Inside The Ring: Taking Down "The Real Sopranos"

The FOX True Crime Podcast w/ Emily Compagno

Fox News

True Crime

4.8 • 708 Ratings

🗓️ 7 May 2024

⏱️ 55 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

If you're a fan of shows like The Sopranos, you may find the mob lifestyle alluring. But when you're watching from the comfort of your own home, you're only getting one version of the story. New Jersey's DeCavalcante crime family inspired the popular TV show and became a target of the FBI. One man was tasked with infiltrating the formidable family, and it altered the course of his life and career. Former FBI Agent Giovanni Rocco details his undercover experience with the DeCavalcante crime family - from close calls to almost becoming a "made" member. Later, he explains why Operation Charlie Horse ultimately forced him into retirement and hiding. After spending 26 years as an undercover law enforcement officer, Giovanni Rocco now represents Lakeview Health, where he advocates for mental health services for first responders suffering from trauma and substance abuse issues. In his book, Giovanni's Ring: My Life Inside The Real Sopranos, he writes about his harrowing experience with the mafia. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:32.0	If you're a fan of shows like The Sopranos, you may find the mob lifestyle alluring.
0:39.5	However, when you're watching from the comfort of your own couch, you're not getting the full story from your television screen.
0:44.9	Characters like Tony Soprano, Furio, and Polly Walnuts portray a world of wealth, power, and
0:51.5	thrilling crimes. It's a glamorized version of a sinister reality.
0:56.9	The show took inspiration from New Jersey's Decavalcante Mafia family, otherwise known as the
1:02.5	real-life Sopranos.
1:04.1	The formidable crime family eventually became a target of the FBI, and one man was given
1:10.2	the harrowing task of infiltrating the organization.
1:14.0	This is his story.
1:16.4	I'm Emily Campano, and this is the Fox True Crime podcast.
1:30.3	I'm Emily Campano, and this is the Fox True Crime podcast. The The Operation Charlie Horse was the FBI's mission to infiltrate, investigate, and take down members of the Decavalcante crime ring.
1:57.7	As a third-generation law enforcement officer, Giovanni Rocco is no stranger to danger.
2:04.6	While an agent in the FBI, Giovanni went undercover and transformed into Giovanni Gato, a biker-turned-gankster, and a persona that he crafted while working other cases throughout his career.
2:16.6	Over the game, that he crafted while working other cases throughout his career.
2:26.8	Over the years, Giovanni became close with the Decavalcante family members and gained their trust.
2:32.0	However, he also dealt with many close calls that had him dancing with death.
2:35.7	Thanks to his thorough training, resilience, and quick thinking, it allowed Giovanni to keep his cool. Giovanni rose through the ranks and was even
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