McGraw, The Crime Dog September 23, 2009 9:00 AM | permalink

There has been quite a bit of debate on the internet over whether Phil McGraw, popularly known on his daytime talk show as "Dr. Phil," is a real doctor. I'll sidestep that one by saying that he definately isn't a real police officer, but that didn't stop him from hosting a show that led to the arrests of 34-year old Matthew Allan Eaton, and his wife Laura, 26,  on federal charges of e-fencing. 

The couple told the TV audience of five million that they had roamed from state to state shoplifting toys and other items, sometimes bringing their kids along for the heists, and then selling the booty on the internet. Dr. Phil then followed up with "I'm no lawyer or a cop...but isn't that a federal crime?"

As it happens, not only did a federal grand jury watch Dr. Phil, but they also agreed with his conclusions, charging the pair with "moving stolen goods across state lines."

As to why the couple agreed to participate in what seems to be a taped confession on national television, Matthew Eaton told McGraw that "I think it's something to help us stop." Of course, there's another thing that might do that trick nicely as well. 

What's the name for it, again?

Oh, that's right, jail.