Watch The Dakota Entrapment Tapes

The Dakota Entrapment Tapes is a true-crime documentary series created and produced by filmmaker Trevor Birney. The show follows the events surrounding the disappearance of 20-year-old Andrew Sadek, a student at the North Dakota State College of Science, who went missing in May 2014.

The series is composed of four episodes, each of which provides a detailed account of the police investigation and the subsequent trials following Sadek's disappearance. Andrew Sadek's parents, Tammy and John Sadek, are featured prominently throughout the series and provide a heartwrenching look at the toll that their son's disappearance has taken on them.

One aspect of the show that sets it apart from other true-crime documentaries is its focus on the criminal justice system and the controversial practice of police officers using college students as confidential informants. Sadek had been caught selling a small amount of marijuana and was given an ultimatum by the police to become a confidential informant or face the possibility of prison time. Sadek agreed, but shortly afterward vanished without a trace.

The show delves into the shady world of informant work, highlighting the dangers that face young, inexperienced students who often lack the necessary training and resources to handle the high-stakes nature of the work. Experts in the field, including attorneys and journalists, are interviewed to provide additional context and insight into the practice of using informants to gather evidence in criminal cases.

The Dakota Entrapment Tapes is also notable for its somber and atmospheric tone, highlighted by haunting visuals of the abandoned areas around Sadek's last known whereabouts. The show's use of original music composed specifically for the series further adds to the somber and unsettling atmosphere.

The filmmakers take great care in portraying Sadek as more than just a victim, highlighting his personality and aspirations through interviews with his family and friends. The show refrains from sensationalizing the case, allowing viewers to understand the human aspects of tragedy and loss.

In addition to the focus on the criminal justice system and the dangers of informant work, the series also explores the impact of Sadek's disappearance on his family and on the wider community. The Sadeks are shown struggling with the lack of answers surrounding their son's disappearance, and how they must continue to fight for justice amid the legal system's shortcomings.

Overall, The Dakota Entrapment Tapes is a compelling, thought-provoking true-crime documentary series that goes beyond the surface details of a missing persons case, to ask broader questions about the criminal justice system and the ethics of law enforcement. Birney's careful attention to detail and the skillful editing combine to create a captivating, humanizing portrayal of a tragedy that has affected an entire community.

The Dakota Entrapment Tapes is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between July 9, 2020 and on AMC +