Chris Butler Biography: From Cop to Criminal Mastermind

Chris Butler is a former police officer from California who fell from grace after turning to a life of crime. Once known for his private investigation firm and the reality TV concept P.I. Moms, Butler later became infamous for drug dealing, running a brothel, and staging fake DUI arrests. His story shocked the public and became a cautionary tale about corruption, fame, and greed.

Who is Christopher Butler? Early Career and Background

Christopher Butler started his career in law enforcement. He worked as a police officer in Antioch, California, during the 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his ambition and confidence, he left the police force to start his own private investigations company — Butler & Associates Private Investigations, based in Concord, California.

In the mid-2000s, he gained media attention for promoting an all-female team of private investigators known as the “P.I. Moms.” They were presented as mothers balancing detective work with family life. In 2010, a reality TV show based on this concept aired briefly on the Lifetime Network.

But beneath the glamorous TV image, Butler was leading a double life.

Criminal Activities and Scandals

In 2011, Butler’s criminal activities were exposed. He was arrested along with Norman Wielsch, the head of the Contra Costa County Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET). The two were accused of stealing drugs from police evidence lockers and selling them on the streets.

Butler’s crimes included:

• Drug Trafficking: Working with Wielsch, he helped steal and sell methamphetamine, marijuana, and steroids.

• Brothel Operation: Butler ran a brothel disguised as a massage parlor in Pleasant Hill, California. The sex workers paid him and Wielsch weekly fees in exchange for police protection.

• Dirty DUI Scheme: He arranged fake DUI arrests to help women win custody battles. Female investigators would flirt with and encourage men to drink alcohol, then alert police once the men began driving.

• Wiretapping and Extortion: He used illegal listening devices in vehicles and homes to collect information for clients.

Butler also staged fake police raids to steal cash and property from targets, pretending to act under legal authority.

Arrest, Trial, and Sentence

Chris Butler and Norman Wielsch were arrested in February 2011. They were indicted on dozens of felony charges, including conspiracy, drug trafficking, extortion, robbery, burglary, and wiretapping.

In May 2012, Butler pleaded guilty to seven federal charges. As part of a plea deal, he agreed to cooperate with investigators and testify against Wielsch. In September 2012, he was sentenced to eight years in federal prison.

Due to his cooperation, his sentence was reduced by one year in 2014, bringing his total time behind bars to seven years.

Where is Chris Butler Now?

Chris Butler was expected to be released around 2019 or 2020. As of July 2025, there is no public record of his current location or activities. He has not returned to public life, and there is no evidence that he resumed work in any professional field.

Netflix Documentary: Trainwreck: P.I. Moms

On July 22, 2025, Netflix is releasing a new true crime documentary titled “Trainwreck: P.I. Moms.” The film explores the rise and fall of Chris Butler and the reality show he used as a cover for illegal activities.

The documentary promises interviews with insiders, victims, and law enforcement, giving viewers a full picture of how a TV project turned into one of California’s most shocking criminal cases.

Christopher Butler Biography

• Full Name: Christopher Butler

• Profession: Former police officer, private investigator

• Known For: P.I. Moms (2010 TV concept), criminal scandal

• Major Crimes: Drug dealing, brothel operation, fake DUI stings, illegal wiretapping

• Sentence: 8 years (served ~7) in federal prison

• Status (2025): Released, current location unknown

• Upcoming Docuseries: Trainwreck: P.I. Moms on Netflix, July 22, 2025