Disgraced DEA agent who used his badge to protect drug trafficker friends gets 5 years in prison

A jury convicted Bongiovanni of four counts of obstruction of justice, as well as counts of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and making false statements to law enforcement - (AP)

In two decades of kicking in doors for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Joseph Bongiovanni often was the “lead breacher," meaning he was the first person into the room.

He felt a familiar uncertainty Wednesday awaiting sentencing for using his DEA badge to protect childhood friends who became prolific drug traffickers in Buffalo, New York.