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ATF agent Frank D’Alesio joined the agency in 1989 amid the crack cocaine epidemic, quickly immersing himself in the dangerous world of undercover work. Growing up in Youngstown, Ohio—a city notorious for mob wars and car bombings in the 1970s—D’Alesio was no stranger to crime’s harsh realities. Initially pursuing a criminal justice degree to become a lawyer, he was drawn into law enforcement through family connections and the unique culture of the ATF.
D’Alesio recalls that his first undercover mission was harrowing: a biker from the Hells Angels placed a gun to his head, testing his cover and resolve. This intense initiation sparked his passion for undercover operations, leading him to infiltrate powerful criminal organizations, including the Aryan Brotherhood, Sinaloa Cartel, and Mexican Mafia. His career reflects the adrenaline-fueled challenge of gaining criminals’ trust while working to dismantle violent gangs from within.
