In this episode of Gangland Wire, Gary looks into the life of Andrea Giovino and her long-standing involvement with the mafia. Growing up in Brooklyn, Andrea’s family was deeply intertwined with organized crime, with her mother running illegal gambling games and her brothers becoming contract killers for various crime families. During our interview, Andrea shares intimate details of her time in the drug trade and her relationships with prominent mob figures.

She is in the recently released Netflix documentary, “Get Gotti,” which sheds light on the infamous mobster John Gotti. Andrea reveals that she had a personal connection to Gotti’s inner circle, as she was once the live-in girlfriend of Bonanno capo Frank Lino, who later became a government witness against his own son. With her firsthand experiences, Andrea provides an intriguing perspective on the documentary and its portrayal of the mob’s inner workings.

Furthermore, Andrea opens up about her past relationships with drug dealers, including her involvement with a Gotti-connected heroin dealer named Mark Reiter. She later married another drug dealer named John Fogarty, who had strong ties to the Gotti family and a reputation for being tough. Andrea shares the challenging dynamics of her relationship with Fogarty, suspecting him of committing a murder and eventually praying for his arrest as a means to escape the chaos.

Andrea’s life takes a sharp turn when Fogarty is caught in a drug deal and subsequently arrested. At this time, her phone is tapped, uncovering conversations about violent threats and debt collection. Both Andrea and her brother are also arrested and charged. However, Fogarty eventually confesses to several murders, spending six years in prison before entering witness protection. During this tumultuous period, Andrea herself provides valuable information to the authorities and is rewarded with a settlement, which enables her to relocate to a small town in Pennsylvania under the protection of DEA agents.

Reflecting on her past, Andrea reveals how her upbringing in a neighborhood plagued by poverty and influenced by street guys led her into the mafia lifestyle. Initially attracted to their way of life, she found herself dating and associating with high-profile organized crime figures like John Gotti. Andrea recounts a story where she sought the assistance of respected figure Danny Marino to recover funds that she had put down on a house. This anecdote highlights the deep sense of loyalty and protection within organized crime.

However, as Andrea’s life unravels, she becomes increasingly disillusioned with the criminal lifestyle. She loses custody of one of her children and faces threats on her life. Today, she is unafraid to speak out against criminal activities and is determined to turn her life around. Andrea displays a newfound appreciation for integrity, honesty, and a humble life. She encourages others, especially women, to avoid being enticed by bad characters or the allure of quick money, emphasizing the importance of education and making better choices.

As the conversation draws to a close, they discuss the consequences faced by those involved in criminal activities, dispelling the misconception that they can avoid prison time. Despite her own struggles and regrets, Andrea is grateful for her past experiences, as they have allowed her to grow and develop a deep understanding of the wrongs inherent in that lifestyle. She expresses appreciation for the support of her listeners and encourages them to engage with her content, as well as explore Andrea’s book, “Divorced from the Mob,” and the Netflix series, “Get Gotti.” Additionally, she highlights resources for individuals dealing with PTSD, substance abuse, and encourages feedback and discussion.

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