‘Catch the Devil’ by Pamela Collof Details a Notorious Con Man’s ‘Path of Destruction’ — And How He Almost Conned the Author

Renowned author and journalist Pamela Colloff has released a compelling new book entitled *Catch the Devil: A True Story of Murder, Deception, and Injustice on the Gulf Coast*, which delves into the life and crimes of Paul Skalnik, a con man whose deceitful actions led many to face dire consequences.

Colloff shared insights about her latest work during an episode of the *Reality Life with Kate Casey* podcast aired on July 11. The book presents a thorough investigation into Skalnik’s life, tracing his involvement in various schemes that involved defrauding vulnerable individuals and falsely implicating innocent people as a jailhouse informant.

Skalnik’s nefarious activities spanned the Gulf Coast, where he adopted multiple identities, marrying and exploiting unsuspecting women while preying upon young girls. His use of fraudulent confessions as a jail informant resulted in numerous wrongful convictions, causing irreparable harm to many lives.

The genesis of *Catch the Devil* can be traced back to a gripping 2019 article Colloff published in *The New York Times Magazine* and ProPublica. Despite her practice of moving on from stories after they are published, Colloff found herself deeply engaged with Skalnik’s case, stating that she felt a persistent need to uncover more about his complex life.

Describing Skalnik as a ‘chameleon’, Colloff noted his ability to morph into different personas depending on who he was with. He even kept meticulous records of his fabrications by writing them in the margins of a Bible he owned. This included an array of aliases, dates, and events that were crucial for keeping his web of lies intact.

One of the more unsettling questions that arose during Colloff’s research related to whether Skalnik had come to believe his own lies over time. “He was well aware he was lying about others,” she explained in the podcast. “But regarding his own narrative, I genuinely think he began to accept it on a fundamental level.”

Perhaps the most notorious aspect of Skalnik’s criminal career was his role as a jail informant. He exploited his background, targeting inmates who were particularly valuable to prosecutors. By fabricating confessions about crimes he claimed to have heard, Skalnik was able to manipulate the justice system for personal gain, often receiving reduced sentences or outright freedom in exchange for his fabricated testimonies.

A harrowing example of Skalnik’s deception can be seen in the case of James Dailey, who was wrongfully convicted of the 1985 murder of teenager Shelly Boggio, largely based on Skalnik’s fabricated account of a confession that lacked any forensic evidence. After decades on death row, a different man eventually confessed to committing the crime, highlighting the tragic impact of Skalnik’s lies.

Colloff admits to feeling the weight of Skalnik’s actions as she compiled a 257-page timeline outlining his destructive path. “It was difficult to witness the fallout from his deceit, and even now, I feel there is so much more to uncover,” she expressed.

Interestingly, Colloff herself became a target of Skalnik’s manipulations when she ventured to meet him in federal prison in 2018. He claimed he was gravely ill and wanted to share his life story. However, after months of waiting for an interview, Colloff realised she had been misled. “I want to lead with my own experience because I don’t want anyone to feel superior to those who fell for his charms,” she noted. “Everyone has their vulnerabilities, and he was adept at exploiting them.”

Through *Catch the Devil*, Colloff hopes to encourage others who have been affected by Skalnik’s con artistry to come forward. Despite her efforts to find and interview individuals impacted by his actions, she faced obstacles as many were still grappling with their trauma, with some even destroying photographs and mementos tied to him.

Reflecting on her intentions for the book, Colloff remarked, “I hope this work brings to light the nuances of Skalnik’s story and helps fill the gaps in understanding it better.”

*Catch the Devil: A True Story of Murder, Deception, and Injustice on the Gulf Coast* is now available for purchase at bookstores and online retailers. Colloff’s exploration of this chilling narrative brings to the forefront the complexities of deception and its consequences on the lives it touches.