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The Mob and Me: Wiseguys and the Witness Protection Program
This revealing first-person narrative, by one of the founders of the Witness Protection Program and a personal protector to more than five hundred informants, offers an eye-opening, dead-on authentic perspective on the safeguard institution. How did law enforcement’s frustration with the criminal underworld and a serpentine series of hit-or-miss rules and mistakes give rise to one of the most significant and endlessly fascinating government-run programs of the 20th century?
In 1967, U.S. Marshal John Partington was given the task of overseeing the protection of the wife and young daughter of renowned mobster Joe “The Animal” Barboza, now an informant with a bounty on his head. It wasn’t Partington’s first time guarding underworld witnesses. But this time was different. It was at the behest of Senator Bobby Kennedy that Partington became the architect of a new high- threat program to get the bad guys to testify against the worse guys. Lifelong protection in exchange for the conviction of the upper echelon of organized crime would require a permanent identity change for every member of the witness’s family, a battery of psychological tests for re-assimilation, and a total, devastating obliteration of all ties with the past. With no blueprint for success, it created a logistical nightmare for Partington. He would have to make up the rules as he went along, and he did so without the luxury of knowing whom he could really trust at any given time. And so, the Witness Protection Program was born.
The account John Partington tells of the next thirty years of his life is a never-before-seen portrait of members of the underworld and law enforcement—from Joe Valachi, the first mobster to violate the “omerta,” the sacrosanct code of silence, to high-profile informant and NYPD narcotics detective Bob Leuci, immortalized in Prince of the City . He reveals the details of the protection provided such significant figures as Watergate players to Howard Hunt and John and Maureen Dean. Ultimately, Partington delivers the unvarnished truth of the Program, from the heavily-shielded delivery of witnesses to trial, to countless death threats, to managing an ever- rotating crew of U.S. Marshals, to the step-by-step procedure of reinventing his sometimes dangerous, sometimes terrified charges and their families as uncomplicated suburbanites. These would be the guarded new neighbors just across the street bearing secret histories—uncomfortable actors in a play that would run for the rest of their lives.
Lifting a cloak of confidentiality and controversy, The Mob and Me immerses readers in the rarified, misunderstood world of Witness Protection—at once human, dangerous, intimate, surprising, and stone-cold violent.
In 1967, U.S. Marshal John Partington was given the task of overseeing the protection of the wife and young daughter of renowned mobster Joe “The Animal” Barboza, now an informant with a bounty on his head. It wasn’t Partington’s first time guarding underworld witnesses. But this time was different. It was at the behest of Senator Bobby Kennedy that Partington became the architect of a new high- threat program to get the bad guys to testify against the worse guys. Lifelong protection in exchange for the conviction of the upper echelon of organized crime would require a permanent identity change for every member of the witness’s family, a battery of psychological tests for re-assimilation, and a total, devastating obliteration of all ties with the past. With no blueprint for success, it created a logistical nightmare for Partington. He would have to make up the rules as he went along, and he did so without the luxury of knowing whom he could really trust at any given time. And so, the Witness Protection Program was born.
The account John Partington tells of the next thirty years of his life is a never-before-seen portrait of members of the underworld and law enforcement—from Joe Valachi, the first mobster to violate the “omerta,” the sacrosanct code of silence, to high-profile informant and NYPD narcotics detective Bob Leuci, immortalized in Prince of the City . He reveals the details of the protection provided such significant figures as Watergate players to Howard Hunt and John and Maureen Dean. Ultimately, Partington delivers the unvarnished truth of the Program, from the heavily-shielded delivery of witnesses to trial, to countless death threats, to managing an ever- rotating crew of U.S. Marshals, to the step-by-step procedure of reinventing his sometimes dangerous, sometimes terrified charges and their families as uncomplicated suburbanites. These would be the guarded new neighbors just across the street bearing secret histories—uncomfortable actors in a play that would run for the rest of their lives.
