ASAC Richard A. Badaracco

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Richard A. Badaracco began his career with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration in Boston, Massachusetts in 1985. Following his initial narcotics training in Glynco, Georgia, Special Agent Badaracco was assigned to the DEA Louisville, Kentucky Office. During his tenure in Louisville, SA Badaracco initiated and managed numerous complex and significant interstate narcotics investigations against cocaine, marijuana and heroin trafficking organizations. SA Badaracco worked closely and coordinated with law enforcement agencies throughout Western Kentucky. SA Badaracco was the first federal agent to bring the first Racketeering Influence and Corrupt Organization (RICO) prosecution to the Western District of Kentucky. These investigations are generally reserved for traditional organized crime organizations.

In 1998, SA Badaracco was promoted to the position of Resident Agent in Charge (RAC) of the DEA Lexington, Kentucky office. RAC Badaracco’s responsibilities included the supervision and management of DEA and state and local narcotics enforcement officers throughout the greater Lexington area. RAC Badaracco was also responsible for budgeting and directing DEA financial and investigative resources to best impact and disrupt local drug trafficking activities. In addition, RAC Badaracco played a significant role in establishing the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) in Eastern Kentucky and acting as the first interim Director.

In 2002, RAC Badaracco was reassigned to DEA Headquarters in Washington D.C. Mr. Badaracco acted as a Staff Coordinator in the Domestic Operations Local Impact Section. As such, Mr. Badaracco was responsible for monitoring and reviewing DEA investigations throughout a five Division area to determine DEA’s effectiveness at the local level in cities across the United States and to present strategy enhancements to better serve those communities.

In 2003, Mr. Badaracco moved to the DEA Undercover Operations and Sensitive Operations Section at DEA headquarters. In this capacity, Mr. Badaracco reviewed and examined proposals for DEA’s most sophisticated and covert undercover operations. Mr. Badaracco provided direction and expertise on DEA investigations which were categorized under the United States Attorney General’s Exempted Operations Section. These investigations resulted in some of DEA’s most significant operations against the world’s most notorious criminal organizations.

In March 2004, Mr. Badaracco was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge in the Detroit Division office. ASAC Badaracco oversees the DEA Detroit Technical Operations Unit, DEA In-Service and State and Local Training Program, Media Affairs, Demand Reduction, Firearms Unit, DEA Special Agent Recruiting, Intelligence Programs and Administrative Support Section.

ASAC Badaracco received a Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Boston State College in 1977. Mr. Badaracco received his Masters of Arts degree in Education from Boston University in 1981. Mr. Badaracco is married with two children.