The Criminal Genealogist

Who is The Criminal Genealogist?

True Crime Junkie who loves Genealogy

Hi! Michelle Bates aka The Criminal Genealogist, ready to serve up all the details about criminal records and researching criminal ancestors. I'm a true Okie, love my Oklahoma State Cowboys, my family & friends, my dogs, and of course all things law and crime.

During the day, I help to hold criminals accountable for their crimes (alleged) working in the federal prosecutor's office (not a lawyer...maybe one day). At night, I research criminal ancestors and their families. The true crime obsession is real in this country, but I wanted to look at criminals in a different way.

I have always been fascinated with human behavior and even though my dream of being an FBI profiler did not happen (If only I could have been you Clarice Starling), I did find myself learning about human behavior and the law. Understanding our ancestors, their family dynamic, and the social history of the time frame all help to explain why an ancestor might have committed a crime.

Come listen to the podcast as I research, navigate, and explore your criminal ancestors! Interested in having me speak to your organization about researching criminal ancestors and criminal records? Check out the Presentations tab for details on available presentations and then you can email me at thecriminalgenealogist@gmail.com.

Resources for Criminal Records

Podcast - The Criminal Genealogist

Want to find that potentially scandalous record on your ancestor? Criminal genealogy combines searching criminal records and working with a genealogist to uncover the past, even if it wants to be left alone.

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Podcast - The Criminal Genealogist

Season 1 and 2 available!

Season 3 coming soon!

Where true crime and genealogy intersect.

Records don't lie, but your ancestors might...

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