Lifting a cloak of confidentiality and controversy, The Mob and Me immerses readers in the rarified, misunderstood world of Witness Protection—at once human, dangerous, intimate, surprising, and stone-cold violent.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2010
8 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 13, 2011
Enjoyable but repetitive.
The author helped found the witness protection program and during his career as a US Marshall he helped protect dozens of mobsters as well as other witnesses. There are explanations about how the witness protection program works (but without giving too much away). It was interesting to read about how the program has progressed and the lengths the marshals have to go through to protect their witnesses. It really seems like a thankless job, but the author clearly enjoyed it.
It had a conversational tone, like the author was sitting right next to you telling stories. Pretty good, but the mobster slang got old quickly and there was a lot of bragging going on both about how good he was at his job (which he was) and how much the mobsters/witnesses liked him (and thus told him about the inner workings of the mob). The book wasn't very long, but I got sick of reading about all the witnesses's stories, and there was a lot of repetition of loan sharking and murders and trials, etc.
I believe there is another book that talks more specifically about the witness protection program, rather than a single marshal's personal anecdotes, and I probably would have liked that more.
The author helped found the witness protection program and during his career as a US Marshall he helped protect dozens of mobsters as well as other witnesses. There are explanations about how the witness protection program works (but without giving too much away). It was interesting to read about how the program has progressed and the lengths the marshals have to go through to protect their witnesses. It really seems like a thankless job, but the author clearly enjoyed it.
It had a conversational tone, like the author was sitting right next to you telling stories. Pretty good, but the mobster slang got old quickly and there was a lot of bragging going on both about how good he was at his job (which he was) and how much the mobsters/witnesses liked him (and thus told him about the inner workings of the mob). The book wasn't very long, but I got sick of reading about all the witnesses's stories, and there was a lot of repetition of loan sharking and murders and trials, etc.
I believe there is another book that talks more specifically about the witness protection program, rather than a single marshal's personal anecdotes, and I probably would have liked that more.
March 18, 2016
A very discreet look inside the creation of the Witness Protection Program by the leading architect. Very informative. Highly recommended for those that like to look behind the curtain.
April 14, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “THE UNVARNISHED TRUTH ABOUT BAD GUYS WHO WERE SOMETIMES GOOD & GOOD GUYS WHO WERE SOMETIMES BAD”
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This is a firsthand look “behind-the-curtain” of the infamous *WITNESS-PROTECTION-PROGRAM”. The tour guide on this always interesting trip is the author and former U.S. Marshal John Partington. Unfortunately, John passed away on February 10,2006 and due to the straightforward, sincere nature of his narrative you’ll feel like you lost a new friend. In 1967 John was involved in helping create the original and at times controversial *WITNESS-PROTECTION* program at the request of Bobby Kennedy. As this was a brand new daring tool in the attempt to defeat organized crime, there was a treacherous learning curve. At times John had to adlib while balancing the lives of informants and their families in his hands. As the scope of the *WITNESS-PROTECTION-PROGRAM* grew… the severity of the program’s responsibilities expanded from protecting the informants and their families leading up to the trials… to protecting the witnesses on the way to the courthouse… in the courthouse… leaving the courthouse… and eventually creating an entire new persona… which included new names… new family histories… new social security cards… educational records for children… detailed role playing scenarios for young children… and entry into a new job out of their prior criminal enterprises. As this fledgling organization gained experience in this heretofore unexpected… and always potentially deadly myriad of ramifications that constantly reared their ugly head… the government even had to incorporate an entire psychological support group. All of this and more was accomplished in hideaways located in prisons… on remote islands… on military bases… in mountain cabins… etc…. and due to threats, many witnesses and families had to be shuttled between many of these locations at the drop of a hat.
As exhilarating as this portion of the book alone is… the true character and personality of these witnesses… which ranged from psychopathic hit men to highly intelligent financial wizards… to poor “schleps” forced into this life, either by unwanted circumstance… or a gambling addiction… are all described by John based on his almost 24/7 involvement with them for days/weeks/months at a time… which forced their real inner character to be displayed. What is yet another level of excitement for the reader is the uncovering of all the corruption not only in different police departments… but the FBI and government as well. And to John’s never ending credit… he never tries to hide from it. Some of the ways this corruption raised its ugly head was when a particular witness needed additional law enforcement protection when strong death threats to witnesses and their families were made, and depending on the jurisdiction they were being hidden in… the witness might say we can’t use the local cops… or a specific FBI office… because the protected “bad guy” knew the mob had had members of those organizations on “the-pad”… so they couldn’t be trusted.
