April 6, 2023
#309 From Guns to Tobacco: An Inside Look at the ATF with FBI Agent Donald Soranno
Inside with Brett HawkeAbout this episode
The interview is with FBI Agent Donald Soranno , who has spent more than 26 years as a special agent in the ATF, which stands for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The ATF originally started as an agency responsible for the collection of taxes on tobacco manufacturers, alcohol manufacturers, and the regulation of the firearms industry. Over time, the agency also started actual criminal investigations, and after 9/11, it added explosives to its name, focusing on the criminal use of explosive devices, while the FBI focused on the terrorist use of explosive devices. Soranno discusses how the agency is responsible for licensing tobacco manufacturers, alcohol distributors, and stores that sell firearms. He mentions investigations he was involved in regarding tobacco smuggling, where individuals were driving to states with lower taxes on cigarettes and selling them on the black market, earning millions of dollars a year, and even funneling some of the profits to terrorist organizations overseas. He also worked on explosive-related cases and oversaw the arson explosive group while in Chicago. He also worked on the National Explosives Task Force, which looked at every explosive incident that happened in the United States and had to determine if they were criminal acts or terrorist acts. Soranno describes the agency's role in investigating the Boston Marathon bombing and how they identified some of the individuals from the video footage. 00:00 - Introduction and background about Don Soranno and the ATF 03:47 - Explanation about why alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives are grouped together at the ATF 06:44 - Discussion about the ATF's role in regulating and licensing alcohol and tobacco manufacturers and stores 08:38 - Description of Don Soranno investigation on tobacco smuggling in Michigan and its connection to terrorism 13:03 - Brief discussion on moonshine and alcohol investigations at the ATF 14:06 - Introduction to Don Soranno's experience in explosives investigations and the National Explosives Task Force 16:56 - Discussion on Don Soranno's involvement in the Boston Marathon bombings investigation 19:23 - Q&A about explosives detection and prevention 23:55 - Personal anecdotes and closing remarks 28:32 - End of podcast Follow Don Soranno on Any Question. Our Sponsors: BRATTER PA IMMIGRATION LAW : Exclusive immigration representation of athletes, entrepreneurs, artists, investors, and entertainers. SWIM ANGELFISH: Receive the tools and skills needed to teach swimmers with autism, physical disabilities, anxiety, sensory and motor conditions with Swim Angelfish, the global leader in adaptive swim. Get certified online today! BEINE WELLNESS BUILDING: Individualize your nutrition with genetic testing and personalized plans. Eat, supplement, and recover based on your genetics. INTL SWIMMING HALL OF FAME: Help preserve swimming history by joining the 1 in 1000 Club! VASA: Essential dryland for stronger, better, faster swimmers. Save 10% using the code "brett" at checkout! DESTRO SWIM TOWERS : Save $150 per double swim tower by using the code "brett" at checkout! SWIMNERD : Big and small digital pace clocks, virtual scoreboards, and live results.