Johnny Depp might have played Donnie Brasco in the Academy Award-nominated film, but the real-life hero is Joe Pistone. Pistone came up on the mean streets of Patterson, New Jersey before going deep undercover and spending six years inside the Bonanno and Columbo crime families. In the new podcast “Deep Cover-The Real Donnie Brasco,” Joe Pistone shares the true stories of his time with The Mob to his friend, and our host, actor Leo Rossi. If you loved the Sopranos--“Fuhggedaboutit”--this is The Real Donnie Brasco. Learn more at deepcoverpodcast.com
https://deep-cover-the-real-donnie-brasco.sounder.fm
episode 6: Tony Conti Exit Tapes - Lefty's Goose Chase
The Tony Conti saga comes to an end. In this episode, Leo Rossi and Joe Pistone take us through several different tapes that meticulously details the quick, but life-threatening, downfall of Tony Conti (undercover FBI agent) following an incident with the Balistrieri family.
In Joe’s attempt to cover for his partner’s disappearance after being pulled from the investigation, Joe as Donnie Brasco takes a necessary and calculated trip to Milwaukee in search of the supposed wannabe wise guy. With Lefty Ruggiero hot on his trail, Donnie fabricates his findings. Then, the sobering event ends with an impromptu late-night meeting between the two and mob boss, Mike Sabella.
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Episode Notes:
[00:00] Intro with Leo Rossi and Joe Pistone
[01:08] TAPE: Where is Tony Conti? Joe dictates letter about Lefty Ruggiero and Tony’s meeting for Jules Bonavolonta of the FBI (10/10/1978 at 9:30pm)
[05:37] How was Conti in real life? Did he really have a relationship with three women?
[07:42] Everybody’s Joe
[08:37] Frank Balistrieri’s girlfriend was disrespected and Mike Sabella vouches for everyone
[12:42] At the heart of it all is greed: Balistrieri to Trafficante
[13:45] Conti beats the scam; disappears in Milwaukee
[15:32] Donnie offers Lefty $500 from a “score” or bet
[18:25] Lefty calls Donnie for a mysterious late night meet
[20:24] TAPE: Donnie and Lefty discuss the search for Tony Conti’s car in Milwaukee
[24:52] Lefty talks about a $7,000 contractor for a fast food restaurant
[27:17] TAPE: Donnie tells Lefty that Conti’s car is impounded by the cops
[30:44] Lefty Ruggiero does not play about his money
[33:26] TAPE: Donnie plants the idea that Tony Conti was whacked; Lefty pushes back
[38:44] TAPE: Lefty gives Donnie final search locations for Tony; tells him to make a restaurant reservation at 12am at night
[42:11] Joe Pistone says that dinner would later become a vital part of the investigation
[43:17] TAPE: Donnie presents Lefty with the potential car tag belonging to Tony Conti
[45:45] Lefty’s never asleep
[46:23] Joe Pistone explains how answering difficult questions can be life or death; sign off until next time
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