A&E: American Justice - Donnie Brasco

In 1976, as America planned its bicentennial, FBI special agent Joseph Pistone was preparing to give up his freedom and go into deep cover. He would soon infiltrate the Bonnano crime family as jewel thief Donnie Brasco.

AMERICAN JUSTICE® traces the story of the operation that has been immortalized in a bestselling book and a movie starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. Extensive interviews with Pistone trace the progress of the investigation, which was planned to last six months but ended up taking nearly five years. It is a tale of a world that is just as dangerous as the Hollywood portrayals, but not nearly so glamorous. Meet undercover contacts who are still in place for a unique look at the double life they lead, and see how Pistone's investigation led to the arrest and conviction of numerous Mafia heavies.

DONNIE BRASCO is a riveting tale of infighting, petty theft, nickel-and-dime schemes and a life suspended between two contrary worlds.

An audacious attempt to infiltrate the higher echelons of the deadly New York Mafia are described on this entry in the History Channel's AMERICAN JUSTICE program. FBI agent Joe Pistone named himself Donnie Brasco and went undercover over an incredible six year stretch, ultimately leading to the arrest of several prominent mob members.