Inside The Ring: Taking Down “The Real Sopranos”

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.

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