A former U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent in Buffalo, New York, was found guilty on seven of the 11 counts he faced in a corruption case. The agent, Joseph Bongiovanni, 60, was accused of using his position to protect drug traffickers associated with organized crime.
Prosecutors alleged that Bongiovanni had shielded childhood friends turned drug dealers and other suspects with ties to organized crime for over a decade. He was accused of accepting bribes totaling at least $250,000, which he allegedly used for personal expenses, trips, and luxuries.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Tripi stated that the jury determined Bongiovanni to be a corrupt federal agent who violated his oath and duties by protecting individuals he should have been investigating.
This case sheds light on the DEA's supervision of its agents, following a series of corruption scandals within the agency. Bongiovanni is one of at least 16 DEA agents facing federal charges since 2015, with several cases resulting in prison sentences.
Bongiovanni was convicted on charges including obstruction of justice, conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and making false statements to law enforcement. However, he was acquitted of a bribery charge and other related offenses.
His attorney mentioned plans to appeal the verdict. Bongiovanni, who did not testify during the trials, is set to be sentenced on June 9 and could face up to 20 years in prison.
The case is linked to a sex-trafficking prosecution involving the Pharoah’s Gentlemen’s Club near Buffalo. Bongiovanni's childhood friend, Peter Gerace Jr., the club's owner, is awaiting trial on various charges, including allegations of bribing the former DEA agent.
Judge Lawrence Vilardo allowed Bongiovanni to remain free on bail but required him to wear an ankle monitor until sentencing. The verdict marks a significant step towards justice in a complex and high-profile case.