As an added “cherry-on-top” for a reader like myself who enjoys reading about organized crime… are all the mob nicknames. Here are just a few for you to wet your appetite:
*BIG “AL” POLIZZI, “FAT TONY” SALERNO, ANGELO “BIG ANGE” LONARDO, JAMES “BIG JIM” COLOSIMO, “BIG JOEY” MASSINO, “BIG PAULIE” CASTELLANO, “SKINNY” DOM PIZZONIA, “SKINNY” JOEY MERLINO, “MIKEY SEARS” DILEONARDO, GEORGE “MUSCLES” FUTTERMAN, JOHN “THE DAPPER DAN” GOTTI, “GOOD LOOKING” SAL VITALE, JOE “ADONIS” DOTO, JOHNNY “HANDSOME” ROSELLI, JOE “THE ANIMAL” BARBOZA, ANTONIO “JOE BATTERS” ACCARDO, ANTHONY “ANT” SPILOTRO, “MAD SAM” DESTEFANO, CIRO “THE ARTICHOKE KING” TERRANOVA, JOHN “JACKIE THE LACKEY” CERONE… JOE “BEANS” PALLADINO, LOU “THE GIMP” GRECO, LUIGI “BABY SHANKS” MANOCCHIO, and many, many, more….
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a firsthand look “behind-the-curtain” of the infamous *WITNESS-PROTECTION-PROGRAM”. The tour guide on this always interesting trip is the author and former U.S. Marshal John Partington. Unfortunately, John passed away on February 10,2006 and due to the straightforward, sincere nature of his narrative you’ll feel like you lost a new friend. In 1967 John was involved in helping create the original and at times controversial *WITNESS-PROTECTION* program at the request of Bobby Kennedy. As this was a brand new daring tool in the attempt to defeat organized crime, there was a treacherous learning curve. At times John had to adlib while balancing the lives of informants and their families in his hands. As the scope of the *WITNESS-PROTECTION-PROGRAM* grew… the severity of the program’s responsibilities expanded from protecting the informants and their families leading up to the trials… to protecting the witnesses on the way to the courthouse… in the courthouse… leaving the courthouse… and eventually creating an entire new persona… which included new names… new family histories… new social security cards… educational records for children… detailed role playing scenarios for young children… and entry into a new job out of their prior criminal enterprises. As this fledgling organization gained experience in this heretofore unexpected… and always potentially deadly myriad of ramifications that constantly reared their ugly head… the government even had to incorporate an entire psychological support group. All of this and more was accomplished in hideaways located in prisons… on remote islands… on military bases… in mountain cabins… etc…. and due to threats, many witnesses and families had to be shuttled between many of these locations at the drop of a hat.
As exhilarating as this portion of the book alone is… the true character and personality of these witnesses… which ranged from psychopathic hit men to highly intelligent financial wizards… to poor “schleps” forced into this life, either by unwanted circumstance… or a gambling addiction… are all described by John based on his almost 24/7 involvement with them for days/weeks/months at a time… which forced their real inner character to be displayed. What is yet another level of excitement for the reader is the uncovering of all the corruption not only in different police departments… but the FBI and government as well. And to John’s never ending credit… he never tries to hide from it. Some of the ways this corruption raised its ugly head was when a particular witness needed additional law enforcement protection when strong death threats to witnesses and their families were made, and depending on the jurisdiction they were being hidden in… the witness might say we can’t use the local cops… or a specific FBI office… because the protected “bad guy” knew the mob had had members of those organizations on “the-pad”… so they couldn’t be trusted.
