In Buffalo, New York, a former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent, Joseph Bongiovanni, has been found guilty on multiple counts of corruption. The conviction is the culmination of allegations that Bongiovanni protected drug traffickers linked to organized crime for over a decade. The jury convicted him on seven out of 11 charges, including obstruction of justice and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Authorities accused Bongiovanni of using his position to shield friends turned drug dealers and others connected to organized crime by tipping them off about investigations and fabricating DEA reports. He reportedly received at least $250,000 in bribes, which he allegedly spent on personal expenses, travel, and luxury items.
This case throws a spotlight on issues of oversight within the DEA as Bongiovanni joins a list of at least 16 other agents charged with federal crimes since 2015. This series of scandals has led to significant prison sentences for several agents, highlighting systemic challenges within the agency.
Following the verdict, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Tripi emphasized the betrayal of trust involved in Bongiovanni's actions, stating that he "violated his oath and duties." Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney Trini Ross remarked on the challenging journey towards securing this conviction but affirmed that justice was ultimately served.
The backdrop for these charges includes a broader sex-trafficking investigation linked to Pharoah’s Gentlemen’s Club outside Buffalo. The club's owner, Peter Gerace Jr., is alleged to have close connections with both the local Mafia and violent motorcycle clubs and is accused of bribing Bongiovanni.
While awaiting sentencing scheduled for June 9th—facing up to 20 years in prison—Bongiovanni remains under house arrest with an ankle monitor as per Judge Lawrence Vilardo's orders. His attorney has announced plans to appeal the verdict.
Authorities accused Bongiovanni of using his position to shield friends turned drug dealers and others connected to organized crime by tipping them off about investigations and fabricating DEA reports. He reportedly received at least $250,000 in bribes, which he allegedly spent on personal expenses, travel, and luxury items.
This case throws a spotlight on issues of oversight within the DEA as Bongiovanni joins a list of at least 16 other agents charged with federal crimes since 2015. This series of scandals has led to significant prison sentences for several agents, highlighting systemic challenges within the agency.
Following the verdict, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Tripi emphasized the betrayal of trust involved in Bongiovanni's actions, stating that he "violated his oath and duties." Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney Trini Ross remarked on the challenging journey towards securing this conviction but affirmed that justice was ultimately served.
The backdrop for these charges includes a broader sex-trafficking investigation linked to Pharoah’s Gentlemen’s Club outside Buffalo. The club's owner, Peter Gerace Jr., is alleged to have close connections with both the local Mafia and violent motorcycle clubs and is accused of bribing Bongiovanni.
While awaiting sentencing scheduled for June 9th—facing up to 20 years in prison—Bongiovanni remains under house arrest with an ankle monitor as per Judge Lawrence Vilardo's orders. His attorney has announced plans to appeal the verdict.
