367: Donnie Brasco – Following in the Footsteps of Uncle Joe Pistone (Part 1)

In part one of this two-part episode, retired agent Donnie Brasco reviews his career navigating as an FBI agent with his infamous name and following in the footsteps of his uncle, legendary undercover agent Joe Pistone. Until now, most people were unaware of Donnie and Joe’s family ties. I call it the worst-kept secret in the FBI.

Joe drops in at the end of the episode to share why he chose the name “Donnie Brasco” for his alias. (Watch the video interview on YouTube)

Donnie also reviews the importance of developing confidential sources and his undercover role during the Group One Operation code-named “Black Eagle.”

Special Agent (Retired)

Donald Brasco

3/2001- 5/2022

Retired agent Donnie Brasco served in the FBI for 21 years. He was initially assigned to the FBI’s Washington Field Office (WFO) shortly before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Donnie spent several months on TDY in the Newark Division working on the Anthrax investigation, prior to being permanently transferred to the Philadelphia Division, where he worked on a Drug/Gang Squad and became an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang subject matter expert, working closely with the Mid Atlantic Gang Law Enforcement network (MGLCN). He earned Safe Streets Certification and Special Operations Certification.

During his career, he attended the FBI Undercover Certification school and began taking on UCA assignments around the world. While undergoing these roles, he attended the Gemological Institute of America, receiving a law enforcement certification in gemstone identification.

While still assigned to the Philadelphia Field Office, Donnie transferred from the drug gang squad to the Field Intelligence Squad and Special Operations Squad, conducting surveillances throughout the U.S.

He has been recognized as a runner-up for the North-East Region Case Award and received the Polizia Italia Naples Italy, case participation award, Pennsylvania Attorney General commendation for participation in the apprehension murder subjects in the homicide of a police officer and a Pennsylvania State Trooper.

In 2007, Donnie represented the FBI in Afghanistan and became certified for international interview and interrogation, receiving the Franklin Award for his efforts in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Later in his career, he volunteered to serve as an FBI National Academy Counselor at the FBI Academy.

Since retiring from the FBI, Donnie has become an author, currently working on a book about his infamous name and his FBI career following in the footsteps of his uncle, legendary undercover agent Joe Pistone. Donnie can be reached at therealdonniebrasco.com and Instagram @donniebrascofbi.

The following are links to articles about Operation Black Eagle and images related to Donnie’s FBI career:

Press Release FBI Newark Division  — Federal Agents Shut Down International Smorgasbord of Crime 

Stranger’s Guide – Disorganized Crime: How the Albanian mafia went global

Donnie was around age 8 or 9 when, unknown to him, Joe Pistone began using the alias, Donnie Brasco.
Donnie with a photo from the book launch party where he discovered Joe had used his name while infiltrating the Mafia.
Donnie worked for many years on a drug/gang squad, developing expertise as an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang subject matter expert.
Image of Donnie while in one of his undercover roles.
Joe Pistone’s best selling true crime book was adapted into a major movie starring Johnny Depp and Al Pacino.
Listen to FBI Case File Review Episode 46 to learn more about Joe Pistone’s undercover adventures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Jerri Williams

View posts by Jerri Williams
Jerri Williams, a retired FBI agent, author and podcaster, jokes that she writes about the FBI to relive her glory days. After 26 years with the Bureau specializing in major economic fraud and corruption investigations, she calls on her professional encounters with scams and schemers to write police procedurals inspired by true crime FBI cases in her Philadelphia FBI Corruption Squad crime fiction series. Jerri’s FBI for Armchair Detectives nonfiction series enables readers to discover who the FBI is and what the FBI does by debunking misconceptions about the FBI in books, TV, and movies. Her books are available as ebooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks wherever books are sold. She’s the host of FBI Retired Case File Review, a true crime podcast with more than 300 episodes available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and all popular podcast apps, as well as YouTube.

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