A former DEA agent in Buffalo, New York, has been found guilty of corruption after using his position to shield drug traffickers associated with organized crime. Joseph Bongiovanni, 60, was convicted on seven out of eleven counts, with accusations of protecting childhood friends turned drug dealers and suspects linked to organized crime by providing them with inside information on investigations and falsifying DEA reports. Prosecutors revealed that Bongiovanni accepted bribes amounting to at least $250,000, which he used for personal expenses, luxurious trips, and other indulgences.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Tripi stated during a news conference that the jury confirmed Bongiovanni’s misconduct as a corrupt federal agent who had neglected his duties to apprehend and investigate those he was supposed to. This case shed light on the DEA’s oversight of agents, following a series of corruption scandals within the agency. Bongiovanni joins a list of at least 16 DEA agents facing federal charges since 2015, with many cases resulting in prison sentences, including a Miami bribery scandal involving intelligence leaks to defence attorneys.
The former agent was convicted of obstruction of justice, conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and making false statements to law enforcement, although he was acquitted of a bribery charge and additional fraud, conspiracy, and obstruction counts. Bongiovanni’s lawyer, Robert Singer, has mentioned plans for an appeal. The verdict followed a previous conviction in April for lying to federal authorities about a DEA file kept at his residence, where most charges were left undecided.
Despite being allowed to remain free pending sentencing on June 9, Bongiovanni was instructed to wear an ankle monitor. His potential sentence could amount to 20 years in prison. The case is linked to a sex-trafficking prosecution involving Pharoah’s Gentlemen’s Club near Buffalo, owned by Bongiovanni’s childhood friend, Peter Gerace Jr., who is connected to the Buffalo Mafia and Outlaws Motorcycle Club. Gerace faces multiple charges, including allegations of bribing Bongiovanni, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Judge Lawrence Vilardo permitted Bongiovanni to stay out of custody but under close surveillance. The former agent faces a prison term of up to two decades for his crimes. Jim Mustian from the Associated Press contributed to this article, highlighting the consequences of corruption within law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system.