The Mentalist Season 5 Episode 5
http://www.free-tv-video-online.me/player/sockshare.php?id=2BB751B7C18F9780

When Jane first joined the CBI . Virgil received a Call from That FBI agent to ask him about Updates on the FBI case ...and he would benefit a "Friend" inside the FBI which would be "Good" For Him.
One thing we Know about RedJohn is that he has a "High Placed" friend in the FBI. 
Plus That Same FBI Women Wanted Laurelie Martin SO Bad...It's probably because Redjohn Asked her So he can help her escape from prison easily. 
And what I find Odd is that One does not simply let a man join his team and help with cases and work on the Redjohn case just like that..Virgil was intrigued and amused by how far Jane would Go which is the same behaviour as redjohn... 
For those who think it's Brett Partridge(which I did too)... The Writers have revealed way too many info on how he could be redjohn and stuff...they're doing it on purpose to distract us from the fact that Its Virgil..

I am sure it is Virgil Minelli.
Miranda was killed with a fishersman's hook, and Minelli has been seen fishing after his retirement. The 5x16 character Jason Lennon(the RJ accomplice from the shelter) was also a fishermen, and tied Miranda with fishline. Minelli and Lennon met during fishing and became friends.

For me it's sure that Red John is Minelli!

I am sure it is Virgil Minelli. His original character name was supposed to be RJ patel. He retired at a time when bosco and others died to give Patrick Jane the freedom to investigate. In the recent episode, it is revealed that Miranda (Lorelei's sister) was killed with a fisherman's hook and it is shown that Virgil after retirement was a fisherman. His physical description, power within CBI etc. proves that he is Red John. 

He'd have the ability to communicate with Patrick within FBI computer system. He's the person who told Lisbon to share Red John files with Patrick initially. 

I personally think Minelli is obviously Red John. We already know that Jane has met him and that he has always appeared to be a good alllie of Jane. He also comes out of retirement at one point to help Jane. He also at times, appears to be against investigations against Red John. He feels that Jane should not investigate on it as much as he wishes, says it messes with his head and that its not good for his health.
I think that he has an alibi, by making people work for him. He seems intelligent, very careful about his actions and a hard worker. His personality suits him, plus it would be a bit stupid to make Red John a criminal. He seems the perfect fit

I feel its virgil as hes a very old suspect and probably the one who shook janes hand the most.

Season 1 Episode 11

Jared claims to have information on Red John.
Jane goes to Minelli to re-open the case on Jared.
Minelli denies him.

Jared served time with Orville Tanner.
Orville Tanner provides Jared with details about Red John.
After Van Pelt finds out about Tanner, Minelli confronts her.
Later in the episode Van Pelts computer is contacted by Red John.
So is it possible Minelli was monitoring Van Pelt's station?
Also, why is it that Minelli eased up on suspending the team? 
Is it because he wanted to get Jared out of prison where he could kill him.

Minelli is in the room when they locate Renfro from the phone trace.

Written on the wall is "He is Man"
Possibly He is Manelli?

Season 1 Episode 23
We learn that Oliver Tanner was Red John's partner.
Oliver Tanner's son becomes Red John's disciple.
The son of Oliver Tanner is in his late 20's to 30's.
This would put Red John in the over 50 category.

We also learn about Rosalind Harker.
She describes Red John as not fat but not muscular.
She also says he likes listening to Bach

Season 5 Episode 5

Patrick Jane shakes hands with Virgil Minelli.



SO... If it is not Minelli... Who else is an educated male who is not over 6ft.  Not fat but not muscular.  Over the age of 50.  Has easy access to sensitive law enforcement sources and information. 

Not Brett Stiles that would be a horrible choice because it makes no sense for him to be Red John.

Not Gale Bertram