. Your impact goes beyond your own case. The course you helped develop through Prison Professors is now guiding others. Your book, The Ethical Edge, is reaching business schools (including USC Business School on February 21) and even the judge who sentenced you. That’s what "extraordinary and compelling" looks like—not just fixing the window but helping others avoid breaking it in the first place. Thank you for taking the time to speak to people in our community about your experience and the work you put in. People need to hear from those who have been through it, and your willingness to share will help others take the right steps instead of waiting until it’s too late. We’re grateful to have been part of your journey, but at the end of the day, you did the work. And that’s why you got the outcome you did. If even one person reading this takes action because of your story, that’s another life changed. Thank you again, Justin & The White Collar Advice Team