Calvin Shaw

Calvin Shaw is a recurring character who appeared in Season Twelve of Criminal Minds.

Background
Shaw was a highly respected agent who worked for the FBI's office in Detroit, Michigan. He and his coworkers were assigned to dismantle a drug trafficking operation in the area, and they used an informant named Elena Olegnova to help them infiltrate the organization. However, the informant started blackmailing the team, threatening to blow their covers if they didn't increase her paychecks. Believing an arrest would still endanger the lives of his teammates, Shaw chose to kill the informant to silence her, and pin the murder on a rival gang. However, at some point, he was identified, stripped of his badge, and imprisoned. In prison, Shaw survived his first few months by reading books from the prison library and isolating himself from most inmates. He somehow developed a reputation with the inmate population, considering their willingness to follow his orders.

Alpha Male
Shaw is first seen saving Reid's life when he is about to be killed by Milos. He tells them to back off and untie Reid, which they do. The next day, Reid visits Shaw in his cell and they both introduce themselves. Reid knows about Shaw and why he is in prison. Shaw tells him about what happened in 2005 and why he killed Elena. Then, Shaw asks Reid if he killed Nadie Ramos in Mexico, to which he replies that he didn't. Shaw asks Reid if he likes to read books, to which he replies yes. Then, Shaw tells Reid about the book he gives him. At the end of the episode, Shaw is last seen playing chess as he and Reid talk and play chess between their cells. Shaw gives Reid the tips on how to survive in prison.

Assistance Is Futile
He will reappear in this episode.

Known Victims

 * Unknown: Elena Olegnova

Appearances

 * Season Twelve
 * "Alpha Male"
 * "Assistance Is Futile"