Who is the real donnie brasco

Other factors in Pistone's success, he says, were minding his own business, not getting involved in conversations that didn't concern him and choosing "jewel thief" and "burglar" as Donnie Brasco's "profession.

As a jewel thief, I could bring precious gems, diamonds, watches and stuff like that around. Several years of operating on the far outer edge of the law created some incredibly dangerous moments for Pistone. Once, when he was with Black at the airport in Miami -- still undercover as Brasco -- a federal prosecutor who'd known Pistone from a previous case just about blew his cover.

Pistone had to think quickly to avoid being exposed, so he pretended like he didn't know the prosecutor and shoved him to the ground. It was the bureau's final cue to pull him out. But by then, he'd already gathered enough intel to blow up the Mafia, figuratively speaking. Prosecutions began in We showed how Chicago was involved. We showed how families across the country were all involved in this criminal enterprise known as the American Mafia.

But if you think Pistone was happy to see the FBI when they terminated the operation, think again. He wanted to stay undercover. Pistone resigned from the FBI in , but returned in and spent four more years as an agent. He also continued to testify against the mob when called upon.

Nowadays, Pistone says he's still busy writing and producing. He's got a new true-crime podcast series hosted by actor Leo Rossi called Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco , in which he talks about everything related to the case. Even though four decades have passed since he took the mob to task, one might wonder, is it still dangerous to be the real "Donnie Brasco? For instance, where I reside, my neighbors don't know who I am," he says.

Nobody knows who my family are. Because since [], we have relocated about five or six times. As for that mob contract on his head, Pistone told UPI in , "they have long memories. The way I travel, the way I meet people, the places I go. I just don't waltz around With feet so firmly planted in both the law enforcement and entertainment worlds, there may be no better authority on the subject of mob films than Pistone.

When asked to confirm his personal favorites, he says there's Francis Ford Coppola 's exalted Godfather -- and then there's everything else. They're basically accurate. By Don Jacobson. An FBI surveillance photo shows agent Joe Pistone working undercover as "Donnie Brasco" sometime during the operation, which lasted from until July 27, Photo courtesy FBI. Latest Headlines. Kevin Stitt following a ruling by a federal court. Astronaut Hall of Fame inducted three veterans of spaceflight Saturday at Kennedy Space Center, including Scott Kelly, famous for completing almost a year in space in Medicare Part B premiums to increase Two days after the FBI pulled Brasco out of the operation they informed Napolitano that he had been working undercover.

It was not long before Napolitano's death was ordered. On August 17, , accepting his fate, Napolitano gave his favorite bartender his jewelry and the keys to his apartment so that his pet pigeons could be looked after.

On August 12, , his body was found in a creek on Staten Island. Another Bonanno boss, Joe Massino, was found guilty of ordering his death in On August 30, , the FBI arrested Ruggiero for his own protection, the same day that a contract was put out on him. He was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison but was released on parole in He was The evidence collected by Brasco led to over indictments and over convictions.

New York Mafia families have instituted new rules to thwart future undercover penetrations. Before a new member is made a soldier he must kill someone, and two family members, instead of one, must vouch with their own lives for him.

Pistone's wife is Maggie, a former nurse. The couple has three daughters. The family lives in New Jersey under false identities. We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives. Jelly Roll Morton was an American pianist and songwriter best known for influencing the formation of modern day jazz during the s.

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