Jules Interview - Joe's Handler & Donnie's Rabbi

Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco

On this special episode of Deep Cover, Joe and Leo speak to former FBI boss, Jules Bonavolonta, who was Head of Organized Crime and Narcotics in New York during the Deep Cover investigation. Jules takes us down memory lane from the Vietnam War to his self-negotiations from the Army into the coveted federal agency.

But it’s really his untold stories about life-or-death moments with Joe Pistone, Lefty, Santo Trafficante, and the bureaucracy that will make you understand the severity of the undercover operation. Just how much trust and friendship played a major role in their success? You don’t want to miss this one.

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Episode Notes:

[00:00] Introducing guest, ex-FBI agent, Jules Bonavolonta

[02:00] The Garden State Trio: Bonavolonta, Leo and Joe.

[03:10] On Anthony Imperiale, former New Jersey state senator

[05:20] On using “dramatic licensing” with the truth for movies and tv

[06:50] On the reaction of family and friends after joining the FBI

[09:00] Why Bonavolonta threatened to leave the military during the Vietnam War and made it in the FBI

[19:20] How Bonavolonta met Joe Pisone while running the organized crime division

[21:15] What’s a successful organized crime? Jules speaks on monitoring Joe in the mafia

[24:52] Joe explains to Bonavolonta what he does all day with Sunny Black and Lefty

[27:10] Jules details how much Lefty trusted Joe up until his trial testimony

[29:09] Jules and Joe relive the moment the mafia gave Joe a contract to kill Bruno Indelicato

[33:55] The infamous argument between Jules and Joe prior to his meeting with Santo Trafficante

[41:55] When the mafia found out that Donnie Brasco is Joe Pistone– an open contract

[44:04] Jules can kill you with his hands

[47:00] Outro

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