The Con and the FBI Agent: An Unlikely Alliance

In the 1990s, Boston was a world leader in arts, culture, higher education, and medicine, but it was also a world leader in organized crime. Former FBI supervisory special agent David Nadolski tells the story of an unlikely alliance between two diametrically opposed people: the con and the FBI agent. Romano provides a helpful tip that leads to the apprehension of the thief and the recovery of four priceless, historically significant books. Nadolski recruits Romano to play a dangerous game: infiltrate the Merlino gang, controlled by Carmello Merlino, a career criminal who specialized in bank robberies, armored car robberies, and home invasions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Boston, a city renowned for its vibrant arts, culture, higher education, and medicine, also held a prominent position in the world of organized crime during the 1990s. This captivating tale unfolds as former FBI supervisory special agent David Nadolski shares the story of an unlikely alliance between two individuals who seemed to be polar opposites. While investigating a break-in at the Stone Library in Quincy, Massachusetts, which houses the personal book collection of John Quincy Adams, the FBI receives a call from a prison inmate named Anthony (Tony) Romano. Romano, known for his criminal activities, requests to meet with the case agent on the burglary. To the FBI's surprise, Romano provides a valuable tip that leads to the arrest of the thief and the recovery of four priceless, historically significant books. Recognizing Tony's potential as an informant, Nadolski initiates a relationship with him, with the aim of recruiting him as a criminal informant.

Nadolski recruits Romano to embark on a perilous journey—to infiltrate the Merlino gang, led by Carmello Merlino, a career criminal known for his expertise in bank robberies, armored car robberies, and home invasions. The Merlino gang also became suspects in the largest art theft in history, which occurred at the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum in Boston and remains unsolved to this day. Despite his past as an armed robber, Romano agrees to join forces with Nadolski. With their sights set on the Loomis Fargo Armored Car Company money vault located south of Boston, the Merlino gang begins their preparations. However, little do they know, Romano, at great personal risk, is wearing a wire and recording their planning sessions.

After two years of working closely together and developing an unbreakable bond of trust, special agent Nadolski and Romano successfully conduct a criminal investigation and execute an undercover sting operation. Their mission is to apprehend four dangerous criminals who are planning to execute one of the most significant armed robberies in history. Through their tireless efforts and unwavering determination, Nadolski and Romano are able to catch the culprits and bring them to justice.

This remarkable story serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the ability of individuals with different backgrounds to work together towards a common goal. It highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the complexities of the criminal world, as well as the significance of using intelligence and strategy to combat organized crime. The alliance between Nadolski and Romano not only resulted in the recovery of valuable stolen property but also in the dismantling of a criminal organization that posed a significant threat to the community.

In conclusion, the story of Nadolski and Romano is a captivating tale of unlikely alliances, bravery, and dedication. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, collaboration and determination can lead to significant achievements. The FBI's partnership with Romano not only resulted in the recovery of stolen property but also in the disruption of a criminal organization that posed a threat to the community. This story is a testament to the power of intelligence, strategy, and collaboration in the fight against organized crime.

Weight: 703g
Dimension: 237 x 161 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538159590