American Desperado

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American Desperado: My Life—From Mafia Soldier to Cocaine Cowboy to Secret Government Asset is a memoir co-written by Jon Roberts and Evan Wright. The book was published in 2011 and details the life of Jon Roberts, a notorious figure in the Miami drug trade during the 1970s and 1980s.

Overview

The memoir provides an in-depth look at Jon Roberts' life, from his early days in New York City as a member of the Mafia to his involvement in the cocaine trade in Miami. The book also covers his eventual cooperation with the United States government as an informant.

Early Life

Jon Roberts was born in New York City and became involved in organized crime at a young age. He was associated with the Gambino crime family and participated in various illegal activities, including extortion, loan sharking, and murder.

Miami Drug Trade

In the 1970s, Roberts moved to Miami, where he became a key player in the city's burgeoning cocaine trade. He worked closely with the Medellín Cartel, one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world. Roberts' operations contributed significantly to the Cocaine Cowboys era, a period marked by rampant drug smuggling and violence in Miami.

Government Cooperation

After years of criminal activity, Roberts was eventually arrested. Facing a lengthy prison sentence, he chose to cooperate with the United States government. His testimony and information provided valuable insights into the operations of the Medellín Cartel and other criminal organizations.

Legacy

Jon Roberts' life story has been the subject of various media portrayals, including the documentary Cocaine Cowboys. His memoir, American Desperado, offers a firsthand account of his experiences and provides a unique perspective on the world of organized crime and drug trafficking.

See Also

• Cocaine Cowboys
• Medellín Cartel
• Gambino crime family
• Miami drug trade
• Organized crime