FBI Agent Robert Hilland on Working with Psychic John Edward | Forbes True Crime

Unlikely Partnership: FBI Agent and Psychic Medium

• 💡 Former FBI special agent Robert Hilland, a self-described "no-nonsense, follow the facts guy," details his unexpected 25-year working relationship with psychic medium John Edward.
• 🎯 Initially skeptical and even calling Edward a "con man," Hilland's perspective shifted after a dead-end case led him to consult Edward.
• 🤝 The partnership evolved organically, with Edward becoming like a brother to Hilland, blending supernatural insights with the agent's sharp instincts.

The John Smith Case: A Career-Defining Investigation

• 🔍 The book "Chasing Evil" details the decades-long investigation into the case of John Smith, who had two missing wives.
• 🧠 Hilland recounts his first encounter with Smith in 1991 as a young police officer, noting his unusual demeanor.
• ⚠️ Edward warned Hilland that the case would be a battle between good and evil, testing him personally and professionally.
• 🧭 Edward acted as a "compass," providing specific, unprompted information that directed Hilland's investigation, such as the significance of "Michael" and a "wooden box on the side of the road."

Navigating Skepticism and Gut Instincts

• 🧐 Despite his logical background, Hilland found Edward's specific insights undeniable, forcing him to question his own skepticism.
• ⚡ Hilland emphasizes that Edward provided direction to evidence, not direct evidence itself, guiding him to crucial leads.
• 🧠 The agent learned to trust his own gut instincts, which were heightened by Edward's insights, saving his life on more than one occasion.
• 📚 Hilland clarifies that the book was not written to convince skeptics but to share his personal experience and the evolution of his worldview.

Evolving Perspectives and Case Outcomes

• ⚖️ Hilland's relationship with Edward helped him understand the importance of being open to possibilities and questioning assumptions, moving beyond a black-and-white view of the world.
• 🧩 In several cases, including the disappearance of a young boy named Noah, information from Edward was crucial, leading investigators to locations that had already been searched.
• 🧊 While law enforcement typically relies on traditional investigative methods, Hilland suggests that psychics might be consulted in cold cases where all other avenues have been exhausted.

The Journey to "Chasing Evil"

• 🚀 Now retired, Hilland felt the timing was right to share his story publicly, co-authoring "Chasing Evil" with John Edward.
• 🌍 The book details not only the John Smith case but also other cases where Hilland worked in perilous circumstances around the world.
• 🎧 "Chasing Evil" is available wherever books are sold, with an audiobook version released on September 2nd.