This is a story about Operation Paesan Blues, an FBI Organized crime investigation that began with little chance of success, and ultimately became a successful and internationally renowned investigation. Beginning with a synopsis of the author's background, his early development as a young FBI Agent, to a day in the working life of an FBI Agent, and then progressing on through to the development and operation of the undercover FBI investigation that became "Paesan Blues." In addition to the author, who was the lead FBI Agent in the case, the reader is introduced to main subject Roberto Settineri, Antonio Tricamo, various mafia associates, celebrity "cooperating defendant" Scott Rothstein, and several other FBI Agents who assisted in the investigation. This is a first-person account of an FBI investigation that takes place primarily in Miami, with a few brief stopovers in New York and Italy along the way. This remarkable and entertaining story also takes the reader through the difficulties and challenges of initiating an FBI investigation, and the many twists and turns and inevitable administrative roadblocks one encounters while running a high-profile and complex FBI investigation. Interwoven throughout the story are highlights of key bureaucratic changes taking place within the FBI at the time, cultural and policy driven, which the author highlights and explains how those changes had a negative impact on not only the Paesan Blues investigation, but to the entire future of the FBI's effectiveness and reputation.
Jerry Hester is a retired Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He led criminal investigations into violations of federal law involving organized crime, narcotics, public corruption, and counter terrorism matters.
Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1 - Where do I begin. Chapter 2 - Getting there. Chapter 3 - Making a case, Miami style. Chapter 4 - To catch a Fish. Chapter 5 - On the hook. Chapter 6 - When in Rome. Chapter 7 - I want a Lawyer. Chapter 8 - Say it ain't so, Joe. Chapter 9 - With friends like these..... Chapter 10 - Culture, Policy, Career. Chapter 11 - Manny the Businessman. Chapter 12 - "Ricardo" Chapter 13 - Big cases, big problems. Chapter 14 - Keeping up with Jones. Chapter 15 - Meet the new Boss. Chapter 16 - Party planner Chapter 17 - Give me the phone. Chapter 18 - Bad vibe. Chapter 19 - Yes way, Jose. Chapter 20 - Bella Ciao. Chapter 21 - Wannabe Case Agent. Chapter 22 - The Confessor. Chapter 23 - This is the guy? Chapter 24 - The Pitch. Chapter 25 - No problem, brother. Epilogue About the Author
