Former DEA Agent Has Been Convicted

A former DEA agent’s betrayal of his oath leads to conviction in a case of corruption and organized crime protection.

At a Glance

Ex-DEA agent Joseph Bongiovanni has been convicted on 7 of 11 charges for protecting drug traffickers.
Bongiovanni was accused of accepting at least $250,000 in bribes over a decade.
The case highlights ongoing issues with DEA supervision and organized crime in Buffalo
Bongiovanni faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for June 9.

Former DEA Agent Found Guilty in Corruption Case

Joseph Bongiovanni, a former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent based in Buffalo, New York, has been convicted of multiple charges in a second trial related to protecting drug traffickers with ties to organized crime. The verdict, reached after four days of deliberation, marks a significant blow to the integrity of law enforcement and underscores the ongoing presence of organized crime in the region.

Bongiovanni was found guilty on seven of the eleven charges brought against him, including obstruction of justice, conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and making false statements. The conviction stems from allegations that Bongiovanni accepted at least $250,000 in bribes over a decade to shield childhood friends and other suspects from investigation and prosecution.

Former DEA agent Joseph Bongiovanni was convicted of corruption Thursday following a second trial on charges he used his position to protect drug traffickers he believed were associated with organized crime. https://t.co/9xzoMeVJUg

— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) October 11, 2024

The Extent of Bongiovanni’s Corruption

The case against Bongiovanni revealed a pattern of corrupt behavior that severely compromised the integrity of DEA operations in Buffalo. Prosecutors alleged that Bongiovanni opened fake case files, encouraged racial bias in investigations, and even retired hastily and wiped his phone clean when first accused in 2019. These actions not only protected criminal elements but also undermined the efforts of honest law enforcement officials working to combat drug trafficking.

“This jury determined he was a corrupt federal agent,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Tripi stated following the conviction, “and he violated his oath and duties to protect those that he should have been investigating and arresting.”

The conviction of Bongiovanni is particularly troubling as it highlights ongoing issues within the DEA. According to AP news, he is one of at least 16 DEA agents charged with federal crimes since 2015, raising serious questions about the agency’s internal oversight and vetting processes. This pattern of corruption undermines public trust in law enforcement and hampers efforts to combat the drug trade effectively.

Connections to Organized Crime and Trafficking

The case against Bongiovanni is intertwined with a larger investigation into organized crime activities in Buffalo. One key connection is Peter Gerace Jr., a childhood friend of Bongiovanni and the owner of Pharaoh’s Gentlemen’s Club. Gerace is currently awaiting trial on charges related to human trafficking, further illustrating the complex web of criminal activities that Bongiovanni allegedly protected.

The trial not only exposed Bongiovanni’s individual actions but also shed light on the persistent influence of Italian organized crime in Buffalo. This revelation is a stark reminder that despite decades of law enforcement efforts, criminal organizations continue to operate and exert influence, even corrupting those sworn to uphold the law.

Legal Aftermath and Sentencing

While Bongiovanni was convicted on multiple serious charges, he was acquitted of a bribery charge and some other fraud, conspiracy, and obstruction charges. His attorney has announced plans to appeal the conviction, signaling that the legal battle may continue. Currently, Bongiovanni remains out of custody with an ankle monitor until his sentencing, which is scheduled for June 9.

The former agent faces up to 20 years in prison, a sentence that would reflect the severity of his betrayal of public trust and the rule of law. As the case moves towards sentencing, it serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of integrity in law enforcement and the ongoing need for vigilance against corruption at all levels of government agencies tasked with public safety and drug enforcement.