As an added “cherry-on-top” for a reader like myself who enjoys reading about organized crime… are all the mob nicknames. Here are just a few for you to wet your appetite:
*BIG “AL” POLIZZI, “FAT TONY” SALERNO, ANGELO “BIG ANGE” LONARDO, JAMES “BIG JIM” COLOSIMO, “BIG JOEY” MASSINO, “BIG PAULIE” CASTELLANO, “SKINNY” DOM PIZZONIA, “SKINNY” JOEY MERLINO, “MIKEY SEARS” DILEONARDO, GEORGE “MUSCLES” FUTTERMAN, JOHN “THE DAPPER DAN” GOTTI, “GOOD LOOKING” SAL VITALE, JOE “ADONIS” DOTO, JOHNNY “HANDSOME” ROSELLI, JOE “THE ANIMAL” BARBOZA, ANTONIO “JOE BATTERS” ACCARDO, ANTHONY “ANT” SPILOTRO, “MAD SAM” DESTEFANO, CIRO “THE ARTICHOKE KING” TERRANOVA, JOHN “JACKIE THE LACKEY” CERONE… JOE “BEANS” PALLADINO, LOU “THE GIMP” GRECO, LUIGI “BABY SHANKS” MANOCCHIO, and many, many, more….
July 26, 2023
Well this was an interesting read - learned that a lot of my "knowledge" of Witness Protection stems from Hollywood. This book educated me on the ACTUAL beginnings and the workings behind it which was fascinating. It cleared some misconceptions I had on the mafia. I mean it also proved some of them right so there's that. Could not get over the nicknames LOL Felt the ending was a little rushed and would have liked to learn more about the author's time after working for the program. Let it be know his wife was a SAINT. Overall glad I read this.
May 19, 2025
Interesting g book written by one of the U.S. Marshalls who started the Witness Protection Program.
Interesting anecdotes, but could have written more of the issues of dealing with the bureaucrats making decisions with limited knowledge of the goings on, as well as other problems and remedies that Partington touched on.
Overall and interesting read
Interesting anecdotes, but could have written more of the issues of dealing with the bureaucrats making decisions with limited knowledge of the goings on, as well as other problems and remedies that Partington touched on.
Overall and interesting read
February 13, 2019
Rat 🐀 book
April 7, 2011
This book was *almost* a 3 star 'listen'. It was interesting to hear the different organized crime stories from the point of view of the guy keeping watch of the mob guys after they agreed to snark on their friends.
It is a really cool memoir. I liked the jaron used throughout the book. The 'Feds' and 'Wiseguys' and 'singing like a lark' are phrases easily tossed around.
This book doesn't win so many points because it wasn't anything that I felt like I needed to keep reading. Take it or leave it.
It is a really cool memoir. I liked the jaron used throughout the book. The 'Feds' and 'Wiseguys' and 'singing like a lark' are phrases easily tossed around.
This book doesn't win so many points because it wasn't anything that I felt like I needed to keep reading. Take it or leave it.
June 27, 2012
A U.S. Marshal's memoir about starting the witness protection in the 1960s and 1970s, and his interactions with a range of well-known and lesser-known mobsters, police, and Watergate figures. Not clear why the book was published in 2011 when the author died in 2006. Most of the events described occur during the 1960s and 70s.
November 2, 2012
It's a nice little snapshot into the detective's career in the Witness Protection Program. But i think that there wasn't enough nitty gritty in the short stories involving the mobsters, which left the book kind of short in being a great read.
December 29, 2010
Not what I expected. I did wonder if some of the people he mentioned were the inspiration behind some of the characters on The Sopranos.
June 21, 2013
An easy, quick read. I wished that the stories were more in depth.
Read
September 1, 2012My friend recommended this one to me. He said it was good.
Read
April 5, 2019I had the pleasure of knowing the Comish in his latter years. I was like a grandfather to my son.
Truly a lead a full life and his accomplishment speak for themselves. Incredibly kind, honorable, humble, and generous man.
Truly a lead a full life and his accomplishment speak for themselves. Incredibly kind, honorable, humble, and generous man.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews