A former DEA agent, Joseph Bongiovanni, has been convicted on multiple charges of corruption in Buffalo, New York. Found guilty on seven out of eleven counts, Bongiovanni faced accusations of protecting drug traffickers linked to organized crime. He is reported to have shielded childhood friends turned drug dealers, tipping them off about investigations, and falsified reports, for which he allegedly received at least $250,000 in bribes.
The trial highlighted ongoing oversight issues within the DEA, as Bongiovanni joined a growing list of agents facing legal consequences since 2015. At least 16 agents, including him, have been federally charged, with many serving prison sentences. Bongiovanni's conviction includes obstruction of justice, conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and making false police statements. His lawyer has announced plans to appeal the decision.
This case ties into a broader sex-trafficking investigation involving Pharoah's Gentlemen's Club outside Buffalo, where the owner, Bongiovanni's childhood friend Peter Gerace Jr., also faces charges. Gerace is alleged to have close links to the Buffalo Mafia and the Outlaws Motorcycle Club and is accused of bribing Bongiovanni. Pending sentencing scheduled for June 9, Bongiovanni remains free with an ankle monitor and could face up to 20 years in prison. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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